With the increase in skincare products, including serums, creams, toners, and essences, it’s easy to get confused about the correct order of application.
Getting it wrong could mean wasting your favorite products or, worse, irritating your skin. So, what goes first, a face serum or moisturizer?
In this blog post, we will explain what serums and moisturizers are, their functions, and, most importantly, the right order to apply them, including tips for layering skincare products so you can achieve the glowing, healthy skin you’re aiming for.
What Are Face Serums?
Face serums are lightweight skincare products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients.
Unlike moisturizers, which focus on hydration and barrier support, serums are designed to penetrate deeply and target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, dullness, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration.
Serums usually come in liquid or gel form and contain powerful ingredients at higher concentrations than found in typical creams or lotions. Because of this, serums act as a “treatment” step in your skincare routine.
How Does Serum Work?
Serums contain smaller molecules compared to moisturizers, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers. This deep delivery system means that serums can directly impact your skin cells, promoting collagen production, fighting free radicals, or calming inflammation, depending on the ingredients.
Common ingredients in serums are:
- Retinol: A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and reduces wrinkles
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens skin and fights environmental damage
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that draws moisture deep into the skin
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates inside pores and fights acne
- Niacinamide: Balances oil production, reduces redness, and improves texture
- Peptides: Support skin elasticity and collagen production
Types of Serums
The following are the different types of serums:
- Anti-Aging Serums: Contain retinol, peptides, or antioxidants for wrinkle prevention and repair
- Hydrating Serums: Use ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin
- Brightening Serums: Vitamin C and other antioxidants improve radiance and even out skin tone
- Exfoliating Serums: AHAs and BHAs to gently remove dead skin cells
- Acne Serums: Salicylic acid and niacinamide to reduce breakouts and calm inflammation
Benefits of Using Serums
Face serum helps with the following:
- Target specific skin concerns with concentrated formulas
- Help improve skin texture, tone, and hydration
- Lightweight texture makes them suitable for layering
- Enhance the effects of other skincare products
What Are Moisturizers?
If serums are the “treatment,” moisturizers are the “support system” in your skincare routine. Moisturizers are creams, lotions, or gels designed to hydrate the skin and protect its natural barrier. They help prevent moisture loss, protect against environmental irritants, and keep skin soft, smooth, and supple.
While serums focus on active ingredients, moisturizers prioritize hydration and barrier repair. These are two critical factors for healthy skin.
How Do Moisturizers Work?
Moisturizers contain three main types of ingredients that work together to maintain skin hydration and health. They are:
- Emollients: Oils and lipids such as shea butter and ceramides soften and smooth the skin’s surface
- Occlusives: Ingredients like petrolatum, dimethicone, and mineral oil create a protective layer on the skin to lock in moisture and shield it from irritants
- Humectants: These ingredients, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, attract water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the outer skin
Types of Moisturizers
The following are the different types of moisturizers:
- Lotions: Lightweight and suitable for normal or combination skin
- Creams: Thick and rich, ideal for dry or mature skin
- Ointments: Very thick and occlusive, often used for extremely dry or damaged skin
- Gels: Water-based, great for oily or acne-prone skin
Benefits of Using a Moisturizer
Moisturizer serum helps with the following:
- Provide essential hydration and prevent dryness
- Support the skin’s protective barrier
- Enhance skin softness and elasticity
- Reduce irritation and redness
- Help skin recover from environmental damage
What Should I Apply First Face Serum or Moisturizer?
Now that we know what serums and moisturizers are, let’s tackle the big question; Which one comes first? The simple rule is to apply thinner textures first.
This is a general rule in a skincare routine. You apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. Because serums have a light, fluid texture designed to penetrate deeply, they should be applied before moisturizers, which are thicker and act as a barrier.
Why Face Serum Comes First
- Better absorption: Serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deep. Applying moisturizer first creates a barrier that can block serum absorption
- Maximize benefits: Applying serum on clean, bare skin ensures the skin can fully absorb these active ingredients without interference
- Targeted treatment: Serums deliver potent active ingredients directly to skin cells. Putting moisturizer on first dilutes or blocks their effectiveness
Why Moisturizer Comes Second
- Protect skin barrier: Moisturizers create a shield against pollutants and dryness
- Seal in hydration: Moisturizers lock in the serum and prevent moisture loss
- Provide lasting hydration: Even if your serum hydrates, moisturizer provides long-lasting moisture and softens the skin
Exceptions and Special Cases
While serum-first is the rule, there are a few exceptions:
- Oil-based serums: If you use an oil-based serum, sometimes it can be applied after moisturizer, especially if your moisturizer is water-based. Oil-based products tend to seal in moisture
- Very dry skin: In some cases, people with extremely dry skin may layer their moisturizer before serum to prevent irritation, but this is uncommon
- Mixing products: Some people mix moisturizer and serum, but this can dilute the serum’s active ingredients and reduce their effectiveness
Order of Application for Skincare Products
Understanding the ideal order of applying all your skincare products can transform your routine and skin results.
General Step-by-Step Routine
- Cleanser: Remove dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities to prep the skin
- Toner (Optional): Restore skin pH and prep skin for absorption
- Essence (Optional): Lightweight hydrating treatment
- Serum: Apply targeted treatment with active ingredients
- Eye Cream: Address delicate under-eye concerns
- Moisturizer: Hydrate and protect
- Sunscreen (Morning only): Protect from harmful UV rays
Morning Routine Example
- Cleanser
- Toner (optional)
- Antioxidant serum (e.g., Vitamin C)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (essential)
Evening Routine Example
- Cleanser
- Exfoliant or toner (2-3 times per week)
- Hydrating or treatment serum (retinol, hyaluronic acid)
- Eye cream
- Night moisturizer
Tips for Layering Products
- Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute between applying each product to allow absorption
- Use only 2–3 active products at a time to avoid irritation
- Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen
- Follow product-specific instructions for best results
Conclusion
So, what goes first, face serum or moisturizer? The answer is simple; apply your face serum first, followed by your moisturizer. This order ensures your skin absorbs the full benefit of potent active ingredients from the serum, while the moisturizer locks in hydration and supports your skin barrier.
This layering technique maximizes the benefits of both products, enhancing your skin’s overall health and appearance. Remember, a great skincare routine is about consistency, the right products for your skin type, and applying them in the proper order.
Whether you’re building your routine from scratch or upgrading your skincare game, we have a wide range of moisturizers and serums in Nigeria formulated to target specific skin concerns, from hydration and brightening to anti-aging and acne control.
Start your skincare transformation with Deoset now. You can easily shop online and enjoy prompt delivery right to your doorstep.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to skip serum and only use moisturizer?
Yes, moisturizer alone can keep skin hydrated. Serums add extra treatment benefits but aren’t always necessary.
2. Can I use a face oil instead of a moisturizer?
Face oils can complement your routine but aren’t a replacement for moisturizer. Oils help seal in moisture but don’t contain the humectants and emollients needed for full hydration. For best results, layer a face oil after your moisturizer if needed.
3. Can I use multiple serums in one routine?
Yes, but layer from thinnest to thickest and watch for ingredient interactions. Consult a dermatologist if unsure.
4. Can I mix serum and moisturizer before applying?
Mixing may save time, but it can dilute the serum’s potency and reduce absorption. It’s best to apply them separately.
5. What if my moisturizer contains active ingredients like retinol or peptides?
Even if your moisturizer has actives, apply your serum first to ensure those concentrated ingredients penetrate deeply before sealing with moisturizer.
6. Should I apply serum and moisturizer both morning and night?
Most serums and moisturizers can be used twice daily, but some actives like retinol are best reserved for nighttime.
7. How long should I wait between applying serum and moisturizer?
Wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows the serum to fully absorb before applying your moisturizer.
8. How do I know if my serum or moisturizer is working?
Give it time. Most products take 4–6 weeks to show visible improvements. With consistent use, you should notice increased hydration, improved texture, or a reduction in your specific skin concern.