Serum vs Oil vs Cream — What Each Does & The Exact Order

Have you ever wondered whether to apply serum or oil first? You’re not alone, it’s one of the most common skincare questions.

With so many product types and textures, layering can feel confusing. Yet the right order can make all the difference to your skin’s balance, glow, and long-term health.

At Nunaïa, we believe skincare isn’t just about what you apply, but how it connects you to your skin. Each step in your ritual should restore - hydration from a serum, barrier support from a moisturiser, and nourishment and protection from an oil.

In this guide, we’ll explore how each step works, how they fit together, and how our Nourishing Radiance Serum simplifies the process as both a serum and an oil, creating balance in one beautiful step.

The role of each product in your routine:

Every layer in your ritual has a purpose, from drawing in hydration to sealing it in. Understanding this helps you choose what your skin truly needs. If you’re using a water based serum, follow with a moisturiser like our Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream to lock in hydration.

If you’re using our Nourishing Radiance Serum, it beautifully bridges both worlds, hydrating like a serum and sealing like an oil, so it goes before your moisturiser to feed, balance and glow.

Serum - the hydrator and active carrier

Serums are your skin’s first drink of hydration. Lightweight and packed with actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, they target concerns such as dullness, fine lines, and dehydration.

Water-based serums work best on clean, slightly damp skin, allowing active ingredients to absorb deeply before any heavier layers.

If you use a traditional water-based serum, apply it first, then follow with our Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream to strengthen and protect your barrier. If you use our Nourishing Radiance Serum, it replaces both your water-based serum and oil step, providing nutrient-dense hydration and nourishment in one. Powered by botanicals from the Peruvian Rainforest and Andes Mountains, it supports the skin barrier, reduces redness, and restores glow.

Moisturiser - The barrier builder

Moisturisers are your skin’s comfort blanket, rich in emollients and humectants that lock in water and keep your barrier strong. They help prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and keep your complexion supple, especially if you experience dryness or sensitivity. 

Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and squalane that mimic your skin’s natural lipids. 

Our Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream was formulated to restore this balance. It cocoons the skin in soft hydration, pairing beautifully with the Nourishing Radiance Serum for a complete ritual that feels as luxurious as it is effective.

Face oil - The sealer and softener

A facial oil is the final layer in your skincare ritual. It seals in moisture, softens texture, and delivers essential fatty acids that support elasticity and glow. Apply 2–3 drops as the last step in your night ritual or add a drop to your moisturiser for an extra dose of radiance.

If your skin feels particularly dry or you live in a colder climate, this final layer helps strengthen your skin barrier and protect it from environmental stressors.

Tip: When using our Nourishing Radiance Serum, you don’t need a separate oil, it already delivers this nourishment while remaining lightweight and easily absorbed.

When to add Each - timing & frequency

The golden rule: apply products from thinnest to thickest - watery → creamy → oily.

Serum: Use daily, morning and night. Choose hydrating actives by day and repairing formulas by night.

Moisturiser: Always follow your serum. It strengthens the skin barrier and locks in hydration.

Oil: Optional, ideal for PM rituals or under makeup for a dewy finish.

Remember: our Nourishing Radiance Serum takes the place of both serum and oil, simply follow with the Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream.

SERUM VS OIL VS CREAM FAQ'S 

1. What goes first, serum or oil?

Water-based serums go first, and our Nourishing Radiance Serum goes last if layered with a water-based serum. It’s oil-based, so it seals hydration beautifully.

2. Can I mix serum and oil together?

You can, but layering separately allows each to absorb better and perform its unique role.

3. Do I still need moisturiser if I use oil?

Yes, moisturiser locks in hydration, and oil prevents water loss. Both serve different purposes.

4. Should I use serum in the morning?

Absolutely. Our Nourishing Radiance Serum doubles as a primer, it smooths and preps your skin so makeup glides on effortlessly.

5. What if my skin feels greasy?

You’re likely using too much. Start with 2–3 drops, that’s enough for glowing, balanced skin.

Reconnect with your skin through mindful, sensory skincare. Build your perfect balance of hydration and nourishment with Nunaïa’s clinically tested, wellness-rooted skincare.

Discover your ritual:

Nourishing Radiance Serum - OIL SERUM HYBRID FOR BALANCED GLOW

Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream - STRENGTHENS AND SOFTENS