Ask any dermatologist, and they will tell you that the best way to fight aging skin is to apply SPF daily. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s easier said than done. That’s where moisturizers with SPF come in. Rather than having to apply a moisturizer and then sunscreen, there are many products on the market that are two-in-one to make life (and your morning skincare routine) easier. A moisturizer with SPF can also be used during a day at the beach. The important thing to remember is to use it like regular sunscreen—that means reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
“UV light exposure from the sun is the single biggest contributing factor to premature aging, including the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
To find the best moisturizers with SPF, we tested moisturizers in our lab and at home. Twenty-six of our editors tried 15 moisturizers (with each editor trying more than one so we could compare products against each other). We tested moisturizers with different SPF levels, various textures and consistencies, and different prices. Our editors had a range of skin tones and skin types—oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. After using each moisturizer for a two-week period and a minimum of three times per week, we evaluated each product based on consistency, feel, absorption, and hydration. We also had a dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
What to Look For in Moisturizers with SPF
- SPF Level: Aim for SPF 30 or higher
- Broad Spectrum Protection: These products help to block both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- Ingredients: Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as both help to deflect the sun’s harmful rays. When it comes to moisturizing ingredients, opt for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide.
A Note About Skin Type and SPF
“I always tell my patients that what is best for one person’s skin is not necessarily ideal for another,” says Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, CT. “For example, those that struggle with sensitive skin and rosacea can benefit from using a physical SPF as opposed to a chemical SPF, as chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin.”
In addition, it is important to note that skin of color is at a higher risk of hyperpigmentation. It’s best to look for a physical SPF with tint, which helps to protect the skin from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
SALE
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer at Amazon $27 $14
Best Drugstore:
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon $13
Best Sun Protection:
MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer at Dermstore $76
Best for Winter:
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream at Amazon $39
Best for Daily Use:
Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer at Amazon $22
Best for Sensitive Skin:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon $25
Best for Dry Skin:
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 at Amazon $48
Best for Oily Skin:
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora $40
Best for Combination Skin:
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer at Target $58
Best for Eczema:
SALE
CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon $20 $15
Best Overall
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer
PHOTO: Neutrogena
$14 at Amazon$17 at Target$21 at Ulta
Why We Like It
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with SPF is the overall best moisturizer with SPF for multiple reasons. We loved how quickly and easily this moisturizer soaked and blended into the skin. It feels lightweight—more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen, which can oftentimes feel too thick. Because it blends into the skin so well, it doesn’t leave any pilling or blending issues when applying makeup on top.
Another factor we loved about this pick was the sheen it leaves behind. Not greasy and not too shiny, this moisturizer leaves a luminous sheen on the skin throughout the day, offering a nice effect under your makeup. That being said, we probably wouldn’t recommend this to those with oily skin, as your face might look too shiny by the end of the day.
It’s Worth Noting
One negative aspect of this moisturizer is its scent. Although it’s marketed as fragrance-free, it still does have a sunscreen scent to it. If you have an aversion to the typical sunscreen smell, you might want to avoid this pick.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: Dry, normal
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Best Drugstore
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30
PHOTO: Rite Aid
$13 at Amazon$14 at CVS$14 at Walmart
Why We Like It
If you have dry skin, listen up: This pick from Eucerin is for you. The Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 is a thin formula with a light consistency. But don’t be deceived by the lightweight texture: This moisturizer does a good job of hydrating drier skin types while protecting your face from the sun, too.
Those with dry skin will flock to this moisturizer, while those with oily skin should probably stay away from this pick. It could leave your skin looking greasy. On the other hand, we appreciated that it didn’t have too strong of a sunscreen scent and didn’t leave a white cast.
It’s Worth Noting
We liked the texture of this formula but weren’t the biggest fans of the film that it leaves behind.
Additionally, we found that this Eucerin option pilled a little bit under makeup.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Ensulizole, triethoxycaprylylsilane, glyceryl stearate SE, zinc oxide
- Size: 4 oz
- Skin Type: Sensitive, dry
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Best Sun Protection
MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer
PHOTO: Amazon
$76 at Dermstore$76 at Skinstore.comView on Fsastore.com
Why We Like It
Silky, smooth, and light, the MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer was a winner amongst our tests. We love that this has an SPF 30, but it feels more like a moisturizer than a greasy sunscreen.
This pick absorbs into the skin well and provides the right amount of moisture without feeling too thick or cakey. It’s a great consistency for makeup application—it almost feels like a moisturizer and a makeup primer in one. The MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer does have a light fragrance (it smells a bit like sunscreen), but it’s not enough to deter anyone from purchasing this pick.
It’s Worth Noting
For those with sensitive skin, this product does sting a bit when you apply it. Remember to always patch test on your wrist or neck before applying it to your face.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: All skin types
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Best for Winter
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
PHOTO: Sephora
$39 at Amazon$39 at Sephora$67 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
Kiehl’s beloved Ultra Face Cream is now available with SPF 30. This formula is a thick consistency that feels like Greek yogurt. We like this pick for winter because its ingredients help skin maintain its natural moisture reserves. It’s formulated with glycerin, squalane, and salicylic acid, and will provide a dewy finish on the skin.
If you prefer a matte skin look, this moisturizer is definitely not for you. This pick from Kiehl’s leaves a shiny finish. While we don’t think this moisturizer is a great option for summer months, we do believe it’s an ideal pick for colder, harsher winter months, when your skin needs more hydration and sun protection, too.
It’s Worth Noting
Applying too much of this product can leave you feeling a little greasy.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: All skin types
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Best for Daily Use
Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer
PHOTO: Oars + Alps
$22 at Amazon$22 at TargetView on Oarsandalps.com
Why We Like It
The Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37 is loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and antioxidants. This formula is oil-free, feels lightweight on the skin, and absorbs super quickly, too.
We love that this formula didn’t give a greasy feeling, and actually appeared more matte on the skin than other moisturizers with SPF that we tested. It doesn’t have a scent and is free of phthalates, sulfates, and parabens.
It’s Worth Noting
Because this pick leaves more of a matte look and feel, it might be better suited for those with oily or combination skin types—those with dry skin might not find this moisturizer hydrating enough.
Product Details:
- SPF: 37
- Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, zinc oxide
- Size: 2 oz
- Skin Type: Oily, combination
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Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV
PHOTO: Walgreens
$23 at Amazon$24 at Target$20 at Walgreens
Why We Like It
Well-known for formulating products for sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay has created a moisturizer with SPF 30 for ample hydration and protection from the sun. We liked this pick because of the relatively lightweight yet moisturizing texture, and the fact that it doesn’t irritate our sensitive skin.
The most notable aspect of this moisturizer is how well it holds up throughout the day. We spritzed water on our face to see how the moisturizer would react (would it break down or melt off the face?) and were pleasantly surprised to find that it stayed put. It makes us think that this moisturizer would work great in the summer when you’re sweating a lot or surrounded by humid weather.
It’s Worth Noting
It might leave a slightly greasy feeling, especially on people with oiler skin types. If you use this product, you may want to keep oil-absorbing skin sheets handy.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 3.38 oz
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin, normal, combination, dry
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Best for Dry Skin
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
PHOTO: Ulta
$48 at Amazon$44 at Sephora$48 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
Supergoop is known for its next-level sunscreen formulas, and the Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 is no different. This pick does a fantastic job of hydrating dry skin, thanks to the ingredients like glycerin and blue-green algae.
One of the other factors we really love about this moisturizer with SPF is the fact that it offers protection from blue light, too. Cerium is an ingredient in this formulation that helps filter out blue light, which we get plenty of while exposed to the light from our phones and computers every day. While we love how moisturizing this pick feels, people with oilier skin types probably won’t like this formula—it could make your face look greasy if you already have an oily complexion.
It’s Worth Noting
This moisturizer with SPF has a bit of a strange scent. We thought it smelled a little bit like Play-Doh.
Product Details:
- SPF: 40
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: Dry, combination
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Best for Oily Skin
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer
PHOTO: Sephora
$36 at SephoraView on Fentybeauty.com$34 at Kohls.com
Why We Like It
Unlike any other moisturizer with SPF on this list, the Fenty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer is a very lightweight, light cream that doesn’t really feel like sunscreen. It’s formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin, and contains SPF 30 for sun protection, too.
We really loved that this formula felt more like a lightweight moisturizer than a goopy sunscreen. We also appreciated that it makes skin feel softer and adds a bit of dewiness to the skin without leaving a white cast, either. Some people might like the feeling of having an added moisture layer sitting on top of their skin, while others might prefer a formula that blends really well into the skin.
It has a relatively strong scent, so if you prefer your skincare to be fragrance-free, this pick isn’t your best option. We should note, though, that this formula does come in a fragrance-free version.
It’s Worth Noting
The formula kind of sits on the skin and doesn’t fully absorb and we noticed it pilled underneath makeup.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: All skin types
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Best for Combination Skin
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer
PHOTO: Ulta
$58 at Target$58 at Ulta$58 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
The Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea is an ideal moisturizer for those who have oilier t-zones and dryer cheeks. We noted that this pick would be ideal for spring and fall months, when the weather isn’t too cold in the winter (and you need a heavier moisturizer), and isn’t too lightweight for summer (when you need something more breathable).
We appreciate that this formula is infused with multiple anti-aging ingredients (other than the SPF). Both white tea and a cranberry blend offer strong antioxidant protection against pollution and other environmental factors.
It’s Worth Noting
This moisturizer does contain a light fragrance. If you are very sensitive to perfumes and scents, you might want to stay away from this pick.
Product Details:
- SPF: 40
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Skin Type: Normal, combination
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Best for Eczema
CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30
PHOTO: Amazon
$15 at Amazon$14 at Target$20 at Ulta
Why We Like It
Many dermatologists recommend the CeraVe brand for those with eczema because it doesn’t further irritate skin and won’t exacerbate a rash. This pick contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to help calm inflammation and hydrate the skin, too.
We loved how well this worked under makeup, and thought it held up pretty well throughout the day. And we didn’t notice any white cast after application, which is crucial for those with darker skin tones.
It’s Worth Noting
This formula does leave a greasy look on the skin, so if you’re prone to oiliness, you might want to stay away. Additionally, people with acne might find this pick too thick and potentially cloggy.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Homosalate, menthyl anthranilate, octinoxate, octocrylene, zinc oxide
- Size: 3 oz
- Skin Type: Dry, combination
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Best Lightweight
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer
PHOTO: Sephora
$35 at Amazon$36 at SephoraView on Cayskin.com
Why We Like It
If you’re not a fan of thicker moisturizers with SPF, this pick from Cay Skin will be your best bet. Formulated with niacinamide and hydrating nectar, this moisturizer with SPF is very lightweight and feels airy. This pick is great for all skin types, as it does a good job of hydrating dry skin while not leaving oily skin even greasier.
The biggest wow-factor with the Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45 was the gorgeous sheen it leaves. Not greasy-looking, but also not matte either, this pick left a soft, beautiful glow like no other. It worked really well as a glowy primer underneath makeup, too.
It’s Worth Noting
The formula does have a slight tint to it, and we did notice that it does rub off on towels and linens if you’re not careful.
Product Details:
- SPF: 45
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 1.5 oz
- Skin Type: All skin types
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Best for Under Makeup
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
PHOTO: Ulta
$48 at Amazon$48 at Sephora$48 at Ulta
Why We Like It
The Lancome UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer is another pick we love for under makeup. This 3-in-1 sunscreen, primer, and moisturizer will add the most beautiful glow to your skin and provide a really nice base for liquid, cream, or powder foundations. We really loved how well the product blended into the skin and didn’t leave any sort of white cast. While the product description promises a “weightless texture,” we found that the formula felt a bit heavier than expected.
It’s Worth Noting
It does feel a bit greasier than some of the other products we’ve tested. Because of this, it might not work well for those with oily skin.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50+
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 1 oz
- Skin Type: Combination, dry
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Best for Acne- Prone Skin
Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30
PHOTO: Dermalogica
$30 at Amazon$30 at Ulta$30 at Dermstore
Why We Like It
Ideal for acne-prone skin, Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF30 offers non-comedogenic protection, hydration and contains acne-fighting ingredients to help manage breakouts. It had a lightweight, non-greasy texture, perfect for makeup layering, without causing itching or burning upon application. It leans more towards sunscreen, demanding extra rubbing to absorb.
The scent-free formula dried down nicely, keeping our skin hydrated throughout the day. Though it didn’t transform our skin, it maintained its moisture level. It’s a good, lightweight option for daytime use for those sensitive acne-prone skin.
It’s Worth Noting
It can cause a stinging sensation in the eyes if accidentally applied near them, particularly when putting on makeup.
Product Details
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Size: 2 oz
- Skin Type: All skin types
Our Testing Process
To find the best moisturizers with SPF, the Health team tested moisturizers in our lab, as well as at home. Twenty-six of our editors tested a total of 15 moisturizers with different SPF levels, various textures and consistencies, and different prices. Our editors had a range of skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin, as well as a range of various skin tones, too.
Before testing, our editors started with a cleansed face. We applied the product as our last step (before makeup) at least three times per week for two weeks. We took pictures of our skin throughout the process and also recorded all of our findings. To determine the products to include on this list, we evaluated the moisturizers based on consistency, absorption, hydration, and appearance. We also interviewed dermatologists to understand what to look for when selecting the best moisturizers with SPF.
The Experts
- Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, CT
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and medical advisor for JORI Skincare.
Sunscreens That Didn’t Make Our List
We considered a few other moisturizers with SPF, but these did not make it to our top picks.
- The Shiseido Hydrating Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 had a lovely texture and sat beautifully under makeup. However, this formula’s fragrance was so strong that we thought it could double as your perfume. This formula would not be good for anyone with a sensitivity to fragrance.
- The Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 was another contender that we tested but found some faults with. This pick was difficult to rub in and had a rather thick consistency. It also leaves a bit of a white cast, which isn’t ideal for people with darker skin tones. We loved that it was fragrance-free and seemed to last on the skin for a while.
Who We Are
Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She used thorough editor insights to determine the best moisturizers with SPF on the market.