Sunblock or Moisturizer First? The Correct Order for Maximum Efficacy | Rysun

Wednesday, 02/11/2026

Should you apply sunblock or moisturizer first? Our R&D experts at Rysun explain the science of skincare layering to ensure your anti-aging products and SPF work perfectly.

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Sunblock or Moisturizer First? The Definitive Guide to Proper Skincare Layering

Introduction

In the world of professional skincare, "quality" is defined not just by the ingredients in the bottle, but by how those ingredients interact with your skin. When our founder, Ivy Wong, established Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology after consulting with Swiss anti-aging specialists, the goal was clear: deliver practical, high-performance solutions.

One of the most frequent questions we receive from our 700+ partner brands and their customers is: "Do I apply sunblock or moisturizer first?" To get the most out of your R&D-backed products, the order is critical.

Here is our private label sunscreen collection, pls click here for more details.

 

1. The Golden Rule: Moisturizer First, Sunblock Last

The general consensus among our multidisciplinary team of dermatologists and chemists is that moisturizer should always be applied before sunblock.

Here is the scientific reasoning behind this:

  • Absorption vs. Reflection: Moisturizers are designed to be absorbed into the skin to hydrate and nourish the deeper layers. Sunblock (especially mineral versions) is designed to sit on top of the skin to act as a barrier or shield.
  • The Barrier Effect: If you apply moisturizer over sunblock, you may disturb the protective film that the sunblock has formed, creating "gaps" in your UV protection. Furthermore, the moisturizer won't be able to penetrate the SPF layer effectively.

2. Why This Order Matters for Anti-Aging

At the Rysun Research Institute, our 20+ leading researchers focus heavily on anti-aging technology.

  • Moisturizer’s Role: It locks in the active ingredients from your serums and hydrates the skin.
  • Sunblock’s Role: It prevents the UV damage that causes 80% of skin aging.
    By applying moisturizer first, you ensure your skin stays plump and hydrated, while the sunblock acts as the ultimate "seal" to protect those benefits.

3. The "Wait Time" Secret

As a company that implements 50 inspection procedures per product, we value precision. For the best results, we recommend:

  1. Apply your moisturizer.
  2. Wait 60 to 90 seconds to let it fully set and absorb.
  3. Apply your sunblock evenly.
    This prevents the two products from mixing, which could dilute the SPF's effectiveness—a common issue with inconsistent-quality products.

4. What About 2-in-1 Products?

Many brands we partner with in over 50 countries request "Moisturizers with SPF." While these are practical solutions for daily use, our R&D experts suggest that for prolonged sun exposure, a dedicated sunblock applied after your moisturizer provides a more reliable, thicker protective layer.

5. Rysun’s Commitment to Formulation Science

With 105 product patterns and 253 intellectual properties, Rysun understands the chemistry of "layering." Our formulas are tested for compatibility. We ensure that our moisturizers don't contain heavy oils that would cause a sunblock to "pill" or slide off, ensuring that your skincare routine remains effective from the first step to the last.

 

FAQs

Q1: Can I mix my sunblock and moisturizer together in my hand?
A: No. Our pharmacology experts advise against this. Mixing them can interfere with the sunblock’s ability to form a uniform film on the skin, effectively lowering the SPF rating and leaving your skin vulnerable.

Q2: Does it matter if I use a chemical or mineral sunblock?
A: The rule remains the same: Moisturizer first. However, chemical sunscreens need to reach the skin's surface to work, so it is even more important to let your moisturizer dry completely before applying a chemical SPF.

Q3: If I use a face oil, when does that go on?
A: At Rysun, we recommend: Moisturizer -> Face Oil (if used) -> Sunblock. Oil is a heavy occlusive, but sunblock must always be the final step of skincare before makeup.

Q4: How does Rysun ensure its sunblocks are compatible with moisturizers?
A: Through our Research Institute’s rigorous testing. We perform up to 50 inspection procedures to ensure stability, texture compatibility, and absorption rates so that layering is seamless for the end-user.

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