How To Layer The Ordinary

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The Ordinary recommends layering the products from the thinnest/clearest to the thickest/opaque in the
following order;

1. Water-Based
2. Anhydrous
3. Oils
4. Emulsions *
5. Suspensions * see * below for exclusions

*Updated May 2023. Products links take you through to Deciem and are affiliate links

Water-Based Products Anhydrous Oil Emulsion Suspensions

AHA 30% + BHA 2% * Ascorbyl “B” Oil Natural Moisturizing Azelaic Acid
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Tetraisopalmitate 20% Borage Seed Oil Factors Vitamin C
Alpha Arbutin in Vit F Chia Seed Oil Natural Moisturizing Suspension 23%
Amino Acids Ascorbic Acid 8% + Moroccan Argan Oil Factors + Vitamin C
Ascorbyl Glucoside Alpha Arbutin 2% Marula Oil PhytoCeramides Suspension 30%
Argireline EUK 134 0.1% RoseHip Seed Oil Natural Moisturizing
Buffet Pycnogenol Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Factors + Beta Glucan
Buffet + Copper Resveratrol 3% + Oil (GEL) There are some exceptions
to the rule marked * AHA
Caffeine Solution Ferulic Acid 3% Plant-Derived Granactive Retinoid 2%* 30% is a 10-minute masque.
Glycolic Acid * Ethylated Ascorbic Squalane Oil Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 Glycolic Acid after cleansing
and before any serums.
Hyaluronic Acid Acid 15% Hemi-Squalane Oil & 30 * Granactive Retinoid 2% after
Lactic Acid 5% Retinoid 2% in water/before oil. Sun Cream
Lactic Acid 10% Squalane is the last step before
makeup. Primers after
Mandelic Acid Retinoid 5% in skincare/before makeup.
Marine Hyaluronics Squalane
Matrixyl (peptide) Retinol in Squalane
Multi-Peptide Serum + 0.2% | 0.5% | 1%
HA Salicylic Acid 2%
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum Anhydrous Solution
Niacinamide High Spreadability
Salicylic Acid 2% Primer *

FAQS about layering

How much product do I use? 2/3 drops of serum or a pea-size of cream should be enough. If you feel you need more, use more.

How long do I wait before applying the next product? There´s no set time. Just make sure each product is fully absorbed before applying the next
product.

If I use 3 water-based products, which one goes first? Use the one which targets the skin concerns you most wish to tackle.

Patch Testing: It's important to patch-test all products before using them. Always read the label and check the conflicts.

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