Can you put SPF on top of hyaluronic acid?

Author: Sarah Cummings  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Hyaluronic acid should be applied to damp skin to promote better absorption. After giving the hyaluronic acid a few moments to penetrate the skin, sunscreen can be applied on top. It is essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Can you put sunscreen over hyaluronic acid?

Many people are confused about when to use hyaluronic acid before or after moisturizer, so always apply it before heavy creams and oils, as it has a lightweight consistency and helps other products penetrate deeper into the skin. Always apply sunscreen during the day, especially when using hyaluronic acid.

What should you not layer with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

What to layer on top of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide are a great pair as both are water-based treatments. When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first.

What can you not mix with SPF?

Here are a few combos to be wary of:
  • Retinol and SPF: Retinol is a powerful chemical that is widely used for its anti-aging properties. ...
  • Acid-based Products and SPF: Acid-based cosmetics, such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), can cause skin irritation and may reduce the effectiveness of SPF.

Using Serums? Avoid these 5 common serum mistakes!

Is hyaluronic acid AHA or BHA?

Rather than an AHA or BHA, hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule. Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid. It's a goopy, slippery substance that helps lubricate and hydrate your whole body, including your skin, joints and eyes. “Hyaluronic acid helps bind water to collagen, which traps water in the skin.

Can I mix sunscreen with serum?

You should apply serum before sunscreen. But wait—don't forget your moisturizer, too! The basic steps of a skincare routine include cleansing and moisturizing, but between those two steps includes a wide variety of other products known to be beneficial for skin.

What is the rule of hyaluronic acid?

The Only Rule for Hyaluronic Acid? Always Apply It on Damp Skin! It might sound surprising, but when hyaluronic acid is applied to dry skin, it can have the opposite effect, leaving your skin even more dehydrated.

Can I put lotion on top of hyaluronic acid?

Let it absorb: Allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin before applying any other skincare products or makeup. This usually takes a few minutes. Follow up with a moisturizer: Hyaluronic acid serum works best when it is followed up with a moisturizer.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

What not to do with hyaluronic acid?

3 Hyaluronic Acid Mistakes To Avoid For Happy, Hydrated Skin
  1. You're not applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin. It's easy to forget this rule but it's so! ...
  2. You're not applying hyaluronic acid in the right order. ...
  3. You're not following hyaluronic acid with an oil and/or moisturiser.

Can you layer too much hyaluronic acid?

Too many layers of HA can leave a film on the surface, blocking pores and potentially leading to breakouts. Less can truly be more—especially when it comes to HA.

Do you put SPF on before serum?

Use your chemical sunscreen first to make sure that UV rays are properly protected against, and then apply your serum on top. When using a physical sunscreen, always know that it must be applied after all other products so that it can create a barrier. Apply physical sunscreens after serums and moisturisers.

Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid every day?

Don't worry. Hyaluronic acid is acidic by name, but not by nature and won't exfoliate the skin or supercharge its turnover. For this reason, it's perfectly fine to use hyaluronic acid every day. “I would recommend using it once or twice a day,” says Dr Hextall.

What goes on the face first?

Step-by-Step Guide:
  • Cleanser: Begin with a clean canvas by thoroughly cleansing your skin.
  • Toner: Balance and prep your skin to better absorb the products that follow.
  • Serum: Apply any treatment serums targeted to your specific skin concerns.
  • Moisturizer: Lock in hydration with a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

What to layer over hyaluronic acid?

After rinsing off your cleanser, simply massage your hyaluronic acid serum first on damp skin and allow it to soak in. Once dry, top with your vitamin C serum and finish off with a moisturizer. *The probiotic in this formula is nonviable.

Can I put hyaluronic acid on top of sunscreen?

If using hyaluronic acid serums, apply to cleansed skin under your day or night moisturizer. If opting for hyaluronic acid-infused creams, use them before SPF and/or foundation. And apply hyaluronic acid sheet masks after deep cleansing your skin and before applying essence or a serum.

How long should you wait to put moisturizer on after hyaluronic acid?

Always make sure to follow with a moisturizer, this is a skincare must in general, but especially when using Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it locks the moisture in. But it's important to wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to absorb before following with other products.

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.

Is hyaluronic acid hard on the liver?

10. Is Hyaluronic Acid Bad For Your Liver? In the case of patients with liver diseases, it is advised to avoid using HA as the increased levels of HA in the bloodstream can cause thrombosis. Hence, user discretion and medical supervision are advised.

What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid on your face?

Too much Hyaluronic Acid can dry your skin by drawing moisture from wherever it can, including the deeper layers of your skin. Yikes! You'll want to avoid products with more than 2 percent HA to avoid irritation or dryness. The sweet spot is actually 0.75 – 1.5 percent.

How long should you wait to put sunscreen on after serum?

The correct skincare order is to apply moisturizer first and sunscreen last. Sunscreen creates a protective barrier between your skin and the sun, so it should always be the final step. Start by applying your moisturizer and allow it to absorb for about 2 minutes. Then, follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

What is the best serum to use under sunscreen?

Our favorites are: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% and Alastin C- Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum.

Do you put SPF before or after moisturizer?

As a general rule of thumb, it's best to apply sunscreen after moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine. Since products with SPF are specifically formulated with certain sun-protective ingredients, layering one on after your moisturizer can help block out those harsh rays.

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