Building a The Ordinary skincare routine trips people up less because of the products themselves and more because of the order you apply them in. Layering order genuinely matters – apply things in the wrong sequence and you can reduce how well your actives absorb, or in some cases, cause unnecessary irritation. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly breakdown.
The General Rule for Layering Order
The standard principle across nearly all skincare routines: apply products from thinnest to thickest texture, and generally water-based before oil-based. This helps each layer absorb properly instead of sitting on top of a heavier product underneath it.
Morning Routine Order
- Cleanser – start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight buildup
- Water-based serum (e.g., niacinamide or hyaluronic acid) – apply to slightly damp skin for better absorption: The Ordinary Niacinamide serum
- Oil-based serum, if using (e.g., squalane) – applied after water-based serums, before moisturizer: The Ordinary squalane oil
- Moisturizer – lock in the previous layers
- Sunscreen (last step, always) – non-negotiable, especially if you used any exfoliating acids the night before
Evening Routine Order
- Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup or sunscreen)
- Exfoliating acid, if using (e.g., salicylic or glycolic acid) – not every night: The Ordinary exfoliating acid
- Water-based serum (e.g., niacinamide): The Ordinary Niacinamide serum
- Retinoid, if using – alternate nights with acids, don’t use both the same night when starting out: The Ordinary retinol
- Oil-based serum or facial oil: The Ordinary squalane oil
- Moisturizer
Ingredient Combinations to Avoid Mixing
Some active ingredients can reduce each other’s effectiveness or increase irritation when layered together, especially for beginners:
- Retinoids + exfoliating acids on the same night – both increase cell turnover, and combining them can lead to excess irritation, especially early on
- Vitamin C + niacinamide – historically flagged as a conflict, though modern formulations have largely resolved this; still worth spacing them out (e.g., vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide at night) if you notice any sensitivity
- Multiple exfoliating acids in one routine – stick to one at a time rather than layering several acid types together
A Simple Beginner Routine to Start With
If the full routine feels like too much at once, start minimal and build from there:
Morning: Cleanser → Niacinamide serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Evening: Cleanser → Niacinamide serum → Moisturizer
Once your skin has adjusted to these basics (typically 2-4 weeks), you can introduce one additional active at a time – an exfoliating acid or a retinoid – rather than adding several new products at once.
How Long to Wait Between Introducing New Products
- Give each new active at least 1-2 weeks before introducing another, so you can identify what’s causing any reaction if irritation occurs
- Start actives like retinoids 2-3 nights per week rather than nightly, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to apply products in a specific order? Yes, generally – applying thinner, water-based products before thicker, oil-based ones helps each layer absorb properly rather than being blocked by a heavier product underneath.
Can I use every product in a full routine on day one? It’s not recommended – introducing too many new actives at once makes it hard to identify what’s working or causing irritation, and can increase the risk of over-exfoliating or over-treating your skin early on.
Is sunscreen really necessary every single day? Yes – this is especially important when using exfoliating acids or retinoids, since both can increase skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure, making sun protection more important, not less.
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