TikTok Is Obsessed With ‘Moisture Sandwiching’, But What Is It?

TikTok's latest skincare obsession is 'moisture sandwiching', but what does it involve? And does it actually work? Its origins story is this: once upon a time there was a TikTok user with dry skin. They turned to a rich moisturiser, but it didn't do the job. Next, they tried 'moisture sandwiching' and a viral skincare trend was born.

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What is a 'moisture sandwich'?

The clue is in the name. The term 'moisture sandwich' refers to strategically ordered layers of moisture and moisturising skincare products. TikTok users advocate starting with your lightest textured products - a fine, hydrating face mist, for example - and trapping that under a heavier product, like your go-to face serum or a moisturiser.

Watch: How To Sandwich Your Skincare

Does 'moisture sandwiching' actually work?

If hydration is your M.O. then TikTok's 'moisture sandwiching' method may well be worth a try. The science stacks up. Using products with smaller molecules first - these tend to be the lightest textured skincare products - promotes deeper penetration, and piling on a thicker product on top helps to lock that lighter formula in.

'Moisture sandwiching' works particularly well when using a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws water and holds onto it. Each molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture. That said, there needs to be moisture available for it to cling onto. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin, or skin freshly spritzed with a hydrating face mist, stands to make your hyaluronic acid serum more effective.

Shop: Everything you need to create a 'moisture sandwich'

Main image credit: TikTok @josiemaran, @charlotteparler, @hannabunnyb

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