The realm of skincare is fast-moving, and evolves constantly. With new ingredients, formulations, and technologies emerging every year, it can be difficult to keep up. A Beauty Pie study of over 3000 revealed the biggest skincare misconceptions that could be damaging skin, and found only 18% of individuals were able to identify the right order to apply their skincare. If you also find it difficult to layer your skin products, here’s everything you need to know.

Download a FREE beauty guide

Discover our collection of free beauty guides.

How to Properly Layer Your Skin Products

Perfecting your skincare routine starts with understanding one crucial concept: product layering. Properly layering your skincare products ensures you reap the full benefits of every step and achieve radiant, healthy skin.

Step 1: Cleanse

The foundation of any skincare routine is a clean base. To properly layer your skin products, you should always start with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. If your skin requires it, you can enhance the start of your routine with a double cleanse. Find out more here.

SkinBase Recommendation: The Skin Renew AHA Cleansing Foam

Step 2: Tone

Toners are often overlooked, as many people apply serums post-cleanse. However, layering a toner into your routine is an ideal way to:

• remove any dirt or debris left behind after cleansing.
• infuse the skin with hydration and beneficial ingredients.
• prime your skin for enhanced absorption of the next skincare products.

Apply your toner onto damp skin after cleansing for the best results.

SkinBase Recommendation: The Soothing Toner

Step 3: Active Treatments

This layer is the most personalised step in your routine. Serums and skin treatments deliver concentrated ingredients to target specific concerns that you may suffer with, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or acne. Ensure any products you use are suitable and necessary for your skin. Generally, in the morning, it is good to infuse your skin with antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against free radicals during the day. In the evening, incorporate exfoliating acids to renew and repair your skin.

Step 4: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it is no surprise that it requires targeted care. Choose an eye cream that suits your needs, and apply gently with your ring finger to avoid pulling the skin.

Step 5: Moisturiser

Adding in the moisturiser at this point gives your skin a boost of hydration, of course, but also locks in all of the layers already applied to the skin. A high quality moisturiser will keep your skin plump and moisturised during the day, and will aid overnight repair when applied in the evening. Moisturisers with active ingredients will also better promote skin health, so take note of what you are applying to your skin.

SkinBase Recommendation: Hydration Max

Step 6: SPF

Arguably the most important layer of all, the SPF goes on last. You should be applying SPF everyday, as it is your ultimate defence against external aggressors, such as UV rays and pollution, which can contribute to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin cancers. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30.

SkinBase Recommendation: Daily Protect SPF

Layering Tips:

• Follow the “Thinnest to Thickest” Rule: Apply products in order of their consistency—light, watery products first, and thicker, oil-based ones last.
• Give Each Layer Time: Let each product absorb fully before applying the next. This prevents pilling and ensures maximum efficacy.
• Customise Your Routine: Adjust your products based on your skin’s needs as the seasons change, or as specific concerns arise.

Get 15% off your first order in the SkinBase Shop with code SKINBASE15.