SPF in Makeup: Does it Really Protect You? Why It Can't Replace Sunscreen

Incorporating SPF into your makeup routine sounds like the ultimate hack. Why add an oily layer of sunscreen when you can just bake SPF into your foundation, lipstick, and powder? Although SPF in makeup is convenient and certainly adds a layer of protection, it's important to ask: does SPF in makeup really protect your skin? The short answer is: yes, but not well enough.

If your goal is to achieve anti-aging and sun protection benefits, then applying SPF foundation once in the morning is insufficient. The secret to effective sun protection is reapplication — and unless you’re redoing your entire face throughout the day, once is definitely not enough. Let’s dive into why SPF in makeup is a good first step, but won't replace a dedicated sunscreen and reapplication.

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SPF Makeup: A Step in the Right Direction

Let's make one thing clear: adding SPF into makeup products like your foundation or lip balm is definitely a good thing! It reflects growing awareness of the importance of sun protection — not just for preventing skin cancer, but also for reducing wrinkles, sunspots, and premature aging. Not only that, but having SPF in makeup makes it easier to add some level of protection without complicating your daily routine. These are great benefits!

However, relying solely on SPF in makeup won't be enough to properly protect your skin from UV damage. For real, effective coverage, sunscreen needs reapplication throughout the day. Here’s why SPF in makeup alone doesn’t cut it.

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The Issue: Why SPF Makeup Isn't Enough

SPF Makeup Provides Minimal Sun Protection

Most makeup products only offer lower levels of sun protection, around SPF 15 or SPF 20, which is below the level recommended for adequate daily sun protection. Plus, but these products don't always provide broad-spectrum UV protection (AKA protection from both UVA and UVB rays.) Dermatologists generally recommend at least SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for regular use, and even higher if you’re spending extended periods in the sun. As stated by the Skin Cancer Foundation:

“...a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher [is recommended] for any extended outdoor activity."

This is because in order to achieve higher SPF levels in makeup products, brands will need to increase the concentration of active sunscreen ingredients like Zinc Oxide, for example, which is a common mineral sunscreen ingredient. However, Zinc Oxide is known to leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones, which isn’t great if you’re trying to make foundations that work for everyone. In order to address these issues at higher levels of SPF, brands might have to make drastic changes to their makeup formulations to include it, which both brands (and customers) would like to avoid.

SPF Makeup is Inconvenient to Reapply, Leaving Skin Exposed

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 90 minutes for consistent protection. Let’s be real – most people aren’t reapplying their whole face of makeup throughout the day. If you are relying on makeup foundation as your only source of SPF coverage, with no plan for how to reapply other than re-doing your face, then you're leaving your skin exposed – literally.

Not only that but when you consider the fact that most people are applying their makeup in the mornings – this is when UV exposure is at the lowest! There is virtually no risk from UV in the early hours of the day, when most people are putting on their makeup for the day, heading to work, etc.

Even if you are leveraging an SPF makeup routine, this only gives you coverage for the first 90 minutes, which may only protect you on the drive to work. No one reapplies foundation, lipstick, or powder every 90 minutes, which makes relying on SPF makeup unrealistic for full protection. This lack of reapplication is the biggest issue with using makeup as your only source of sun protection.

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Do You Still Need Sunscreen?

Yes, absolutely. While incorporating SPF into your makeup is helpful, it should not replace dedicated sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen applied with your makeup is the most effective way to protect your skin. Think of SPF in makeup as an extra layer, not the primary defense.

In fact, in some cases, it may make more sense to skip SPF makeup altogether and instead focus on applying SPF later in the day, when sun exposure is higher. For example, you could use your usual makeup products in the morning and then spritz your face with an SPF setting spray during peak UV exposure times. Here are some recommendations for reapplying SPF without ruining your makeup:

• SPF Setting Sprays: These allow you to apply SPF on top of makeup, offering convenience and ease without disturbing your look.
• SPF Powders: These work well for quick touch-ups during the day, especially on oily areas.
• Mattifying SPF Lotions or Moisturizers: Great for reapplication while keeping your skin shine-free.

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The Takeaway

SPF in makeup is a positive addition to your skincare and beauty routine, but it’s not enough on its own. For true protection, use a dedicated sunscreen under your makeup and keep SPF powders or sprays handy for reapplication throughout the day. Don’t let the convenience of SPF makeup give you a false sense of security — the key to effective sun protection is consistent reapplication. Stick to this habit, and your skin will thank you.