Korea made 10-step skincare routine famous, but even if you’re keeping it simple and using less than half that number of products, it can be confusing to know which order to apply them. Does essence or toner go first? And when is eye cream supposed to happen? Though it may not seem like a big deal, the order in which you apply your skincare products can actually have a major impact.
“The order of skincare application matters because the first products you apply can change the skin barrier and influence how well the next products absorb and work,” says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., Director of Cosmetic Dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. “Sequential skincare layering isn’t just cosmetic; it can affect how active ingredients penetrate the skin. Products applied first will always work better (but can also cause more irritation), and they can hydrate the skin, form an occlusive film, or alter the stratum corneum (top layer of skin) barrier, which can increase or sometimes reduce the absorption of products applied afterward.”
In fact, a product’s weight and texture is shaped by its role. “Different products have different purposes; some are more targeted toward correcting, while others are aimed at adding and sealing hydration or protecting skin (e.g., occlusive petrolatum and UV filters),” explains GH Beauty Lab Director, Sabina Wizemann. “Some ingredients are intended to penetrate the skin’s top layer, while others are meant to remain on the surface for nourishment and protection. In short, the order helps ingredients reach their appropriate positioning on skin, and applying them in the right order maximizes the effectiveness of the products.”
An easy rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest texture to heaviest, “as thinner, lighter weight products can absorb into the skin quickly and more easily than thicker products,” says Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting. “Thicker products can create a barrier on the skin, preventing lighter products that follow from absorbing as effectively,” she says. Starting with the thinnest formulas will help ensure that each of your products penetrates as deeply and as effectively as possible.
Now let’s break down exactly the correct order to apply your skincare products, per experts:
Morning
1. Cleanser
Cleansing in the morning is optional, according to Dr. Saedi. “If you have oily skin, it can help to cleanse it again in the morning to remove any excess oil buildup from the night,” she says. “For normal and dry skin types, it’s OK to skip a morning cleanse; just rinse your face with water and dive right into the next step of your morning routine!”
2. Toner, essence, and facial mist
“The right toner or facial mist can help minimize pores, fine lines, address acne, boost hydration, etc.,” Dr. Saedi says. “This is definitely an optional step!”
3. Antioxidant serum
“Vitamin C serum is an essential part of a morning skincare routine,” Dr. Saedi says. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that will help prevent aging caused by free radical damage. It also helps brighten the skin and stimulates collagen production.”
If you apply more than one serum, layer them thinnest to thickest. Choose ingredients that help protect, hydrate, calm, and support the skin. Dr. Kobets also recommends a niacinamide serum to support the skin barrier.
4. Eye cream
“If using an eye cream in the morning, I recommend trying one that includes caffeine to help depuff and brighten the under-eye area and hyaluronic acid to help temporarily plump up the skin and diminish the appearance of lines,” Dr. Saedi says.
5. Moisturizer
“Moisturizer is a great addition in the A.M. for dry skin types, but normal to oily skin types may get all the hydration they need from the sunscreen in the final step,” Dr. Saedi continues.
6. Sunscreen
SPF should always be the final skincare step because it needs to form an even protective film on the skin to block UV radiation, explains Dr. Kobets. “A helpful clinical pearl is that mineral sunscreens, especially those containing zinc oxide, tend to be better tolerated around the eyes and are less likely to sting or burn—particularly when you sweat,” she says.
Dr. Kobets adds that many modern sunscreens are multitaskers and include ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and hydrators such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. “These formulas can simplify routines by combining several skincare steps into one product.”
Evening
1. Cleanser
Washing your face before bedtime is not only the first step, but the most important one. “Cleansing is the first step because it removes dirt, oil, makeup, bacteria, pollution, and dead skin cells so treatment products can penetrate the skin,” Dr. Kobets says. “Cleansing prepares the skin for active ingredients by removing debris and excess sebum that can block penetration. Using a gentle cleanser that also replenishes hydrating ingredients is important because cleansing can temporarily disrupt the skin barrier. Mild surfactant-based cleansers are preferred, and formulas containing ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide can help support the barrier.”
2. Toner
“A good toner helps rebalance the skin after cleansing and adds a light layer of hydration (and sometimes active ingredients like salicylic acid for acne-prone skin) that prepares the skin for additional products,” Dr. Kobets says.
3. Essence
Though toners and facial essences are often treated interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. “Essences are lightweight hydrating formulations designed to deliver humectants and active ingredients when the skin is most receptive,” Dr. Kobets says.
4. Serums
If you apply more than one, layer them thinnest to thickest, advises Dr. Saedi. “Seekfacial serums that address your skin’s unique needs (hyperpigmentation, redness, hydration, anti-aging),” she says. “Serums and actives that help repair and correct the skin are great for evening skincare. Ingredients that help exfoliate, promote cell turnover, fade pigment, and help support and repair the skin barrier are great for nighttime!”
5. Retinols
“Retinoids are applied after lighter products but before heavier creams to maximize penetration and effectiveness,” Dr. Kobets says. “Retinoids are one of the most evidence-based ingredients for improving wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. If you have very sensitive skin, you can apply moisturizer before and after retinol—often referred to as ‘retinol sandwiching’—to increase hydration and reduce irritation while still allowing the ingredient to work.”
6. Eye cream
“Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes, helping address concerns like puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles,” Dr. Kobets says.
7. Moisturizer and night cream
“Creams and moisturizers provide hydration and help maintain the skin barrier while sealing in previously applied products,” Dr. Kobets says.
8. Face oil
Face oils are typically applied last because they create an occlusive layer that helps reduce transepidermal water loss overnight and seal in the products applied before them, explains Dr. Kobets. “However, for people with acne-prone or oily skin, face oils and heavier creams may not always be necessary and can sometimes be skipped,” she adds.
Remember that you definitely don’t need to apply every product on this list.
In fact, Wizemann says, “I do not think anyone should apply all these steps in their routine.” Dr. Kobets adds, “Consistency matters more than complexity—using a few well-formulated products regularly is often more effective than layering 10 products inconsistently.”
But no matter how many products you use, wait a few seconds after applying each to let it absorb. “I would say typically 10 to 30 seconds after toners, essences, and serums, and up to 1 to 3 minutes between heavier moisturizers, treatments (like retinols or exfoliants), and sunscreen,” Wizemann says. “But the general guideline is to wait until the layer feels absorbed, doesn’t migrate on the face, and skin no longer feels wet or sticky to the touch.”
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
