Skincare Guide January 20, 2025 15 min read

Best Skincare Routine in Pakistan 2025: The Ordinary, CeraVe, Cetaphil & Complete Product Guide

Pakistan's #1 skincare guide with exact products you can buy right now. We've built morning and night routines using The Ordinary, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Cosrx, Beauty of Joseon, Paula's Choice and more — all available at Top Shelf Pakistan.

Building a skincare routine in Pakistan used to mean relying on whatever was available at the local pharmacy. Not anymore. Thanks to stores like Top Shelf Pakistan, you now have access to the same world-class skincare brands that dermatologists worldwide recommend — The Ordinary, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Cosrx, Beauty of Joseon, Paula's Choice, and Glow Recipe.

The challenge? Knowing which products to pick and how to layer them. This guide solves that completely. Every product mentioned below is currently in stock and available for delivery across Pakistan.

Understanding Pakistani Skin Challenges

Before we dive into products, let's understand why Pakistani skin needs a specific approach:

  • High UV Index: Pakistan receives intense sun year-round, making sunscreen non-negotiable
  • Humidity (Karachi, coastal areas): Traps sweat and oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts
  • Dry cold (Islamabad, northern areas): Strips moisture barrier, causing flaking and irritation
  • Pollution (Lahore, Rawalpindi): Free radical damage, dullness, and accelerated aging
  • Hard water: Most Pakistani cities have hard water that leaves mineral residue on skin

💡 Pro Tip: Regardless of your city, every Pakistani skincare routine MUST include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 50+ sunscreen as the baseline. Everything else is optional enhancement.

Morning Skincare Routine (4 Steps)

Step 1 — Cleanse

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 236ml

The #1 best-selling cleanser at Top Shelf Pakistan for good reason. Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to clean without stripping your skin's moisture barrier. Perfect for all skin types and Pakistan's water conditions. Non-foaming, gentle, and dermatologist-recommended.

Alternative for oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 236ml

Alternative for dry skin: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml

Shop CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser →
Step 2 — Treatment (Optional)

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

If you have enlarged pores, excess oil, or uneven texture, this is your morning hero. Niacinamide regulates sebum production — a game-changer for Pakistani men and women dealing with oily skin in humid weather. Apply 2-3 drops to slightly damp skin.

Shop Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%  
Step 3 — Moisturize

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion 236ml

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. This won't feel heavy under sunscreen and works beautifully in Pakistani humidity. For very dry skin, upgrade to the CeraVe Moisturising Cream 340g.

Shop CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion →
Step 4 — Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable)

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

The #1 selling sunscreen at Top Shelf Pakistan — and for good reason. This Korean sunscreen is lightweight, zero white cast, non-greasy, and layers beautifully under makeup. The rice extract and probiotics also soothe and nourish skin. With Pakistan's harsh sun, PA++++ protection is essential.

Also available: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + B5 (SPF50+ PA++++)

Shop Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun →

Night Skincare Routine (4-5 Steps)

Step 1 — Double Cleanse

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml

This unique cleanser transforms from a balm-to-gel, effectively removing sunscreen, pollution, and oil buildup from the day. Squalane mimics your skin's natural oils, so it cleans thoroughly without any dryness. A staple in every Korean skincare routine and perfect for Pakistan's polluted city environments.

Follow with: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for a thorough double cleanse.

Shop Squalane Cleanser →
Step 2 — Exfoliant (2-3x per week)

Choose Based on Your Skin Concern:

For acne & pores: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque — deep pore cleansing, reduces blackheads and breakouts

For texture & glow: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA — gentle exfoliation, brightens dull skin caused by pollution

For advanced resurfacing: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — weekly treatment for dramatic results (use max once per week)

For blackheads & bumps: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml — gold standard for pore refinement

Step 3 — Treatment Serum

Choose Based on Your Goal:

For hydration: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

For anti-aging & repair: The Ordinary Buffet (Multi-Peptide + HA Serum) — top seller at Top Shelf with 75+ units sold

For dark spots & brightening: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% or The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

For blemishes & texture: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Niacinamide

For anti-aging (gentle): The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Step 4 — Night Moisturizer

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml

The second best-selling product at Top Shelf Pakistan (37+ units sold). This is a no-frills, highly effective moisturizer packed with skin-identical ingredients — ceramides, amino acids, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. It repairs your skin barrier overnight, which is crucial in Pakistan where hard water and pollution damage it daily.

For very dry skin: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream 340g — with salicylic acid for rough, bumpy skin

Shop Natural Moisturising Factors + HA →

Best Cleansers Available at Top Shelf Pakistan

Product Skin Type Key Ingredient Shop
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 236ml All / Normal / Dry Ceramides, HA Shop →
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 236ml Oily / Combination Ceramides, Niacinamide Shop →
CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser 236ml Normal / Combination Ceramides, Amino Acids Shop →
CeraVe Skin Smoothing Cleanser Dry / Rough / Bumpy Salicylic Acid, Ceramides Shop →
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Very Dry Squalane, Ceramides Shop →
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 50ml All (PM cleanse) Squalane Shop →
Cetaphil Pro Cleansing Facial Wash 236ml Oily / Acne-Prone Zinc technology Shop →
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 236ml Sensitive / All Gentle formula Shop →
Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser 150ml Acne-Prone / Oily Salicylic Acid, BHA Shop →
Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser All / Dehydrated 8 types of HA Shop →
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water 295ml All (no-rinse) Niacinamide, Ceramides Shop →
Conatural Tea Tree & Neem Face Wash 150ml Acne-Prone Tea Tree, Neem Shop →

Best Serums & Treatments at Top Shelf Pakistan

The Ordinary Buffet 30ml

Multi-peptide + HA anti-aging serum. #1 best-seller.

Rs. 3,509
Shop Now →

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Pore minimizing, oil control, anti-blemish.

Rs. 1,714
Shop Now →

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

Gentle exfoliation for glow and texture.

Rs. 1,771
Shop Now →

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Deep hydration for all skin types.

Rs. 1,757
Shop Now →

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

Hydration + ceramides for barrier repair.

Rs. 5,898
Shop Now →

Anua Peach 70% Niacin Serum 30ml

Brightening, pore care with peach extract.

Rs. 3,955
Shop Now →

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Retinol + ceramides for blemish-prone skin.

Rs. 5,874
Shop Now →

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%

Dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Rs. 2,091
Shop Now →

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Korean premium anti-aging & repair serum.

Rs. 3,611
Shop Now →

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

Overnight resurfacing for radiant skin.

Rs. 5,248
Shop Now →

Best Sunscreens at Top Shelf Pakistan

Sunscreen is the SINGLE most important anti-aging product. In Pakistan, you need SPF 50+ and PA++++ minimum. Here are your options:

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Lightweight, no white cast, rice extract. #1 best-seller sunscreen. 36+ units sold.

Rs. 2,952
Shop Now →

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++

Same lightweight formula with panthenol for extra soothing.

Rs. 2,930
Shop Now →

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF25

2-in-1 moisturizer + SPF. Ceramide protection.

Rs. 4,255
Shop Now →

THE INKEY LIST SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen 50ml

Lightweight daily SPF with hydration.

Rs. 3,321
Shop Now →

Best Moisturizers at Top Shelf Pakistan

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml

No-frills barrier repair. 37+ units sold — #2 best-seller overall.

Rs. 1,706
Shop Now →

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion 236ml

Lightweight ceramide lotion for daily use. 25+ units sold.

Rs. 2,827
Shop Now →

CeraVe Moisturising Cream 340g

Rich cream for dry skin. 26+ units sold.

Rs. 3,753
Shop Now →

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream 340g

With salicylic acid for rough, bumpy, dry skin. 29+ units sold.

Rs. 5,870
Shop Now →

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 236ml

Gentle, non-irritating moisturizer for sensitive skin.

Rs. 2,497
Shop Now →

Cetaphil Body Cream 450g

Full body hydration for very dry Pakistani winters.

Rs. 3,642
Shop Now →

Anua Peach 77% Niacin Enriched Cream 50ml

Korean brightening moisturizer with peach extract.

Rs. 4,734
Shop Now →

Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk 150ml

Korean toner-moisturizer hybrid for dewy glow.

Rs. 3,723
Shop Now →

Weekly Add-Ons: Masks & Special Treatments

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 50ml

Deep pore cleansing mask. 22+ units sold.

Rs. 2,894
Shop Now →

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask 100g

100% natural calcium bentonite clay for deep cleansing.

Rs. 639
Shop Now →

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Weekly intensive exfoliation. Use once per week max.

Rs. 2,095
Shop Now →

Sephora Collection Face Masks

Pomegranate, Caffeine Eye, Cactus Foot, Bubble Mask.

Rs. 484 – 791
Shop All Masks →

Shop Your Complete Skincare Routine

100% authentic products with nationwide delivery across Pakistan. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar & more.

Shop All Skincare →

Quick Reference: Routine by Skin Type

The Ordinary Complete Product Guide (Available at Top Shelf)

The Ordinary is the most searched skincare brand in Pakistan. Here's every product currently available:

Product What It Does Shop
Squalane Cleanser 50ml Gentle balm-to-gel daily cleanser Shop →
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Pores, oil control, blemishes Shop →
Buffet (Multi-Peptide + HA) 30ml Anti-aging, multi-target serum Shop →
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml Daily barrier-repair moisturizer Shop →
Lactic Acid 5% + HA 30ml Gentle exfoliation, glow Shop →
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml Deep hydration Shop →
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 50ml Deep pore cleansing mask Shop →
Alpha Arbutin 2% 30ml Dark spots, brightening Shop →
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane Anti-aging, texture Shop →
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Lighter retinoid formula Shop →
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml Entry-level retinol Shop →
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone Strong brightening, antioxidants Shop →
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Vitamin C + dark spot treatment Shop →
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Weekly intensive peel Shop →
High Adherence Silicone Primer 30ml Makeup grip primer, blurs pores Shop →
100% Plant Derived Squalane Oil Lightweight face oil Shop →
100% Rose Hip Seed Oil Scars, anti-aging, radiance Shop →
"B" Oil 30ml Squalane + herbs, nourishing Shop →
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% Antioxidant booster Shop →

Why Buy Skincare from Top Shelf Pakistan?

  • 100% Authentic: Every product is sourced from authorized distributors or imported directly
  • Largest Selection: 50+ skincare products from The Ordinary, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Cosrx, and more
  • Nationwide Delivery: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, and all of Pakistan
  • Competitive Pricing: Prices comparable to international markets with no fake markups
  • Fresh Stock: High turnover means you always get recently manufactured products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best skincare routine in Pakistan? +
Morning: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser → (Optional) The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% → CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion → Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+. Night: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser → (2-3x/week) exfoliant → serum → The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. All available at Top Shelf Pakistan.
Is The Ordinary available in Pakistan? +
Yes, The Ordinary is fully available at Top Shelf Pakistan with 18+ products including Squalane Cleanser, Niacinamide 10%, Buffet, Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, Lactic Acid 5%, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, Alpha Arbutin 2%, Retinol, Vitamin C, and more.
Is CeraVe available in Pakistan? +
Yes, CeraVe has a full range at Top Shelf Pakistan: Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser, Cream to Foam Cleanser, SA Smoothing Cream, Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Moisturising Cream, Skin Smoothing Cleanser, Micellar Water, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Retinol Serum, Eye Repair Cream, and SPF Lotion.
Which sunscreen is best for Pakistani skin? +
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ is the best choice. It's lightweight, has zero white cast on South Asian skin tones, and provides extremely high UV protection needed for Pakistan's sun. It's the #1 selling sunscreen at Top Shelf Pakistan.
Where to buy original skincare products in Pakistan? +
Top Shelf Pakistan (topshelf.com.pk) is the most reliable source for 100% original skincare products including The Ordinary, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Cosrx, Beauty of Joseon, Paula's Choice, Glow Recipe, and more. They deliver nationwide with guaranteed authenticity.
Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide with Vitamin C? +
The Ordinary's Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% formulation is designed to be compatible with Niacinamide. However, if using their separate Vitamin C Suspension 30%, it's better to use them at different times (Vitamin C in AM, Niacinamide in PM) to avoid potential tingling.