Can you use sunscreen with bug spray?

Yes, with care

Sunscreen and bug spray: Sunscreen goes on first and insect repellent second, the CDC says, and because DEET over sunscreen can lower SPF you may need to reapply sunscreen more often than usual.1 2 3

Evidence strength: Moderate

How we grade evidence

The chemistry

CDC guidance on preventing mosquito bites is direct: if you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second (CDC mosquito prevention). The CDC Yellow Book, written for travel clinicians, adds the reason this pairing needs attention. It reports that DEET applied over sunscreen can cut the sun protection factor by about a third, advises against combination sunscreen and repellent products, and suggests using separate products with sunscreen underneath and possibly reapplying sunscreen more often (CDC Yellow Book). The EPA, which registers repellents, asks users to read the label, apply repellent only to exposed skin or clothing, keep it off cuts and irritated skin, and never spray it straight into the face (EPA repellents).

Order

Sunscreen first, repellent second (CDC mosquito prevention).

Combo products

CDC advises separate products rather than 2-in-1 (CDC Yellow Book).

Reapplying

DEET can lower SPF, so sunscreen may need more frequent reapplication.

Common mistakes

The 2-in-1 bottle is the trap most families fall into. Sunscreen is meant to be reapplied every couple of hours and after swimming, while repellent is meant to be used sparingly and only as often as its label says. Put both in one formula and you end up either under-dosing the sunscreen or over-applying the repellent, which is why the CDC steers people toward two separate products. Another slip is spraying repellent under a shirt or over a scraped knee. The EPA says repellent belongs only on exposed skin or on top of clothing, never under it, and not on wounds or irritated skin. For faces, spray repellent onto your hands first and then smooth it on, keeping it away from the eyes and mouth and using a light touch near the ears (EPA repellents). Parents should also check the active ingredient: the CDC says oil of lemon eucalyptus and PMD products should not be used on children under 3 (CDC mosquito prevention). When the day is over, wash treated skin.

Your routine

Morning

Broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin
Let it absorb
EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin or clothing
Reapply sunscreen as needed, repellent per its label

Evening

Wash off repellent and sunscreen
Moisturizer if skin feels dry

Go slower if

Use EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD or 2-undecanone, and follow the label (CDC mosquito prevention, EPA repellents).

Evidence strength

Strong for the order, which CDC states directly (CDC mosquito prevention). The SPF drop with DEET and the advice against combination products come from the CDC Yellow Book (CDC Yellow Book). Application safety follows EPA guidance (EPA repellents).

FAQ

Which goes on first, sunscreen or bug spray?

Sunscreen first, then repellent (CDC mosquito prevention).

Can I use a sunscreen and repellent combo?

The CDC advises separate products instead (CDC Yellow Book).

Does bug spray make sunscreen weaker?

DEET over sunscreen can lower SPF by about a third (CDC Yellow Book).

Can I spray repellent on my face?

Spray it on your hands first, then apply, avoiding eyes and mouth (EPA repellents).

Your skin