Many skincare enthusiasts struggle with determining the correct order to apply their products, which can affect efficacy and even cause irritation. With routines becoming increasingly personalized, users often invest in products without knowing how to use them optimally.

How It Could Work

One way to address this is through an app that helps users sequence their skincare products correctly. Users could scan or manually enter their products (e.g., cleanser, serum, moisturizer), and the app would:

• Use a database of ingredients to determine compatibility and ideal order
• Generate a step-by-step routine with notes on wait times
• Flag potential conflicts (like mixing retinol with exfoliants)

This could benefit beginners overwhelmed by layering rules, experienced users with large collections, and those with sensitive skin needing to avoid irritants.

Standing Out from Existing Solutions

Unlike apps that focus only on ingredient safety or generic routines, this approach would tailor recommendations to a user's exact product library. For example:

• Instead of just rating ingredient safety (like Think Dirty), it would actively guide application order
• Rather than suggesting generic routines, it would customize based on what products the user actually owns

Path to Execution

A simple starting point could be an MVP that sequences products based on basic rules (cleanser → serum → moisturizer). Over time, features like ingredient conflict alerts and dermatologist-curated routines could be added. Potential monetization approaches include:

• Freemium model with premium features
• Affiliate partnerships with skincare brands
• Brand collaborations for recommended products

By combining personalization with science-backed guidance, this could help users get the most from their skincare investments while avoiding common pitfalls.