Do you put sunscreen on before or after moisturiser? Do you even need sunscreen if your moisturiser contains SPF?
Discover the correct way to apply sunscreen as we explain where sunscreen fits into your skin care routine.
Sunscreen before or after moisturiser?
You should always apply sunscreen after your moisturiser, not before.
Sunscreen can shield your skin from sun damage, but did you know that if you do not apply it correctly, you could deplete its protective properties?
SPF is sensitive stuff, and when it interacts with other skin care ingredients, it can lose some of its protective power.
This applies whether you use a chemical or mineral sunscreen and is one reason why it's essential to always apply sunscreen after your moisturiser and other skin care products.
Here’s the correct order for using SPF in your daily skin care routine.
1. Cleanse
2. Serum and/or eye cream
3. Moisturiser
4. Sunscreen
How long should you wait to apply sunscreen after moisturiser?
The exact length of time for apply sunscreen after moisturiser will depend on your skin type, but you should always wait until your previous skin care products are fully absorbed. When you pat the skin, it should feel dry.
If your skin is congested, it can take longer for your moisturiser to absorb, and you may find that you need to work it into the skin. To avoid this, always apply skin care to cleansed skin and exfoliate regularly so that your pores can easily soak up your skin care.
Many people rub skin care products into the skin, but this isn't particularly effective and can risk irritation. A better way to help your skin absorb skin care is to tap it into the skin instead.
It’s also important to remember that some facial sun creams take time to work. While mineral sunscreens protect almost immediately, chemical sunscreens can take up to 30 minutes to work and should be applied in good time before you leave home.
If you’re short on time in the morning, a facial sun cream with mineral SPF is the best choice for you.
Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30 50ml
Reflect and protect with this 100% mineral sun cream
€25,95
Browse our full range of natural and organic sun care for face and body.
Is it necessary to use moisturiser before sunscreen?
If all that sounds like a bit of a faff, there is an easier way to keep your skin soft, moisturised and protected.
Our organic SPF moisturisers and tinted moisturisers are hybrid 2-in-1 products offering all the hydrating benefits of your moisturiser while also protecting your skin from the sun.
They’re ideal for keeping your skin care routine simple, and they also save on space, time and money, as you effectively get 2 products in 1.
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about your sun protection depleting when layering your skin care. These products are professionally blended by cosmetic scientists, dermatologically tested and independently tested to affirm that they offer the protection stated on their packaging.
While their primary purpose is to moisturise they also contain high levels of SPF as well as hydrating, anti-ageing actives, making them the perfect 2-in-1 product for keeping skin soft, firm, and sun-safe on cool and cloudy days.
However just as with any sunscreen, you should always remember to apply your SPF moisturiser liberally and regularly throughout the day.
Shop facial SPF moisturisers now.
Shop natural and organic facial sun creams
Packed with natural and organic goodness and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, our facial sun creams are the perfect way to look after your skin in the sun. Keep scrolling to find the one which is best for your skin type!
Best SPF day cream for normal/combination skin
Keep your skin soft, balanced and protected with Day Solution SPF15, our SPF moisturiser for normal to combination skin. Made with pore-purifying Jojoba and a moisturising Aloe Vera and Squalane core, it’s your 2-in-1 essential for daily hydration and effective sun protection.
Day Solution Cream SPF15 50ml
Hydrate, balance and protect with this natural face cream with SPF15
€30,95
Best SPF day cream for sensitive skin
Strengthen your skin barrier defences as you shield your skin from the sun with Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF15.
With no essential oils and no drying alcohols added, there’s no need to worry about stinging sensations. This gentle, non-irritating SPF moisturiser keeps skin soft and calm using soothing Aloe Vera and protective Prebiotics.
Scent Free Facial SPF15 Sun Cream 50ml
This natural, fragrance-free facial sun cream is your sensitive skin staple
€23,95
Not sure if it is for you? Try before you buy with our sachet-size tester.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF15 2ml
Try before you buy with this fragrance-free SPF15 facial sun cream. Daily SPF defence for sensitive skin.
€0,95
Best SPF day cream for age 30+
Need a face cream that protects your skin from sun damage and skin ageing? Rich in rejuvenating Rosehip and Beech Buds, clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 30%, Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser is a great high-factor SPF day cream for mature skin.
Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser 30ml
Hydrate, renew and protect with this 2-in-1 SPF30 moisturiser
€50,95
Best SPF tinted moisturiser for 30+ skin
Prefer to use a tinted moisturiser? No problem! We also offer a choice of Age Defy+ Tinted DD Moisturiser SPF15.
A fusion of skincare, make-up and sun care all wrapped up into a smooth-as-silk natural tinted moisturiser, these give sheer mineral make-up coverage and SPF15 protection. With antioxidant Sea Fennel Stem Cells giving an extra boost against premature ageing, they’re essential for everyday sun protection.
Best SPF moisturiser for men
We offer a 2-in-1 mineral SPF moisturiser tailored to male skin, too. We call it Green People for Men No.4 Sports+ SPF30 Sun Cream, but it's not just for sporty types. Rich in high-factor SPF30, a cooling core of over 60% Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates, while Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils deliver a refreshing, cooling natural aroma.
Green People for Men No.4 Sports+ SPF30 Sun Cream 50ml
Enjoy outdoor sports with this 100% mineral SPF30 facial sun cream
€20,95
We hope you have found our guide to the SPF application helpful. For more help finding the best natural and organic facial sunscreen, take our SPF quiz. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or on social via @GreenPeopleUK
Reviewed by:
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry. A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 and 2024 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty. A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals
If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to "What goes first: sunscreen or moisturiser?" Please do not use an affiliate link.
