You probably already have a skincare ritual — but are you applying your products in the right order so that they actually benefit you?
Your skin’s needs gently shift from morning to night, so having slightly different a.m. and p.m. rituals can help support a healthier, more radiant complexion. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step order for both, so you can care for your skin with more intention.
Skincare Routine Order for the Morning
Every skincare routine should start with cleansing. Think of your cleansing step as creating a blank canvas for the rest of your products.
Overnight, your skin can accumulate natural oils, sweat, and residue from the products you applied the night before. If you don’t cleanse in the morning, this buildup may contribute to congestion or breakouts, and can keep your skincare from absorbing as effectively.
Here’s a simple guide to an effective morning ritual. Focus on products that feel light, breathable, and supportive of your skin’s needs, especially if you wear makeup.
Think prep and protect, and always finish with SPF before you step outside:
- Cleanser: Our Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser is an invigorating gel-to-foam cleanser that leaves skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
- Serum: Our Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum is your daily dose of certified organic skin-brightening essentials to help even skin tone and support a healthy glow.
- Moisturizer: Reach for our Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer, designed to feel fresh and breathable on the skin while still delivering lasting moisture and barrier support.
- Sunscreen: Our Silky Sun Drops offer 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 30 serum that protects from UVA/UVB and environmental stressors while leaving skin luminous with no white cast.
Skincare Routine Order for Nighttime
Just like your morning ritual, cleansing at night is non-negotiable. Throughout the day, makeup, SPF, excess oil, and impurities can build up on the skin, contributing to congestion and breakouts.
Double cleansing at night thoroughly removes the day’s buildup in two steps: first, an oil-based cleanser melts away sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum; then a water-based cleanser lifts remaining sweat, dirt, and impurities. This deeper clean helps prevent clogged pores and dullness while leaving skin better prepped to absorb serums and moisturizers.
In the evening, choose products that focus on replenishing your skin so it can repair while you rest. Richer creams and more occlusive textures help lock in moisture and support your barrier overnight, especially if your skin feels dry or depleted.
Here’s an ideal order for your evening skincare routine:
- First cleanse: Our Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm is a perfect first-step cleanse, gently melting away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while leaving skin soft, calm, and comforted.
- Double cleanse: Our Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser works well for a double cleansing step. This formula is a gentle gel-to-foam wash that helps lift away any remaining impurities and leaves skin smooth, balanced, and radiant.
- Serum: Reach for our Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum, which helps smooth the look of fine lines and refine skin texture with a gentle, plant-powered approach that supports a firmer, more radiant complexion.
- Moisturizer: Our Turmeric Glow Moisturizer works well in the evening, serving as an ultra-hydrating, refillable cream that visibly smooths, plumps, and leaves skin radiant with Turmeric, Noni, and nourishing oils.
- Face oil: Lock it all in with our Noni Glow Face Oil as your final step.
Seasonal Effects on Your Skincare Routine
It’s natural to want to hold on tightly to the products that feel like “holy grails.” But just as the seasons shift, your skin’s needs can, too — so it’s helpful to adjust your ritual throughout the year.
In colder months, your complexion may crave richer textures and extra hydration. In the warmer months, you might reach for lighter layers, with even more focus on SPF reapplication. The key is to gently tune in to how your skin looks and feels, then refine your routine in response.
When introducing new products, go slowly and change just one step at a time. If your skin is sensitive or reactive, patch test first to make sure it feels comfortable and supported before fully incorporating it into your routine.
In Summary
The right skincare routine order helps you get the most from both your products and your skin. When each step complements the one before it, supports the one after, and honors your unique concerns, you create a routine that actually works.
Everyone’s skin is different, so no two routines will look exactly the same. The most effective ritual is the one that feels intuitive, nurturing, and tailored to you.
Sources:
The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer | NIH