When it comes to skincare, there are more options than ever. You can target specific problem areas and consider your skin goals in each step of your routine. But that’s where it’s also easy to become overwhelmed with the choices – think serums, creams, moisturisers, and actives.
If you’re using several products as part of your skincare routine, you want them to be as effective as possible. And that’s where skincare layering comes into play.
We'll break down how to layer skincare for maximum absorption and effectiveness. Whether you’re prepping your skin for makeup, incorporating actives like retinol or vitamin C, or simply wondering how long to wait between steps, we’ve got you covered.
Why skincare layering matters
Simply put, the order in which you use your products impacts how well they work.
Each product in your skincare routine is formulated to deliver ingredients in a specific way, and layering affects how well those ingredients are able to penetrate the skin.
By applying your products in the correct order, you maximise the benefits while minimising irritation. It's the difference between glowing, hydrated skin that feels healthy and a breakout waiting to happen.
3 main skincare layering principles
While layering skincare may seem confusing, three main principles can help guide you through your routine.
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Apply from thinnest to thickest: Start with any water-based products and finish with creams or oils.
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Water always before oil: Remember that water-based products can’t penetrate oil-based ones.
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Let it absorb: Give each layer time to settle, typically 30 seconds to 1 minute. This isn’t needed for your toner and peptide serum – but more on that to come!
Step-by-step: how to layer your skincare products
1. Cleanser
Unsurprisingly, your cleanser is the first product to use in your routine. Keep in mind that if you choose to double cleanse, use an oil-based cleanser before a water-based cleanser.
The oil-based cleanser will help to dissolve oil, taking with it makeup, pollution, and any other surface layer dirt that has accumulated throughout the day, without drying out your skin. Then, your water-based cleanser will remove any remaining oil as well as bacteria and dead skin cells.
Shop our cleansers.
2. Toner
Toners help to revitalise and refresh your skin after cleansing it.
Our Hydrating Face Toner is enriched with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and chamomile to soothe the skin. Formulated with anti-inflammatory residual water of green mandarin fruit, a by-product of the juicing industry, and BHA salicylic acid, this toner helps to balance the skin while keeping blackheads at bay.
3. Serums
Serums are concentrated treatments designed to target specific skin concerns and might be formulated with actives such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, or exfoliating acids.
Our Peptide Serum is lightweight and formulated with both niacinamide and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable and gentler form of vitamin C. Delivering brightening and strengthening benefits without the risk of irritation, this thoughtful combination of ingredients makes it suitable for all skin types.
4. Moisturisers
After applying your water-based serum, it’s time to smooth your moisturiser onto your skin. Now is the time for eye cream, and your daytime or night cream.
Pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare in this step of your routine. Humectants like aloe vera, glycerin, AHAs, BHAs, and hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients like cocoa butter and collagen, are all wonderful additions to your products.
Humectants attract and retain moisture from the air, environment, or deeper layers of the skin. They provide hydration, maintain moisture levels, and help the skin stay moist, soft, and plump. Working by binding water molecules to themselves, which pulls water to the skin, humectants help to prevent moisture loss and maintain the skin's natural hydration balance.
For natural plump skin, focus on incorporating these ingredients into your routine, as well as ceramides – naturally occurring organic compounds which lock moisture into the skin and prevent water from escaping from the skin through transepidermal water loss.
5. Oils
Seal in the hydration provided by your creams with an oil.
Our Organic Face Oil works to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Rich in both rosehip and jojoba oils to lock in hydration, this oil helps to boost collagen and keep skin firm.
6. SPF
The last part of your routine should be SPF, every day – come rain or shine!
Opt for a mineral sunscreen that is high-performing against UVA and UVB rays. Reef-safe, our dermatologically approved mineral sunscreen provides an essential physical defence against premature ageing caused by the sun.
See the order in which we recommend using our face range of products.
How long should you wait between products?
Generally, you should wait between 30 seconds and 1 minute between applying the different layers of your skincare. This gives your skin time to absorb the product, reducing pilling and improving efficacy. For skincare actives like retinol or vitamin C, a full minute is best.
However, when it comes to our Peptide Serum, we recommend using the product on damp skin – ideally after spritzing some of our hydrating Toner onto the skin.
When the skin is damp, it is more permeable, meaning the outer layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) is slightly softened. This increased permeability allows active ingredients like peptides to penetrate more effectively into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.
Skincare layering doesn’t need to be complicated if you remember the key principles. By following a thoughtful order, spacing out your products, and understanding ingredient interactions, you can build a routine that works for you.
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