If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking up how to use retinol, you’ve probably come across two completely different pieces of advice.
One person says to apply retinol first.
Another swears by applying moisturiser first.
Then someone else tells you to do both.
So who’s right?
The answer is… it depends on your skin.
The good news is that there isn’t one “perfect” method. Both approaches can work well, and choosing the right one depends on your experience with retinol and how your skin responds to it.
Let’s clear up the confusion.
Option 1: Retinol Before Moisturiser
For most people, this is the traditional way to use retinol.
After cleansing and allowing your skin to dry, apply your retinol product first, followed by your moisturiser.
This allows the retinol to come into direct contact with your skin before the moisturiser helps lock in hydration.
This method is ideal if:
You’ve already built up a tolerance to retinol.
Your skin isn’t particularly sensitive.
You want to maximise the benefits of your retinol routine.
For experienced users, this is often the simplest approach.
Option 2: Moisturiser Before Retinol
If you’re completely new to retinol or have sensitive skin, applying moisturiser first can be a great alternative.
A layer of moisturiser acts as a buffer, helping reduce the likelihood of irritation while still allowing the retinol to work.
This doesn’t mean the retinol becomes ineffective.
It simply helps make the introduction a little gentler.
Think of it as putting on oven gloves before handling something hot. You’re still getting the job done, just a little more comfortably.
What Is the Retinol Sandwich Method?
Despite the name, there’s no bread involved.
The “retinol sandwich” method has become increasingly popular because it’s both simple and effective.
The routine looks like this:
Apply a light layer of moisturiser.
Apply your retinol.
Finish with another thin layer of moisturiser.
This technique can help reduce dryness while still allowing your skin to benefit from retinol.
It’s particularly useful during the first few weeks of using Vitamin A.
Does Moisturiser Make Retinol Less Effective?
This is one of the biggest myths in skincare.
No.
Using moisturiser doesn’t “cancel out” retinol.
In fact, hydrated skin is often better able to tolerate retinol, meaning you’re more likely to use it consistently.
And consistency is where real results come from.
A routine you can stick to will always outperform a perfect routine that only lasts a week.
Choose a Moisturiser With Supportive Ingredients
Not all moisturisers are created equal.
When using retinol, it’s worth choosing one that contains ingredients that help support your skin barrier.
Look for ingredients such as:
Hyaluronic Acid, which helps attract and retain moisture.
Vitamin E, which helps nourish the skin while providing antioxidant support.
Ceramides, which help strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier.
These ingredients can make your retinol journey much more comfortable, especially during the adjustment period.
A Simpler Way to Use Retinol
If you’d rather not juggle multiple products every evening, a night cream that combines complementary ingredients can make life much easier.
Our ReNew³ Elixir Triple Active Formula combines 0.5% Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E in one overnight moisturiser.
Instead of layering separate retinol treatments and hydrating creams, ReNew³ Elixir delivers skin renewal, hydration and antioxidant support in a single step.
Whether you’re new to retinol or looking to simplify your evening routine, discover ReNew³ Elixir here and see how it can fit seamlessly into your nightly skincare ritual.
https://www.renoveskin.com/products/renew3-elixir-triple-active-formula-50ml
How to Get the Best Results
Whichever method you choose, these tips will help you get the most from retinol:
Start with one or two applications each week if you’re a beginner.
Only apply retinol to clean, dry skin.
Keep your skin hydrated.
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
Don’t expect overnight results.
The best skincare routines are usually the simplest ones, and they’re built on consistency rather than perfection.
Final Thoughts
So, should you moisturise before or after retinol?
The answer depends on your skin.
If your skin is already comfortable with retinol, applying moisturiser afterwards is a great option.
If you’re just starting out or have sensitive skin, applying moisturiser first, or using the sandwich method, can help reduce irritation without sacrificing results.
At the end of the day, the best routine is the one that keeps your skin healthy, comfortable and consistent.
Because great skin isn’t built in one night.
It’s built one routine at a time.
