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The 15 Best Moisturizers With SPF to Streamline Your Skincare Routine

Featuring expert-approved picks from CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and more

By Marisa Petrarca

Using SPF is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine, rain or shine. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30 daily, and reapplying every two hours when you're outdoors. But you already know that, as every dermatologist and skincare expert waxes poetic about religiously applying sunscreen.

Remembering to apply on a daily basis can feel like a chore, but one way to minimize a skincare step is by opting for one of the best moisturizers with SPF. These two-in-one products provide supreme hydration while guarding against UVA and UVB rays at the same time. Plus, these versatile moisturizers make using sun protection more enjoyable, since it's a foolproof way to guard your skin against damage.

While there’s a lot of mixed messaging about whether moisturizer with sunscreen is as effective as using traditional face sunscreen, dermatologist Karan Lal approves of them for daily use when they contain at least SPF 30. Remember: the best facial sunscreen for you is the one you use consistently. Ready to narrow down a new favorite hybrid? We rounded up the best moisturizers with SPF to shop now that experts and Bazaar editors love.


Best Tinted

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen

Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen
Now 20% Off
Credit: Amazon

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Features a matte finish

Cons

  • May not be ideal for those who don't like tinted sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens have made significant strides over the years, and many modern formulations leave zero white cast. This mineral-tinted crème from MDSolarSciences is one of our favorite tinted moisturizers because it has a silky-smooth texture, a super-sheer tint, and a matte finish that's perfect for hot summer days when a foundation is out of the question. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice when you're swimming (or sweating) in the heat.

  • SPF type: Mineral

Customer review: "Love this! The consistency, the skin tone and staying power. Bonus: Made in the USA and mostly zinc." —Martha T.

Best Under $20

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

Pros

  • Oil-free

Cons

  • May not be ideal for those who prefer chemical sunscreen

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion may look unassuming, but its formula has garnered a devoted following over time. As its name suggests, all CeraVe products boast ceramides essential for strengthening your skin barrier, shielding it from irritants, and keeping it moisturized. It also contains oil-regulating niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid, making it a dependable option that doesn't break the bank.

  • SPF type: Mineral

Customer review: "This is my go-to face SPF lotion. I have been using it for years, all year round. It is a great price. It does not feel sticky and adds a nice glow to your face. It is easy to rub in and does not leave a residue on your face. I have never burned from using this product."

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Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Pros

  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Keeps skin hydrated for up to 48 hours

Cons

    We get it: Finding a moisturizer that doesn't exacerbate already-oily skin can be challenging. But this one is a fan-favorite among countless people with oily skin because of its oil-free formulation and non-greasy, lightweight texture. But its consistency isn't the only reason it's beloved by those with oily skin: it also contains niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), which helps minimize oiliness without drying out your skin.

    • SPF type: Mineral and chemical

    Customer review: "My skin is normally super oily. This moisturizer has brought a beautiful balance to my skin since starting use. It’s not oily anymore nor dry—just smooth and soft, feels naturally supple." —Hollee H.

    Best for Acne-Prone Skin

    EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

    UV Clear Face Sunscreen

    Pros

    • Doesn't leave behind a white cast
    • Great for sensitive skin

    Cons

    • Over $40

    Chances are, you've heard of EltaMD because it's a hit among dermatologists and beauty editors alike. Unlike typical sunscreens, it's non-greasy, non-oily, has a barely-there scent, and boasts a silky, lotion-like texture. It's suitable for all skin types–even acne-prone, as it uses niacinamide, which helps your skin from producing too much oil and prevents excess sebum.

    • SPF type: Chemical and mineral

    Customer review: "Listen! If you have acne-prone or oily skin, this is literally the best sunscreen out there! It's incredibly lightweight, my face hasn't burned once in the 8 years I've been using it, and it doesn't cause me any skin irritation or aggravate my acne."

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    Best for Glow

    Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30

    Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30
    Credit: Dermstore

    Pros

    • Great primer for makeup

    Cons

    • May not be ideal for those who prefer matte formulas

    Glowy products typically conjure visions of shimmer or sparkle, but this SPF moisturizer leaves skin looking dewy. While it gives your skin an immediate luminous effect, it also brightens skin over time, courtesy of vitamin C, so no need to use a separate serum beforehand.

    • SPF type: Mineral

    Customer review: "I have very fair skin, and this gives me a nice glow under foundation. Not shimmery, just a fairly natural glow." —Rebecca

    Best with SPF 40

    Supergoop! Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer

    Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer
    Credit: Sephora

    Pros

    • Nongreasy formula
    • High SPF level
    • Fragrance-free

    Cons

    • Formula may be too rich for some

    Few sunscreen brands are as fun and innovative as Supergoop, with this popular hydrator from the brand being no exception. It's rich and thick, yet absorbs quickly. Plus, it contains ectoin, an antioxidant that protects your skin from the blue light emanating from your computer or phone. With both broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, this moisturizer keeps you safeguarded from all the elements.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "Love this so far. Gives a nice finish by itself and looks great under makeup." —kinseyf

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    Best for Melanated Skin

    Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

    Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

    Pros

    • Fragrance-free
    • Under $20
    • Reef friendly

    Cons

    • Some reviewers say the formula leaves their skin looking shiny

    If you're looking for a moisturizer with SPF that won't leave a white cast behind on your skin, this option from Black Girl Sunscreen is one of our top picks. Their sunscreen lotion's sheer formula combines jojoba, cacao, and avocado for supreme hydration and protection from UVA and UVB rays.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "I love this sunscreen. It's very moisturizing and leaves my skin glowing." —Dee

    Best with Antioxidants

    Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

    Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
    Credit: Kiehl's Since 1851

    Pros

    • Features a non-greasy formula
    • A little goes a long way

    Cons

    • Must use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating

    Kiehl's moisturizer-sunscreen hybrids are cult favorites, and for good reason. One of the brand's most popular options is the Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, which contains a trifecta of chemical sunscreen, hydrating ingredients (think squalene and glycerin), and protective antioxidants.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "I have been using this moisturizer for many years and have never found anything better. Full disclosure - I'm a dermatologist. Love everything about this. SPF 30 is a must, and many moisturizers only have SPF 15 or 20; this feels good regardless of the humidity or dryness in the air so I can wear year round."

    Best Gel-Cream

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

    Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

    Pros

    • Features a lightweight formula

    Cons

    • Over $100

    With thousands of five-star ratings, this moisturizer with SPF is a solid contender for your next skincare splurge. First and foremost, it smells delightful with a light rose scent. It's also formulated with antioxidants, plumping hyaluronic acid, and—as promised by its name—algae sourced from the Mediterranean coast that deliver both immediate and long-term benefits with regular use.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "I did not think I would love this as much as I do! The smell is divine, and it absorbs so well into the skin. The SPF has no white cast and does not sting at all! I even put this around my eyelids. Luxury in a jar."

    Best Plumping

    Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Fresh-Moisture Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

    Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Fresh-Moisture Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

    Pros

    • Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
    • Helps minimize appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness

    Cons

    • Over $30

    Hyaluronic acid is the ingredient if you're looking to subtly plump skin and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and this moisturizer uses it as a key ingredient. It also uses pearl pigments that blur imperfections for a more even-toned complexion, sans makeup.

    • SPF type: Mineral and chemical

    Customer review: "This is the best sunscreen moisturizer. It can be used alone or on top of moisturizer. It's very hydrating and leaves a mild, dewy finish. I thought you had discontinued this, but thank God it's here!!!" —Hoho

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    Best for Priming

    Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

    UV Expert Aquagel Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

    Pros

    • Features SPF 50
    • Lightweight gel texture

    Cons

    • Nearly $50

    This Lancôme moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid is touted as a three-in-one skincare solution. It primes your face for makeup, hydrates with glycerin, and shields your skin with SPF 50 protection. It's a must-have for makeup enthusiasts because you can forego both primer and moisturizer for a seamless makeup application.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "I have used this product for years now. I hate SPF, and this one is perfect because it's also a primer. My makeup lasts longer when I have this one. It has gone up in price. I have bought other brands of SPF for my face, but end up coming back to this one." —Oreo0826

    Best Refillable

    Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Refillable Moisturizer

    Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Refillable Moisturizer
    Credit: Sephora

    Pros

    • Earth-friendly
    • Plumping

    Cons

    • Some may find subtle scent off-putting

    If buying bottles upon bottles of non-refillable skincare products gives you anxiety, it's due time to invest in a refillable product, like this bestseller from Fenty Skin. Rihanna pulled out all the stops with this one. On top of containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and chemical sunscreen agents, it also uses the superstar ingredient niacinamide to even out skin tone and brighten your complexion with consistent use.

    • SPF type: Mineral

    Customer review: "I am obsessed with this sunscreen! I love that it is refillable, first of all! The packaging is so cute. It is so hydrating and layers perfectly under makeup. It also has a great scent. I have repurchased and will continue to! I think this is my new standby sunscreen." —taylorg22

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    Best Serum

    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum

    Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum

    Pros

    • Under $25
    • Features SPF 60

    Cons

    • May not be ideal for those who prefer mineral formulas

    If you detest traditional sunscreen formulas, try this option, which is completely weightless, absorbs quickly, and feels undetectable on the skin. It also doubles as a makeup primer and contains the highest SPF factor on this list. (Remember, a higher SPF doesn't always mean better protection; it simply offers a slightly higher level of defense than the baseline of SPF 30.)

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "Goes on smoothly and feels light on the skin. I like that it doesn’t leave a white cast and isn’t greasy. Works well under makeup and keeps my face from feeling dry. I’ve used it during walks and outdoor activities, and it holds up pretty well. Fragrance-free is a plus. Overall, a good daily sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen." —Ann

    Best Firming

    Exuviance Age Reverse Day Repair SPF 30 Firming Face Cream with Retinol

    Age Reverse Day Repair SPF 30 Firming Face Cream with Retinol

    Pros

    • Great for acne-prone and combination

    Cons

    • May not be ideal for sensitive skin

    Retinol may be a mainstay in your nighttime routine for firming skin and reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but Exuviance makes a case for pairing it with your SPF. This ingenious SPF-infused face cream, which can be used daily, combines retinol with NeoGlucosamin, an ingredient that's said to help even discoloration, for a moisturizer that's both protective and preventative.

    • SPF type: Chemical

    Customer review: "I can’t say enough good stuff about this product. I’ve been using it for almost a year now. The dark areas on my skin are significantly lighter and I have noticeable less wrinkles." —Rebecca M.

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    Best for Fine Lines

    Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer

    A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer

    Pros

    • Formula helps protect against environmental aggressors

    Cons

    • Best for oily skin

    This moisturizer has a series of antioxidants, like white tea leaf extract, birch bark extract, and wolfberry fruit extract. They play a crucial role in neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals, making them essential in any anti-aging skincare routine. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, along with both mineral and chemical sunscreen agents for comprehensive UV protection.

    • SPF type: Mineral and chemical

    One satisfied customer writes: "This product is extremely good. It's moisturizing and helps minimize the appearance of my fine lines. I feel like my skin is better than ever! I apply to damp clean skin and leave on overnight! I'm hydrated the next day like literally glowing."

    Meet the experts

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    • Karan Lal, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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    What level of SPF should a moisturizer contain?

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    "Moisturizers with SPF are best for daily use, as long as they are SPF 30 and above," Lal says. This aligns with the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation for daily sun protection. However, if you anticipate spending more than 60-80 minutes outdoors, he suggests using a dedicated sunscreen on top of moisturizer for enhanced protection instead.

    Is a moisturizer with SPF just as effective as regular sunscreen?

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    The reality is that true sunscreens have higher SPF levels compared to moisturizers, which often max out at SPF 30. Likewise, sunscreens are often formulated to bear the elements like sweat, whereas moisturizers with SPF are usually not.

    Moisturizer with SPF isn't as ideal as traditional sunscreen, but it's a practical choice, especially if it seamlessly fits into your morning routine. Just be sure to apply the amount directed on the packaging to ensure you reap the full SPF protection. Lal highlights the trade-offs between the two, noting that many sunscreens swap moisturizing properties for specific ingredients needed for UVB protection, so using a moisturizer with SPF is essentially a double-win in terms of protection and hydration.

    Moisturizer with SPF offers a convenient compromise for days when your skin is particularly dry or when you don't plan to spend time outdoors. Just remember, moisturizer with SPF isn't a substitute for sunscreen during prolonged sun exposure, and you still need to reapply throughout the day no matter which method you choose. We highly recommend a product like the Supergoop! Refreshing Mist SPF 40 for mid-day pick-me-ups, especially if you're a regular makeup-wearer.

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    How can I find the SPF moisturizer that's best for me?

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    Sadly, there's no answer to which SPF face moisturizer is best because it comes down to personal preference. But to broadly answer the question, the best SPF face moisturizer is the one you'll consistently incorporate into your daily routine. (Some SPF is always better than no SPF.)

    However, to maximize its effectiveness, consider your skin type, product preferences, and budget when selecting a moisturizer with SPF. Standout features to look for include broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, a minimum SPF factor of 30, and antioxidants to defend against free radical damage.

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