Skincare Routine Order: How to Apply Your Care

Cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, cream, sunscreen: the more products you use, the more important the order of your skincare routine becomes. Applied in the wrong order, actives cannot reach the skin properly or cancel each other out. In this guide, you will find out in which order to apply your products in the morning and evening, and why.

The basic rule: from thin to thick

The simplest rule for the right order: apply the thinnest textures first, the richest last. Watery products such as toners and serums penetrate quickly and deliver actives in high concentration. Richer creams then seal in moisture and actives.

The MBR care system follows exactly this logic in three steps:

OPEN: cleansing, toner and peel prepare the skin and make it receptive to actives.
TREAT: serums, concentrates and masks deliver the actives in high concentration.
CLOSE: eye cream, face cream and, in the morning, sunscreen seal everything in and protect the skin.

You can find out more about our care system on our page the MBR system.

Your morning routine: the right order

Cleanse: remove sweat and sebum from the night, for example with the Enzyme Cleansing Booster.
Toner: the Hydrating & Lifting Toner prepares the skin for the following steps.
Serum: a serum such as the Liquid Surgery Serum delivers actives in high concentration.
Eye cream: pat in gently with your ring finger.
Day cream: the Face Cream Smooth 100 seals in moisture and actives.
Sun protection: always the last care step in the morning.

Your evening routine: the right order

Cleanse: remove makeup, sunscreen and environmental particles thoroughly.
Peel (1 to 3 times a week): a gentle peel removes dead skin cells. More in our collection enzyme peel.
Toner: prepares the skin for the actives.
Serum or concentrate: in the evening, the skin is particularly receptive during its regeneration phase.
Mask (as needed): a mask provides an extra boost of actives.
Eye cream: cares for the delicate eye area.
Night or face cream: seals in all actives for the night.

Sunscreen or day cream first?

First the day cream, then the sunscreen. Sunscreen is always the last step of your skincare routine in the morning, because it must form an even protective film on the surface of the skin. If you apply it first and a cream on top, the protective film can be disrupted. Let your day cream absorb for a moment before applying sun protection. If you wear makeup, apply it after your sunscreen. You will find suitable products in our collection face sunscreen.

Serum or cream first?

Always serum first, then cream. Serums have a lighter texture and contain actives in higher concentration. If you apply the cream first, it forms a film that makes it harder for the serum to penetrate. You will find our serums in our collections anti-aging serum and peptide serum.

Eye cream before or after the face cream?

Apply your eye cream after your serum and before your face cream. This way, the eye cream reaches the delicate skin around the eyes directly, and the richer face cream does not migrate into the eye area. You will find suitable eye care in our collection anti-wrinkle eye cream.

Tips for an effective routine

Allow a short moment between steps: let each product absorb for about a minute before applying the next one.
Less is more: a well-coordinated routine with a few products works better than many products at once. Too many actives can overstrain the skin barrier. You can find out more in our guide strengthen the skin barrier.
Peel in the evening: fruit acids make the skin more sensitive to light, so they belong in your evening routine.
Do not forget your neck: apply serum and cream to your neck and décolleté too.

Common mistakes in the skincare routine

Applying cream before serum: the serum can no longer penetrate properly.
Sunscreen not as the last step: the protective film is disrupted.
Exfoliating too often: stresses the skin barrier.
Skipping cleansing in the evening: makeup and sunscreen residues prevent the skin from regenerating.

Frequently asked questions about skincare routine order

What is the right order for facial care?
Cleanse, toner, serum, eye cream, cream and, in the morning, sun protection. The rule of thumb is: from thin to thick.
Sunscreen or day cream first?
First the day cream, then the sunscreen. Sun protection is always the last care step in the morning.
Do I need a different routine in the morning and evening?
Yes. In the morning, the focus is on protection with antioxidants and sun protection. In the evening, it is on cleansing and regeneration, ideal for peels, masks and intensive serums.
How many products does a good routine need?
A cleanser, a serum and a cream are a good basis. In the morning, add sun protection. Eye cream, toner and masks complement the routine as needed.
Does the order also apply to men?
Yes, the same principle applies. Men will find a routine tailored to men’s skin in our collection men’s facial care.

Not sure which products your skin needs? Our free skin analysis recommends a routine tailored to your skin in just a few minutes. You can find out which cream suits you in our guide best anti-aging cream.