What order to apply skincare, morning and night

The order, step by step

Where specific products go

Layering rules that prevent irritation

• One new active at a time. Introduce it, wait 2–4 weeks, then decide whether to add another.
• Don't stack exfoliants. A retinoid and an exfoliating acid on the same night is a common cause of irritation; alternate nights instead.
• Don't apply benzoyl peroxide at the same time as prescription tretinoin. BPO can break down tretinoin; adapalene is stable with BPO [2]. If you use both, use BPO in the morning and the retinoid at night.
• Fewer products is better. The AAD warns that using too many products, especially several anti-aging products, may irritate the skin [1].

A simple chart you can save

New to all of this? Start with the three-step beginner routine and add a treatment later.

Screened basics for each step

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FAQ

Does moisturizer go before or after sunscreen?

Moisturizer goes first, sunscreen last. The AAD says sunscreen goes on after your other skincare and before makeup.

Do serums go before moisturizer?

Yes. Thinner, water-based treatments go on clean skin, then moisturizer on top.

Should I wait between skincare steps?

For most products a minute or two is enough for each layer to settle. Follow any waiting time on a product's label.

Can I use a retinoid in the morning?

Retinoids such as adapalene are used at night. Use sunscreen every morning, since retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?
2. Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11

Product ingredient lists were checked on brand sites on October 8, 2026; formulas change, so check the label. Not medical advice. This guide is general information. If you have severe, painful or scarring acne, a rash, or anything that worries you, see a board-certified dermatologist (find one).

Related guides

• A simple skincare routine for beginners: three steps, doneThe three steps every routine starts with, what to buy for your skin type, and what you can skip.
• How to use adapalene (Differin Gel) without wrecking your skin barrierPea-sized, at night, every other day to start. What the early weeks look like and who shouldn't use it.
• Benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid: which one is right for your breakouts?How each works, which breakouts each suits, side effects, and whether you can use both.
• A skincare routine for acne-prone skin that doesn't fight itselfMatch the active to your breakouts, keep everything else pore-safe and gentle, and give it at least 4–6 weeks.