It’s likely that both sunscreen and moisturizer are core elements of your skincare routine. But diligently applying your SPF only goes so far—it’s also crucial to understand whether you should apply your sunscreen before or after moisturizer. The order of your skincare routine matters for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to sun protection. A moisturizer is used to hydrate and nourish the skin, while a sunscreen is meant to shield it from UVA and UVB rays. When applied in the incorrect order, you can dilute your sunscreen, which may leave your skin vulnerable to UV damage. Fortunately, if you’re unsure whether to apply your sunscreen before or after moisturizer, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn a bit about different types of sunscreens, how to layer your SPF with moisturizer properly, and more sun protection tips for maintaining a healthy-looking complexion. Why Order Matters in Your Skincare Routine Mapping out the correct order of your skincare will let your products perform at their best, giving you the results you desire and the protection you need. Generally speaking, it’s best to apply your products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest. This helps ensure each layer is able to absorb into the skin to hydrate, address skin concerns, or protect your skin from UV rays. Typically, this means that after cleansing, you’ll want to reach for a toner, then serum, then moisturizer, and finally, sunscreen. Do You Put Moisturizer or Sunscreen On First? Sunscreen is usually the last step in a daytime skincare routine because it acts as a shield between your skin and the sun. Applying moisturizer on top of sunscreen has the potential to dilute the formula, making it less effective. However, the order in which you apply your sunscreen and moisturizer does depend on the type of sunscreen you’re using, as they protect the skin in different ways. If you're using mineral (physical) sunscreen According to the Cleveland Clinic, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin, forming an invisible barrier that helps block the sun’s rays (hence the name: sunblock!). Because they don’t get absorbed into the skin, these types of sunscreen should always be applied after moisturizer. If you apply your mineral sunscreen before moisturizer, you risk rubbing away some of the SPF when applying your moisturizer, which could leave your skin vulnerable to burns and other signs of sun damage. Mineral sunscreens can sometimes have a whitish cast, so if you want to add one of these mild formulas to your skin, it’s best to seek out an option that blends easily. We love the SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, which boasts a sheer, lightweight formula that spreads easily and dries down with a soft matte finish. If you're using chemical sunscreen Chemical sunscreens work a bit differently from mineral formulas. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, these sunscreens use chemical filters that absorb into the skin, where they convert harmful UV rays into (harmless) heat. These formulas should typically be applied to clean, dry skin and given at least 15 to 20 minutes to absorb. As such, many find that they’re best applied before moisturizer, when the skin is free from the oily residue a face cream may leave behind. If you want to apply a chemical sunscreen after moisturizer, you can—but it’s best to wait until your face cream or lotion has completely absorbed before applying your sunscreen. If you’re on the hunt for a quality chemical sunscreen to add to your routine, we’d recommend the Vichy Laboratoires Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF 60. It’s a lightweight, fluid sunscreen that’s enriched with anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides to nourish your skin as it protects you from UVA and UVB rays. How To Properly Layer Moisturizer and Sunscreen Step-by-step routine for chemical sunscreen Cleanser: Begin by washing your face with a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and other debris that can interfere with your skincare application. Toner (optional): After cleansing, sweep a toner-soaked cotton pad over your face to remove any remaining impurities, create a more even complexion, and balance your skin’s pH levels. Serum: Next, smooth on a facial serum designed for your skin type and concerns. We love using a vitamin C serum during the daytime to help protect the skin from free radicals, but feel free to use whichever facial serum suits your needs best. Chemical sunscreen: Allow your skin to absorb your prior products before applying your chemical sunscreen. From there, apply a healthy layer to your face and neck and wait between 15 to 20 minutes before heading into direct sun exposure (after the final step). Moisturizer: For added protection, layer your chemical sunscreen under a moisturizer with SPF, like CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50. This lightweight formula is designed for everyday wear—it blends easily into the skin without leaving behind a white cast and wears well under makeup. Step-by-step routine for mineral sunscreen Cleanser: Cleanse your skin to remove impurities and prep it for the other products in your routine. Toner (optional): Apply your favorite facial toner to help hydrate, balance, and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. Serum: Follow up your toning step by applying a targeted facial serum aligned with your skin type, concerns, and goals. Moisturizer: Give your skin a boost of hydration with a top-tier daily moisturizer, like the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. It’s a non-greasy face cream made with ultra-nourishing ingredients that can hydrate 15 layers deep for softer, healthier-looking skin. Mineral sunscreen: Allow your moisturizer to absorb, then layer on your mineral sunscreen to help shield your skin from UV rays. If you’re looking for a daily SPF that won’t leave a white cast, try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face With SPF, a tinted sunscreen that combines the powers of makeup and skincare to give you a more even-looking complexion without sacrificing protection. What Happens If You Apply Your Sunscreen and Moisturizer In the Wrong Order? Applying your sunscreen and moisturizer in the wrong order may not seem like a big deal, but doing so can have a few potential consequences. We’re breaking down three reasons to adhere to the correct order of application below. Reduced UV protection It’s important to allow your other skincare products to absorb prior to applying your mineral sunscreen, since its protective benefits can get diluted if it's mixed with a serum or face cream. The same logic applies to the order of your moisturizer and chemical sunscreen: Moisturizing before applying chemical sunscreen can prevent the SPF from properly absorbing into your skin. To ensure you’re getting adequate protection, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying at least a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to your face. You’ll also want to make sure you opt for a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 15, and take care to reapply it roughly every two hours (more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming). Pilling or product build-up Layering your skincare products incorrectly can lead to pilling, especially if you smooth on product after product without giving each layer adequate time to absorb. Be sure to apply your products in the recommended order and give each plenty of time to absorb to ensure a smooth, even-looking end result. Wasted product and ineffectiveness If you apply your skincare in the wrong order, then it negates the purpose of your sunscreen and diminishes its benefits. In other words, it’s a waste of product. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your SPF, follow our application guidelines above or read the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re using the product as directed. Tips for Maximizing Sunscreen Efficacy Just applying sunscreen once in the morning isn’t enough—you’ll also want to make sure that you’re using your chosen sunscreen properly. Here are three tips to keep in mind (and yes, these apply every day, not just when you’re hitting the beach). Use enough product As we mentioned above, the Skin Cancer Foundation advises using at least a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen for your face. To cover your entire body, you’ll need about an ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill up a standard shot glass. Keep in mind that this goes for each application—every time you reapply your sunscreen, you’ll want to use the same amount. Let each layer absorb Wait 1 to 2 minutes between each step in your skincare routine to allow every product to properly absorb and activate. This lets your skincare function at its highest efficiency, and it prevents your sunscreen from being diluted. You’ll also want to wait a minimum of 15 minutes before going outside if you’ve decided on a chemical sunscreen, as these formulas need time to become active within the skin. Use broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that everybody six months of age and up use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to help protect their skin from UVA and UVB rays. You can, of course, opt for a higher SPF if you choose: Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, an SPF of 15 filters out about 93% of UV radiation, while an SPF of 30 blocks out about 97%. Even if you opt for the highest SPF you can find, though, you’ll need to reapply every two hours to keep the protection going strong. Next Up: Facial Moisturizers: Gels vs. Creams vs. Lotions
