Should You Apply Moisturizer Before or After Sunscreen?

Understanding the Role of Moisturizer and Sunscreen

Before we explore whether you should apply sunscreen or moisturizer first, let’s cover some skincare routine basics.

What’s the purpose of moisturizer?

Moisturizers, as the name implies, are designed to moisturize your skin. When used consistently, they can help enhance your skin’s hydration and help your skin retain moisture. Some moisturizers also feature targeted benefits to help address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Why is sunscreen so important?

Although many sunscreens feature hydrating benefits, it’s not their primary function. First and foremost, sunscreens help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, which can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. All sunscreen products are regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.²

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens and mineral (physical) sunscreens. Chemical sun filters work by absorbing the sun’s rays before they can damage your skin (like a sponge), and mineral sun filters work by reflecting UV rays away from your skin (like a shield). Hybrid sunscreens, such as CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen, include both mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients.

CeraVe Tip: When choosing a sunscreen product, look for formulas that are broad-spectrum (meaning they help protect against UVA and UVB rays) and contain SPF 30 or higher. Additionally, you’ll want to select sunscreens that are labeled “water-resistant” if you’ll be sweating or swimming. Sunscreen products must be reapplied at least every two hours for effective sun protection.

Do I need to use both moisturizer and sunscreen?

Yes, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends following a basic skincare routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.¹ Each of these essential products serves a unique and important purpose in your daily skincare routine. It’s all about finding the right products for your skin type and personal preferences. For example, if you have oily skin and you’re concerned about clogged pores or acne breakouts, you can look for moisturizers and sunscreens that are non-comedogenic—this means the product won’t clog your pores. Or, if you prefer to simplify your daytime routine by combining these two skincare steps into one, you can use a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in its formula (more on that ahead).

What Goes First: Sunscreen or Moisturizer?

In general, you should apply your sunscreen as the last step in your daytime skincare routine—after your facial moisturizer is fully absorbed. This may allow your sunscreen to work more effectively. The FDA recommends applying sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before heading outdoors.² In the evening, you can skip sunscreen and apply a nighttime moisturizer without SPF (such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion) as the final step in your routine.

Every moisturizer and sunscreen product will have its own set of instructions, so it’s important to read the label carefully and apply per the label. And remember: Sunscreen alone is not enough to fully protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. It’s essential to follow additional protective measures, including reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours throughout the day (and after swimming or sweating). Seeking shade during peak hours and wearing protective clothing, like hats and sunglasses, are also important sun safety measures.

Should I apply sunscreen or moisturizer first before makeup?

If you wear makeup, it’s best to apply it after your moisturizer and sunscreen. This is because sunscreen is most effective when it’s applied onto clean skin. Once you’ve applied your moisturizer and sunscreen (or moisturizer with SPF), wait a few minutes for your skin to dry before following with makeup. If you start your makeup routine before your sunscreen is fully absorbed, it could potentially interfere with its effectiveness.

Can I use makeup with SPF instead of sunscreen lotion?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the SPF in makeup products likely isn’t enough to fully protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.³ So, it’s still essential to wear sunscreen every day even if your makeup products contain SPF. Applying sunscreen before your makeup routine (and reapplying at least every two hours) can also help ensure your skin is protected even if your makeup rubs off throughout the day.

Can I just combine my moisturizer and sunscreen?

Moisturizers and sunscreens should be applied separately, per the instructions on the packaging. However, if you prefer a hybrid formula that combines both of these skincare steps into one, consider trying a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in its formula. This is a convenient way to simplify your skincare routine while still giving your skin the TLC it deserves. Just make sure that your facial moisturizer with sunscreen contains an SPF value of 30 or above and includes broad-spectrum protection. And, just like a standard face sunscreen, moisturizers with SPF should also be reapplied at least every two hours for proper sun protection. If you have questions about caring for your skin’s unique needs, consult a board-certified dermatologist for individual guidance.

4 CeraVe Facial Moisturizers With SPF 30 Sunscreen

Choosing the right facial moisturizer with sunscreen depends on many factors—including your skin type, skin concerns, age, and personal preferences. CeraVe offers a range of multitasking formulas that make it easy to find the right option for your skin’s unique needs.

Here are four 2-in-1 products that you can use as both a daytime face sunscreen and moisturizer.

For All Skin Types: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen

If you’re interested in trying a facial moisturizer with sunscreen, but don’t know where to begin, we recommend starting with our AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Suitable for all skin types, this daytime multitasker covers all your bases, delivering hydration and helping to protect your skin from UV rays in a single step.* It features broad-spectrum SPF 30 mineral and chemical sun filters, three essential ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. And, like all CeraVe products, it’s developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, and allergy-tested. Our AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is oil-free, spreads easily and evenly, and dries with a clear finish, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types and skin tones. For even higher SPF coverage, try AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 to hydrate skin up to 10 layers deep and provide 24-hour hydration.

*For sunscreen protection, reapply at least every 2 hours.

For Normal to Oily Skin Types: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

For normal to oily skin, try our Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. This non-comedogenic face sunscreen offers the same hydrating and sun protection benefits as the AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, but with an ultra-lightweight formula and matte finish. It leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and protected from the sun, without feeling greasy or clogging your pores.

For a Tinted, Natural Finish: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint

A tinted mineral sunscreen offers many benefits for all skin types and skin tones. In one simple step, our Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint helps reflect the sun’s UV rays, hydrates your skin, and gives your complexion a healthy-looking, radiant glow. All skin types can use this lightweight, pigmented mineral sunscreen, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. One of our favorite things about it is that the formula easily blends into all skin tones, leaving behind a sheer, natural-looking finish.

For Anti-Aging: CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream

If you have mature skin, we recommend trying our Skin Renewing Day Cream with encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. This anti-aging moisturizer can be used as part of your daytime skincare routine to help protect your skin while improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, and radiance. Plus, the timed-release formula delivers mild exfoliation to help improve signs of aging without redness or irritation.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.