Build a routine that works together.
Choose your skin type and up to three goals, and this tool assembles a morning and evening routine from 18 generic product steps in the right order. It checks live for retinoid, acid and benzoyl peroxide conflicts as you edit, then lays out a 7 day schedule for rotating actives safely.
Build a routine your skin can keep up with.
Choose your skin type and up to three goals. The builder assembles a morning and evening list from 18 generic product steps, checks the order and flags known conflicts as you edit, then lays out a 7 day schedule for rotating actives.
What is your skin type?
Sensitivity
Fewer active steps and no daily acids, with extra rest nights in the schedule.
Pick up to three goals.
0 of 3 selected. Choose at least one.
Morning and evening, in order.
Edit any step below, the checks and schedule update as you go.
Morning
No steps yet. Add one below.
Evening
No steps yet. Add one below.
Weekly schedule for actives
How it works.
- Choose your skin type and whether it runs sensitive.
- Pick up to three goals and let the builder assemble a morning and evening list.
- Edit the steps, read the live checks, then follow the weekly schedule for actives.
Why order matters
Skincare works best applied thin to thick: a cleanser first, then water based serums, then creams, then oils, with sunscreen as the final morning step. Apply a rich cream before a serum and the serum cannot reach the skin underneath. This builder starts from 4 skin types, up to 3 goals you choose, and 18 generic step types, from a gentle cleanser to SPF 50, sorts a fresh routine into that order, then checks any order you set yourself.
Why some pairs do not mix
A retinoid degrades in sunlight and raises sun sensitivity, so it belongs at night, never in a morning list. An AHA or BHA exfoliant and a retinoid both speed up cell turnover, and using both the same evening often means redness or peeling within a day, so the builder flags that pairing and points to the weekly schedule instead of blocking it outright. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate some retinoids when layered together, so the two are best kept to different times of day. More than one exfoliating acid on the same day raises the same risk, so the builder allows one at a time unless you choose to alternate nights.
What this tool is not
The 7 day schedule spaces retinoid and acid nights apart, with rest nights between them, and adds extra rest nights automatically once the sensitivity toggle is on. Even so, this is a starting plan, not a prescription. Introduce one new active at a time, 2 to 3 nights a week, and wait about 2 weeks before adding the next, so a reaction is easy to trace back to its cause. Always patch test a new product on a small area first. This tool does not diagnose anything: persistent acne, rosacea or a reaction that will not settle needs a dermatologist, not a routine builder. Read more in the anti aging ingredients guide, the clear skin guide and the acne treatment guide.
Frequently asked.
Why does a retinoid have to go in the evening?
Retinoids break down in sunlight and can raise sun sensitivity, so applying at night protects the ingredient and your skin. If you ever use one during the day by mistake, wear SPF 30 or higher without fail.
Can I use an AHA or BHA exfoliant and a retinoid on the same night?
Stacking them raises the chance of redness and peeling, since both speed up cell turnover. Alternate nights instead, for example acid on Monday and Wednesday, retinoid on Friday, with rest nights between.
Why can't I combine benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid?
Benzoyl peroxide can oxidise and deactivate some retinoids when layered together. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and the retinoid at night, or put them on separate nights.
How fast should I add new active ingredients?
Introduce one new active at a time, 2 to 3 nights a week, and wait about 2 weeks before adding the next. That way, if your skin reacts, you know which product caused it.
Is the weekly schedule the same for everyone?
No. It adapts to which actives sit in your evening list and to the sensitivity toggle, sensitive skin gets extra rest nights between actives and fewer active nights overall.
Does this replace a dermatologist?
No. It sorts generic steps into a sensible order and flags known conflicts. Persistent acne, prescription retinoids and any skin condition need an in person assessment.
Guides behind this tool
Skin and Cosmetics
Anti-aging: five ingredients with evidence
Skin and Cosmetics
Clear skin: five points that count
Skin and Cosmetics
Acne: four causes, one planMore tools
This tool arranges generic skincare steps and flags common ingredient conflicts. It does not diagnose skin conditions or replace advice from a dermatologist, and prescription retinoids or persistent acne need a doctor's input. This page is for general information and does not replace medical or professional cosmetic advice.