How should I layer Crème de la Mer with other skincare products?

Crème de la Mer is a rich, occlusive cream and belongs at the end of your routine — the final or near-final step — because its petrolatum-and-mineral-oil base creates a surface film that will impede absorption of anything applied on top of it.

A practical layering order: cleanser, then any water-based serums (vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid), then any treatment actives if you use them, then a lighter moisturiser if desired, and finally Crème de la Mer as the sealing step. The occlusive layer locks in everything underneath it and slows the rate at which water escapes from the skin surface overnight or through the day.

Note on actives compatibility: if you use retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, or prescription tretinoin), apply those before any heavy occlusive and allow them to absorb fully. A petrolatum-based cream applied over a retinoid can increase its skin penetration by increasing the local concentration — which may intensify irritation in people who are new to retinoids or using higher strengths. If you are building a retinoid routine and want to use Crème de la Mer, space them or apply the cream first to buffer sensitivity (known as the sandwich method).

Do not layer Crème de la Mer over chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs. Apply those on a separate night or allow them to fully neutralise before sealing with an occlusive — again, the same penetration-increase concern applies, and acids plus occlusion can irritate.

For daytime use: Crème de la Mer is rich enough that many people prefer it as a night cream only. If you do use it in the day, apply SPF over the top — no sunscreen should ever be applied under an occlusive layer, because the film disrupts the SPF's film-forming mechanism. Apply a separate, dedicated SPF as the final step after Crème de la Mer, or use it only at night and choose a lighter SPF moisturiser during the day.

Amount: a small, pea-to-almond-sized amount is sufficient for the full face. More product does not mean more barrier support — the occlusive effect is achieved with a thin, even film.