How to Layer Skincare: The Right Order for Morning and Night

Layer skincare from the thinnest texture to the thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, face oil, and in the morning sunscreen as the final step. Water-based products go before oils, because oil forms a layer that slows anything applied on top from sinking in. Give each layer about a minute to settle. Here is how a simple Auravedic routine fits together.

What is the right order?

Step Product Why here Auravedic example
1 Cleanser Clears oil, sunscreen and dirt Kumkumadi Face Wash
2 Toner Rehydrates and preps the skin Kumkumadi Toner
3 Serum Thin, concentrated, absorbs best on clean skin Kumkumadi Serum or Pigment Corrector Serum
4 Moisturiser or gel Adds and holds moisture Kumkumadi Brightening Gel or Kumkumadi Cream
5 (night) Face oil Seals everything in Kumkumadi Tailam
5 (morning) Sunscreen Must sit on top to protect Any broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

Do you need every step?

No. A good routine can be three steps: cleanser, moisturiser or oil, and sunscreen in the morning. Add a toner or serum only if it does a job you need, such as hydration or dark-spot care.

Morning vs night

  • Morning: cleanse, toner, a light serum (for example vitamin C), light moisturiser, sunscreen.
  • Night: cleanse well, toner, a treatment serum, moisturiser if dry, and a face oil.

Which products should not be layered together?

  • Several strong actives at once. Retinol, exfoliating acids and high-strength vitamin C in the same routine can irritate. Use them on different nights or at different times of day.
  • Too many products. Five or more layers can pill (roll into small flakes) or feel heavy.
  • Retinol and sun. Use retinol products, such as Auravedic's Kumkumadi Night Cream with retinol and niacinamide, at night and wear sunscreen by day.

How long should you wait between layers?

About 30 seconds to a minute is enough for most products. Wait a little longer before sunscreen so it spreads evenly.

Frequently asked questions

Does face oil go before or after moisturiser?

After. Oil is the heavier layer and seals in the moisturiser.

Where does an eye cream go?

After serum and before moisturiser or oil.

Can I use a gel and a cream together?

Yes. Gel first, cream second, if your skin is dry.

Related reading

Reading next

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.