Moisturiser and SPF: Should I Wear Sunscreen if My Moisturiser has SPF?

March 2026

Any good skincare routine stresses the importance of SPF (sun protection factor). When it comes to glowing, younger-looking skin, prevention is better than the cure. Your skincare routine can only do so much to undo the damage of not protecting your skin daily. That’s where a daily dose of high-protection, broad-spectrum SPF comes in – at least SPF 30 and above.

But when it comes to sun protection, one of the common questions is: “Is sunscreen necessary if my moisturiser has SPF?”

Read on, as we’ll explain the difference between moisturiser with SPF and sunscreen so you can make an informed decision about which to use and when.

Moisturiser and SPF: key takeaways

• A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential every day, even in winter or indoors, to protect against UVA and UVB rays that cause premature skin ageing.

• A moisturiser with SPF offers light daily protection, but won’t offer the same protection as a sunscreen.

• Sunscreen provides more reliable, higher protection than SPF moisturiser alone.

• For optimal defence, use both: always apply moisturiser before sunscreen.

• Reapply SPF every 2 to 3 hours when outdoors, exercising, or swimming.

• If your routine includes active ingredients like Vitamin C or Retinol, daily sunscreen is especially important to prevent photosensitivity and accelerated ageing.

What does sunscreen do?

A broad-spectrum SPF is a daily essential - even when we’re in the middle of winter and it’s raining outside. It protects your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which can cause serious skin issues.

UV rays can result in  sun damage and ageing effects when they penetrate cells deeper. UVA rays can also penetrate windows and clouds, making SPF important even if you don’t plan on venturing outside.

Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributing factors to skin ageing. UV rays can not only damage your skin barrier function, which can lead to dehydration, inflammation and wrinkles forming, but can cause collagen to break down faster when exposed to free radicals. Collagen is the essential building block that helps to give skin its younger, firmer and plumper appearance.

Is a moisturiser with SPF enough?

The main aim of a moisturiser is hydration, whereas a sunscreen works to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. Although a moisturiser with SPF can fulfil both roles, if you want to enjoy greater hydration and a higher level of UV protection you should split your moisturiser and sunscreen into two separate steps.

If you’re planning on working from home or spending most of the day inside, applying a moisturiser with SPF provides some protection. However, a separate SPF will always provide more protection, but we’ll take something rather than nothing at all.

Here are our top moisturisers with SPF:

Moisturiser + SPF Bundles

If you’re looking to combine daily hydration from your moisturiser with reliable sun protection, our Better Screen + Moisturiser bundles make it easy. Designed to streamline your routine, these sets pair effective SPF with nourishing hydration in one simple step.

Should I wear sunscreen?

For greater coverage and protection from sun exposure and premature skin ageing, you really can’t beat a daily dose of SPF. That’s why we always recommend using a moisturiser with SPF and, in addition, a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 PA++++

Sunscreen vs moisturiser with SPF? How about a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that also acts like a skincare product? That’s what our new Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 is all about. This lightweight sunscreen serum for face and neck is formulated with Collagen Peptides and delivers SPF 50 PA++++ protection, helping shield skin from harmful UV rays while also targeting signs of ageing for visibly firmer, younger-looking skin.

Sunscreen isn’t just for holidays and hot climates, it should be used all day, every day and by all skin types as part of every routine (except evening). If your skincare routine is packed with powerful active ingredients such as Vitamin C and Retinol, which encourage skin renewal and photosensitivity, apply SPF daily to protect your skin from UV light.

If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, exercising or swimming, make sure to keep your layers topped up throughout the day, too. Ideally, you should reapply sunscreen every two to three hours to ensure maximum protection.

Here are the best sunscreens we recommend from our range:

The key benefits of our Better Screen UV Serum 50PA++++ SPF include:

• Protects the skin from UV ray collagen degradation

• Provides high broad-spectrum protection with SPF50

• Improves skin texture, radiance, and tone

• Visibly corrects the signs of skin ageing

• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

SPF before or after moisturiser: our step-by-step guide:

Now that you know the difference between sunscreen and moisturiser with SPF, let’s answer the common question: sunscreen under or over moisturiser?

Step 1: Moisturiser always goes first – apply your usual moisturiser on clean skin (serum can go underneath if you use one). Expert tip: wait 2 minutes for it to absorb so the sunscreen doesn’t pill.

Step 2: Apply sunscreen as the final skincare step – use a generous amount (face + neck: roughly two finger-lengths). Smooth it over rather than rubbing, and make sure you cover easy-to-miss areas like the hairline, ears, eyelids, and neck.

Step 3: Let it set before makeup – if you wear makeup such as foundation, blush or bronzer, wait another 1-2 minutes for the sunscreen to fully absorb before applying.

Moisturiser with SPF or sunscreen? Opt for our 2-in-1 Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 PA++++ for the benefits of serum skincare with the efficacy of broad-spectrum sunscreen

Sunscreen Vs moisturiser with SPF FAQs

Is a moisturiser with SPF enough?

A moisturiser with SPF can be enough for light, incidental daily exposure, especially if you’re mostly indoors. However, for consistent and higher UV protection, a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen is the better option.

Is it best to apply SPF before or after moisturiser?

Always apply moisturiser before sunscreen. Your sunscreen should be the final step in your skincare routine (before makeup). This ensures even coverage and maximum protection.

Should I wear sunscreen or SPF?

Ideally, both. Use a moisturiser to hydrate the skin, then layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen on top for optimal daily UV defense.

What is the difference between sunscreen and moisturiser with SPF?

Sunscreen is primarily designed to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, while a moisturiser with SPF focuses mainly on hydration with added sun protection. Sunscreens generally deliver more reliable and higher levels of UV protection.