Which serum first, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

Author: Prof. John O'Conner  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

To layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, always apply vitamin C first to cleansed, dry skin. Be sure to leave time for your vitamin C to sink in, then follow up with your hyaluronic acid.

Do you put vitamin C on before or after hyaluronic acid?

To maximize their benefits, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to replenish moisture, followed by a vitamin C serum to boost radiance and protect against environmental damage. By combining these two powerhouse ingredients, you can achieve a more vibrant, youthful complexion.

What order do you put vitamin C and serum?

Dermatologists recommend you apply vitamin C serum before you apply moisturiser and sunscreen. The steps for application are [2]: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup or free radicals from your skin. Apply a few drops of vitamin C serum to your face and neck, and gently rub it in.

What order do I put my serums on?

Apply serums after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers to help active ingredients penetrate deeply and more effectively. Wait at least two to three minutes before layering your second or third serum to give each product enough time to fully seep into your skin and prevent pilling or rubbing off.

In what order should I layer hyaluronic acid?

The correct order to apply vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum is to apply the vitamin C serum first, followed by the hyaluronic acid serum. Vitamin C is best absorbed on clean skin, while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and lock in moisture after the vitamin C.

How to layer skin care products | Which goes first | Vitamin C , Retinol, AHA, BHA | Dermatologist

What not to pair with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

What is the correct order of skin care products?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  • Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  • Step 2: Toner. ...
  • Step 3: Serum. ...
  • Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  • Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  • Step 6: Sunscreen.

How to use vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid and retinol?

In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

Which serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

What is good to layer with vitamin C serum?

Best Ingredients To Pair With Vitamin C:
  • Vitamin E.
  • Ferulic Acid.
  • Hyaluronic Acid.
  • Ceramides.
  • Peptides.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Niacinamide.

When to apply hyaluronic acid serum?

Use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid twice daily to access the best effects. These products should be used after you have cleansed your skin. If your routine also includes applying serums and exfoliating, apply your moisturizer after these steps.

What is the best combination with vitamin C serum?

Vitamin E. Vitamin C and E are a highly efficacious ingredient combination, as vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Research shows that using vitamin C and vitamin E together provides more protection against free radicals than using either ingredient on its own.

Is vitamin C or hyaluronic acid better for aging skin?

The primary reason most experts and dermatologists recommend mixing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is that their methods of action work well with one another. While they may both manage the signs of skin aging, they're effective when combined because they don't overwork the skin.

What order do you put vitamin C in skincare?

Most vitamin C serums are best applied after cleansing and before the remainder of your routine, but this is mostly governed by how viscous (or not) your product is. Use common sense and apply from thin to thick.

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Don't worry. Hyaluronic acid is acidic by name, but not by nature and won't exfoliate the skin or supercharge its turnover. For this reason, it's perfectly fine to use hyaluronic acid every day. “I would recommend using it once or twice a day,” says Dr Hextall.

What order do you put serums on your face?

For optimal results, we recommend incorporating serums into your skincare routine in the following order:
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Pre-Serum or Essence.
  • Step 4: Active Serum.
  • Step 5: Moisturiser.
  • Step 6: Sun Protection.

What is the best night cream for your face?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

What is the best morning face routine?

What You Need to Build Your Morning Skincare Routine
  • Step 1: Wash Your Face. Let's start with the fundamental step: washing your face. ...
  • Step 2: Tone The Skin. ...
  • Step 3: Apply a Face Serum or a Complex Serum. ...
  • Step 4: Apply a Face Moisturizer with SPF Protection. ...
  • Step 5: Apply Eye Cream.

Which goes first vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

To layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, always apply vitamin C first to cleansed, dry skin. Be sure to leave time for your vitamin C to sink in, then follow up with your hyaluronic acid. A prime example of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid joining forces is Lancôme's Advanced Génifique.

Can I use vitamin C in morning and retinol at night?

Specifically, it's best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. The reason for that has a lot to do with how each ingredient works. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and may have sun-protective properties, so using it in the morning can boost your ability to limit potential damage from UV radiation.

What order to do skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

What is the best spot cream?

The Best Spot Treatments, According To Dermatologists
  • Happy Face Cream. ...
  • Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Spot Stop. ...
  • The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment. ...
  • Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. ...
  • Murad Deep Relief Blemish Treatment. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. ...
  • ZitSticka Killa Kit. ...
  • Starface Hydro-Stars™

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