My makeup contains SPF. Do I still need to wear sunscreen?

Apr 27, 2026

Key takeaways:

SPF, or sun protection factor, is the number on your sunscreen is telling you how well the sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
The SPF in makeup is generally not protecting your skin because it’s not a thick enough layer or a high enough value of SPF.
你应该 first apply broad-spectrum, SPF 30+, followed by any makeup, and reapply every two hours for extended periods of time outdoors.

Makeup products like foundation, tinted moisturizers and color-correcting (CC) cream often tout their SPF, but can your makeup truly protect your skin from the sun?

“To answer this question, we first have to understand what SPF is,” said Patricia Lucey, M.D., a specialty care physician board certified in dermatology.

What is SPF?

Sunscreen can protect you from both types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, called UVA and UVB rays.

The SPF, or sun protection factor, number on your sunscreen is telling you how well the sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays—these are the rays that cause sunburn. Although sunscreen can also protect against UVA rays, the SPF does not measure that protection. Overexposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer.

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The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. You should always wear broad spectrum (meaning it protects against BOTH UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to stay skin healthy.

Is the SPF in makeup enough to protect myself from the sun’s harmful rays?

The short answer is no. Most people are not applying enough makeup to offer sufficient protection. Dr. Lucey says:

“When tests were done to measure SPF value, the sunscreens were applied in a very thick layer. But with regular daily use, studies have shown that most people apply a much thinner layer, usually about one-half to one-quarter of the amount that was done in the original studies!

When most people apply makeup with SPF in it, they aren’t applying a thick enough layer or a high enough value of SPF, therefore [they] may only be really applying an SPF equivalent of 5 or 10, which is definitely not enough to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.”

根据美国皮肤病学会, you should use at least one teaspoon (about the amount needed to cover the length of your index and middle fingers) of sunscreen on your face.

How should I apply sunscreen and makeup for the best protection?

For daily use when you’ll be outside for shorter periods of time, dermatologists recommend you apply moisturizer with SPF first, followed by any makeup, says Dr. Lucey. If you’re outside for longer periods of time, be sure to apply sunscreen in a thick enough layer (again, about two finger lengths!) 前 putting on your makeup. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours if you’re spending the day outdoors. Everyone should wear sunscreen, regardless of skin tone.

Does the SPF in makeup add to the protection of sunscreen if I apply multiple products?

“Unfortunately not,” says Dr. Lucey. “Adding multiple layers of SPF doesn’t increase the overall value. If you apply sunscreen first then makeup after, even if they both have SPF, the amounts are not additive. However, applying two layers does help the overall thickness of sun protection and can help you reach the actual level of SPF desired.”

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The bottom line is the first step to your skincare routine in the morning should be sunscreen—no matter what makeup products—if any—you apply next. Your future self will thank you!