Sunscreen vs Mosquito repellent, does the order matter?
If you've ever applied insect repellent and then thought, “Oops—I forgot the sunscreen!”, you’re not alone.
But does putting sunscreen on top of mosquito repellent actually reduce how well it works?
The short answer is: Yes, it can.
Let’s unpack why—and what you can do instead.
How Insect Repellent Works
Most insect repellents (whether synthetic like DEET or picaridin, or natural ones like citronella or lemongrass) work by creating a layer on your skin that makes it harder for mosquitoes to detect you.
That layer needs to stay intact to do its job.
What Happens When You Apply Sunscreen Over Repellent?
When you apply sunscreen after mosquito repellent, several things can happen:
The sunscreen can dilute or smear the repellent, spreading it unevenly.
Absorption changes – Sunscreen may help the skin absorb more repellent than intended, especially with stronger chemicals like DEET (Maibach et al., 2001).
Protection time may be reduced, meaning mozzies could start biting you sooner than expected.
So, applying sunscreen over insect repellent may actually make the repellent less effective—and you might not even realise it.
What Do the Experts Recommend?
Health authorities like the CDC and Australian Department of Health recommend this application order for best results:
🧴 Sunscreen first
🕒 Wait 15–20 minutes
🦟 Then apply mosquito repellent
This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and lets the repellent sit on top as a protective barrier.
If you’re using a natural repellent (like our DEET-free mosquito repellent bracelets), you don’t need to worry about mixing products on your skin at all—just slip one on after sunscreen, and you’re set.
A Few More Tips
If you accidentally put sunscreen over repellent, don’t panic—just reapply repellent after about 20–30 minutes.
Avoid using combo sunscreen-insect repellent products. Research suggests they don’t work as well as separate applications (Fradin & Day, 2002).
Wash off both products once you’re indoors to avoid skin irritation, especially if you're reapplying throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
Putting sunscreen over mosquito repellent can reduce how well the repellent works—so the best approach is:
✅ Sunscreen first
⏱️ Wait 15–20 minutes
🦟 Then repellent
Want an even easier solution? Try our all-natural mosquito repellent bracelets—no mess, no mixing, and no worries about what goes on first.
References
Maibach, H.I., Khan, A.A., & Strauss, W.G. (2001). Percutaneous penetration of DEET: The effect of concurrent use with sunscreen. Archives of Dermatological Research, 293(10), 563–569.
Fradin, M.S., & Day, J.F. (2002). Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(1), 13–18.
Australian Department of Health. (2021). Mosquito-borne diseases. Retrieved from: https://www.health.gov.au
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Sunscreen and Insect Repellent. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html