Layering skincare products correctly ensures that your skin absorbs each formula effectively, maximizing benefits without irritation. This guide focuses on morning and night routines, explaining which textures to apply first and how to combine active ingredients safely. Products selected are versatile and suitable for a variety of skin types.
Learn more about building your routine in our Routines guide or explore how these active ingredients work in Ingredients.
Context of Use (Order of Application)
Proper layering is essential for both AM and PM routines. Lighter, water-based formulas go first, followed by creams, oils, and sunscreen in the morning. At night, heavier moisturizers or targeted treatments are applied after serums. Layering ensures maximum absorption and effectiveness of all products.
This guide applies to both morning and evening routines, with slight variations depending on product type.
Featured Products
Cleanser
Cleansing is always the first step. It removes impurities and prepares the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.
KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle, low-pH gel cleanser that cleanses without stripping. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for daily use and compatible with both morning and evening routines.
Hydrating Toner / Essence
This step replenishes hydration after cleansing and creates a flexible base for treatments that follow.
ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner
Green Tea Fresh Toner
A refreshing, water-light toner designed to balance excess oil while providing gentle hydration. Best suited for combination to oily skin, it features green tea extract to support skin comfort and maintain a fresh, non-greasy feel throughout the day.
Treatment / Booster
Treatment products target specific skin concerns and are applied after hydration steps to improve absorption.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
A lightweight serum-like treatment that combines hydration with a brightening focus. Its fluid texture layers easily without pilling when used in moderation.
Serum
Serums deliver concentrated ingredients and are applied once lighter treatments have absorbed.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A simple, water-based serum focused on hydration and skin comfort, suitable for layering both morning and night.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers help seal in hydration and support the skin barrier, completing the core routine.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Hydrating Ceramidin Cream
A mid-weight cream that locks in moisture while maintaining skin comfort, making it suitable for both daytime and evening routines.
Sunscreen (AM Only)
Sunscreen is always the final step in a morning routine to protect the skin from UV exposure.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Rice + Probiotics
A lightweight sunscreen that layers well over skincare without leaving a heavy or greasy finish.
What to Keep in Mind When Layering
- Apply lightest to heaviest textures
- Separate potentially conflicting active ingredients
- Allow each layer to absorb fully before the next
- Morning: focus on protection (antioxidants, sunscreen)
- Night: focus on repair and hydration (retinol, peptides)
Next Step in Your Routine
Once layering is understood, choosing products that suit your skin type becomes easier. Explore curated edits such as Best Gentle Cleansers for Daily Use or follow our skincare routines guide to build AM and PM routines with confidence.
Disclaimer This list reflects an editorial selection based on formulation, texture, and skin compatibility. Individual skin needs may vary.