Moisturizer or Serum First? The Right Order for Radiant, Healthy Skin

When it comes to layering skincare, one question always comes up: should you apply moisturizer or serum first? Getting this order right can make a big difference in how effectively your products work—and how your skin looks and feels afterward.

In this guide, we’ll clarify the difference between moisturizers and serums, explain why order matters, and show you exactly how to build your routine using Dubois Beauty’s clean, high-performance formulas for maximum results.

Understanding the Difference: Serum vs. Moisturizer

Before deciding which comes first, it’s important to understand what each product does.

What a Serum Does

A serum is a lightweight, concentrated formula designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. Serums often target specific concerns—like hydration, dullness, or fine lines—with smaller molecules that penetrate beyond the surface.

For example, the Dew Drops Hydrating Serum from Dubois Beauty combines hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and hibiscus fruit extract to deeply hydrate, plump, and brighten the skin. Its gel-like texture absorbs quickly, preparing your skin for the next steps in your routine.

Other serums, such as the Defend Antioxidant Serum, focus on protection and repair. Packed with Kakadu Plum (one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C), this serum shields your skin from environmental stressors while improving tone and radiance.

What a Moisturizer Does

A moisturizer locks in hydration and creates a barrier to prevent water loss. While serums treat and repair, moisturizers seal and protect. They contain emollients and occlusives that smooth the surface of the skin and help maintain a soft, supple texture.

The Clarity Hydrogel Moisturizer from Dubois Beauty is a perfect example—it balances lightweight hydration with soothing botanicals, making it ideal for layering after a serum.

So, Which Comes First: Moisturizer or Serum?

The golden rule of skincare layering is “thinnest to thickest.” Products with the lightest consistency should go on first to ensure proper absorption.

That means:
👉 Serum first, moisturizer second.

When you apply a moisturizer before your serum, you create a barrier that can prevent active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Applying the serum first allows those ingredients to sink in fully, and then your moisturizer can lock them in place.

How to Layer Serum and Moisturizer Correctly

Here’s the ideal application sequence for glowing, healthy skin:

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

Start with a nourishing cleanser to remove impurities without stripping moisture. Try Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil, which melts away makeup and sunscreen while infusing the skin with omega-rich marula and chia seed oils.

If you prefer an exfoliating option, the AHA Cleansing Milk gently smooths and refines with lactic acid and lupine protein—perfect for dull or dry skin.

Step 2: Balance with Toner

After cleansing, use Clarity AHA Toner to gently refine your skin’s texture and prepare it to better absorb the next steps in your routine. Formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide, this clarifying toner helps smooth and brighten the complexion while balancing the skin’s natural pH—an essential bridge between cleansing and treatment.

Step 3: Apply Your Serum

While your skin is still slightly damp, apply 1–2 pumps of your chosen serum.

• Use Dew Drops Hydrating Serum in the morning for a burst of hydration and a plump, dewy glow.
  
  

• At night, opt for Defend Antioxidant Serum to protect against oxidative stress, or Vital A Serum (with 1% retinol and bakuchiol) to smooth fine lines and enhance renewal while you sleep.
  
  

Pat gently into the skin and let the serum absorb fully before moving on.

Step 4: Lock It In with Moisturizer

Once your serum has absorbed, follow up with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.

• For oily or combination skin, Clarity Hydrogel Moisturizer offers weightless hydration with balancing botanicals.
  

  

• For drier skin types, reach for the Protective Day Cream in the morning and Restorative Night Cream before bed to nourish, protect, and replenish.
  
  

Step 5: Don’t Forget SPF (Daytime Only)

After your moisturizer, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage and maintain the benefits of your routine.

Can You Mix Serum and Moisturizer?

Yes—but it depends on your skin’s needs. You can layer multiple serums (as long as they’re compatible) before moisturizing, or even mix a drop of serum into your moisturizer for a lighter effect.

For example, blending a bit of Dew Drops Hydrating Serum into your Protective Day Cream creates a customized hydration boost for dry or travel-stressed skin.

How to Choose the Right Serum and Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

For Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Focus on hydration and nourishment. Pair Dew Drops Hydrating Serum with the Restorative Night Cream for deep moisture and barrier repair.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Use the Defend Antioxidant Serum to balance and protect, followed by Clarity Hydrogel Moisturizer for lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores.

For Mature or Dull Skin

Incorporate Vital A Serum at night for gentle retinol renewal, and Protective Day Cream during the day to keep your skin smooth, supple, and radiant.

Expert Tip: Let Each Layer Absorb

A common mistake is applying moisturizer immediately after serum without giving it time to absorb. Wait about 30–60 seconds between layers. This ensures that your serum’s active ingredients fully penetrate before sealing everything in with your moisturizer.

Building a Consistent Routine

Consistency is the secret to visible results. Stick to a simple yet effective routine:

1. Cleanse (morning and night)
   

2. Serum (targeted to your concern)
   

3. Moisturizer
   

4. SPF (daytime)
   

In the evening, switch to treatment serums like Vital A Serum or restorative creams for overnight repair.

The Bottom Line: Serum First, Moisturizer Second

Applying serum before moisturizer allows active ingredients to penetrate deeply and work effectively, while your moisturizer seals in hydration and reinforces your skin barrier.

With Dubois Beauty’s clean, performance-driven formulas, you can elevate this everyday ritual into a luxurious, results-focused experience—no confusion required.

Ready to Upgrade Your Routine?

Elevate your daily ritual with the essentials your skin craves—start with Dew Drops Hydrating Serum for lasting moisture, layer on Clarity Hydrogel Moisturizer to lock it in, and finish your evenings with Vital A Serum for overnight renewal. Discover how these clean, high-performance formulas transform your skin’s texture and radiance. Visit Dubois Beauty today to experience skincare that feels as luxurious as it is effective.