The Right Order for Sunscreen: Moisturizer First or Sunscreen First?

Radiant skin that glows even in sunlight is the dream of many beauty enthusiasts. A morning skincare routine before heading outdoors absolutely requires sunscreen and moisturizer. More importantly, the order of skincare steps matters. So, what’s the correct and most effective order for applying sunscreen in your morning skincare routine? Let’s find out with Watsons!

1. How Does Sunscreen Work?

Before answering whether you should apply sunscreen or moisturizer first for optimal results in your morning skincare routine, we need to understand how sunscreen works on the skin’s surface.

Sunscreen essentially contains two types of active ingredients: chemical UV absorbers—chemicals that absorb UV rays and release low-heat energy—or mineral/physical particles that reflect or scatter UV rays away from the skin.

So, back to the question of sunscreen or moisturizer first, the answer depends on the type of sunscreen you’re using, as the mechanisms of physical and chemical sunscreens differ.

2. Order of Application: Chemical Sunscreen – Before Moisturizer

Chemical sunscreen is an organic sunscreen with key ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, etc. This type of sunscreen has the following characteristics:

• Thin, light texture; less greasy
• Less likely to clog pores
• Leaves no white cast on the skin
• Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin oily

Because chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays from the sun and converting the energy into imperceptible low-heat energy, you should apply it at least 20-30 minutes before going outside to maximize its effectiveness.

However, chemical sunscreen also has some drawbacks:

• Less durable; reapplication is needed after 2 hours
• Chemical ingredients can irritate the skin; higher SPF increases irritation risk
• Oily skin may experience breakouts
• May exacerbate existing dark spots, darkening the skin

To work correctly, chemical sunscreen molecules need to penetrate the skin, creating a protective layer. Your skin simultaneously absorbs the chemical components to counteract harmful UV rays from sunlight.

Therefore, a thick layer of moisturizer acts as a barrier between the skin and the chemical sunscreen, preventing complete absorption and weakening the protective layer created by the sunscreen.

Thus, the correct sunscreen application order is to apply chemical sunscreen to bare skin first, let it dry, then apply moisturizer—the best way to maximize the benefits of both skincare products.

3. Order of Application: Physical Sunscreen – After Complete Skincare and Moisturizing

Physical sunscreen is an inorganic sunscreen with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These create a protective barrier, reflecting UV rays and preventing harmful rays from penetrating the skin. Physical sunscreen has these characteristics:

• Less likely to irritate the skin
• Suitable for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness, burning, or heat when exposed to sunlight
• Works immediately upon application, unlike chemical sunscreen, which requires absorption time.

Physical sunscreen also has some drawbacks, so applying moisturizer and skincare beforehand allows the skin to absorb nutrients:

• Thick consistency can clog pores, leading to acne, oily skin, dullness, and darkening.
• Doesn’t blend well with makeup.
• Easily washes off with excessive sweat.

Therefore, you should use physical sunscreen as the final layer on your skin, after all other skincare steps.

4. Conclusion:

So, the Watsons Blog has helped you understand the order of applying sunscreen before or after moisturizer, which depends on the type of sunscreen you use:

• Chemical sunscreen: apply sunscreen before moisturizer
• Physical sunscreen: apply sunscreen after moisturizer

Hopefully, this article has given you more knowledge about the correct order for applying sunscreen and how to apply it effectively for healthier, more radiant skin every day. The product suggestions may also help you choose skincare products better suited to your skin type.

The physical and chemical sunscreen products mentioned in this article are available at all Watsons stores, website, and app, with a 100% authenticity guarantee and affordable prices to meet your needs. Watsons also frequently offers promotions for the best shopping experience, so you can always LOOK GOOD DO GOOD FEEL GREAT every day.

If you have questions or concerns about skincare or sunscreen products, please contact Watsons (9 AM – 9 PM daily) for helpful advice.

Watsons Vietnam – Asia’s leading beauty and health destination, now in Vietnam and 14 global regions.

.