The general rule is to apply sunscreen after moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine. Moisturizer acts as a hydrating barrier that locks in moisture, and applying sunscreen after ensures the sunscreen forms an effective protective shield on top of the skin without being diluted or blocked by moisturizer. This layering helps keep the skin hydrated while maximizing sun protection.

However, the order can depend on the type of sunscreen:

• For physical (mineral) sunscreens, which act as a barrier on the skin surface, sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer.
• For chemical sunscreens, which need to be absorbed into the skin, it is sometimes advised to apply sunscreen before moisturizer, so the chemical ingredients can penetrate effectively. But many experts still recommend chemical sunscreens as the final step and give a few minutes for absorption before makeup.

In all cases, sunscreen should be applied before makeup, and it is important to allow time for products to absorb. If combining moisturizer and sunscreen in one product, ensure it has broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours for sun protection.

Summary

• Moisturizer first (to hydrate)
• Sunscreen second (to protect skin)
• Sunscreen always before makeup
• Exceptions: chemical sunscreen might go before moisturizer but usually after is fine

This sequence optimizes hydration and sun protection effectiveness.