What Order to Apply Skincare? Reddit’s 3 Golden Rules (Plus a Routine That Works)

🤯 Introduction: "Wait - Do I Use Oil Before Moisturizer?"

If you've ever Googled:

“Do I use serum before oil?”
“Where does sunscreen go?”
“Am I ruining everything with the wrong order?”

…you're in good company.

Reddit’s skincare forums are packed with this exact confusion. So let’s clear things up—with Reddit-backed rules, real skincare science, and an easy routine using Radiant Bloom Organic products that actually makes sense.

🧴 The Correct Skincare Layering Order (Reddit’s Golden Rules)

✅ Rule 1: Go from Thinnest to Thickest

Start with water-based layers (like toners and serums), and end with richer ones (like oils and creams).

✅ Rule 2: Actives First, Then Soothing + Sealing

Apply any treatment serums (like glycolic or bakuchiol) right after cleansing—before oils or creams.

✅ Rule 3: SPF Always Goes Last (in the AM)

Your sunscreen is your skin’s bodyguard. Nothing goes on top of it—not even makeup primers.

🔄 AM vs PM – Step-by-Step Routine With Radiant Bloom Organic

☀️ Morning Skincare Order (Hydrate + Protect)

1. Cleanser or Water Splash

2. Rose & Hyaluronic Toner – hydrates and preps skin

3. Vitamin C Radiance Serum – antioxidant protection + glow

4. Caffeine Gel Booster – de-puffs under-eyes

5. All-in-One Facial Oil – locks in moisture

6. Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 – finishes and protects

💡 Reddit Hack: Apply sunscreen after facial oil, not before, to prevent pilling and streaks.

🌙 Evening Skincare Order (Repair + Renew)

1. Cleanser (or micellar water)

2. Glycolic Acid Exfoliator – 2–3x/week only

3. Peptide Serum – firming + barrier support

4. Bakuchiol Oil Serum – anti-aging without retinol irritation

5. Smoothing Eye Cream

6. Optional: Night Cream – if extra dry

💬 What Reddit Gets Right (and Wrong)

✅ They Nail:

• “Start with water, end with oil”

• “Use actives on clean, dry skin”

• “SPF = final AM step. Non-negotiable.”

❌ They Get Wrong:

• ❗ Layering too many actives in one go

• ❗ Applying oils before serums

• ❗ Using exfoliants right after shaving (ouch)

🚫 What NOT to Layer Together (Bonus)

• Vitamin C + AHAs → too acidic, can irritate

• Bakuchiol + AHA same night → alternate to avoid barrier stress

• Too many occlusives → layering rich cream + oil + balm = congestion risk

🔁 TL;DR – The Easy Layering Cheat Sheet

AM
→ Toner → Serum → Eye → Oil → SPF

PM
→ Cleanse → Treatment (acid/serum) → Eye → Oil/cream

✨ Want the Easy Version?

Radiant Bloom products are made to be:

• Layer-friendly

• Fragrance-free

• Safe for all skin types

• Designed for simple, clean routines that work

🛍️ Start Your “In Order, No Stress” Routine:

• Rose & Hyaluronic Toner

• Vitamin C Radiance Serum

• Bakuchiol Oil Serum

• Peptide Serum

• Mineral SPF30

📌 Related Posts:

• Ingredient Combos: What Works (and What to Avoid)

• How to Build a Skincare Routine Without Overthinking It

• 🔜 Post 11: Reddit’s Favorite Budget Skincare vs Clean Luxury: What’s Worth It?