We all know how important it is to use sunscreen daily to avoid the damage sun exposure can do to our skin, but there’s still a lot of confusion in what order to apply it in our skincare routine. Is it better to slather sunscreen on before moisturizer or should it be the last product we put on our skin?
I used to think that this latter option was best and when I first started applying it daily a few years ago, I would always put it on after my moisturizer. But I’ve done a lot of research on the topic since then, and while there doesn’t seem to be a clear answer to this question, most experts think it’s best to apply sunscreen first. Here’s why:
Chemical sunscreens need to get into contact with the skin to be effective
According to Dr. Neal Schultz, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Manhattan, chemical sunscreens should be applied before you put on your moisturizer. That’s because active chemical sunscreen ingredients need time (20 to 30 minutes which is the time you should wait before going outside after application) to bind to the skin so the chemical reaction that activates them can occurr.
By applying your moisturizer first, you’re interfering with this chemical reaction as the sunscreen won’t be able to interact with the skin the way it should. What about reapplying sunscreen during the day, when you already have your moisturizer on? Well, by the time you need to put on your sunscreen again, most of your moisturizer will have already worn off, and won’t therefore interfere with it much.
What about physical sunscreens?
Physical blockers are products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These two ingredients work differently from chemical sunscreen agents as they don’t need to be activated through a chemical reaction with the skin. Think of them as a shield for your skin. When the sun rays hit them, this shield simply bounces them off and away from the skin, thus protecting it from sun damage. For this reason, physical blockers can be applied both before or after moisturizer.
However, even in this case, some experts think it’s best to apply them on clean, bare skin before using any other skincare products. That’s because some of the ingredients in our moisturizing creams can interfere with the sunscreen and make them less effective. For example, your moisturizer could contain ingredients that could dilute your sunscreen, reducing the protection it offers, or make it harder to spread evenly so that some parts of your skin may be left unprotected.
What about sunscreens that have both chemical and physical sunscreen agents?
Again, there is not a definite answer on this, but considering that chemical sunscreens need to be in contact with the skin to work and physical blockers are better applied before moisturizer too (although you could still put them on afterwards if you wanted as long as you’re careful with application), I think it makes sense to apply this type of sunscreens first too.
The exception to the rule
Just like any other rule, this has its exception too. We have already discussed in a previous topic that the products in your skincare routine should be applied based on their consistency. This means that products with a lighter texture, like serums, should be applied before products with a thicker consistency, like moisturizers. Most sunscreens do have a thick texture, so where do they fit in?
Unfortunately, that’s another question without a clear answer. If you’re using an exfoliant or serum with a very light consistency, then you can apply it before sunscreen without compromising its efficacy. If the sunscreen is lighter than the other skincare products you are using, then apply that first. But as mentioned above, there isn’t a definite rule to follow so in the end, it is up to you to make a choice based on your best judgement and personal preference.
Do you apply your sunscreen before or after your moisturizer?
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
I apply my eyecream first (with spf), then my sunscreen (Avène) and then my moisturizer. I was always worried about doing it wrong – now that I read your article, I feel safer!
Lisi, I’m glad you do
You’re doing everything right, well done! 
Ah, I’m doing it in the wrong order.. oops.
Also, how do you go about reapplying sunscreen during the day without compromising your makeup? Never figured that one out… Any tips??
Mami, if you’re using physical blockers, I guess it’s alright. But chemical sunscreens are best applied first.
About reapplying sunscreen without ruining your makeup, I think the best option is to use a powder with SPF. It’s not ideal as powders can be easily brushed off skin, but if you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors, they’ll still do nicely.
what if you are concerned with acne/skin problems? that just seems like a lot of layers of heaviness on the skin…concealer, moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen…
Em, I agree. All this products create so many layers and can clog pores, making acne skin worse. I’d say just experiment until you find a combination of products that doesn’t cause problems with your skin. Or if you want to reduce the layers, then you can opt either for a moisturizer with SPF or use a sunscreen followed by a tinted moisturizer and concealer where needed. Hope this helps.
I use Revlon Photo Ready foundation and mix it with Estee Lauder Day wear. I apply this with a MAC brush. It is a perfect do it yourself cocktail for a tinted moisturizer. I also use lorac tinted moisturizer when I am too lazy haha. Estee Lauder Day Wear has spf in it.
A really good sunblock to wear is neutrogena dry sun block 75. I put that on and then apply powder or foundation.
The Beauty Mixer´s last [type] ..Makeup Mixers! Hot products and Sweet alternatives!
The Beauty Mixer, that neutrogena sun block is very well formulated. I wish it were available here as well.
I apply sunscreen first. At least, that’s what my derm told me.
fabulessbeauty´s last [type] ..Fabuless Beauty Attends Suave’s Emmy Viewing Party
Fabulessbeauty, that’s great. I think most experts and derms agree that sunscreens (at least the chemical kind) should be applied first.
I tend to skip moisturizers and apply sunscreen instead due to my oily skin type. Are those the two sunscreen that you wear regularly? I’m thinking about giving the La Roche Posay one a try. Do you know if it works well with oily skin?
Rachel, I’ve used the Avene one for a while but had to give up because I hate the consistency. It’s the greasiest sunscreen I’ve ever tried and never seems to absorb! Eww. As for La Roche Posay, I find that works very well and it has a much lighter texture. I have combination skin and I find it works quite well on my oily t-zone so I think it may work for oily skin. But if you can, try and get a sample.
u were right about apply the light texture then heavy one next,i watch this dermatologist video,he explain the same thing n do small experiment which really make sense about this
i think mine probably chemical,so i think i should change my routine n apply it before moisturizer
thank u for the post,i really like all your posts which make me subscribe just now
p/s: i have question about sunscreen that always bugging me,do sunscreen can be apply around the eyes?i mean on the eyelid.Won’t it will be sting? but how to protect the skin on eyes?or else will become panda eyes..that wouldn’t be nice to look at…
Hiru, thank you. I’m glad you found this post useful and you decided to subscribe. I hope to see you around often.
Yes, if you are using a chemical sunscreen, wearing it before moisturizer would be best.
As for the eye area, it depends on the sunscreen. Some chemical sunscreen can sting the eye area but it depends on your skin type and what your skin can tolerate. But usually, it is better to apply physical sunscreen (those with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) on the eye area as they don’t usually have side effects. Hope this helps.
My sunscreen has titanium dioxide as well as a lot of others ingredients, does it means it’s both a chemical and physical sunscreen?
Amy, if some of the other ingredients are sunscreen agents such as avobenzone or mexoryl for example, than yes, it is both a chemical and physical sunscreen.
I find the very best sunscreen is Neutrogena Ulta Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen with Helioplex. SPF 55. Great for the face – says “Dry Touch”, but isn’t drying at all and bonus is that it seems to act as a great primer before makeup! If I’m using a serum, I put that on before the sunscreen – but moisturizers, after…..seems to work. I live in Vancouver Canada where it seems to rain most of the winter, but I’ve started to use sunblock every day. Like everyone I used to lie in the sun (never again!), use sun beds and even (in the U.K.) used to lie slathered with baby oil and an alumininum board to catch the rays………..can you believe it!
Maxine, thanks for sharing. The Neutrogena sunscreen sounds wonderful and I’m glad it works well for you. And those are nasty habits indeed! I’m glad you quit them and have started using sunscreen everyday, that’s so important to protect skin from the harmful UV rays.
Thank you so much for this post, it has really helped me clear up my dilemma!
Roxann, you’re welcome and I’m glad it did.
thanks for the post! It helped me a lot. I have a question though, what is a chemical sunscreen and a physical sunscreen? I’ve never heard of this..what’s the difference and which is better. Thanks again!
Cindy, you’re welcome and I’m glad it did. Physical sunscreens are those sunscreens that contain only Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide. If your sunscreen contains any other sunscreen agent (such as Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Octocrylene etc) then it is a chemical sunscreen. Some sunscreens contain both too (such as Titanium Dioxide and Mexoryl for instance).
Chemical sunscreens need to get in contact with the skin to be activated and thus be effective. When the UV rays hits the sunscreen, they transform it into a less damaging form of heat. They usually protect either only from UVA or UVB rays so several chemical ingredients are needed to offer broad spectrum protection. The problem with chemical sunscreens is that they can cause allergic reactions and, sometimes, free radicals too (although this problem can be avoided by using a sunscreen or moisturizer with antioxidants).
Physical blockers instead act like shields. When the sun rays hit them, the rays are simply reflected off the skin and scattered away in the enviroment. They work from the moment they are applied on the skin as they don’t need to be activated. They are also the best sunscreen ingredients available because they both protect from both UVA and UVB rays and don’t cause irritations. However, they tend to leave a white cast behind and can cause breakouts in some people.
Personally, I prefer physical sunscreens but I wouldn’t say that one type is better than the other. You should just choose the product that best suits your needs.
I’d also add that many physical sunscreen ingredients are also ant inflammatory as well.
Rachel, you’re right. Zinc Oxide, for instance, has anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks for reminding us.
hi.. i apply sunscreen first then my moisturizer and then my mineral makeup… but we need to re apply sunscreen right?… how do u do it when u have your make up on?
Shirush, reapplying sunscreen is necessary only if you go to the beach or spends hours outdoors. That’s because the sun rays break down the active ingredients in sunscreens, so the most time you spend in the sun, the more often you’ll have to reapply. If you stay most of the day indoors, walking outside just to go to your car or something like that, there is no need to reapply as very likely your sunscreen will stay intact all day. If you need to reapply it, though, you can do so by touching up your makeup with a powder containing SPF. Hope this helps.
Dear beautifulwithbrains
really insightful article on sunscreen application, i learnt many tips thanks so much dear!! your site name is so aptly described
btw, i have heard so much raves on skinceutical physical sunblock and i think it should work for my sensitive skin.
Tiffany, awww thank you! I’m glad this article helped you. I hope the skinceutical physical sunblock works well for you. I haven’t tried it yet but I’ve heard great things about it too.
ohhh.now i know what to apply first. . .thanks.
Mia, you’re welcome.
After reading many articles on how important it is to use a sunscreen daily I now use Aubrey Organics SPF 15 Saving Face which has 12% Zinc Oxide.
I have extremely sensitive skin with rosacea, this sunscreen doesn’t irritate my skin I’m thrilled to finally find a product that I can use
Now.. I know to apply sunscreen first, then my moisturizer
Thanks!!
Leslee, I’m glad I could be of help and that you managed to find a sunscreen that works well for you. It is so important to wear sunscreen and Zinc Oxide is my favourite sunscreen ingredient as it is gentle and effective.
I’ve applied Anthelios sunblock since I was 18 or 19, and apart from at the very start when I hadnt done my research yet, I’ve always worn it without moisturiser to be safe, then after that applied makeup. I find that with the lotion form or cream form, it’s moisturising enough anyway.
However I’ve just started the practice of applying anthelios cream sunblock, wait a minute or so, then apply a layer of sunblock with zinc oxide (e.g. one from skinceuticals). If I need to re-apply, I apply another layer of zinc oxide sunblock, or I apply powder containing zinc oxide (if I’m wearing makeup). Is there anyone else who does this? It seems to me that this would be the most effective way to protect from the sun, but so few people do it, so I’m a little paranoid about whether this works.
Lily, if you find the sunscreen moisturizing enough, there is no need to use a moisturizer as well.
And that should work just fine. Zinc Oxide stays on top of the skin and acts as a shield reflecting the sun rays away from it, and it also provide broad spectrum protection. So using it, and reapplying it when needed, is a very effective way to keep your skin protected from the sun.
Thank u so much for your help! And I love your website
Lily, you’re welcome and thank you! I’m glad you do.
Hi, I’m sorry to bother u again, but me and my friends were discussing something, and I told them I’d check wif the expert here (i.e. u, haha) =p
Me and some of my friends usually wash our face wif just water in the morning, usually followed wif toner. There are quite a few dermatologists who recommend this for people wif dryer skin. The problem is does that completely remove the nighttime skincare products (since for chemical sunscreens it should be applied on bare skin)? I personally don’t see or feel any product residue after washing wif toner, but I’m still a little unsure. Cos skincare products sometimes contain oil-soluble ingredients, and I wonder if water can adequately remove those.
Of cos, if one applies both physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen in the morning, the skin will be protected even if not applied on bare skin. But I’m talking about if a person only applies a chemical sunscreen. D’you think it’s essential to use a cleanser in the morning to wash off all nighttime products?
Sorry for the long post!
Lily, I’m flattered haha.. I’m just a blogger who loves skincare but if I can help, I’m glad.
If you don’t feel any product residue after washing with toner, then I wouldn’t worry. Washing your face with water and then using a toner should be enough. The consistency of toners shouldn’t really interfere with a chemical sunscreen so your skin will be protected from the sun rays.
Using a cleanser is more important at night when you need to remove makeup and the dirt that may have accumulated on your face during the day. You can use it in the morning too but it’s not as important as at night. If you want to start using one anyway, you can try Cetaphil. It’s especially formulated for those with dry and sensitive skin and recommended by most dermatologists.
Thanks so much! You are a beautiful lifesaver
I’ll pass on your advice to my friends too. 
Lily, you’re making me blush! You’re welcome and I’m glad I could be of help.
Hi,
I really like this website and the information you provide to us
Thank you!
I have extremely sensitive skin, recently I found products that are fragrance free. The skin care products I am using are the CeraVe hydrating cleanser & moisturizing lotion. These products leave my skin so soft. My son has sensitive skin with eczema and he likes using these products also
A favorite now for both of us 
Leslee, hi. You’re welcome and thank you for visiting my blog. I’m glad you like it. And I’m also glad to hear that you finally found something that works well for both yours and your son’s sensitive skin. They sound really good products. Thanks for sharing.
Hi beautifulwithbrains,
I am Jyothi,
I read all your blogs & I feel I came to right place & I can also get right suggestion for my skin
I have dull skin as per dermatologist suggestion I used kojiglo cream for 20 days , I feel It makes me so dark & dull look
And I am using sunscross SPF 26 location , Is it ok ? request you to help me with few question..
1) I use fash gel face wash, Is it fine?
2) Which is the best moisturize to use, please suggest me moisturizer which does not make face dark & when to use (i.e before suncross SPF 26 or after suncross SPF 26) ?
3) When should I apply makeup –whether on moisturizer or on sunscreen?
4) Please suggest me best makeup cream which get instant glow, fresh look & which remains same at least for 3 hrs on face…
5) Do you think night cream are necessary, if so which is the best …
Or can I use moisturizer itself.
Please help me with the above question.. I will waiting for your reply..
Jyothi´s last [type] ..I’ve Been Interviewed!
Hello Jyothi, I’m glad you enjoy my blog and I hope I can help you with your questions.
1. Yes, using a gel face wash is fine and so is using sunscreen with SPF26.
2. There are lots of good moisturizers on the market but to recommend the right one for you I would need to know more about your skin type. Is it oily, dry or normal? Do you have any particular skin concerns? Also, when to apply it depends on what kind of sunscreen you’re using. If you use a chemical sunscreen, apply that first. If you use a physical one, you can apply it either before or after moisturizer.
3. Either way is fine. Just make sure you apply sunscreen and moisturizer in the right order, and then apply makeup.
4. What do you mean by makeup cream? A foundation? A primer or a moisturizer?
5. I think it is necessary to use a moisturizer at night but you don’t have to necessarily buy a night cream. Your day moisturizer would be fine too.
I hope this helped.
Hi,
Thanks for your reply & concern..
As per your suggestion I will continue to use fash gel face wash..
When consultant dermatologist they told below things..
I have oily skin (I have oily skin –but not too oily, I don’t get oiliness on my face.. I feel Its combination of oily & normal skin) I have high pigmentation & tan problem
So they suggested Suncross SPF 26 Sunscreen lotion (is fine for my skin )?
I was using Vaseline healthy weight moisturizer but doctor said not to use..
Currently I m not using any moisturizer..I am applying kojiglo cream after the Suncross SPF 26 sunscreen lotion –but as I said it makes my face soo dark .. I am waiting for ur suggestion to buy right moisturizer
Please suggest me which moisturizer to use & when should I apply (( I mean before Suncross SPF 26 sunscreen lotion or after this )
I am using lakme foundation, but I want to change it –so please suggest me any good cream to get fair & fresh look …
What is this primer? IS this used as foundation? I don’t know about it…
Which one is more effective –primer cream or foundation for my skin?
My last request with you is to help me to apply all this in the right order
I am waiting for all your suggestion
Jyothi´s last [type] ..Product Review: Lakshmi Compact Eyeshadow in 02
Jyothi,
if your doctor suggested the Suncross sunscreen then it should be alright for your skin type.
If you have pigmentation problem then you need a moisturizer with brightening ingredients. I’m not sure where you live so I’ll suggest a few products that I think may be suitable for you and you can buy what’s more easily available to you. Some good options are: Paula Begoun RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel, Dermalogica Extreme C and Olay Pro-X Discoloration Fighting Concentrate.
If the Sunscreen sunscreen is a chemical one, then apply that first. If instead it is a physical sunscreen, you can use it either before or after moisturizer.
Chanel Mat Lumiere and Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup SPF 15 are good foundations for your skin type.
A primer is a product used before foundation to make the latter last longer. Not everyone needs it. I have combination skin and use it only on special occasions cos usually my foundation lasts all day on its own.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
Thanks for your suggestion.
Hope I will come back with good results.
Jyothi´s last [type] ..Best Of Beauty 2011
Jyothi, hope so too. Let me know how it goes.
i have a dry skin ..can you please tel me how many times a day should i apply the moisturizer and the sunscreen ?
Chandru, you can apply your moisturizer as many times as you need to. As for sunscreen, that fades during the day and the more you are exposed to the sun, the quicker that happens. If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, especially on very sunny days, you should reapply every two or three hours, otherwise a touch up during the day should be enough. Hope this helps.
thank you
… so is it a must to always take bath before i apply moisturizing cream repeatedly when my skin gets dryer? will it have any side effects on my face or neck or any other parts of the body if i apply moisturizing first and sunscreen next before i step out of my house? can i go out immediately after i apply such creams ? or do i need to wait for half n hour or so after applying it?
Chandru, there’s no need to take a bath every time you want to apply a cream. Just wash yourself in the morning, then apply moisturizer and reapply only when needed.
As for the other two questions, the answers depends on what kind of sunscreen you are using. Physical sunscreens (those that contain titanium dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide) can be applied either before or after moisturizer and you can just step outside the house immediately after you slathered them on. That’s because these act as a shield that reflects the sun rays away from your face.
Chemical sunscreens instead need to get in contact with the skin to get activated (a process that requires about half an hour, hence why it is recommended that you wait that long before leaving the house after application) and so need to be applied on bare skin, before moisturizer. Hope this helps.
shouldn’t i wash my face after 2 to 3 hours if i apply my moisturizer and sunscreen when i reach my office/college..???because my skin gets exposed to dust ..so i usually wash my face …is it wrong to do that ?
Chandru, there’s nothing wrong with washing your face several times throughout the day if it is dirty but make sure you use a very gentle face wash so you don’t irritate skin. It would also be better to reapply sunscreen and moisturizer again afterwards.
thank yo
hope i wil come out with good results 
Chandru, you’re welcome.
how to check whether the sunscreen which i use is chemical or physical ? ?
and also i am a college going student …so its not possible for me to carry my sunscreen lotion and moisturizer with me?so what do i do in that case after i have a
face wash after reaching my college?
Chandru, if you’re sunscreen contains Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide, then it is a physical sunscreen. If it contains other sunscreen agents, then it is chemical. And if it contains both types (for example, Titanium Dioxide and Mexoryl), then it is a combination of the two.
Mmm, can you carry a moisturizer with SPF to college with you? Or maybe a powder with SPF (although considering your skin is dry, a moisturizer would be better)? If you can’t take any products at all, I wouldn’t know what to suggest apart from staying out of the sun and away from windows too as much as possible.
i have a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. the best routine for me is to use the leanser toner and sunscreen in the day when i leave to go out to work, run errands etc. and i use the cleanser, toner, and moisturizer at nightime before bed. that way i get the best of both at the appropriate times. but thats just me!
Carmen, if that’s what works best for you, then keep doing it. Some sunscreens also have moisturizing ingredients so using that alone can be enough for some people.
I have bit oily skin, as per Derm suggestion,I am using fash foam face wash, kojiglo cream & suncross suncream loation from 2 months, but I feel these both cream make my skin very oily & dark, I have become more dark that before & I have got some pipmples…
I heard Neutrogena 14-DAY SKIN RESCUE™ kit & is good. It contains these 3 products.
(1. Cleanser (59 mL tube)
2. SPF 30 (14 mL tube)
3. Night Cream (14 mL tube)
can you check this & suggest me whether I can use this product, hope this does’t have any side effects…
Jyothi´s last [type] ..Product Review: Decleor Aroma Night Regenerating Beauty Cream
Jyothi, I’ve checked the ingredient lists of these products and they seem ok, although you have to try them to see how effective they are for you or if they’ll give you a bad reaction. Although, since you said you have oily skin, I’m not sure this kit is right for you because the cream contains Glycolic Acid instead than Salicylic Acid. They are both effective exfoliants but SA works better for oily skin. Hope this helps.