Deep Serum vs Resurface Scrub: Which Step Comes First?
By NOTO Botanics | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Exfoliate first, then apply serum: the Resurface Scrub clears the way, and the Deep Serum seals in hydration. Here is the order, the wait time, and the trade-offs.
Quick answer
Use the Resurface Scrub first, then the Deep Serum. The scrub clears dead surface cells so the serum can absorb evenly, while the serum seals in hydration and supports the barrier. If your skin is sensitive, skip the scrub that day and apply the serum alone. Either way, do not layer both at full strength in the same session.
Why order matters: physical plus acid exfoliation versus a hydrating oil serum
The Resurface Scrub is both a physical and acid exfoliant: walnut shell dust polishes while alpha hydroxy acids loosen dead cells, and aloe leaf and blood orange create a gentle foaming base. That dual action means it works on the surface. The Deep Serum is a hydrating oil serum that protects the skin barrier with botanical ingredients and delivers nutrient-dense moisture. It works by sitting on and in the skin, not by lifting cells. If you apply the serum first, the scrub's particles and acids have to fight through an oil layer, which reduces both the exfoliation and the serum's finish.
The practical sequence is cleanse, scrub, rinse, then serum. Wait about one minute after rinsing so your skin is damp but not dripping. Apply the Deep Serum to face and neck while the skin still holds a little water, which helps the oil spread and lock in moisture. If you use the Bian Stone Facial Tool, run it after the serum to boost circulation and help the product move.
How often to pair them without over-exfoliating
The Resurface Scrub is a once or twice a week step for most people, not a daily cleanser. Pair it with the Deep Serum on the same evening, then use the serum alone on the other nights. If your skin feels tight, stings, or looks shiny in a raw way after scrubbing, drop to once a week or switch to serum-only until it settles. The Deep Serum is formulated for AM and PM use, so it can carry your routine on the days you do not exfoliate.
For body use, the scrub can go on rougher areas like elbows, knees, and the back of the arms. Keep the Deep Serum for face and neck unless you are deliberately spot-treating a dry patch, because the 2 oz and 1 oz sizes are labeled for face and neck.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Exfoliation versus barrier care: The Resurface Scrub removes dead cells with walnut shell dust and alpha hydroxy acids, which can leave skin smoother but temporarily more exposed. The Deep Serum adds hydration and barrier support without exfoliating. Scrub first, serum second, and give your barrier a day off from scrubbing between sessions.
- Time cost versus payoff: The scrub adds a rinse step and about a minute of waiting before serum. The Deep Serum alone takes seconds to apply to face and neck. On busy mornings, use the serum only. Save the scrub-and-serum pair for evenings or weekends.
- Face and body versus face and neck: The scrub is labeled for face and body. The Deep Serum is labeled for face and neck. Using the serum on the body would run through a 1 oz or 2 oz bottle quickly. Keep the serum for face and neck, and use the scrub on the body where you need it.
Product facts
- RESURFACE SCRUB // FACE + BODY: Resurfacing Face + Body Scrub, 3.4 oz, combines aloe leaf, blood orange, alpha hydroxy acids, and walnut shell dust as a physical and acid exfoliant. It is the step that clears the surface, so it belongs before the serum, not after. The dual action also means you should not use it daily.
- DEEP SERUM – 2 OZ: Deep Serum, 2 oz, is a hydrating facial serum for face and neck that brightens, tightens, and supports the skin barrier with botanical ingredients. The larger size suits consistent AM and PM use, including the nights you skip the scrub.
- DEEP SERUM – 1 OZ: Deep Serum, 1 oz, is the same hydrating oil serum for face and neck, described as perfect for AM and PM use. The smaller size is a lower-commitment way to test the serum-first or serum-only routine before buying the 2 oz.
- NOTO BIAN STONE FACIAL TOOL: The Bian Stone Facial Tool is a gua sha face tool that helps increase circulation, de-puff, and enhance skincare product effects. Use it after the Deep Serum so the tool glides and helps the serum absorb, rather than dragging on dry, freshly scrubbed skin.
Who should choose which
Best for
- Anyone who wants smoother texture before a serum and can exfoliate once or twice a week
- Routine builders who want one scrub for face and body plus one serum for face and neck
- People who like a physical and acid exfoliant in one foaming step
Not for
- Very sensitive or reactive skin that stings after acids or physical scrubs
- Anyone looking for a daily cleanser, since the scrub is not a cleanser replacement
- People who want a single product and will not use a separate exfoliation step
