# Skincare routine order: what goes first, morning and night

> The order for a morning and night skincare routine: where vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and acids go, SPF last and under make-up, and what to pair.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/guide/skincare-routine-order
- Author: Kaiser Khan (Founder & Editor)
- Updated: 2026-10-01
- Category: Beauty

Morning: cleanse, apply any water-thin treatments such as vitamin C or niacinamide, moisturise, then sunscreen — always the last skincare step, under make-up. Night: cleanse, apply a retinoid or an exfoliating acid (not both at first), then moisturise. Everything else is detail, and the directions on your products come first.

## The short answer

Cleanse, treat, moisturise, then protect. In the morning, sunscreen is the last skincare step and goes under make-up. At night, a retinoid or an exfoliating acid goes on after cleansing and before moisturiser — not both on the same night while your skin adjusts. When a product’s own directions differ, follow them.

## At a glance

- **Morning:** Cleanse → treat → moisturise → SPF
- **Night:** Cleanse → retinoid or acid → moisturise
- **Sunscreen:** Last skincare step, under make-up
- **Golden rule:** Product directions beat any chart

## What is the right order for a skincare routine?

Cleanse first, then apply treatments, then moisturiser, and in the morning finish with sunscreen. As a working rule, watery products go on before thicker creams. Two points are fixed by dermatologists’ advice: sunscreen goes on after other skincare and beneath make-up, and retinoids are for night-time use.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) puts it plainly: always put sunscreen on after other skincare products, and beneath your make-up. It also advises using retinoids only at night, because they can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Between those fixed points, the order follows texture and the products’ own directions. COSRX, for example, directs its snail essence after cleansing and toning, followed by moisturiser; The Ordinary directs its retinal emulsion onto clean, dry skin with a moisturiser afterwards. Thinner layers first, heavier creams later, is the pattern most directions follow.

More steps are not better. Every product you add is another chance of irritation, so start simple and add one active at a time.

## What is the correct morning skincare routine order?

Cleanse, then (optionally) a toner or essence, then a vitamin C or other water-based serum, then moisturiser, then sunscreen, then make-up. Sunscreen should be SPF 30 or above with four- or five-star UVA protection, applied 15 to 30 minutes before you go out, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

The morning routine is about protection. The AAD suggests applying vitamin C after washing your face in the morning, before sunscreen. SkinCeuticals’ directions for C E Ferulic say the same: drops on dry skin after cleansing, then moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

For the face, the AAD suggests at least a teaspoon of sunscreen. Let it settle before make-up, and reapply every two hours outdoors, or after swimming, sweating or towelling.

| Step | What | Example in our catalogue | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | A gentle wash; rinse and pat dry |
| 2 | Toner or essence (optional) | Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner; COSRX Advanced Snail 96 essence | Both brands direct use after cleansing |
| 3 | Vitamin C serum | SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic | Morning, on dry skin, before moisturiser and SPF |
| 4 | Other water-based serum | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%; a hyaluronic acid serum | The Ordinary advises keeping its niacinamide and vitamin C in separate routines |
| 5 | Moisturiser | CeraVe Moisturising Lotion | Seals in the water-based layers |
| 6 | Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+ | Last skincare step; at least a teaspoon for the face |
| 7 | Make-up | Base, concealer, powder | On top of settled sunscreen |

## What is the correct night skincare routine order?

Remove make-up and sunscreen and cleanse, then apply your treatment — a retinoid or an exfoliating acid — and finish with moisturiser. Keep the retinoid and the acid on separate nights while you start: The Ordinary, for example, advises against using its glycolic acid toner and strong retinoids in the same routine.

The AAD suggests applying a retinoid before bed, waiting 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face. If it feels too drying, it suggests moisturising straight after washing and applying the retinoid 20 to 30 minutes later.

Exfoliating acids are also usually evening products: The Ordinary directs its 7% glycolic acid toner once a day, ideally in the evening, with sunscreen the next morning.

| Step | What | Example in our catalogue | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Remove make-up and sunscreen, then cleanse | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | The AAD: always remove make-up before bed |
| 2 | Toner or essence (optional) | Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | Skip on nights you use an acid toner |
| 3a | Retinoid night | Medik8 Crystal Retinal; La Roche-Posay 0.3% Retinol + B3 | Pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin; build up slowly |
| 3b | Or exfoliating-acid night | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner | Not in the same routine as a strong retinoid |
| 4 | Moisturiser | CeraVe Moisturising Lotion | Helps with the dryness retinoids and acids can cause |

## Where does retinol go in a skincare routine?

At night, after cleansing and before moisturiser, on dry skin. Start with the lowest strength every other night or less, then build up. Use sunscreen every morning and keep exfoliating acids for other nights at first. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, ask a doctor or pharmacist first: brands such as Medik8 advise avoiding vitamin A then.

The AAD recommends the least intense formula to start and every-other-night use, building to nightly if you have no burning, peeling or redness. Brand directions are often slower still: The Ordinary starts its 0.2% retinal once a week, and Medik8 builds up gradually through six Crystal Retinal strengths.

Use one retinoid at a time — The Ordinary says not to combine its retinal with other retinoid products. Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are both vitamin A derivatives; our ingredient guide explains the difference.

## Where do vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid go?

All three are serum steps: after cleansing and any toner, before moisturiser. Vitamin C usually goes in the morning, under sunscreen. Niacinamide can be used morning, evening or both. Hyaluronic acid works best on slightly damp skin with moisturiser on top. If a product’s directions say otherwise, follow them.

Directions vary by formula. The Ordinary’s 23% vitamin C suspension, for instance, is directed once a day, ideally in the evening — an exception to the morning rule that shows why the pack matters more than a general chart.

The Ordinary directs its niacinamide serum morning and evening, and advises keeping it in a separate routine from vitamin C. Other brands combine the two in one formula; if in doubt, split them between morning and night.

## Which skincare ingredients can you use together?

Most hydrators — hyaluronic acid, ceramides, snail mucin — pair with anything. The combinations to manage are actives that can irritate together: retinoids with exfoliating acids, two retinoids, or two separate acids. Vitamin C and retinoids are usually split between morning and night. Niacinamide pairs with retinol; with vitamin C, brands disagree.

The table summarises what dermatology bodies and the products’ own directions say. It describes separate products layered together; a single product formulated with several actives has already been designed as a combination, so follow its directions.

| Combination | Same routine? | What the sources say |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Niacinamide + retinol | Yes | La Roche-Posay’s 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum combines them in one bottle |
| Niacinamide + vitamin C | Brands differ | The Ordinary recommends separate routines; other brands co-formulate them. Split AM/PM if unsure |
| Retinoid + vitamin C | Split AM / PM | The AAD suggests vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night; The Ordinary says not to use its retinal with vitamin C |
| Retinoid + AHA or BHA | Not at first — alternate nights | The Ordinary advises against its glycolic toner and strong retinoids in the same routine |
| Two retinoids | No | The Ordinary: do not use its retinal with other retinoid products |
| Two exfoliating acids | Avoid layering | The Ordinary: not with other direct acids, such as salicylic acid, in the same routine |
| Vitamin C + AHA, BHA or PHA | Check the product | Beauty of Joseon says not to mix its Light On vitamin C serum with AHA, BHA or PHA products |
| Retinoid or acid + ceramide moisturiser | Yes | A moisturiser helps with dryness; the AAD suggests moisturiser as part of starting a retinoid |
| Sunscreen + make-up | Yes — sunscreen first | The AAD: sunscreen after other skincare and beneath make-up |

## Does sunscreen go before or after moisturiser and make-up?

After moisturiser and before make-up: sunscreen is the last step of the morning skincare routine. Let it settle before foundation. SPF in moisturiser or foundation is no substitute, because, as the British Association of Dermatologists notes, those products are applied far more thinly than sunscreen and may lack UVA protection.

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends SPF 30 or above with four- or five-star UVA protection, applied 15 to 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every two hours, or after swimming, towel-drying or sport. The NHS gives the same SPF 30 and four-star advice.

Texture matters when make-up goes on top. Our Korean sunscreen guide compares fluid, serum and cream sunscreens by UV filters, finish and fragrance.

## What is a simple skincare routine for beginners?

Three steps: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and, in the morning, a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Add one active at a time — a vitamin C serum in the morning or a low-strength retinoid at night — a week or two apart, so you can tell what suits your skin. Patch test new products first.

Brands such as The Ordinary advise patch testing before first use: apply a small amount to the upper forearm and watch for redness, burning or itching over 24 hours.

If you have acne that is not improving, the NHS advises speaking to a pharmacist or GP; cosmetic skincare is not a treatment for a skin condition.

## Common questions

### What order should skincare go in?

Cleanser, then toner or essence if you use one, then serums, then moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning. At night, swap sunscreen for a treatment such as a retinoid or an exfoliating acid, applied before moisturiser.

### Do you put serum before or after moisturiser?

Before. Water-based serums such as vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid go on after cleansing and before moisturiser, so the cream can sit on top.

### Does SPF go before or after moisturiser?

After. The American Academy of Dermatology advises putting sunscreen on after other skincare products and beneath make-up.

### Should I use retinol in the morning or at night?

At night. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using retinoids only at night, because they can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and wearing sunscreen during the day.

### Can I use vitamin C and retinol in the same routine?

Split them: vitamin C in the morning, before sunscreen, and the retinoid at night, as the American Academy of Dermatology suggests. The Ordinary says not to use its retinal with vitamin C.

### Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Brands disagree. The Ordinary recommends using its niacinamide and vitamin C in separate routines; other brands combine them in one formula. Splitting them between morning and night avoids the question.

### How long should I wait between skincare steps?

For most steps there is no set time: let each layer settle before the next. Two cases have guidance: the American Academy of Dermatology suggests waiting 20 to 30 minutes after washing before applying a retinoid, and the British Association of Dermatologists suggests applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out.

### Where does toner go in a skincare routine?

Straight after cleansing, before serums. Anua and COSRX both direct their toner and essence steps after cleansing. An exfoliating acid toner is a treatment step: use it at night, and not on the same night as a retinoid at first.

## Sources

- [American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20s](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-20s) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — Retinoid or retinol?](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — How to apply sunscreen](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [British Association of Dermatologists — Sun protection fact sheet](https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/sun-awareness/the-sunscreen-fact-sheet/) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [NHS — Sunscreen and sun safety](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [NHS — Acne](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [NHS — Medicines in pregnancy](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/medicines/) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [The Ordinary — Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (directions and FAQs)](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [The Ordinary — Retinal 0.2% Emulsion (directions)](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/retinal-02-emulsion-100646.html) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [The Ordinary — Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (directions and FAQs)](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/glycolic-acid-7-exfoliating-toner-100418.html) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [The Ordinary — Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (directions)](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/vitamin-c-suspension-23-ha-spheres-2-vitamin-c-100451.html) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [La Roche-Posay UK — 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum](https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/retinol-b3-anti-ageing-serum-for-sensitive-skin-30ml/LRP_115.html)
- [SkinCeuticals UK — C E Ferulic (directions)](https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/c-e-ferulic-antioxidant-serum/635494363210.html)
- [COSRX — Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (directions)](https://www.cosrx.com/products/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence) (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- [Beauty of Joseon — Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C (directions)](https://beautyofjoseon.com/products/light-on-serum-centella-vita-c)
- [Medik8 — Crystal Retinal](https://www.medik8.com/products/crystal-retinal)

## Related

- [Niacinamide](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/niacinamide)
- [Retinol and retinal](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/retinoids)
- [Vitamin C](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/vitamin-c)
- [Hyaluronic acid](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid)
- [AHA and BHA acids](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/exfoliating-acids)
- [Sunscreen filters](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/sunscreen-filters)
- [Snail mucin](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/snail-mucin)
- [Best retinol serums](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/best/best-retinol-serums)
- [Best vitamin C serums](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/best/best-vitamin-c-serums)
- [Best Korean sunscreens](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/best/best-korean-sunscreens-uk)
- [K-beauty routine for oily skin](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/best/best-k-beauty-skincare-for-oily-skin)
- [Skin before make-up: glass skin](https://thecastindex.com/discover/couture-glass-skin)