How to build your CLEARSTEM routineUpdated 2 days ago
Whether you're brand new to CLEARSTEM or adding products to an existing routine, this guide covers everything: the principles for layering, what goes AM vs PM, which products to choose for your concern, and full routine examples for every skin type and goal.
The golden rules of layering
Rule 1: Thinnest to thickest
Apply products from lightest to heaviest texture. Water-based serums go first; oils and barrier-heavy creams go last. Applying an oil before a serum creates a barrier that blocks absorption — the serum won't be able to penetrate.
| Apply first (lightest) | Apply last (heaviest) |
|---|---|
| Mists — SKINSPRAY ALL DAY, BRIGHTMEUP | Moisturizer — HYDRAGLOW™ |
| Water-based serums — VIBRANCE-C, CLEARITY®, CELLRENEW®, BOUNCEBACK™ | Overnight mask — HYDRABERRY™ |
| Eye gel — BRIGHTEYES | Facial oil — GOLDENHOUR |
| SPF — YOUARESUNSHINE® (always final AM step) |
Rule 2: Maximum 2 serums per routine
Don't layer more than two serums at a time. If you're using CLEARITY® (exfoliating serum), choose either CELLRENEW® or BOUNCEBACK™ alongside it — not both. If using VIBRANCE-C, apply before any other serums and allow for full absorption before stacking your next serum. Stacking more than two serums reduces the effectiveness of each and can irritate the skin.
Serum pairing guide CLEARITY® + CELLRENEW® — best for blemish-prone skin, post-blemish marks, active breakouts CLEARITY® + BOUNCEBACK™ — best for anti-aging focus with active exfoliation VIBRANCE-C + CELLRENEW® — best for brightening and renewal without exfoliation (AM-friendly) CELLRENEW® + BOUNCEBACK™ — best for renewal and firming without exfoliation |
Rule 3: Introduce one new product at a time
Wait at least two weeks before adding a second new product. This is the only way to know what's working — and what caused a reaction if one occurs.
Rule 4: CLEARITY® needs bare skin and time
Apply CLEARITY® (mandelic acid) to clean, bare skin and leave it alone for at least 10 minutes before layering anything else. This gives the acid time to work at the right pH before it's buffered by other products.
Rule 5: Don't double up on physical exfoliants
Don't use VITAMINSCRUB® and PREGAME on the same day — that's too much physical exfoliation. Alternate them across the week instead.
Rule 6: AM is for protection, PM is for repair
Morning: Protect and defend. SPF is non-negotiable — always the final step. Keep actives lighter.
Evening: Repair and renew. This is when actives like CLEARITY® do their deepest work. Heavier hydration is appropriate since you're not layering SPF over it.
Rule 7: Check everything for pore-cloggers
Other products in your routine — from other brands, hair products, and sunscreens — can be silently causing breakouts. Check all ingredients at clearstem.com/pages/pore-clogging-ingredients-list before layering with CLEARSTEM products.
AM vs PM: complete product guide
For serums, remember: choose a maximum of two per routine.
| Product | When to use | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| GENTLECLEAN | AM and/or PM | Cleanse morning if needed — water is fine if skin feels clean overnight. Always cleanse PM unless using VITAMINSCRUB®. Use GENTLECLEAN to remove makeup. |
| VITAMINSCRUB® | PM only — 2–4x per week | Replaces GENTLECLEAN on the nights you use it. Physical exfoliant; let the bamboo beads do the work, no pressure needed. Do not use on same night as PREGAME. |
| BRIGHTMEUP | AM and PM | After cleansing, before serums. Apply with a cotton pad or hands. Use as often as your skin tolerates — most people use morning and night. |
| PREGAME | PM only — 1–2x per week | 5-minute pre-serum mask. Apply to clean skin, wait 5 min, rinse, then continue your PM routine. Do not use on same night as VITAMINSCRUB®. |
| SKINSPRAY ALL DAY | AM and PM — anytime | Mist before serums or between layers. Reapply throughout the day. Great in your gym bag or car — use after a workout or anywhere on the body where you experience breakouts. |
| VIBRANCE-C | AM preferred | Vitamin C brightening serum. Apply first, before any other serum. Allow full absorption before layering next serum. Count as one of your two serums. Pairs well with CELLRENEW® or BOUNCEBACK™. |
| CLEARITY® | PM preferred — bare skin only | Apply to clean dry skin, wait 10 minutes before layering. Count as one of your two serums. Do not use on same night as VITAMINSCRUB®. |
| CELLRENEW® | AM and PM | Core renewal and post-blemish serum. Apply after VIBRANCE-C (if using AM) or after CLEARITY® (if using PM). Count as one of your two serums. |
| BOUNCEBACK™ | AM and PM | Fine lines and radiance serum. Use instead of CELLRENEW® — not both. Count as one of your two serums. |
| BRIGHTEYES | AM and PM | Peptide eye gel. Apply after serums, before moisturizer. Pat gently around the orbital bone. |
| HYDRAGLOW™ | AM and PM | Moisturizer. Final step before SPF in AM. Final step PM if not using oil or mask. Lightweight enough to wear under makeup. |
| HYDRABERRY™ | PM only — 2–3x per week | Intense moisture mask. Use as an overnight mask in place of or in addition to HYDRAGLOW™. Can mix a drop into HYDRAGLOW™ for extra hydration. |
| GOLDENHOUR | PM preferred | Watermelon barrier facial oil. Apply as the final sealing step after moisturizer. Use AM only if not wearing SPF. |
| YOUARESUNSHINE® | AM only — always last | Broad spectrum SPF 50+. Non-negotiable final step every single morning. |
| SUNNYSIDEKICK® | AM + midday top-ups | Brush-on mineral SPF 30. Apply over makeup throughout the day for sun protection top-ups. |
| SULFUR SPOT&MASK | PM only — 1–2x per week | Spot treatment or 10-minute mask on active breakouts. |
| GLASS EFFECT | Anytime — 15–25 minutes | Hydrating face + neck sheet masks. Apply to clean skin, leave 15–25 min, remove and massage in remaining essence. Refrigerate for extra refreshment. |
| EYE CANDY | Anytime — 30 minutes | No-slip depuffing eye patches. Apply under the eye, leave 30 min. Non-slip — wearable during workouts or errands. |
| LIPS&CUTES™ | AM and PM | Peptide lip balm. Apply to lips and cuticles morning and night. |
Full routine examples
All routines below are based on the official CLEARSTEM recommended sequence. Adapt to the products you have.
The Core Three (beginners and sensitive skin)
The safest starting point. Cleanse, protect, and moisturize before introducing any actives.
Morning: GENTLECLEAN → HYDRAGLOW™ → YOUARESUNSHINE®
Evening: GENTLECLEAN → HYDRAGLOW™
| Once you've used the Core Three for 2 weeks and your skin feels stable, add CELLRENEW® after cleansing in both AM and PM as your first serum. |
Blemish-focused routine
For active breakouts, clogged pores, and ongoing congestion.
Morning: GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTMEUP → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™ → YOUARESUNSHINE®
Evening (GENTLECLEAN nights): GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTMEUP → CLEARITY® (wait 10 min) → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™
Evening (VITAMINSCRUB® nights, 2–4x/week): VITAMINSCRUB® → BRIGHTMEUP → CLEARITY® (wait 10 min) → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™
Weekly add-ons: PREGAME 1–2x/week (on a GENTLECLEAN night) | SULFUR SPOT&MASK directly on active breakouts
Hyperpigmentation / post-blemish marks routine
For red or dark marks left over from previous breakouts.
Morning: GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTMEUP → VIBRANCE-C → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™ → YOUARESUNSHINE®
Evening (GENTLECLEAN nights): GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTMEUP → CLEARITY® (wait 10 min) → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™
Evening (VITAMINSCRUB® nights, 2–3x/week): VITAMINSCRUB® → BRIGHTMEUP → CLEARITY® (wait 10 min) → CELLRENEW® → HYDRAGLOW™
Anti-aging / firming routine
For fine lines, firmness, and maintaining glow.
Morning: GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTEYES → BRIGHTMEUP → VIBRANCE-C → BOUNCEBACK™ → HYDRAGLOW™ → YOUARESUNSHINE® → SUNNYSIDEKICK® midday top-up
Evening: GENTLECLEAN → BRIGHTMEUP → CLEARITY® (wait 10 min) → BOUNCEBACK™ → BRIGHTEYES → HYDRAGLOW™ → GOLDENHOUR (seal)
2–3x per week PM: HYDRABERRY™ in place of or mixed with HYDRAGLOW™ | GLASS EFFECT mask as a weekly treatment
Stubborn recurring pimple tip
A pimple that keeps returning in the same spot is usually caused by an overactive pore in that area, or a product applied directly there (like blush, bronzer, or concealer with pore-clogging ingredients).
- Check any makeup or topicals applied to that spot at clearstem.com/pages/pore-clogging-ingredients-list.
- Apply a small amount of VITAMINSCRUB® just to that area — lightly, letting the bamboo beads do the work.
- Follow with CLEARITY® on that spot only.
- Apply SULFUR SPOT&MASK as a targeted treatment overnight.
The full CLEARSTEM lineup
For customers using most or all products. This is the official recommended sequence.
Morning:
- GENTLECLEAN (if needed)
- BRIGHTEYES
- BRIGHTMEUP
- PREGAME (weekly treatment — 1–2x/week if using)
- VIBRANCE-C
- CELLRENEW® or BOUNCEBACK™ (choose one)
- HYDRAGLOW™ (especially if skin tends to be dry)
- YOUARESUNSHINE® SPF 50+ (always last)
- LIPS&CUTES™
- SUNNYSIDEKICK® SPF 30 (brush on throughout the day)
- SKINSPRAY ALL DAY (reapply as often as needed)
Evening:
- GENTLECLEAN or VITAMINSCRUB® (2–4x/week — use GENTLECLEAN to remove makeup)
- BRIGHTEYES
- BRIGHTMEUP (once skin is adjusted)
- PREGAME (if using — apply 5 min, rinse, then continue)
- CLEARITY® — bare skin, wait 10 minutes
- CELLRENEW® or BOUNCEBACK™ (choose one)
- HYDRAGLOW™ — optional: mix in a drop of HYDRABERRY™
- GOLDENHOUR (optional — final sealing step)
- LIPS&CUTES™
Supplement routines
The Blemish Supplement Routine
Targets internal blemish triggers — digestion, hormone imbalance, and inflammation.
- A.C.V. CLEAR — take before meals to support digestion, blood sugar regulation, and detoxification.
- MINDBODYSKIN® — take after your biggest meal. Start with 2 capsules, increase to 4 after 2 weeks if tolerated.
- GLOWTIME — take with meals to boost nutrient absorption and improve digestion.
- GOODSEEDS — take anytime, with or without food. Supports digestion, regularity, and hydration.
The Plump + Glow Routine
For post-blemish skin or anyone focused on hydration, elasticity, and healthy aging.
- GLOWTIME — take with meals.
- GOODSEEDS — take anytime.
- SKIN TREATS — take anytime for antioxidant protection and skin resilience.
The Everything Routine
A powerhouse combination for skin clarity, gut health, hydration, recovery, and anti-aging.
- MINDBODYSKIN® — after your largest meal.
- GLOWTIME — with meals.
- SKIN TREATS — anytime.
- PILLOWTIME — before bed to promote restful sleep and cellular recovery.
HAIR SKIN NAILS — the biotin-free beauty supplement
HAIR SKIN NAILS supports hair, skin, and nail strength without biotin — a common ingredient in beauty supplements that can trigger breakouts in blemish-prone skin. Formulated with MSM (OptiMSM) for collagen support, Bamboo Silica for shine, Nettle Root Extract for hair volume, and Folate for hair and nail strength.
- Take anytime, with or without food
- Safe to stack alongside MINDBODYSKIN®, GLOWTIME, GOODSEEDS, and SKIN TREATS
- Expect results in nails first (4–6 weeks), then hair (8–12 weeks)
- Designed specifically for blemish-prone skin — no pore-clogging ingredients, no biotin
Results timeline: what to expect
| Period | Skincare | Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Skin adjusting. Possible mild purging with new actives — normal. | Supplement adjustment. Mild digestive changes possible; take with food. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Texture begins to smooth. Brightening visible. | Digestion improving. Skin may start to stabilize. |
| Weeks 4–8 | Visible reduction in new breakouts. Tone evening out. | Reduction in new breakouts. Nails noticeably stronger (HAIR SKIN NAILS). |
| Weeks 8–12 | Clarity, hydration, and radiance improving. CELLRENEW® scar fading begins. | Hormonal blemishes reducing. MINDBODYSKIN® results most visible here. |
| Weeks 12+ | The CLEARSTEM Effect — clear skin that holds. | Results compound. Hair improvements visible (HAIR SKIN NAILS). |
The April 2026 CLEARSTEM Masterclass covers routine building in depth with video walkthroughs. Access it at clearstem.com/pages/masterclass-library.