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Product layering guide

Clinical Formulation Guide

The Art of
Formulation Layering

To achieve maximum efficacy from your KENTELLE formulations, products must be applied in harmony with their molecular weight, texture, and emulsion type. Layering incorrectly can create a barrier that prevents active ingredients from penetrating the skin.

The Golden Rule

Always layer from thinnest to thickest — water-based before oil-based.

Texture layering

Section 01

The 5 Rules of Texture Layering

Each texture type has a specific place in the layering sequence. Follow this order to ensure every active reaches its intended depth in the skin.

  1. 01

    Water-Based Fluids & Serums

    Thinnest — Apply First

    Texture: Aqueous, completely liquid, or lightweight gels.

    The Science: These formulas contain low-molecular-weight actives (like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, or Peptides) designed to penetrate deeply and rapidly into the skin matrix.

    Application Order: FIRST. Always apply these directly to clean, toned skin so nothing blocks their absorption.

  2. 02

    Gels & Light Lotions

    Second Layer

    Texture: Water-rich, oil-free, or very low-oil semi-solids that melt into the skin.

    The Science: Designed to deliver intense hydration and targeted actives without adding heavy lipids.

    Application Order: SECOND. These slip perfectly over fluids and provide a smooth, hydrating base.

  3. 03

    Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsions

    Most Creams & Day Moisturisers

    Texture: Classic, creamy textures that feel hydrating but absorb cleanly without a greasy residue.

    The Science: Microscopic oil droplets are suspended inside a water base. The water evaporates or absorbs first, delivering hydration, while the light oils remain on the surface to lock it in.

    Application Order: THIRD. These act as your daily hydrators, locking in your underlying fluids and gels.

  4. 04

    Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsions

    Rich Night Creams & Eye Creams

    Texture: Dense, rich, and deeply emollient.

    The Science: Tiny water droplets are trapped inside a rich oil base. This creates a powerful, slow-releasing protective barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

    Application Order: FOURTH. Because the outer layer is oil, water-based products cannot penetrate through it. This must go near the end of your routine to seal everything in.

  5. 05

    Pure Oils & Occlusives

    Thickest — Apply Last

    Texture: Liquid lipids or anhydrous (waterless) balms.

    The Science: These do not hydrate the skin; instead, they act as an impenetrable atmospheric shield to trap all previous layers of moisture underneath.

    Application Order: LAST. Oil repels water. If you apply a pure oil first, any serum you put on top will simply slide off.

Routine reference

Section 02

Routine Reference Guide

Your complete application sequence at a glance

StepProduct TypeEmulsion / TextureCore Purpose
1Cleanse & ToneAqueous / LiquidPrep and balance skin pH
2Targeted Ampoules & FluidsWater-Based FluidDeep active ingredient delivery
3Hydrating Gels / Light SerumsWater-GelSurface plumping and hydration
4Day Moisturisers / LotionsOil-in-Water (O/W) CreamNutrient delivery & light protection
5Rich Treatment CreamsWater-in-Oil (W/O) CreamDeep overnight barrier repair
6Face Oils (If using)Anhydrous LipidFinal moisture lock

Clinical Tip: The 60-Second Rule

Allow each layer to absorb for roughly 30–60 seconds before applying the next texture. This allows the emulsion to settle perfectly into the skin barrier, prevents your formulas from pilling on the surface, and maximises active ingredient delivery.

Why layering order matters

Section 03

Why Order Matters

The skin is a selective barrier. Molecule size and emulsion type determine how far an ingredient travels through the epidermis. Apply a heavy oil-based product first and you create a lipid barrier that physically blocks everything you apply after it.

Applying in the correct sequence — thinnest to thickest — ensures your actives reach the layers of skin where they are most effective, rather than sitting on the surface.

Section 04

Quick Layering Reference

  1. 1

    Water-Based Serums & Fluids

    Thinnest — apply first

  2. 2

    Hydrating Gels & Light Serums

    Water-gel textures

  3. 3

    Day Moisturisers (O/W Creams)

    Oil-in-water emulsions

  4. 4

    Night Creams & Eye Creams (W/O)

    Water-in-oil emulsions

  5. 5

    Face Oils & Occlusives

    Thickest — apply last

KENTELLE skincare

Layer With Intention

The right product applied in the wrong order is a wasted product. Follow the science, and let every layer work for you.

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