Serum or Moisturizer First? Your Complete Skincare Guide
Which should you apply first: serum or moisturizer? Discover the science, expert advice, plus actionable tips for building a simple, effective skincare routine.
If you’ve stared at your bathroom shelf and wondered which product should go on first, you’re not alone. The answer isn’t a mystery once you understand how each product works and how skin absorbs them. Below we break down why the order matters and give you a quick routine you can start today.
Serums are usually packed with concentrated ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or retinol. They’re lightweight and designed to slip right into the skin. Moisturizers, on the other hand, are thicker and create a barrier that locks in moisture and protects the skin from the environment.
When you put a heavy cream on first, it creates a seal that can block the serum from reaching the deeper layers. This means you waste the active ingredients you paid for. Applying serum first lets those actives do their job, and the moisturizer then traps the benefits and adds extra hydration.
Think of it like a sandwich: the serum is the tasty filling, and the moisturizer is the bread that holds everything together. Skip the bread and the filling just falls apart; skip the filling and you’re left with a plain piece of bread.
1. Cleanse – Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Pat your face dry; don’t rub.
2. Apply Serum – Use a few drops and gently press it into your skin. Wait about 30 seconds for it to absorb. If you’re using a watery serum like hyaluronic acid, you might want to apply it on damp skin for extra boost.
3. Moisturize – Scoop a pea‑size amount of your favorite moisturizer and spread it over your face. This locks in the serum’s work and adds a protective layer.
4. Sun Protection – In the morning, finish with SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen is the final shield that keeps everything you’ve done from getting undone.
That’s it. No fancy steps, just a logical flow that lets each product do what it’s meant to do.
If you have multiple serums, apply the thinnest one first and work to the thicker textures. For example, vitamin C serum goes before a peptide serum because it’s lighter. And remember, consistency beats perfection – following the same order every day will give you clearer results than switching it up randomly.
Now that you know the basics, experiment with your own favorite products. You’ll notice better absorption, smoother skin, and fewer wasted drops. Happy layering!
Which should you apply first: serum or moisturizer? Discover the science, expert advice, plus actionable tips for building a simple, effective skincare routine.
