The 12 Best Moisturizers with SPF of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Streamline your morning routine with these double-duty products.
Health / Reese Herrington
Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you that the best way to fight aging skin is to apply SPF every day. 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.
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.
Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Why We Like It: This lightweight moisturizer quickly soaks and blends into the skin.
It’s Worth Noting: Even though it’s marketed as fragrance-free, there are detectable notes of sunscreen.
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.
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.
Price at time of publication: $20
Product Details:
SPF: 50
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: Dry, normal
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best Drugstore: Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30
Why We Like It: It’s super hydrating for people with dry skin.
It’s Worth Noting: It might leave a greasy residue.
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.
We liked the texture of this formula but weren’t the biggest fans of the film that it leaves behind. 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. Additionally, we found that this Eucerin option pilled a little bit under makeup. On the other hand, we appreciated that it didn’t have too strong of a sunscreen scent and didn’t leave a white cast.
Price at time of publication: $10
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Ensulizole, triethoxycaprylylsilane, glyceryl stearate SE, zinc oxide
Size: 4 oz
Skin Type: Sensitive, dry
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best Sun Protection: MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer
Why We Like It: It feels like a moisturizer and makeup primer all in one.
It’s Worth Noting: You may feel a slight sting when you apply it to your skin.
Silky smooth and light, the MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer was a winner amongst our editors. We love that this has an SPF 30, but 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. 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.
Price at time of publication: $76
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: All skin types
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Daily Use: Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37
Why We Like It: This moisturizer-SPF hybrid is jam-packed with vitamins that your skin needs.
It’s Worth Noting: There’s a matte finish to this sunscreen, which might not be best for people with dry skin.
The Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37 was originally designed for men but can be used on women, too. 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.
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.
Price at time of publication: $22
Product Details:
SPF: 37
Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, zinc oxide
Size: 2 oz
Skin Type: Oily, combination
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Acne Prone Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Why We Like It: The glycerin, squalane, and salicylic acid in this formula provide a dewy finish.
It’s Worth Noting: Applying too much of this product can leave you feeling a little greasy.
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 those with acne-prone skin because it’s non-irritating and non-comedogenic. 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. When our editor applied too much, it left her feeling a bit greasy. 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.
Price at time of publication: $29
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: All skin types
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
Why We Like It: It doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
It’s Worth Noting: It might make your already-oily skin feel even oilier.
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.
One factor we didn’t love was that 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.
Price at time of publication: $22
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Size: 3.38 oz
Skin Type: Sensitive skin, normal, combination, dry
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Dry Skin: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
Why We Like It: It offers protection from UV rays and blue light.
It’s Worth Noting: This moisturizer might not be formulated for oilier skin types.
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. Additionally, this moisturizer with SPF has a bit of a strange scent. We thought it smelled a little bit like Play-Doh.
Price at time of publication: $44
Product Details:
SPF: 40
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: Dry, combination
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Why We Like It: It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin.
It’s Worth Noting: The strong-smelling product pilled underneath makeup.
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.
A big downside to this pick from Fenty is that it pilled underneath makeup. The formula kind of sits on the skin and doesn’t fully absorb. 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.
Another issue we found was the scent. 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.
Price at time of publication: $39
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: All skin types
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Combination Skin: Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea
Why We Like It: The moisturizer is formulated with several anti-aging ingredients in addition to SPF.
It’s Worth Noting: There’s a light fragrance to this product, which may activate sensitive noses.
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.
One thing to note is that 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.
Price at time of publication: $52
Product Details:
SPF: 40
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin Type: Normal, combination
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Eczema: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Why We Like It: This works well for people whose skin gets irritated easily and you can wear it under makeup.
It’s Worth Noting: The finish is definitely on the oilier side.
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.
Unfortunately, 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.
Price at time of publication: $20
Product Details:
SPF: 30
Active Ingredients: Homosalate, menthyl anthranilate, octinoxate, octocrylene, zinc oxide
Size: 3 oz
Skin Type: Dry, combination
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best Lightweight: CAY SKIN Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45
Why We Like It: It works well as a stand-alone product or as a glowy primer underneath makeup.
It’s Worth Noting: There’s a slight tint to the formula, which can rub off on towels and linens.
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.
If you prefer a thick moisturizer with SPF, this pick is not going to cut it for you. Additionally, 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.
Price at time of publication: $34
Product Details:
SPF: 45
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
Size: 1.5 oz
Skin Type: All skin types
Health / Jhett Thompson
Best for Under Makeup: Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
Why We Like It: Serves as a great base for liquid, cream, or powder foundations.
It’s Worth Noting: Even though this product is marketed as “weightless,” it’s actually pretty thick.
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 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.
Price at time of publication: $48
Product Details:
SPF: 50+
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Size: 1 oz
Skin Type: Combination, dry
Health / Jhett Thompson
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 tried 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 we interviewed included:
Dr. Kim Nichols, 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
What to Know About Moisturizers with SPF
SPF Level
When on the hunt for a great moisturizer with SPF, it’s important to factor in the SPF levels. “When purchasing any SPF, I strongly advise patients to use at least SPF 30, if not higher,” says Dr. Nichols.
Broad Spectrum Protection
For optimal protection, Dr. Nichols advises her patients to look for a physical sunscreen that is tinted. “These products help to block both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays,” she says.
Ingredients
Specific ingredients to look for when purchasing a moisturizer with SPF include zinc and titanium dioxide, as both help to deflect the sun's harmful rays. “When it comes to moisturizing ingredients, key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide,” says Dr. Nichols.
Skin Type
“I always tell my patients that what is best for one person's skin is not necessarily ideal for another,” says Dr. Nichols. “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.
More Moisturizers with Sunscreen to Consider
There were a few other moisturizers with SPF that we considered, but didn’t fully make the cut.
The Shiseido Hydrating Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 had a lovely texture and sat beautifully under makeup. However, the fragrance was so strong in this formula 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. Additionally, it does leave 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.
Your Questions, Answered
Is moisturizer with SPF worth it?
Any product with an SPF level on the label will provide that protection if it is used properly. “When it comes to sunscreen, SPF is measured based on a density of 2 mg/cm2 on the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner, MD. “In order to achieve that, you want to use about a nickel-size dollop of sunscreen for your full face.”
Additionally, the cost of moisturizers with SPF will vary widely. It’s important to note that a higher-priced moisturizer with SPF does not mean that it has better protection from the sun than a lower-priced moisturizer with SPF. It really depends on the SPF number.
Can I use a moisturizer with SPF instead of sunscreen?
A moisturizer with SPF is essentially a product that does double duty to hydrate the skin while protecting you from UV light exposure. These products can be used on a daily basis. “A moisturizer with SPF can also be used in place of a regular sunscreen during the day at the beach,” suggests Dr. Zeichner. “However, you must remember to use them just as you use regular sunscreen—don’t forget to reapply every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming.”
Does sunscreen really make a difference in aging?
“If you were to choose only one product to address aging skin, it should be sunscreen,” says Dr. Zeichner. “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.” Studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen over the course of a year by itself is associated with cosmetic improvement of the aging face.
What SPF should I use on my face every day?
You should use an SPF of at least 30 on your face every day, and make sure to reapply every two hours if you are sweating or swimming.
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.
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Read the original article on Health.
