The general rule of layering is to cleanse first, then apply serums, creams, and oils, in that order. You don't need to use all the products mentioned below – these are just general guidelines covering our entire skincare lineup.

These tips are specific to Maelove products. Other brands may have different recommendations based on the specifics of their products.

Cleansing

First step is always cleansing in order to remove any impurities that would lessen the effectiveness of our serums. At Maelove, we have two great cleansers to choose from. Do you have oily skin? Or live somewhere humid? Then I recommend our Refresher AHA Clarifying Cleanser with a triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids.

On the other hand, if your concern is dryness, then go with our Sheer Silk Ceramide Cleanser because it has a rich texture like a high-end cream. It cleanses your face and leaves your skin soft and supple.

If you usually double cleanse, you can use either of our cleansers after oil cleansing.

An additional step, which you could use 2-3 times a week, is our Exfoliator BHA + Clay Facial Scrub. This is a gentle clay-based physical exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, remove impurities, and gently buff away dead skin cells for that baby smooth skin.

Serums

After cleansing comes serums.

The general rule when it comes to applying serums is to apply from thinnest to thickest in texture. This way, each product that you apply will absorb into the skin and won’t cause pilling or flaking.

The first serum to apply is The Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum, because it has the lightest texture in our serum lineup.

The rest of the serums follow in this order, following the thinnest to thickest rule.

Maelove’s Super Smooth AHA + BHA Resurfacing Serum. This one can be used morning and night, but if used in the morning, be sure to also incorporate a good SPF into your morning routine.

Next is Nia 10 Niacinamide Serum. This one is fine to apply morning or night.

Next is Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum, featuring all 4 classes of wrinkle-fighting peptides. We've formulated it to work alongside our other products without issue – so yes, you can safely layer it with our vitamin C serum in the morning and with our retinoid serums at night.

Next is Fade Away Brightening Serum which is our hyperpigmentation-fighting specialist. This one is fine to apply morning or night.

Next is Moonlight Advanced Retinal Night Serum or Stargaze Enhanced Retinol Serum, our retinoid serums. Stargaze is recommended for beginners who have never used a retinol, and Moonlight is our award-winning high-strength retinaldehyde serum for those who have tried retinol already.  Stargaze and Moonlight serums are for your night-time routine only.

Finally, apply the Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid B5 Gel Serum. Since hyaluronic acid is a humectant that pulls in moisture, you want to apply this while your skin still feels slightly damp from other serums or just after cleansing. Then you will want to follow this product with a moisturizer to lock in that moisture.

Creams

After serums come creams or oils.

Our Plush Cream Lightweight Moisturizer is a lightweight moisturizer you can use in the morning and at night that is well suited to people with normal to oily skin.

If you prefer a thicker moisturizer or your skin is on the drier side, our Hydro Relief Peptides and Amino Acids Cream can also be used in the morning and at night.

Our Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream is an exfoliating and hydrating treatment for nighttime use. You don’t need to use an additional moisturizer on top of the Night Renewer cream.

Apply Sun Protector SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen in the morning as the last step of your morning skincare routine. A great sunscreen is an important step in your morning skincare routine.

An additional step, if you’d like to use an oil, is our Love 31 Botanical Facial Oil. At night, this would be your last step and it can provide extra hydration and nourishment, particularly if you have very dry skin or live in a very dry climate. If you want to use an oil in your morning routine too, use after moisturizer, but before your SPF.

Happy layering! And as always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like personalized recommendations.