1. Serum Or Moisturizer First? The Skincare Question Everyone’s Asking
If you've ever paused in front of your bathroom mirror with a serum in one hand and a moisturizer in the other, wondering “What goes first—serum or moisturizer?”, you’re not alone. This step in your skincare routine might seem small, but it makes a big difference. Applying your products in the correct order helps them absorb better, perform more effectively, and ultimately give you that glowing, healthy-looking skin you’re after.
Let’s break down the science, the sequence, and the benefits—so you can apply with confidence every single time.
2. Why It Matters: The Right Skincare Order Can Transform Your Skin
Layering skincare isn’t just a trend—it’s a method rooted in how our skin absorbs different formulations. The general rule of thumb? Go from thinnest to thickest. Serums, packed with concentration of active ingredients, penetrate the skin faster and deeper. Moisturizers are designed to lock in moisture and create a barrier that protects your skin. Reversing the order can block the serum from doing its job.
So, what should go first serum or moisturizer?
Answer: Serum comes first, always. Follow it with your moisturizer to seal in the benefits.
Step-by-Step Skincare with Featured Products
Here’s how to layer your skincare regimen for maximum effectiveness, with each product working in harmony.
- Start with a Gentle Cleanser: Begin your routine by removing dirt, facial oil, and any traces of makeup. A gentle cleanser helps prep your skin without stripping away natural moisture. Look for one that balances your skin’s pH and doesn’t leave it feeling tight.
- (Optional) Toner or Essence: A toner or essence can help rebalance your skin and enhance absorption of the next steps. Think of it as the primer for your serum.
- Apply Serum First: This is where the magic happens. Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. These target specific concerns like dullness, dark circles, or fine lines, with precision. If you're using a hydration serum, anti-aging formula, or brightening concentrate, always apply your serum to clean, slightly damp skin. Let it absorb for about 30 seconds before layering anything else. Tip: Don’t forget your neck! Apply serum to both your face and neck in upward motions.
- Follow with Moisturizer: Now that your serum is in, it’s time to lock in moisture. A good moisturizer helps seal in your serum’s active ingredients while delivering hydration throughout the day or night. For oily or greasy skin types, lightweight gel moisturizers are ideal. They hydrate without clogging pores and leave a fresh, matte finish. For dry or combination skin, creams that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides work best.
- Finish with SPF (Morning Only): Your skincare routine isn’t complete without sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from premature aging and environmental damage. Apply it after your moisturizer for optimal protection.
Serum vs Moisturizer
Let’s end the confusion once and for all and discuss the difference between a serum and moisturizer! Your skin will thank you for it.
3. What Exactly Is A Serum?
Think of serums as your skincare power players. They’re formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight base that allows them to penetrate the skin deeply and quickly.
Benefits of Using a Serum:
- Targets specific concerns like fine lines, dark spots, and dehydration
- Fast absorption for quick results
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Lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your skin
Popular types include:
- Vitamin C serums for brightening and antioxidant protection
- Hydration serums with hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated
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Exfoliating serums with salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts
When to put serum on face: Right after cleansing (and toner if you use one), while your skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
Sephine’s Top Recommended Serums
At Sephine’s, we believe great skin starts with smart layering—and that begins with choosing the right serum for your unique needs. Here, we’ve curated our top picks to help you target, treat, and transform your skin—one drop at a time.
Reveal a more glowing complexion with this lightweight serum featuring melazero, niacinamide, centella asiatica, and tea tree extract. It helps improve the appearance of dark spots, visibly refines skin texture, and supports smoother, more even-looking skin.
How to use:
- Apply after your cleanser and toner.
- Follow with a moisturizer.
Ideal for those with dull, uneven, or sensitive-looking skin.
Wondering what goes first—serum or moisturizer? Serums like this one are designed to go on before moisturizer to help deliver concentrated ingredients more effectively.
Refresh and prep your skin with this deeply hydrating essence formulated with snail mucin, panthenol, and allantoin. It helps maintain moisture, soothes the skin, and enhances absorption of the next steps in your routine.
How to use:
- Use after toner and before applying serum.
- A gentle pick for dry, stressed, or mature-looking skin!
4. What Does Moisturizer Do?
Moisturizers are your skin’s final defense. They help prevent water loss, strengthen your skin barrier, and deliver essential hydration.
Even if you use a serum, you still need a moisturizer. Why? Serums provide active ingredients but not enough hydration on their own. Moisturizers contain emollients and occlusives that lock in moisture and protect your skin throughout the day.
Moisturizer Benefits:
- Helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Locks in your serum for longer-lasting effects
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Leaves skin soft, smooth, and balanced
Do you need to put moisturizer after serum? Yes, always—unless your serum is a standalone hybrid (which is rare and often clearly labeled).
Sephine’s Top Recommended Moisturizers
Smooth, soothe, and seal It In. No skincare routine is complete without a good moisturizer. At Sephine’s, our picks do more than hydrate—they help nourish and support healthy-looking skin.
Sephine’s Snail Mucin Soothing Gel is formulated with snail mucin, tea tree, and evening primrose extracts. It helps promote smoother-looking skin, reduce redness, and provides lasting hydration to support the skin’s natural barrier.
- Soothes and calms skin
- Helps minimize the appearance of pores
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Suitable for oily or sensitive skin types
How to use: Apply after serum and before moisturizer. Use generously to refresh and hydrate skin.
Formulated with pomegranate extract, tea tree, and centella asiatica, Sephine’s Pomegranate Soothing Gel helps calm redness and maintain skin comfort. Ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin needing gentle care.
- Helps calm skin
- Supports the appearance of youthful-looking skin
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Helps balance skin moisture and oiliness
How to use: Use after serum. Great for skin prone to sensitivity and redness.
Sephine’s Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is lightweight and formulated with aloe vera, calendula, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients provide moisture without heaviness. Ideal for daily use, especially after sun exposure or for dry, stressed skin.
- Provides lightweight hydration
- Helps soothe and refresh skin
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Suitable for daily moisturizing and post-sun care
How to use: Apply after serum. Perfect for everyday hydration or skin that needs calming relief.
Sephine’s Melazero Cream is a rich formula featuring melazero, ceramide, and niacinamide. These ingredients help improve the look of uneven skin tone and support moisture retention for healthier-looking skin.
- Helps promote a brighter complexion
- Supports hydration and skin barrier function
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Ideal for dry, mature, or uneven skin
How to use: Use morning and night after serum.
Sephine’s Advanced Brightening Cream is lightweight and fast-absorbing. This cream contains arbutin, glutathione, and niacinamide to help improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone.
- Helps brighten skin’s appearance
- Supports smoother skin texture
- Great for use before makeup
How to use: Apply morning and night. Use as a moisturizer or makeup base.
The Takeaway
In skincare, order matters. If you’re wondering what goes first serum or moisturizer, the answer is clear: serum goes first, then moisturizer. This sequence ensures that the active ingredients in your serum reach the deeper layers of your skin, while your moisturizer locks everything in and keeps your skin barrier strong.
Key tip: Customize your routine based on your skin’s needs. Choosing the right serum and moisturizer combination for oily, dry, or sensitive skin will help you build a more effective and nourishing skin care routine.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always patch test and consult with a licensed skincare professional before starting a new routine.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?
For oily skin, look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic gel moisturizer. It should hydrate without clogging pores or making your skin feel greasy. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
What is the best moisturiser for greasy skin?
Greasy skin benefits from moisturizers with a matte finish. Oil-free, gel-based moisturizers help absorb excess sebum while still keeping your skin hydrated. Avoid thick creams that may feel heavy.
Is moisturizer useful for oily skin?
Absolutely. Oily skin still needs hydration. In fact, skipping moisturizer can lead to more oil production as your skin tries to compensate. Use a balancing moisturizer to control shine and maintain hydration.
What is the best gel moisturizer for oily skin?
Look for gel moisturizers that contain: Aloe vera or green tea extract for soothing, Hyaluronic acid for hydration, Niacinamide to balance oil production.
These ingredients help hydrate and calm the skin without adding extra shine.
Should I use serum before moisturizer?
Yes. Serums are designed to go first so they can penetrate the skin deeply. Moisturizer follows to lock in moisture.
Should I use toner or moisturizer first?
Use toner first to help remove any remaining impurities and prepare your skin for moisturizer. Then apply moisturizer to help hydrate and protect your skin.
Should I use a cream or moisturizer first?
Creams are a type of moisturizer, so apply your cream after lighter treatments like serums or toners. Use it to lock in hydration and support your skin’s moisture barrier.
What comes first, serum or moisturizer?
Serum always comes first. Moisturizer acts as a barrier to seal in the benefits.
Can I use serum without moisturizer?
You can, but it’s not recommended—especially if your serum contains active ingredients. Without moisturizer, you risk dryness or irritation.
What to apply first, cream or serum?
Serum first. Then cream or moisturizer to lock it in. Always follow the thinnest to thickest rule.
Is it OK to use serum without moisturizer?
It depends on your skin type. Some very oily skin types may tolerate it, but for most, using a moisturizer after serum helps prevent moisture loss.
How to use serum and cream?
Apply serum after cleansing, wait for it to absorb, then follow with cream or moisturizer.
Do I use moisturizer after serum?
Yes, always. This step locks in hydration and boosts the performance of your serum.
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Written by Tina Macaraeg
She has one cat, two dogs, and a collection of self-help books. She is learning to drive. She talks about taking her mom, boyfriend, and pets to watch sunsets by the beach, a place she mentions as her ideal spot to retire. Currently, she spends her time working, reading, and continuing with her daily routine.