Moisturizer before or after serum?

[SunnyGirl89]

Hi everyone, I recently went to my dermatologist who told me that moisturizers only work on wet skin- “trapping” the moisture. Usually, in my morning routine, I let my face dry after it’s cleansed, then put on vitamin C serum, then put on moisturizer. I have noticed some dryness, however, so I’m open to changing it. Does it make sense to mix it up and use moisturizer on wet skin before serum? Will the serum still absorb after moisturizing? What order do you do?

[SportyGirly125]

@SunnyGirl89 I put serum on then moisturizer. You can add beauty oil after moisturizer for extra hydration. 

[Fortyniner49]

Moisturizer is always last so it seals and holds all your serums in place so your skin can fully absorb them

[WinglessOne]

After your serum’s had a couple minutes to sink into your skin, tap some water onto your face if it’s dry. That’s what I do before I add moisturizer. You don’t need your face to be soaking wet, just damp enough to give your moisturizer some hydration to seal. It shouldn’t disrupt your serum if your skin’s had enough time to absorb it. 

This also applies to the rest of your body. After each shower, I leave my skin damp enough for my body lotion to work its magic. 

[lmaster]

@Anonymous my order is cleanser,toner,essence,serums, sheet masks if used, and then moisturizer. I will add a facial oil after the moisturizer to lock in the hydration

[Nickelliebear1]

@SunnyGirl87 - generally speaking, the skincare "rule" is that you should be putting your products on in the order of least heavy to heaviest. What I do is cleansing balm (to remove makeup) - regular cleanse - toner - serum - oil - moisturizer - facial essence (when my skin REALLY) needs some TLC. I wouldn't change up your sequence, I'd look at the products that you're using currently and think about if you need to add a step or if you should change up your moisturizer to something a little heavier.

[SunnyGirl89]

Thank you!!!

[quspork]

Moisturizer should come after serums, @SunnyGirl89, but if you're struggling with dry skin, I would look into adding a hydrating serum between your vitamin C and moisturizer. 

[SunnyGirl89]

Thanks for the tip! Any hydrating serums you recommend?

[quspork]

To be honest, I use a lot of Asian brands that aren't available at Sephora BUT both the Fresh Rose toner and Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra are great.

[sephoraaddict918]

Hey @SunnyGirl89 !! I put on my serum before moisturizing. My steps are cleanser > toner > serum > moisturizer > face mist, and I do not let my skin dry between steps because I have also heard products absorb better when the skin is still damp, and that you should apply products from thinnest to thickest like @seaehtea mentioned.

[SunnyGirl89]

Thank you!!!

[seaehtea]

I’ve been told that you should apply your products from thinnest to thickest so they can soak in properly. I apply my serums first and moisturizer last. Good luck!

[SunnyGirl89]

Thanks!