Beauty Tips: Apply face serum or moisturizer first? Know the right way..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 20 Mar, 2025
Nowadays, both serums and moisturizers play an important role in the skincare routine. Usually, everyone wants their skin to look healthy, glowing, and young, but for this, it is very important to use the right skincare products in the right steps. Especially when it comes to serum and moisturizer, many people get confused about whether to apply face serum or moisturizer first.

Some people apply face serum at night and sleep. So some people use serum in their morning skincare routine. But if you are confused about whether to apply serum or moisturizer first, we will tell you what is the first step of skincare.
What is the difference between serum and moisturizer?
1. Face serum: Serum is light, quickly absorbed and rich in active ingredients. It works to hydrate, repair and nourish the skin by going deep into it. Serum contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol and antioxidants, which target skin problems.
2. Moisturizer: Moisturizer forms a protective layer on the upper surface of the skin, which keeps the skin hydrated. It protects against dryness, strengthens the skin barrier and helps lock in the nutrients of the serum.
Apply face serum or moisturizer first?
The right way: Always apply face serum first and then moisturize. Because serum is light and water-based, it gets easily absorbed deep into the skin. On the other hand, moisturizer is heavy and it forms a protective layer on the upper layer of the skin. If you apply moisturizer first, the serum will not be absorbed properly in the skin and its effect will be reduced.
The right way to apply serum and moisturizer
Step 1
Clean the face First of all, clean the face with face wash or cleanser so that no dust and oil remains on the face. You have to follow this step in skincare both at night and in the morning.
Step 2
Apply toner (if using) Applying toner helps maintain the pH balance of the skin and prepares the skin for the next steps. So, you can include this in your skincare routine.
Step 3
Apply face serum Take 2-3 drops of serum and apply it on the skin by gently patting it for about 30 seconds. Do not rub the serum, but let it absorb slowly into the skin.
Step 4
Apply moisturizer Once the serum is completely absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer. This will moisturize the skin and lock in the benefits of the serum.

Step 5
Sunscreen (essential in morning skincare) If you are doing morning skincare, then sunscreen is a very important step. Make sure to apply sunscreen after your moisturizer.
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