The Best Skincare Routine Order for Every Single Product You Own, According to Derms

The world of skincare can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. Just a few scrolls on SkinTok and you’re suddenly more perplexed than when you started. Like, how many steps do you actually need? Which serums are worth using? What products are totally superfluous? Before you know it, your skin barrier is compromised, and your complexion looks worse than before you went down this rabbit hole.

But don’t worry, team Cosmo tapped experts to break down the ideal skincare routine order you actually need, that’s streamlined and effective for your exact concerns. Plus, some product recommendations based on your skin type.

Trust me, it's a lot to consider even for a beauty editor who spends her entire day testing all of these products, let alone a beginner just trying to get glowy, clear skin or deter fine lines. But step by step, we're gonna make sense of it all, thanks to the help of a few dermatologists below.

First things first: You do not need a 10-step skincare routine (or even a 5-step routine). "Less is more when it comes to your skin—I'm all about product reducing," says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. "In reality, our skin chemistry needs hydration and moisture to maintain a good skin barrier, which you can get from just a few products." And, as virtually all dermatologists agree, those products include the following:

Three required skincare products:

• Cleanser: a gentle, sulfate-free face wash
• Moisturizer: a simple fragrance-free formula that can be used morning and night
• Sunscreen: a mineral- or chemical-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30

That's it. Those are the three most important skincare products are a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. It’s not glamorous, but good skin doesn’t need to be (just ask your dermatologist or anyone on the Cosmo beauty team—simple is always better). The more products you layer on, the higher your risk is for irritation, allergic reactions, and breakouts, notes Dr. Lal.

Now, if you're looking to build a slightly more advanced skincare routine, we're totally on board with that too. Keep reading on how to incorporate more skincare steps, and what order they should be applied.

“The rule of thumb when applying skincare is to apply the lightest first and the heaviest last since thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products,” says dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD. Example: Layering a serum (thin) on top of your moisturizer (thick) would render that serum almost ineffective because it can't absorb into your skin when there's an occlusive barrier sitting on top of it.

When to use: morning and night

Please, for the love of the beauty gods, remove your makeup and wash your face before slathering on your skincare products. “For ingredients to absorb properly, you need clean skin that’s totally free of oil and grime,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, which is where double-cleansing comes in.

Wondering how to double cleanse? The simplest method is to remove your makeup with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm (neither is "better" than the other; it's just personal preference). It'll dissolve all the makeup on your face without stripping your skin.

Then, follow that up with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser depending on your skin type. Dry skin should look for creamy, non-foaming face washes with barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin; while oily skin should try gel-based face washes or gentle foaming cleansers.

Those with acne-prone skin will benefit from a formula with added acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Keep in mind, though: If your skin is sensitive, keep things gentle by using a formula loaded with soothers (colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and niacinamide).

FAQ: "Do I really need to cleanse my skin in the morning?"

It depends, but usually yes. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then definitely yes—cleansing after you wake up is a good way to get rid of any grime or shine that's collected overnight. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you prob don't need to re-wash ahead of the rest of your routine, but if you're a sweaty sleeper, it's always a good idea to freshen your face before the rest of your skincare routine.

When to use: morning and/or night

Face toners used to be terrible, alcohol-based liquids that burned your face. But today’s (good) toners are either filled with gentle, hydrating ingredients for dry and sensitive skin, or filled with chemical exfoliants to treat acne and bumps. “Toners are not meant to be something that sits around on your skin and feels heavy,” says Dr. Gohara. “They’re just priming your face for ingredients to be better absorbed later on.”

Reminder: Toner (like most of the steps on this list) is optional, but if your toner smells like nail polish remover or alcohol, you need to ditch it—fast—and find an updated version instead (these are some of our faves). The best toner for acne-prone or oily skin is gonna be filled with ingredients that'll help unclog pores and prevent breakouts, like salicylic acid and/or AHAs. Tap it on your skin every other night (or morning, if you plan to use a retinol at night), then wait 60 seconds before layering another product on.

But if your skin is dry and/or sensitive, choose one with hydrating ingredients instead to reduce potential irritation (hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, squalane, ceramides, etc.). You can pat this onto your skin every morning, night, or both.

FAQ: "Is toner the same thing as an essence?"

Toners and essences are pretty interchangeable in their consistencies, so if you’re looking for when to use your essence in your skincare routine, use it as step 2 (instead of toner). But if you happen to have both in your routine, swipe on a toner first, then pat in an essence (think of it like a thin moisturizer-serum hybrid).

Exfoliators keep skin smooth and clear by removing built-up dead skin cells or excess oil that can dull your complexion and block product absorption. They should be used after toner, when the skin is clean and balanced, and before serums so your treatments can penetrate more effectively.

There are two types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes (like AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells and are best for concerns like acne, clogged pores, uneven texture, and dark spots. Physical exfoliants use gentle scrubbing particles to manually buff skin smooth and can give instant results, but should be used carefully to avoid irritation.

Use an exfoliator one to three times per week for ongoing skin concerns, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Always follow exfoliation with hydrating products and sunscreen during the day.

When to use: morning and/or night

“Serums are essentially shots of extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators, or antioxidants that really amp up your skin health as soon as you apply them,” says Dr. Gohara. “People often skip out on using them, but they’re honestly the heavy lifters of your skincare routine.” So, while serums are totally optional, they’re often a good first step in leveling up your skincare routine and boosting your skin health.

FAQ: How to choose the best face serum for your skin type

For almost all skin types, Dr. Gohara, Dr. Lal, Dr. Idriss, and every other derm in existence, swears by using vitamin C serum in the morning, which protects your skin from inflammation and damage caused by environmental factors, while also brightening dark spots over time. Just note: Vitamin C can be strong, so if your skin is sensitive, use it every other morning (or every two mornings) instead.

Though serums are optional, all skin type can benefit from using a hydrating, hyaluronic-acid-based serum at night (and, honestly, in the morning too), which pulls into your skin from the air to keep it hydrated. “If you’re using acne treatments or anti-aging products—which can be drying or irritating—you want to prep your skin with as much moisture as possible first,” says Dr. Idriss.

FAQ: "Can I use multiple serums at the same time?"

Totally. But when it comes to layering serums, keep in mind the thin-to-thick rule, says Dr. Cheung. "The thicker serums may impede the absorption of the thinner formulations," she notes. So you'll want to start with your watery, vitamin C serums, then layer on rich, creamy formulas after.

*SHEET MASKS
Not sure where sheet masks come in? Use them after exfoliating in lieu of a serum, then pat on the excess formula left behind into your face and neck.

When to use: morning and/or night

Eye creams tend to be lighter and thinner than face moisturizers, so make sure to apply them before your creams and oils if you opt to use one(remember: lighter products go before heavier products).

How to choose the best eye cream for your skin type:

For morning use, look for an eye cream that's packed with caffeine, which helps temporarily constrict and tighten puffy under-eyes within 20 minutes. And, ideally, look for one with a cooling applicator “the cold steel helps a bit with fluid retention—aka under-eye bags—especially if you keep the cream in the fridge between uses,” says Dr. Gohara).

“Most people think a night eye cream should contain retinol to help with fine lines, but in reality, you want to be gentle," says Dr. Gohara. "Your eye area is delicate and at risk for irritation, so tap on a simple, hydrating eye cream that’ll protect your under-eyes and repair your skin barrier overnight.”

When to use: morning or night

Ideally, spot treatments are best applied at night (whether they’re for zits, scars, or dark spots), because that’s when your body is working hardest to repair itself, says Dr. Gohara. But if your nighttime routine already includes acids or retinoids, try spot-treating in the morning, so you don’t irritate your skin with too much at once.

Regardless of when you apply your spot treatment, make sure to tap it on before your moisturizer so it can really penetrate your skin and do the most without having another barrier to penetrate (before?! What?! Yes, just trust the process and keep reading).

How to choose the best spot treatment for your skin type:

Dr. Idriss recommends using a spot treatment with either hydroquinone (a skin-bleaching ingredient that works fast but can be highly irritating) or niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), which gently brightens marks and scars over time. Niacinamide can be used daily (most formulas won’t cause irritation), but hydroquinone should be used once every three days to be safe (zero irritation after two weeks? Move it up to every other day).

For acne, Dr. Gohara stands by tried-and-true benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid—but not together, unless you want to dry out or irritate your skin. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria (use it for classic whiteheads), while salicylic acid dissolves oil and skin cells (use it for little clogged pores and inflamed bumps).

How to use spot treatments:
Regardless of which formula you choose, the application is the same: Dab a thin layer (seriously) over your spot or zit and wait a full minute for it to dry. Then, to prevent the treatment from getting wiped around your face, apply your moisturizer to the rest of your face, avoiding the spots. When your face is fully moisturized, tap a dot of moisturizer on top of the spot treatment.

FAQ: "When am I supposed to put a pimple patch on?"

You should stick on a pimple patch (which, FYI, are stickers that help protect your pimple, soak up any excess fluid or oil around it, and potentially help treat your zit depending on if it has added actives like salicylic acid) before moisturizer, just as you would with other spot treatments. Typically, I will stick on a pimple patch, then carefully spread my moisturizer across my face to avoid moving the patch around.

When to use: morning and night

"You need to be using a moisturizer twice a day," says Dr. Lal and every dermatologist in the world. "Your skin barrier requires moisture and hydration to stay healthy," he adds, noting that all skin types should load up on formulas rich in ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. “A moisturizer also helps trap in all the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective," says Dr. Idriss.

You can use the same moisturizer morning and night, FYI. But some might prefer a lighter-weight option in the morning, or one that combines SPF for a lil two-in-one action. Oily skin should look for lightweight moisturizers in a gel-based formula to keep skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

The best dry-skin moisturizers “should be filled with all the things your body naturally produces and can use more of, like hyaluronic acid, lipids, and proteins,” says Dr. Gohara. Cream-based formulas will be your BFF, morning and night.

FAQ: “What about anti-aging creams?”

If you want, you can tiptoe into the retinol game by using an anti-aging night cream in the p.m., which usually has a gentler, “watered-down” dose of retinoids. That being said, it’s often easier—and less irritating—to use your regular moisturizer and layer a retinol on top (see: the next step).

When to use: night

“Retinoids—the general term for all vitamin-A derivatives, including retinol—sink into your skin to speed up cell turnover, causing your body to churn out fresher, smoother, less-wrinkled skin over time,” says Dr. Gohara. Remember that retinoids take four to six months of consistent use to give you results, so using it everyday is key.

But just because it might take half a year to see your wrinkles smooth out doesn’t mean you won’t see more immediate results in other ways. “Retinoids trigger collagen production and cellular exfoliation,” adds Dr. Gohara, “which means they’ll also fade dark spots, smooth scars, clear pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten skin.” Basically, retinoids are the best multitasking product dermatologists recommend.

FAQ: How to choose the best retinoid for your skin type

Retinoids—which are the umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives—aren't created equal. In order of most powerful to least, it starts with prescription-strength retinoids (like tretinoin), adapalene (which is prescription-strength but sold over-the-counter), retinal (or retinaldehyde), and then retinol. There are also a ton of over-the-counter derivatives of vitamin A in addition to retinal and retinol.

The more sensitive or dry your skin, the weaker your retinoid should be. That, or you'll need a longer acclimation period to get used to it (more on that in a sec). You can also find over-the-counter retinoids paired with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as niacinamide, to offset their side effects.

How to use a retinoid:

If you’re new to retinoids, make sure to start slow to mitigate the initial adjustment period of flakes and sensitivity. “Apply a pea-size drop to your entire face one night a week for one week, then two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, and then every other night indefinitely,” says Dr. Gohara.

And if you do have extra-sensitive skin, apply a layer of moisturizer 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after your retinol to reduce irritation without totally diluting the treatment. Think of it like sandwiching your face in moisture.

FAQ: Who *shouldn't* use retinol?

If you’re already using (or planning to use) a night cream with retinoids, doubling up won’t make the anti-aging results more effective—it’ll just cause inflammation. And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, retinol is also off-limits.

When to use: morning

Sunscreen (of at least SPF 30+) is the absolute last step—and one that's required. “Sunscreen is there to protect your face and act as armor against the outside world,” says Dr. Gohara. “Basically, it’s not adding anything to your skin—it’s protecting your skin.”

And before you tell yourself that the SPF 15 in your foundation is good enough, know this: “The absolute bare minimum SPF you need on your face is SPF 30,” says Dr. Gohara. Unless you’re cool with premature aging, worsened acne scars, and an increased cancer risk.

How to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type:

It's 2026, and sunscreens come in a bunch of different formulations depending on your skin type. There's sunscreen for sensitive skin, sunscreen for deep skin tones—the options are vast, people. In other words, it's mostly a matter of preference. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, for instance, you might prefer sunscreen with chemical filters, since these feel lightweight on skin and sink in quickly—and can come as gels or even serums. If your skin is dry, look for a formula with hyaluronic acid or ceramides, as these help skin retain moisture as you wear it.

If you're prone to sensitivities, reach for a mineral-based sunscreen. These use either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both to sit on skin and shield UVA and UVB rays—and, since they don't actually penetrate skin, tend to be less likely to cause reactions than their chemical counterparts. Otherwise, go with a formula that you'll be comfortable slathering on every! single! day!

After all, "sunscreen not only reduces your risk of skin cancer, but it also prevents the formation of abnormal collagen and elastin," says Dr. Lal. Basically, a layer of sunscreen today helps prevent 65-year-old you from having thick, mottled, leathery skin.

FAQ: Can I use a moisturizer with SPF in it?

Again, "the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use every day," says Dr. Lal. But your skin will look and feel its best with two separate products. "Moisturizers formulated with sunscreen can be more sensitizing and won't have as many moisturizing benefits," he says. So, like, it's better than nothing, but it's not ideal.

FAQs:

The order of your skincare routine, as well as how and when you apply your skincare products, can make a huge difference in your results. Think about it: If you apply a lightweight serum on top of a rich moisturizer, you're likely not going to experience much from that serum, since it can't penetrate into your skin. But this specific order also can help avoid potential skin irritations and breakouts, like when combining ingredients that can't be used together (i.e. retinol and vitamin C).

You can start a skincare routine at any age. In fact, the sooner you start, the better, says dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. "You’re never too young to start protecting your skin," she notes. If you're a beginner, start with the above routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF—the holy trinity, IMO), and slowly add additional products depending on what your skin needs.

Non-comedogenic is a term brands often use to signal that a product or an ingredient shouldn't clog pores or trigger acne breakouts. The only issue? It's not 100% accurate. The comedogenic scale isn't FDA-regulated (meaning anyone can slap it on their product), and the system is primarily based on testing from the skin on your back and body instead of the face. Feel free to run your ingredient list through a pore checker, like acneclinicnyc.com, to see if your formulas pass an initial scan.

Of course, some brands do conduct internal testing to determine if their product is likely to result in zits, but it's difficult to verify their accuracy. "A lot of these things are not FDA-regulated, so brands can make whatever claims they want based on Wild West science," says Dr. Gohara. Not only that, but everybody's skin is different (burn that into your brain), which means something that triggers a breakout in your BFF may be perfectly fine on your skin.

You don't need any tools for skincare. But an you use a bunch of tools to sculpt your face and techy gadgets to help your skincare work even harder? Absolutely. If you're set on playing around with tools, here's a quick breakdown of the most common devices:

LED face masks

LED therapy (aka light-emitting diode therapy) uses different wavelengths of light to potentially help stimulate collagen production, kill acne-causing bacteria, and even reduce inflammation. At-home LED face masks are better than nothing, says Dr. Gohara, but they're nowhere near as effective as professional in-office treatments.

Cryo tools

Cryotherapy tools, like ice rollers, are excellent for soothing irritation and inflammation, since they temporarily shrink the blood vessels in your skin to help bring down swelling. No, they can't "tone" or chisel your face, but they're great for de-puffing and calming.

Microcurrent facial devices

Microcurrent devices (like the Medicube or Nuface) emit a low-grade electrical current that stimulates your muscles, potentially leading to slightly firmer and more lifted-looking skin over time.

But, as with all things in skincare, you do you, and use whatever makes you happy.

• Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. She focuses on the intersection of dermatology and overall wellness, taking a holistic approach to acne and skin.
• Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.
• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Idriss is also the founder and medical director of Idriss Dermatology in New York, New York.

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has been writing about skincare for more than six years. She's covered topics like Aviclear, slugging with Aquaphor, and back acne. She's spent years interviewing dermatologists and aestheticians about skincare routines, especially after dealing with hormonal acne for the past decade of her life (fun!).

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than three years of experience writing about all things makeup, skincare, and more. She's borderline obsessive when it comes to skincare and SPF, and researches and tests all the best formulas to keep her complexion clear and burn-free.

Beth Gillette

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. 

Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.