How to Layer Vitamin C Serum with Moisturizer & Sunscreen – Day Routine Guide

Confused about when to apply Vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen? Learn how to layer them correctly in your morning routine for glowing, protected skin.

7/15/20252 min read

How to Layer Vitamin C Serum with Moisturizer & Sunscreen – Day Routine Guide

Adding Vitamin C serum to your morning routine can do wonders for your skin — think glow, protection, and fewer dark spots. But to get the full benefits (and avoid irritation), you need to layer it correctly with your moisturizer and sunscreen.

In this blog post, we’ll show you the right way to layer Vitamin C serum in your day skincare routine, especially if you're using products like the CLARIV 10% Vitamin C Serum.

Why Is Layering Important?

Layering skincare in the right order ensures each product absorbs properly and works effectively. If you apply a heavy cream before a serum, for example, the serum might not penetrate your skin at all.

With Vitamin C, proper layering:

  • Maximizes brightening and antioxidant protection

  • Prevents irritation

  • Boosts hydration and glow

  • Helps your sunscreen work better

Step-by-Step Daytime Skincare Routine with Vitamin C

✅ Step 1: Cleanser

Start with a gentle face wash to remove dirt, oil, or leftover night products.

Tip: Don’t use harsh exfoliators or foaming cleansers just before Vitamin C, especially if you have sensitive skin.

✅ Step 2: Apply Vitamin C Serum

Use a pea-sized amount (2–3 drops) of your Vitamin C serum (like CLARIV 10% Vitamin C Serum) on dry skin.

  • Gently pat it into your face and neck

  • Let it absorb for 1–2 minutes

  • Avoid rubbing or using too much

CLARIV’s serum also contains Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, which makes this step both brightening and hydrating.

✅ Step 3: Moisturizer

Once your serum is absorbed, apply a lightweight moisturizer to lock in hydration and soothe your skin.

  • This prevents dryness and strengthens the skin barrier

  • Especially important if you have dry or sensitive skin

Look for moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and free from strong fragrances.

✅ Step 4: Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

This is the most important step! Vitamin C works best when paired with broad-spectrum sunscreen because:

  • It boosts sun protection

  • Prevents UV-triggered pigmentation

  • Shields your skin from free radicals and pollution

Apply 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen (yes, that much!) and reapply every 2–3 hours if you're outside.

Recap: Correct Layering Order

  1. Cleanser

  2. Vitamin C Serum (e.g. CLARIV 10%)

  3. Moisturizer

  4. Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Extra Tips for Beginners

  • Use Vitamin C serum once daily in the morning

  • Store it in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation

  • Avoid layering with strong actives like retinol or AHAs in the same routine

  • Do a patch test before full use if your skin is sensitive

Final Thoughts

Layering skincare doesn't have to be confusing. With the right routine and high-quality products like CLARIV 10% Vitamin C Serum, you can achieve glowing, even-toned, and protected skin in just a few steps.

Just remember: cleanse → Vitamin C → moisturize → sunscreen — and you’re set for the day!