Skincare guide
Skincare order: how to layer products without conflicts
Cleanser/toner/serum/moisturizer/SPF — where people commonly go wrong and why order matters. A simple framework to avoid active conflicts.
Even great products can feel like they “don’t work” if you apply them in a random order — or layer actives that irritate when combined. Skincare order isn’t magic. It’s irritation control + consistency.
The basic rule
Most routines move from lighter to heavier textures: cleanse → (toner/essence) → serum → moisturizer → SPF (morning).
But the most important part is not the perfect “ladder”. It’s:
- not overloading your skin with too many actives,
- avoiding combinations that are likely to cause irritation.
Morning: keep it simple and protective
- Gentle cleanse
- Hydrating serum/moisturizer (as needed)
- SPF (last step)
If you use vitamin C, it’s commonly placed in the morning, while acids/retinoids are used in the evening to reduce irritation risk.
Evening: treat actives carefully
- Cleanse
- Active (if using) — choose one “main” active for the night
- Barrier support (moisturizer)
One strong active rule: if you use an acid tonight, don’t add a retinoid “just because”.
Common mistakes
- Too many actives at once (acid + retinoid + vitamin C): irritation risk jumps.
- Introducing too many new products in one week: skin can’t adapt.
- Ignoring barrier signals: if even water stings, pause actives and focus on barrier recovery.
How BeautyAI helps
BeautyAI can:
- detect actives in your products,
- flag likely conflicts,
- suggest safer combinations and ways to split actives across days.
Useful when you have multiple products and want a clear routine without guessing.
Check your products
If the article sounds like your routine, you don't need to change everything at once. Start by checking the products you are most unsure about.
Pro is best for users who check ingredients regularly, build Smart Care routines, and track progress — without hitting limits.