Should You Apply Moisturizer or Sunscreen First?

By now, you’re probably aware of the importance of cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen daily. But you may be unclear on whether you should be applying moisturizer or sunscreen first—it’s not, after all, always that cut-and-dry. Not all sunscreens are created equally, and with cream, powder, stick, liquid, and spray-on formulas to choose from, it can be tricky to determine just where in your routine your sunscreen fits. 

Lucky for you, we’ve taken away the guesswork—because sun safety isn’t something you should be hoping you’ve made the right call on. Below, find the definitive answer on whether you’re supposed to apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer, plus discover some of the best SPF products to shop from L’Oréal Paris.

Should You Apply Sunscreen or Moisturizer First?

If you’re wondering “Can I apply sunscreen after moisturizer?,” the answer is yes—and in many cases, you should. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to apply sunscreen after moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine. Since products with SPF are specifically formulated with certain sun-protective ingredients, layering one on after your moisturizer can help block out those harsh rays. 

Keep in mind that you only need to apply sunscreen in the morning, after moisturizer but before makeup. At night, you can simply end your routine with a moisturizer. If you want an option that’s great for both day and night, we suggest reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer. It’s non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types, and provides up to 48 hours of non-greasy hydration for smoother, younger-looking skin.

What’s the Difference Between Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

The primary difference between moisturizer and sunscreen is that moisturizer is designed to hydrate the skin, while sunscreen helps protect it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunscreen is formulated with active ingredients that help prevent UV radiation from reaching your skin. This is important, as exposure to UV rays can result in burns, contribute to premature skin aging (e.g., fine lines and dark spots), and lead to more serious issues, like skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen regularly, meanwhile, can help prevent these concerns from occurring. 

Moisturizers, meanwhile, help nourish and replenish your skin. They may also help address visible skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots, depending on the formula. (Some even contain SPF in their formulas, but should still be used alongside sunscreen). 

Ultimately, while sunscreen and moisturizer have very different functions, they’re both extremely important to incorporate into your daily skincare routine—no matter your skin type or concerns. 

Why Is Sunscreen So Important?

When used properly, sunscreen helps protect your skin from exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays that can contribute to burns, photoaging, and skin cancer. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater (and using it every day, rain or shine). They also recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, like long sleeves and wide-brim hats, and avoiding the sun during its peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As for how much sunscreen to apply, the FDA suggests using about one ounce, or a shot glass full, for your entire body. This translates to half a teaspoon for your face and neck. 

Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen—used as directed—can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. It may also help delay the onset of some signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Should You Mix Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

While the idea of mixing sunscreen and moisturizer together to form one holy grail product may seem like the perfect answer to the SPF or moisturizer first debate, it’s really not. Mixing sunscreen and moisturizer into a hybrid concoction can result in formulas not working as tested and therefore, as intended. That isn’t a risk you want to take with sun protection.

However, if you prefer to multitask, there is a solution—moisturizer with SPF. This type of moisturizer is specifically formulated to hydrate your skin and protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These can be a great addition to your sun protection routine, but shouldn’t replace your usual daily sunscreen entirely. 

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen?

There are two different types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, physical sunscreens block and scatter UV rays before they penetrate your skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. The bottle may mention what type of formula it is, but the ingredients are always a helpful identifier. Physical sunscreens commonly include mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, while chemical formulas may include chemicals such as avobenzone or octisalate.

Additionally, the Skin Cancer Foundation shares, it’s very common for sunscreens to include a mixture of physical and chemical ingredients. Again, a quick look at the label of your chosen product should tell you which type of sunscreen you’re using. 

As for what’s better, it really depends on your skin type and what you prefer. After all, the best sunscreen is the one you like enough to use daily. 

6 L’Oréal Paris Skincare Products With SPF 

Sunscreen isn’t one-size-fits-all—the formula that you use may differ from that your best friend uses, and that’s okay, so long as you’re applying it regularly and as directed. If you’re looking for a new sunscreen to add to your lineup, here are six different sunscreen products worth considering. 

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that you can wear under a full face of makeup, good news—your search ends here. This lightweight sunscreen blends evenly across all skin tones without leaving a white cast and feels moisturizing, not greasy. In addition to providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays, the dermatologist-tested formula also helps protect against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can accelerate the visible signs of aging. And to top it all off, it’s suitable for all skin types, fragrance-free, and helps prime the skin for makeup.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and tackle the visible signs of aging with this anti-aging face moisturizer. It contains SPF 30 sunscreen as well as Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, and helps refresh aging skin. After one week of consistent use, you can expect to see a firmer, brighter-looking complexion and a noticeable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. In our opinion, its one of our best moisturizer and sunscreen hybrids to use to keep your skin protected and healthy-looking.

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30

When we age, our bodies’ production of collagen—one of the proteins that makes skin look firm and bouncy—begins to diminish, which can leave us with sagging skin. You can help counteract that with an anti-aging moisturizer and diligent sunscreen application. We like this one because it contains peptides and niacinamide and helps strengthen, brighten, and redensify maturing skin with continued use.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer SPF 25

Start your morning skincare routine off on a luxurious note with this rich anti-aging cream. It’s formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen alongside antioxidant vitamin E and helps boost the skin’s natural renewal process to promote more youthful-looking skin. After one use, you’ll notice your skin feels nourished and appears smoother, while continued use over time helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin texture.

L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Age Defense Lotion

Put your internal “moisturizer or sunscreen first” debate to rest with this anti-aging SPF moisturizer. The non-greasy formula with broad-spectrum SPF 30 and calcium provides up to 24 hours of hydration and helps strengthen, smooth, and protect aging skin. Immediately after applying it, your visage will look noticeably fresher and radiant, while consistent use helps improve the appearance of both skin texture and tone.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti Wrinkle Firming Day Cream SPF 25

Just as its name suggests, this moisturizer is formulated to both protect and improve the appearance of aging skin. The retinol-infused moisturizer delivers up to 24 hours of non-greasy hydration and helps promote smoother, firmer skin within just four weeks of consistent use. Most importantly, it’s formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen to help shield your skin from those damaging—and aging—UV rays. 

Next Up: Can You Use Retinol and Niacinamide in the Same Skincare Routine?