You’re not alone if you’ve ever been looking at your skincare items and unsure of which bottle to open first. One of the most prevalent skincare conundrums is the “moisturizer or sunscreen first” argument. If you do it correctly, your skin will be radiant and protected. If you do it incorrectly, you can be jeopardizing your sun protection.
Let’s resolve this once and for all with a precise order that has been authorized by a dermatologist.
The Golden Rule: Consider skincare to be similar to dressing.
This is the simplest way to remember it: You put your underwear on before your clothes, right? Regarding skincare:
Your underwear is moisturizer. It is directly applied to the skin to treat and moisturize it.
Your clothing is your sunscreen. On top, it creates a barrier that protects you from the environment, in this instance UV radiation.
The clear-cut solution is to apply moisturizer first, followed by sunscreen.
Why This Order is Non-Negotiable: Moisturizer or sunscreen first
Sunscreen, especially chemical sunscreen, needs to be absorbed into your skin’s outermost layers in order to form a protective layer that effectively blocks UV radiation. Uneven protection may arise from applying sunscreen first and then a moisturizer on top, which could dilute or push the sunscreen around. As a result, its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is significantly reduced.
The hydrating ingredients might seep into your skin when you apply a moisturizer first. After then, the sunscreen can form a steady, undisturbed layer. This ensures that you get all of the SPF that is stated on the bottle.
The Time Gap Question: Can I Apply Sunscreen Immediately After Moisturizer?
For sunscreen, particularly chemical sunscreen, to create a protective layer that efficiently blocks UV rays, it must be absorbed into the outermost layers of your skin. Applying sunscreen first, then a moisturizer on top, may dilute or push the sunscreen about, resulting in uneven protection. Its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is considerably decreased as a result.
Applying a moisturizer first lets the moisturizing components seep into your skin. The sunscreen can then create a consistent, undisturbed layer. This guarantees that you receive the entire SPF value listed on the bottle.
- Moisturizer. moisturizer or sunscreen first
- Cleanser: moisturizer or sunscreen first
- Toners & Serums (e.g., Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid)
- Sunscreen
- Primer
- Makeup
What about tinted moisturizer or makeup with SPF?
An SPF-containing tinted moisturizer is a hybrid product. It can be used as your only sunscreen if its SPF is high enough (SPF 30 or higher) and you apply enough of it (about a quarter-sized amount for the face and neck). To obtain the complete SPF protection, most people do not apply enough colored cream. Applying specialized sunscreen first is always the safest course of action
Does Skin Type Change the Order?
The “moisturizer first, sunscreen second” rule is universal. However, your choice of product can change based on your skin type. Here’s a quick guide:
| Skin Type: moisturizer or sunscreen first | moisturizer or sunscreen first | Best Sunscreen Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oily Skin | Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, Green Tea | Lightweight, gel-based, or oil-free chemical sunscreens. |
| Dry Skin | Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Shea Butter | Cream-based sunscreens, or mineral sunscreens with hydrating ingredients. |
| Sensitive Skin | Cica, Chamomile, Glycerin | Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sunscreens, which are less irritating. |
| Combination Skin | Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid | Light lotion or gel-cream sunscreens that won’t feel heavy. |
For those with oily skin, you might find that a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen is all you need, eliminating the need for a separate moisturizer. Brands like La Roche-Posay offer excellent, non-comedogenic formulas for this purpose
What is a moisturizer, anyway? A Quick Refresher
The purpose of a moisturizer is to seal in moisture and hydrate your skin. It gives your skin a smooth, healthy glow, protects your skin barrier, and keeps your skin from drying out. Regardless of your skin type—oily, dry, or combination—a moisturizer is essential.
Moisturizer Types: moisturizer or sunscreen first
Creams: Ideal for older or dry skin.
Gels: moisturizer or sunscreen first Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, they are lightweight and oil-free.
Lotions: Excellent for normal or combination skin, they have a well-balanced texture.
The Final Verdict: moisturizer or sunscreen first
Thus, keep in mind the following golden guideline the next time you’re at your sink in the morning:
Keep your face clean first. moisturizer or sunscreen first
Put your therapeutic serums on. moisturizer or sunscreen first
Use a moisturizer to seal in moisture. Give it a minute to digest.
Apply a thick coating of sunscreen to cover everything. Prior to applying primer or makeup, this is the last skincare step that you cannot compromise on.
You can make sure your skin is properly hydrated and, more importantly, protected by adhering to this straightforward guideline.
The Golden Rule of Skincare Order
Apply products from thinnest/lightest consistency to thickest/heaviest consistency.
This ensures each product can absorb properly without being blocked by a heavier layer on top. It also prevents pilling (when products ball up on your skin).
Moisturizer or Sunscreen First for Oily Skin?
Answer: Moisturizer first, then sunscreen.
Why: For oily skin, your moisturizer is likely a lightweight gel or lotion. Your sunscreen, especially if it’s a mattifying formula, is often slightly thicker and designed to form a protective film as the final step.
The Exception: If you are using a moisturizing sunscreen (a 2-in-1 product), then you just use that one product and are done.
Best Practice for Oily Skin: moisturizer or sunscreen first
- Lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
- Mattifying, oil-free sunscreen.
This order hydrates your skin and then seals it with a protective, shine-controlling layer.
2. Moisturizer or Sunscreen First for Dry Skin?
Answer: Moisturizer first, then sunscreen.
Why: Dry skin needs the intense hydration and barrier-repairing ingredients from a richer cream before the occlusive (barrier-forming) layer of sunscreen is applied. The sunscreen then acts as the final seal, locking in all the moisture and the moisturizer’s beneficial ingredients.
Best Practice for Dry Skin: Moisturizer or sunscreen first
- Hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid) on damp skin.
- Nourishing, rich moisturizer.
- Emollient, hydrating sunscreen.
This order ensures your skin gets multiple layers of hydration, which are then protected from evaporating and from UV damage.
3. When to Apply Sunscreen: Before or After Makeup?
Answer: Sunscreen is the ABSOLUTE LAST STEP of your skincare routine and the FIRST STEP before any makeup.
Think of it this way:
Skincare → Sunscreen → Primer → Makeup
Why: Sunscreen needs to form a uniform, unbroken film on your skin to protect it effectively. Applying foundation, concealer, or primer on top of it can disrupt this film, creating gaps in your protection.
Moisturizer or Sunblock First on Face?
Answer: Moisturizer first, then sunblock.
“Sunblock” is an older term often associated with physical/mineral sunscreens. The rule remains the same.
Skincare: Cleanse → Treat (serums) → Moisturize
Protection: Sunblock (Sunscreen)
Your moisturizer’s job is to hydrate and treat your skin. Your sunblock’s job is to sit on top and protect it. You wouldn’t put a raincoat on under your sweater; the same logic applies here.
5. Is It Necessary to Apply Moisturizer Before Sunscreen?
Answer: It depends on your skin type and the sunscreen, but generally, it’s a good idea.
Reasons you might NEED a moisturizer first:
You have dry skin: Sunscreen alone may not provide enough hydration.
You have sensitive skin: Your moisturizer likely contains barrier-repairing ingredients (like ceramides) that sunscreen does not.
You use active ingredients: If you use a treatment serum with vitamin C, etc., your moisturizer acts as a buffer and soothing layer before the sunscreen.
Reasons you might SKIP a separate moisturizer:
You have oily skin: Your sunscreen might be hydrating enough on its own.
You’re using a very emollient, moisturizing sunscreen.
It’s a humid day, and your skin feels sticky with too many layers.
The Bottom Line: For most people, using both a moisturizer and a separate sunscreen is the best practice for optimal skin health and protection.
The Simple 2-Step Routine for Men
Moisturizer: Apply your facial moisturizer to clean, slightly damp skin.
Sunscreen: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen as the final step, right before you head out.
Why This Order is Non-Negotiable
Effectiveness: Sunscreen is designed to form a uniform protective film on the surface of your skin. If you put moisturizer on top, you can dilute the sunscreen and weaken its UV protection.
Absorption: Your moisturizer (especially lighter gels or lotions) can’t properly absorb and hydrate your skin if there’s a layer of sunscreen blocking it.
Pro Tips for Men: moisturizer or sunscreen first
if You Hate Grease: Look for “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “matte finish” sunscreens. Gel-based or fluid sunscreens are often great for avoiding a shiny look.
If You’re Low on Time: Use a moisturizer with SPF. While a dedicated sunscreen is ideal for full protection, a moisturizer with SPF 30+ is infinitely better than no protection at all.
The 2-Finger Rule: To ensure you’re using enough sunscreen, squeeze a line onto your index and middle fingers—from the base to the tip. That’s the amount needed for your face and neck.
Bottom Line: Keep it simple and effective. Moisturize first to hydrate, sunscreen second to protect. This is the single most important step for preventing skin aging, sun damage, and skin cancer.