The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products

You've invested in quality skincare products, but are you applying them in the right order?

Even premium products won't deliver results, when applied incorrectly. If you apply a thick moisturiser first, everything else will just sit on top, unable to penetrate your skin. That potent serum you just applied after a heavy night cream? It may struggle to penetrate the skin properly.

Hi, I'm Elaine, a pharmacist and founder of Melvory. In this article, we will discuss the right order to apply your skincare products so you can maximise every drop of goodness.

We'll learn:

• The exact order to layer your skincare products (morning and night)
• Why each step matters and what happens if you skip it.
• How to choose the right products for your skin type
• Common mistakes that sabotage even expensive routines
• Whether face oils go before or after moisturiser (this surprises most people!)

The Science is simple: Thin products cannot penetrate thick ones. Your skin can only absorb what it reaches, so the order in which you apply your products directly affects its effectiveness.

The universal principle for any skincare routine is to start with the thinnest consistency and then work your way up to the thickest. 

This ensures that lightweight, active-ingredient-rich products can penetrate your skin barrier. The heavier products works to seal everything in as you go about your day. 

Now let's break down each step and why it matters.

Why it's important: Only clean skin absorbs products effectively. Dirt, oil and makeup creates barriers that block ingredient penetration. 

The Double Cleanse Method

We generally recommend using a double cleanse method, particularly after wearing makeup and sunscreen, or after a sweaty workout session! 

Oily or combination skin types will also benefit from a double cleanse to thoroughly remove excess sebum. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you may find a single cleanse to be enough. 

How to Double Cleanse: 

For the first cleanse use an oil based cleanser to dissolve makeup and SPF. Try our Peach Melt Cleanser which effectively dissolves makeup, sunscreen and impurities. 

For the second cleanse, follow with a foaming cleanser, such as our green tea or blemish control cleanser, to remove any remaining impurities. 

Why it's important: Toner restores your skin's natural pH balance after cleansing and preps your skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively. It also helps to hydrate your skin. 

For those with dry to combination skin, our Rose Silk Toner is perfect for added hydration and balance.

For those with oily and acne-prone skin, the Orange Blossom Toner helps to control oil and reduce blemishes. 

Why it's important: Serums contain the highest concentration of active ingredients in the products used for your skincare routine. Dermatologists and skincare professionals consistently rank serums as the most potent step for addressing specific skin concerns.

Here are some of the many things that serums do:

✔ Deliver concentrated antioxidants and nutrients

✔ Protect against environmental damage and UV rays

✔ Brighten skin and reduce inflammation

✔ Target specific concerns (ageing, hyperpigmentation, acne). 

Our Triple Renewal Anti-Ageing Set contains three potent serums, delivering professional level results from the comfort of your home.

Why it's important: A moisturiser seals in all of the previous products used and creates a protective barrier. 

For daytime use, choose a moisturiser with SPF for sun protection. Try our Tinted BB Cream with SPF 15 which works as a 4-in-1 product with built-in moisturiser, serum, skin-tint and sunscreen all rolled into one! Such a great multi-tasker for everyday wear. 

For night time use, choose a richer, more intensive cream to support overnight skin repair and regeneration. Our Aloe Vera Face Cream works really well for overnight restoration. 

You may be surprised to find out that a Face Oil is best applied after you moisturise!

The oil molecules are small enough to penetrate through moisturiser. It helps to seal in all the hydrating ingredients applied earlier, helping you to wake up with radiant, nourished skin! 

After helping many of our customers optimise their skincare routines, here are some of the most common mistakes that often undermine results:

• Applying thick products before thin products. This creates a barrier which prevents lightweight serums and actives from penetrating your skin.
• Skipping the toner, not realising that it enhances the absorption of all the products that follow. 
• Using the same moisturiser for day and night use. Your skin has different needs throughout the day (SPF protection and lightweight hydration) versus at night (intensive repair and regeneration), so different products should be used. 
• Applying face oil before your moisturiser. Oils should always be your final step to seal everything in.

You're now equipped with everything you need to know to layer your skincare products like a professional.

You understand why the order of applying the products matter. You understand how each product works with the next, as well as the common mistakes to avoid. 

The beauty of mastering this order is that it works regardless of your skin type, concerns or budget. 

Whether you have three products or ten in your skincare routine, let the thin-to-thick principle be your guiding light!