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Retinol: Before or After Moisturiser?

28 May 2025 Reviewed by Dr Tania Romano,
PhD - Head of Medical & Education SkinCeuticals

Article Overview

Retinol is renowned for its anti-ageing and anti-breakout abilities. But its potency can sometimes cause dryness, and works best when added to a proper skincare routine, either applied before moisturiser, or sandwiched between two layers of moisturiser. In this article we’ll break down the correct layering, and proper application of retinol and moisturiser to maximise skin benefits.

The benefits of retinol

Retinol is a skincare ingredient used primarily as an anti-ageing product, or to help with breakout-prone skin. Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover and promoting collagen production, helping to reveal fresher, smoother, younger-looking skin. Retinol's benefits include helping reduce breakouts, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and uneven skin tone.

The role of moisturiser

Moisturiser is an essential skincare product that supports the protective moisture barrier by nourishing and hydrating the skin. Moisturisers usually contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, but can provide a number of other skin benefits, depending on the formula.

Which do you apply first? Retinol or moisturiser?

Retinol is typically applied before a moisturiser. Sometimes, you might apply a moisturiser, then retinol, then another layer of moisturiser, but what’s most important is that retinol serum is always followed by moisturiser.

Why apply retinol first?

Applying retinol serums or creams to clean, dry skin allows the skin to better absorb the product. Moisturiser is also important after retinol because it helps mitigate its skin-drying effects.

The "retinol sandwich" method

The “sandwich” method is a good approach to using retinol if you have sensitive or especially dry skin. Sandwiching retinol between two layers of moisturiser can help to buffer the skin and minimise skin irritation. Start with a thin layer of moisturiser (or alternatively a hydrating serum), followed by a retinol serum, and then add another layer of moisturiser.

When to use retinol

Retinol is best used at night to support the skin's natural overnight renewal cycle. Nightly application also minimises irritation, as topical retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Do you have to moisturise after retinol?

Yes, moisturising is essential to every skincare routine, and absolutely necessary for locking in hydration after using retinol. Moisturiser acts as a buffer, reducing dryness and redness often associated with retinol. Retinol can also temporarily compromise the skin moisture barrier, and moisturiser helps to restore it.

Common retinol mistakes to avoid

Overusing retinol

Retinol is a strong ingredient, and overuse can have an adverse effect on your skin. For first time retinol users, always introduce the product gradually, starting with 1-2 times a week, increasingg frequency as the skin adjusts.

Starting too high a concentration

As with using it too frequently, too high a concentration can cause skin irritation and can compromise the moisture barrier, so always start low, then increase retinol concentration. You may find, if you have sensitive skin, that the lowest concentration is the best option for long-term use.

Applying retinol to damp skin

Damp skin absorbs products more effectively, which, in some cases, may be beneficial, but with retinol it actually increases the risk of irritation. Always apply retinol serum or cream to dry skin, or sandwiched between two layers of moisturiser.

Combining retinol with other strong ingredients

Avoid using retinol with other strong skincare ingredients, including BHA/AHAs glycolic acid, salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C. If you want to use these ingredients with retinol, alternate between them, either morning and night, or alternating every other day.

Skipping sunscreen

Retinol increases sun sensitivity, making sun protection even more important to your skincare routine. Always use a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen every day to protect against harmful UV rays.

Choosing the right moisturiser to use with retinol

Look for moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. These ingredients hydrate, strengthen the skin moisture barrier, and comfort the skin.

SkinCeuticals moisturisers to pair with retinol

For Skin Elasticity: A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

This anti-wrinkle cream helps correct loss of skin firmness caused by glycation. Combine with retinol for multi-corrective skin benefits.

For discolouration: Metacell Renewal B3

Metacell Renewal is a daily skin firming cream formulated with niacinamide to provide intense hydration and strengthen the skin moisture barrier, an ideal pairing for retinol.

To replenish oily skin: Triple Lipid Restore 242

The Triple Lipid Restore moisturiser helps strengthen the moisture barrier that can be compromised when using retinol. A lightweight anti-ageing cream suitable for all skin types, including oily and combination.

For dry or sensitive skin: Emollience Rich Hydrating Moisturiser

For dry and dehydrated skin, follow retinol with the Emollience Rich Hydrating Moisturiser. This lightweight moisturiser blends algae extracts and plant oils to nourish and rehydrate skin.

For skin refining: Renew Overnight Dry Hydrating Moisturiser

To refine and restore skin radiance, the Renew Overnight Dry Moisturiser is an ideal night-time moisturiser to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lies, wrinkles and other signs of premature ageing.