A Guide to Layering Skincare (and Adding M4 into Your Routine)

The Right Order Is Key

To get the most out of each skincare product you use, it’s important to apply them correctly—and in the correct order. Alina Gonzalez from Alloy’s Research & Development team speaks from experience. “After three decades in product development, I’ve learned: the best skincare routines aren’t just about what you use—but when and how you layer them. The skin thrives when active ingredients (like estriol) are layered with purpose.”

So let’s talk about order and compatibility of products. In general, this is the sequence that experts recommend: 

• Cleanser

• Toner or Essence

• Treatments

• Eye Cream

• Serum

• Moisturizer

• Retinoids, if using (for nighttime) 

• Sunscreen with SPF (for daytime)

The Powerful M4 Combination

If you’re incorporating one or several of our M4 estriol products into your skincare routine, you want to layer in a way that maximizes their effectiveness. But also, a benefit of the M4 line is that there’s room for flexibility and personalization—depending on your skin type, your needs, and the products you choose. According to Gonzalez, “Alloy’s formulas are designed with absorption and synergy in mind—and layering is what activates that intention on the skin.”

Some people may want to just use the M4 Eye Cream Rx, some may just want the M4 Face Cream Rx or the M4 Face Serum Rx—there’s no one right way. From recent clinical studies however, we’ve seen that results are heightened when 2-3 are used together. Overall, the face cream may be best for those who want a more nourishing, creamy texture and the serum for a smoother, lighter texture. 

Here’s how to  add all three M4 products into your routine: 

Step 1: Gently cleanse your face.

Step 2: Apply toner. 

Step 3: Apply ½ pump per eye of M4 Eye Cream Rx to the entire eye area. 

Step 4: Apply 1 pump of M4 Face Serum Rx to face and neck, avoiding eye area.

Step 5: Apply 1 pump of M4 Face Cream Rx to face and neck. 

Morning: Follow with a moisturizer and SPF.

Nighttime: Follow with a night cream and a retinoid, like our Tretinoin Face Cream Rx. (It works by speeding up cell turnover, giving skin a more youthful look and feel.)

Ready to explore all our clinically proven, visibly effective skincare offerings now? See more here.