A Guide to Layering Active Ingredients

# A Guide to Layering Active Ingredients Understanding how to layer your skincare actives is one of the most impactful skills you can develop for your skin. Done correctly, layering amplifies each ingredient's efficacy. Done incorrectly, it can cause irritation or render your products ineffective. ## The Golden Rule: pH Matters Most actives (AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C) work best at a low pH. When you apply a high-pH product on top, it raises the pH of the lower layer and neutralises it. Always apply your lowest-pH products first. ## The Layering Order 1. Cleanser 2. Toner (if applicable) 3. Actives (vitamin C in the morning; AHAs/BHAs in the evening) 4. Serums (thinnest to thickest consistency) 5. Moisturiser 6. SPF (morning only) ## Combinations to Avoid - **Retinol + AHAs/BHAs**: Too much exfoliation, causes irritation - **Vitamin C + Niacinamide**: Can cause flushing in high concentrations - **Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol**: Oxidises and deactivates the retinol ## Our Recommended Pairing Our Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil pairs beautifully with the Deep Sea Hyaluronic Essence applied directly underneath for a plump, luminous finish.