01 / Skin prep
A familiar starting point
A straightforward cleanser can matter more than another serum.
CeraVe — Hydrating Facial Cleanser ↗Make room for less.
Build from a cleanser and moisturiser that suit you, plus appropriate daytime sun protection. A serum, essence or mask is optional. Choose one to address a specific comfort or texture preference rather than stacking products because an ingredient is popular.
Start with the job
Which one fits?
02 / Skin prep
An optional serum
Check the exact ingredient source and variant before adding it.
Medicube — PDRN Pink Peptide Serum ↗03 / Skin prep
A longer mask ritual
Choose a mask only when its wear time fits your routine.
Biodance — Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask ↗Where it fits in your routine
Introduce one new product at a time and follow its directions. Let layers settle before makeup. If the routine pills, simplify the number of layers and adjust quantities rather than immediately buying another primer.
Before you buy
Cosmetic ingredient names do not establish medical results. PDRN serums and collagen masks are topical cosmetics; popularity is not proof of suitability for a skin condition.
Shortlists
The best skin prep picks.
Best-of guide · 4 picks
Best retinol & retinal serums
Medik8 Crystal Retinal is the best overall: retinal in six strengths from 0.01% to 0.24%, so you can start low and move up, from £45. La Roche-Posay’s 0.3% Retinol + B3 suits a cautious first retinol; Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10 is the fragrance-free budget retinal; The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% is for experienced users.
Read the guide ↗Best-of guide · 4 picks
Best vitamin C serums
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the benchmark: 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid for morning use, at £169. The Ordinary’s 23% suspension offers L-ascorbic acid for £7.70, with a tingling warning and evening directions. Medik8 C-Tetra and Beauty of Joseon Light On use more stable derivatives, at £45 and £14.50.
Read the guide ↗Best-of guide · 7 picks
Best affordable beauty under £20
For a complete routine under £20 a product: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (£15) for sunscreen, The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension (£7.70), The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% toner (from £8), Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10 retinal (£17.95), Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless (from £8.99), L’Oréal Telescopic Lift mascara (£12.99) and Elvive Bond Repair (£16.99).
Read the guide ↗Best-of guide · 5 picks
Best K-beauty for oily skin
Build a light routine: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum for vitamin C, and COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen. Each is sold by UK retailers; start with the cleanser and sunscreen, and add the rest one at a time.
Read the guide ↗The skin prep edit
Explore the options.
Compare the role, finish and limitations. Each guide links to its original source and review date. Selection is editorial; no hands-on testing is implied. Product images are brand or retailer packshots, credited on each guide.
Brand-listed bestseller
Medicube · Skin prep
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
A useful place to separate a popular ingredient name from the practical question: does this serum fit your existing prep routine?
New to our edit
Biodance · Skin prep
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
A longer mask ritual for readers who enjoy that format. A familiar moisturiser is the simpler choice when time is short.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
A straightforward prep layer when makeup needs hydration beneath it without a heavy cream texture.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
An AHA texture step for evenings when skin is not compromised — follow the brand’s patch-test and SPF guidance; not a clinical treatment.
COSRX · Skin prep
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Lightweight barrier hydration under Couture glass skin when the face needs slip, not weight.
Tower 28 · Skin prep
SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Prep spray for compromised show-week skin — desk context, not a medical claim.
CeraVe · Skin prep
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The cleanse step under Couture glass skin — removes the day without stripping the barrier the camera needs to read as light, not chalk.
CeraVe · Skin prep
Moisturising Lotion
The lightweight moisture layer under Couture glass skin when cream weight would dull light on camera.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The treat step under Couture glass skin when shine and texture need quieting before light hits the face.
Anua · Skin prep
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
The post-cleanse calm layer under Couture glass skin when the face needs slip and quiet before serum.
Aquaphor · Skin prep
Healing Ointment
Thicker occlusive seal for Wet lip signal prep when the mouth needs a cushion before clear shine.
Medik8 · Skin prep
Crystal Retinal
An evening treatment with a clear strength ladder — kept to night routines so daytime base sits on settled skin.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
A high-strength evening step for experienced users — not a product to introduce in the week before a shoot.
La Roche-Posay · Skin prep
0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum
A measured evening retinol at the 0.3% level — a night-routine treatment, kept apart from daytime base.
Geek & Gorgeous · Skin prep
A-Game 10
The fragrance-free retinal option — a simple evening layer for readers who want the treatment without scent.
SkinCeuticals · Skin prep
C E Ferulic
The L-ascorbic acid benchmark: a clear, light morning layer that sits under sunscreen and base without adding shine.
Medik8 · Skin prep
C-Tetra
A water-free vitamin C layer for morning prep — a fine oil to let settle before sunscreen and base.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
An evening vitamin C step, kept away from the morning base while its granular texture absorbs.
Beauty of Joseon · Skin prep
Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C
A light, non-sticky vitamin C layer that settles quickly under sunscreen — the K-beauty option in the brightening edit.
COSRX · Skin prep
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
A low-pH morning cleanse that clears oil without leaving skin tight before sunscreen and base.
Useful answers
Skin prep, explained.
Do I need a serum before makeup?
No. A serum is optional. If your usual moisturiser provides enough comfort and your makeup sits well, an extra hydration layer may not add anything useful.
Does a popular skincare ingredient suit everyone?
No. Formula, concentration, other ingredients and individual tolerance all matter. Check the exact product and seek qualified advice for a persistent skin problem.