Should You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer? Hint: It Depends

Layering skincare products shouldn’t feel like solving a math equation, but the second you add face sunscreen into the mix, it’s easy to get confused. Should it go before or after moisturizer? Will your SPF even work if you do it wrong? And does getting it wrong actually mess with your SPF, or is this just another overcomplicated skincare rule?

Here’s the good news: Layering with sunscreen is simpler than you think, especially when you use multitasking products that do the heavy lifting for you. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know exactly how to layer your SPF like a pro, plus how to make your routine ridiculously easy with Supergoop!’s 2-in-1 formulas. 

Let’s get into it.

The short answer? It depends on what kind of skincare products you’re using.

Mineral sunscreens are typically applied after moisturizer as the last step in your skincare routine. These formulas sit on top of the skin to physically block UV rays, so layering them last helps avoid the protective barrier from being disrupted when applying additional products. 

Chemical sunscreens are also typically applied after moisturizer. While chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin to work properly, they can still do their job when applied over a water-based moisturizer. 

The exception? Face oils. Since oils act as occlusives (meaning they form a barrier that locks in moisture but also prevents anything on top from absorbing) you’ll want to apply chemical sunscreen before your face oil to ensure proper protection. Because mineral sunscreen works differently, it can go on after your face oil.

Want an even simpler solution? Use a moisturizer that already has SPF built in!

Here’s your quick and easy guide for layering sunscreen and moisturizer the right way:

• For standard sunscreens (both mineral and chemical): Apply your moisturizer first, give it at least 30 seconds to fully absorb, then follow with your sunscreen. This ensures an even application and prevents interference from any lingering moisture.
• For chemical sunscreens + face oils: If you're using a face oil as your moisturizer, apply your chemical sunscreen first, let it absorb, then follow with your oil. Since oils are occlusive, they can prevent sunscreen from absorbing properly if layered incorrectly.

Moisturizing face sunscreen gives you hydration and sun protection in one go. This means fewer layers, no pilling disasters and no second-guessing your routine. But not all skin types have the same needs. Here’s how to pick the right multitasking SPF for you:

If your skin leans dry and craves deep hydration, Superscreen is your go-to. This rich, ceramide-packed formula intensely moisturizes while delivering SPF 40 protection, helping to restore the moisture barrier and keep dehydration at bay. UV exposure can zap moisture from your skin, so Superscreen makes it easy to stay protected while keeping your complexion looking healthy, smooth and nourished all day long.

The lightest formula of the bunch, Every. Single. Face. is more of a watery lotion than a traditional moisturizer. It’s ultra-refreshing, cooling on contact and disappears into the skin instantly — no heaviness, no white cast, just sheer, invisible protection. Because of its weightless feel, Every. Single. Face. is often a favorite among men or anyone who wants barely-there sun protection that still packs a punch against UV, pollution and blue light, making it one of the easiest SPF formulas to incorporate into any routine.

If you have normal to oily skin, Triple Prep is your best bet. This lightweight formula hydrates while helping to balance oil production, leaving your skin fresh, smooth and perfectly prepped for the day. It absorbs quickly without feeling heavy, making it an effortless step in any routine, and its skin-supporting ingredients help maintain a healthy-looking complexion.

Your skin doesn’t care about complicated layering rules, it just wants to be hydrated and protected. Whether you’re a fan of separate steps or you’d rather streamline your routine with a moisturizing SPF, what really matters is that you’re wearing face sunscreen every day. And with Supergoop!’s multitasking formulas, making SPF a non-negotiable part of your morning routine has never been easier. No guesswork, no extra steps — just easy, effective sun protection, every day.