The order can go both ways depending on the throw in of sunscreen.
TL;DR: The dermatologist-approved answer is usually last, i.e., afterapplying face moisturizer.
But there’s a caveat because this rule only applies to physical sunscreen.
Photo:Delmaine Donson/Getty Images
“It’s your outer protective layer,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
“You want to verify that nothing interferes with it.”
What Is Physical Sunscreen?
These minerals create a physical barrier that blocks UV rays.
When to Apply Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are an exception.
In other words, they need to be absorbed into the skin to start working.
Wait for 30 seconds before applying your moisturizer on top of it.
Remember: Sunscreen is a standalone layer, not an ingredient.
The amount of product you put on your face will not be enough to get that much coverage.
check that each layer dries before you apply the next one.
Apply chemical sunscreen first, wait a couple of minutes, then apply the physical sunscreen on top.
For chemical sunscreen, the ideal order is sunscreen, moisturizer, and then makeup.
2009;25(4):175-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0781.2009.00408.x
