Two things that are vital in any skin care routine: using moisturizer and using sunscreen. So it stands to reason that a moisturizer with SPF would be a great addition to your product lineup, killing two birds with one stone. And they certainly can—although, there are some things to know first.
According to New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, these hybrid products are “easy to integrate into your skin care routine because it takes the place of your usual moisturizer,” and recommends them “for an average day of mild sun exposure.” In addition to convenience, they can be more pleasant to use too. “Moisturizers with SPF are typically lighter than regular facial sunscreens,” says Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Further, King says, “They generally have more moisturizing ingredients, and they may have other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants or peptides.”
That being said, there are some things to note: “They usually are not as water resistant,” King warns. Plus, “You need to apply a sufficient amount to achieve the advertised SPF, and you need to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.” In general, many people don’t wear enough sunscreen as it is, so using an SPF moisturizer isn’t a silver bullet to getting sufficient sun protection. “I think using a hybrid product is better than no SPF at all, but to reap the [full] benefits of each product, I suggest using a facial moisturizer, and then layering a facial sunscreen atop,” Hibler recommends. “Most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen,” King adds. “The guidelines are to apply one ounce—that’s enough to fill a shot glass—to the exposed areas of the face and body, a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone.”
But according to Brooklyn-based board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, so provided you apply the directed amount, using a moisturizer with SPF is totally safe. “Most sunscreens include similar ingredients to moisturizers,” Landriscina says. “As long as you’re using enough to get the listed SPF, both will provide the same protection.”
We also ask the derms about the products they recommend, which we list below, along with some additional editor-approved picks. Read on for 20 of the best moisturizers with sunscreen to use every day this summer and beyond.
1
Expert Pick
Dew The Most Sheer Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
This drugstore buy “contains vitamin E and other moisturizing ingredients, as well as niacinamide, which improves skin tone and texture,” King says.
2
Expert Pick
Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30
Landriscina says this formula has a “light texture, is great for sensitive skin, and goes on transparent.”
3
Best Brightening Moisturizer with SPF
Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide
Fenty’s refillable daily moisturizer isn’t short on skincare ingredients: Niacinamide (to brighten dark spots), Kalahari melon (for antioxidants), and hyaluronic acid and aloe (for hydration) all complement the sun protection.
4
Cult Classic
Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
If you’re looking for something no-fuss and reliable, you can’t go wrong with this classic product from Kiehl’s. The squalane-packed lotion is lightweight yet hydrating, and it’s also fragrance free.
5
Best for Blue Light Protection
Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
From one of the GOAT sunscreen brands comes this creamy daily moisturizer, which contains antioxidant-rich green algae, as well as cerium, to protect against blue light from devices.
6
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Deeper Skin Tones
Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream SPF 40 Café Au Lait
Let’s face it: Most tinted mineral formulas aren’t as “universal” as they claim to be. But this face cream is a shade of medium-tan to better match deeper skin tones (and a darker shade is on its way too). As a bonus, it also has ultra-moisturizing ingredients like oat kernel extract and squalane.
7
Best Seller
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
The weightless, whipped texture will have you at hello, but it’s the peptide-packed, matte-finish formula that has made this drugstore moisturizer a must-have.
8
Best Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer
Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This mineral sunscreen moisturizer features tons of antioxidant ingredients like vitamin E, goji berry, and green tea. The consistency is on the thicker side, so you can blend it with a regular moisturizer if you need a little extra hydration.
9
Most Refreshing Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Hydro Boost Moisturizer – SPF 50
The original Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizer is one of our favorite moisturizers of any type, so imagine our delight when the brand added an SPF 50 daytime version to the mix. The gel texture adds weightless hydration and feels amazing first thing in the a.m.
10
Expert Pick
Daily Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Love Sun Bum’s excellent sunscreens? You’ll be happy to know Landriscina also recommends this “great light formula with added antioxidants” from the suncare brand.
11
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Facial Moisturizer – SPF 50+
This dermatologist favorite is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin types—though just about everyone will love it.
12
Best Multitasking Moisturizer with SPF
SPF 50+ Collagen Glow Creme
This new-to-the-States sunscreen brand is already big in Australia because of its sheer, effective formulas—including this multitasking, high-SPF product that doubles as a moisturizer and makeup primer.
13
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Replumping Serum Cream with SPF 30
Packed with hydrating watermelon and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight serum-cream is a great choice for oily skin, per Landriscina.
14
Drugstore Deal
Ultra-Light Face Lotion Moisturizer with Sunscreen – SPF 30
Drugstore favorite CeraVe is just as beloved on skincare TikTok as it is in the dermatologist’s office, so you can be sure you’re in good hands when using this oil-free, noncomedogenic lotion.
15
Celeb Pick
Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Jennifer Aniston, who has been a face of Aveeno since 2013, is reportedly a huge fan of the skincare brand’s sunscreens. We love this moisturizer, which absorbs in seconds but still leaves skin plump and hydrated.
16
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Dry Skin
That Big Screen Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
We trust anything that has JLo looking like, well, that. This face cream has both hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep skin hydrated, plus brightening licorice root for that signature glow.
17
Best Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer
Mineral sunscreens have a rep for being tough to blend in (especially on deeper skin tones), but this lightly tinted version leaves no white cast. It’s also loaded with calming willow bark extract and an antioxidant blend to further protect skin from environmental stressors.
18
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Mature Skin
Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
We all know wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to protect against skin aging, but there are also things you can do in the short term. The “rosy” color of this moisturizer helps brighten and even out skin tone instantly, but it also provides anti-aging benefits with continued use.
19
Best Value
Holy Hydration! Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30
Reviewers have awarded this $13 face cream nearly five stars, with one fan calling it a “staple moisturizer” and adding that it’s “a pretty thick moisturizer BUT it doesn’t feel thick which is great. The 30 SPF is just a perk!”
20
Best SPF Primer
UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50
This three-in-one product adds primer to the mix to streamline your routine even further. The oil-free aquagel blends in seamlessly, dries matte, and doesn’t feel sticky underneath your makeup either.
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