When a skincare routine includes more than one product, it can be hard to know what goes first. A simple rule helps: start with clean skin, follow any specific directions for prescribed products, apply moisturizer if needed, and put sunscreen on last in the morning before makeup.
You do not have to own every type of product to follow the order. This guide explains the basics for morning and evening, what to do with optional steps, and when to ask a professional for advice.
The basic product order
For a simple routine, the order is usually:
- Cleanser
- Prescribed medication or treatment, if directed
- Other optional skincare products, following their labels
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen in the morning
- Makeup, if you wear it
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing first, applying medication or treatment next, then moisturizer and/or sunscreen, followed by makeup if desired. Individual instructions from your dermatologist or prescriber take priority over a general guide.
Morning skincare order
1. Cleanse or rinse
Use a gentle cleanser if you want to wash your face in the morning, or rinse with water if that feels more comfortable. Use lukewarm water and your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin.
2. Apply prescribed treatment as directed
If a clinician prescribed a topical treatment, use it according to the directions you received. If the instructions are unclear, ask the prescriber or pharmacist rather than guessing about order or frequency.
3. Use optional products only if they serve a purpose
A serum or other leave-on product is optional. Follow its label and any professional advice. If you are new to skincare, start with fewer products and add one at a time so you can tell how each fits into your routine.
4. Apply moisturizer if needed
Moisturizer can help with dryness and comfort. Pick a texture you enjoy using. The right texture is personal, and a higher price does not guarantee a better fit for you.
5. Finish with sunscreen before makeup
When you’ll be outdoors during the day, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen according to its directions. The AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Use it after moisturizer and before makeup. Follow the sunscreen label for how much to apply and when to reapply.
Evening skincare order
1. Remove makeup or sunscreen
If you wore makeup or sunscreen, remove it before bed. A makeup-removing product can be a first step if you need one. You do not have to double cleanse if one gentle cleanse removes what you wore comfortably.
2. Cleanse gently
Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat your face dry rather than rubbing it with a towel.
3. Apply prescribed treatment as directed
Use medication or treatment in the way your healthcare professional prescribed. Do not change a prescription routine based on a general product-layering guide.
4. Apply moisturizer if needed
Finish with moisturizer if your skin feels dry or if it is part of your clinician’s instructions.
What about toner, face oil, and eye cream?
These are optional categories, not compulsory steps. If you use one, read the directions and think about what role it serves. More products can add cost, take time, and make it harder to identify the cause if your skin reacts.
For face oils and other products with specific instructions, follow the product label. There is no single universal “thin to thick” rule that overrides directions, prescriptions, or sunscreen labeling. If you are unsure whether products can be used together, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist.
Common product-layering mistakes
- Applying sunscreen under everything: In a basic daytime routine, sunscreen goes after skincare and before makeup.
- Using several new products at once: Introduce one product at a time when practical.
- Applying more product than the label says: Follow directions, especially for treatments and sunscreen.
- Copying a complicated routine from social media: You may not need all of those steps.
- Guessing about prescription products: Ask the prescriber or pharmacist if directions are unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Does serum go before or after moisturizer?
It depends on the product’s directions and the rest of your routine. Follow the label, and if you are using prescribed treatment, follow your clinician’s instructions. A serum is optional in a basic routine.
Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?
For a basic routine, apply moisturizer first and sunscreen afterward. Follow the sunscreen label and any professional instructions.
Can I skip toner?
Yes. Toner is optional. A simple routine can work without it.
Should I wait between skincare steps?
Follow product directions. There is no need to add long waiting periods by default unless the product label or your clinician tells you to.
The takeaway
Keep the order simple: cleanse, use prescribed treatment as directed, moisturize if needed, and apply sunscreen last in the morning before makeup. Optional products can stay optional. If product directions conflict or you have a skin condition, get advice from a qualified professional who knows your situation.
Sources and further reading
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, Face washing 101
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, Skin care on a budget
Related reading
You may also find our The Ultimate Glass Skin Routine: Hydration & Glow Secrets guide helpful.
