buuk.top / Tamara Staples
You already know how important it is to wear sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. You should also be applying moisturizer daily, no matter your skin type. Enter the beauty of a moisturizer with SPF—the two-in-one product that helps you cut down on steps in your morning skincare routine.
The best moisturizers with SPF should offer broad-spectrum sun protection, meaning it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.1"Seek out non-comedogenic options that you know won’t clog pores," advises New York City board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. She recommends looking for formulas that contain antioxidants, which will act as a layer of defense against skin-damaging radicals. Finally, she advises looking for ingredients to repair the skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
To figure out which moisturizers with SPF stand out among the competition, we did in-depth research on the most popular and highly-rated options before selecting 14 to put to the test in our lab facility in NYC, as well as at home. We each used one product consistently for two weeks, evaluating it ontexture and feel on the skin, how well it absorbed, how it made our skin feel throughout the day, and how it looked on the face. We scored each product in each category, and those that ranked the highest and, therefore, impressed us the most appear on this list.
Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer at Amazon
MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer at Amazon
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer at Amazon
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer at Sephora
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer at Amazon
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer at Amazon
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora
In This Article
Best Overall
Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37
Oars + Alps
View On Target
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Feels lightweight on the skin
Fast-absorbing
Layers well with makeup
Fragrance-free
No white cast
Has a sunscreen-like texture and scent
There are so many things that we absolutely adore about this moisturizer with SPF. Although the texture is more reminiscent of a true SPF rather than a creamy or gel-like moisturizer, once you rub it into the skin, itfeels incredibly lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy. It absorbs within a matter of seconds, leaves no residue or white cast behind, and layers beautifully with makeup.
The formula features reef-safe chemicals and physical UVA and UVB blockers (namely zinc oxide), and while it has a very subtle sunscreen scent, it’s fragrance-free, and any scent derived from the ingredients dissipates on the skin quickly. It also contains hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration, as well as vitamins E and B5 for nourishment and antioxidant protection.2After wearing it all day, the skin feels balanced and soft to the touch. It’s pretty much everything we want and need in a moisturizer with SPF, making it easy torecommend for all skin types.
Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, zinc oxide | SPF: 37 | Size: 2 oz|Cruelty-Free:Yes
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Best Splurge
MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer
Amazon
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Lightweight texture
Glowy, non-greasy finish
Layers well with makeup
No white cast
Great for all skin types
Has the common SPF smell
This is truly an all-in-one moisturizer, which we think makes it worth the price. It contains super hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, antioxidants, like snow mushroom, grape extract, and vitamin C, as well as caffeine and niacinamide tohelp reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.3 And, of course, it features SPF 30. The texture is lightweight but moisturizing enough to keep the skin feeling good all day long, and we love that it absorbs within a few minutes and doesn’t create a white cast.
Unlike a lot of sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF, the consistency isultra-blendable and layers effortlesslywith other skincare and makeup products. It has asubtle, luminous finish that makes the skin glow, and it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a product that will hydrate your skin, provide UVA and UVB protection, and serve up a dose of antioxidants, we highly recommend checking this one out.
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Neutrogena
View On Ulta
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Lightweight
No white cast
Luminous finish
Layers well with makeup
Has a strong SPF scent
This is our favorite drugstore moisturizer with SPF because it’slightweight and hydrating, incredibly easy to blend and layer with makeup and other skincare products, and creates a glowy finish on the skin. It’s pretty no-frills in the sense that it doesn’t contain a ton of buzzy skincare ingredients, like niacinamide, acids, or vitamin C, but this might actually beideal for those who are sensitive to actives. It does, however, contain hyaluronic acid for an added boost of moisture, as well as a blend of chemical UV blockers that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.4It’s non-greasy, doesn’t create a white cast, and won’t clog pores.
While it is free from added fragrance, we did notice that it does have a strong chemical SPF scent upon the initial application. Considering that the scent dissipates after a few minutes and the formula is really fantastic, this certainly isn’t a deal breaker for us.
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
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Best Glowy
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45
Sephora
View On Cayskin.com
Lightweight
Suitable for all skin types
Enhances skin’s radiance
Doesn’t layer well with other moisturizers
A lot of sunscreens appear glowy on the skin due to greasy or oily formulas. We love that this one maintains a lightweight and comfortable feel on the skin (aka, its not greasy) while making the complexion look radiant via the inclusion of super-fine pearls in the formula. Because of this, it’ssuitable for all skin types, even oily—while most dewy products make our oily skin look too shiny, this one added just the right amount of radiance. The hydrating formula contains sea moss to help strengthen the skin barrier, plant-based nectar for moisture, and niacinamide to smooth skin.5
We love how this pick layers beautifully underneath foundation,but we found that it does have the propensity to pill when layered with heavier creams. While the brand doesn’t specifically advise shaking the bottle prior to application, we highly recommend doing so because the formula does separate. But once you shake the bottle and apply it to the skin, we think you’ll be incredibly pleased with the hydrated, glowy results you achieve.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.5 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Best Anti-Aging
Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea
Ulta
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Creamy texture
Non-greasy
No white cast
Not the easiest to blend in
Exposure to damaging UV rays is a massive contributor to skin aging.6To prevent this, consistent SPF application is essential. And if anti-aging is something you’re particularly focused on in your skincare routine, incorporating antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage is also a major plus. This moisturizer with SPFshields the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, provides necessary hydration, and is packed with white tea, a potent antioxidant.7
The texture is fairly lightweight and creamy,allowing it to provide just the right amount of richness and hydration without feeling greasy, though it is slightly hard to blend in, as its texture more closely resembles a true SPF rather than a traditional moisturizer. However,it doesn’t create a white cast, it’s not oily, and it doesn’t feel stiff or heavylike some SPFs do. If you don’t mind taking an extra minute to work your skincare into your face, we think you’ll really enjoy this formula.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
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Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
Walgreens
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Deeply hydrating
No white cast
Non-greasy upon initial application
Absorbs well
Gets a bit shiny after a few hours of wear
If you have sensitive skin, then you know how tricky it can be to find products that deliver on their claims without causing irritation. This dermatologist-tested moisturizer with SPF could be a fantastic choice for you if you’re looking for hydration and sun protection all wrapped up into one convenient product. The formula isrich and deeply hydrating without being overly oily, and we love that it’s packed with nourishing ingredients, like ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, the brand’s core ingredient that’s infused with antioxidants.
When you first apply it, you’ll notice that it has a creamy texture that absorbs quicklyand doesn’t look greasy or create a white cast. Because the formula is pretty rich and moisturizing, it tends to look a bit shiny throughout the day, especially on oily skin, but it’s easy to blot away, and we’d absolutely take this over it being chalky or drying like some SPFs are. Plus, we love that it’srelatively affordable and accessible at the drugstore.
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 30 | Size: 3.38 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
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Best Multi-Purpose
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
Ulta
View On Sephora
View On Ulta
Creates luminous finish
No white cast
Layers well with skincare and makeup
Hydrating enough for dry skin
Slightly greasy
Has a strong rose fragrance
The reality is that tons of SPF products simply don’t layer well underneath makeup. Moisturizers with SPF are better for wearing under makeup than some traditional sunscreen formulas that can be stiff and cause pilling, but finding one that layers seamlessly underneath foundation takes some trial and error. We like this one because it was formulated with makeup application in mind. Itworks as a moisturizer, SPF, and makeup primer, and the emollient, easy-to-blend texture lends well to layering with other products.
While the brand claims that it has a gel texture, we found it to be a bit more rich and creamy than a traditional gel, but this actually made it hydrating enough to keep dry skin looking and feeling moisturized throughout the day. It isjust a tad greasy, meaning that those with oily skin might want to proceed with caution, but it’s not so greasy that it feels heavy or looks overly shiny. On its own, it creates aluminous finish on the skin with absolutely no white cast, and when layered with makeup, it provides a radiant glow that helps foundation look skin-like.
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: No
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Best Refillable
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Sephora
View On Walmart
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Comes in a fragrance-free option
Thin, creamy texture
Natural, non-greasy finish
No white cast
Prone to pilling underneath makeup
Might not be hydrating enough for super-dry skin
If adopting a more sustainable beauty routine is important to you, we recommend checking out this refillable moisturizer with SPF. Once you purchase it initially, you can buy a refill cartridge once you run out—it makes forless plastic, and it’s more cost-effective. We also have to give major bonus points to the brand for having a fragrance-free option available.
The formula has a quite thin and creamy texture, making it easy to spread across the face and blend into the skin. It’s non-greasy and doesn’t create a white cast. Itprovides a nice level of hydration for oily and balanced skin, though it could be a bit too light for those with dry skin, especially during the cooler months. We also found that it did pill underneath some foundations, but if you’re willing to experiment a bit to see what it layers nicely with, or you’re planning on using it on bare skin, we still absolutely recommend giving it a try.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite moisturizer with SPF out of the bunch is the Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37. It’s lightweight and hydrating, fragrance-free, affordable, and doesn’t create a white cast. But if you’re looking for an option you can grab conveniently at your local drugstore, we recommend theNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50.
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How We Tested
To determine which moisturizers with SPF we recommend,we researched the most popular and highly-rated optionsbefore selecting 14 to put to the test in our lab facility in NYC as well as at home. We used one product in the morning every day for two weeks, analyzing its key features and taking notes on the pros and cons of each.
Attributes we evaluated each moisturizer on:
TextureFeel on the skinAbsorptionFinishScent
Watch Us Test the Best Face Moisturizers with SPF
Other Options We Tested
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
We love how accessible this popular drugstore pick is, but we found that it didnt absorb well—the thick texture seemed to sit on top of the skin.
Shiseido Hydrating Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20
This creamy moisturizer provides excellent hydration, but we found the fragrance to be way too overpowering.
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30
We appreciate that this budget buy provides nice hydration, but we did experience some pilling with it, and the texture felt slightly greasy.
What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer With SPF
Broad-spectrum protection:As for any SPF product (whether a full-body sunscreen or a simple facial moisturizer with added sun protection), be sure to look out for products that offer broad-spectrum protection. This will indicate that the formula guards against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for protecting the skin from sunburns, cancer, and signs of aging.1Our best overall pick, the Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37, offers broad-spectrum protection.Non-comedogenic and oil-free: When it comes to moisturizers with SPF, Peredo says it’s important to seek out formulas that are both non-comedogenic and oil-free to prevent breakouts—this is especially important if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 is both non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.Skin barrier-strengthening ingredients:SPF or not, a face moisturizer must help to protect and strengthen your skin, too. By helping to maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier, ingredients such as ceramides (which are in the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30) and niacinamide (which is featured in the MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer) help to lock in hydration and prevent irritants from getting in, Peredo says.
Moisturizers with SPF are protective, but there are differences between them and traditional sunscreens that are important to understand. “Moisturizers with SPF are tested to the same standard as specialized sunscreen products, so they provide the same level of UV protection,” says Frauke Neuser, MD. “The main difference is that they usually aren’t waterproof or water-resistant, which is why you’d want to use a specialized sunscreen when you’re on the beach or exercising outdoors.”
According to Neuser, moisturizers with SPF don’t necessarily cause acne, but there are two factors that may contribute to sunscreen-related breakouts. Clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients or sensitivity to chemical UV filters can trigger breakouts. “Make sure you use a product that’s non-comedogenic or a mineral sunscreen if you know you’re sensitive to chemical UV filters,” she says.
Why Trust buuk.top
buuk.top contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She conducted hours of research on the best sun-protective moisturizers, evaluating each formula’s texture and feel, ingredient list, UV-shielding abilities, and how well it kept skin hydrated. We also incorporated reviews from our product testers, who provided key insights on the best moisturizers with SPF protection.
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at buuk.top since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
For this story, they interviewed two experts to gain more insight into what to look for in moisturizers with SPF. Those experts include:
Marina Peredo, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience.
Frauke Neuser, MD, a British scientist and the Senior Director of Scientific Communications of the Beauty & Grooming division at Proctor & Gamble.
Article Sources
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