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Every dermatologist we’ve ever interviewed has remained remarkably consistent on one key point: Wearing sunscreen every day is the most important thing you can do for your complexion. Sunscreen’s “sun protection factor,” or SPF, measures how well it can shield your skin against sun damage and helps prevent everything from fine lines to premature aging to hyperpigmentation, making it a nonnegotiable step in your skin-care routine. Moisturizers with SPF are a favorite of skin-care minimalists such as myself, allowing me to get my daily dose of protection without an extra step (though this is only recommended if you’re going to be indoors all day — if you’re planning to go outdoors, even just for a short while, you should always be applying another layer of a dedicated sunscreen). As awareness of the importance of sun protection grows, more and more brands are releasing their own versions of SPF-infused moisturizers; it’s a crowded and overwhelming market out there, so we asked nine skin experts to share their favorite moisturizers with SPF for a variety of skin types and concerns.
Update on July 1, 2024: Added testing notes on the CeraVe from Strategist writer Amelia Jerden and updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
What we’re looking for
SPF Level
SPF measures how much UV radiation it takes to cause sunburn while wearing sunscreen versus not. The higher the SPF, the more protection you have, but SPF refers only to UVB rays (that’s why “broad-spectrum” on the label is a must). Dermatologists generally recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, but Dr. Tiffany Libby, director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown Dermatology, says that super-high numbers don’t necessarily translate to better results. “An SPF of 30 means it blocks out 97 percent of UVB rays, whereas an SPF 50 blocks out 98 percent, and SPF 100, 99 percent. This means that higher SPF numbers only marginally protect the skin better,” she says. Just like the sunscreen you use at the beach, moisturizers with SPF should be reapplied every two hours. You do have a bit of leeway depending on the scenario. “If you’re spending all day inside and you’re not near a window, you can reapply every four to six hours. Just remember that sun damage is cumulative, so even if you’re only exposed for a short time, it’s important to have protection,” says Dr. Rachel Westbay, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
Texture
The consistency of moisturizers can range from a watery gel to a mid-weight lotion to a heavy cream. In general, dry skin will soak up heavier, richer formulas, and oily skin will benefit from a lighter, thinner formula, but it can also be useful to take into account whether you’re planning to make your SPF moisturizer your one-and-done or whether you’re planning to layer another sunscreen on top for extra protection. If the former, you should definitely apply with a “more is more” mind-set and may want to opt for a creamier lotion that can provide greater coverage in areas besides your face, such as your neck, ears, jaw, or hands. If the latter, a lighter moisturizer may sit better and feel a bit less heavy on your skin under other products.
Ingredients
For glowy skin, ingredients that lock in moisture, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, are ideal. “Since sunscreen itself can be drying, this is helpful,” says Dr. Rebecca Marcus, dermatologist and founder of MaieMD. Dermatologists also suggest choosing SPF moisturizers that deliver more bang for your buck with a mix of antioxidants — like vitamins C and E and niacinamide — that improve the texture, tone, and overall health of your skin.
Price
SPF-infused moisturizers are available at a variety of price points. Still, it can be useful to calculate just how much product you’re getting per dollar — we’ve noted the size and the cost per ounce of each moisturizer, so you can decide which one works best for your budget.
Best overall moisturizer with SPF
SPF Level: 40 | Texture: Cream | Ingredients: Glycerin, antioxidants | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $28/ounce
I love Supergoop sunscreens, and I generally believe this brand can do no wrong. This luxurious SPF moisturizer is beloved by Strategist beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton and is a hardworking favorite. I’ve used up a jar of it in the past, and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t get all greasy on my oily complexion. That said, when I surveyed the skin experts, Superscreen came up as one derm’s top pick for dry skin while another pro recommended it for combination skin. I chalk that up to the formula, which manages to be both lightweight and hydrating. This SPF cream is also smartly designed for modern life. “It contains cerium, a mineral that protects from the blue light of your computer screen, television, and phone, as well as pollution,” says Dr. Westbay.
Best drugstore moisturizer with SPF
SPF Level: 30 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Price: 3 ounces, approx. $5/ounce
Four of the skin experts I contacted included a CeraVe product in their list of top picks. This lotion (and the “ultralight” formula) have been staples in my skin-care rotation for years. Besides the price — it’s one of the least expensive products on this list — I’m sold on the nongreasy texture and easy blendability. The formula also more than meets our criteria. “It contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid. And it’s oil-free, so it’s great for all skin types,” says Roberta Moradfar, aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of EFFACÈ Aesthetics. Strategist writer Amelia Jerden, who has oily, acne-prone skin, used this moisturizer for about seven years after her dermatologist recommended it to her when she was in high school. “It’s a really solid, basic moisturizer, and the added SPF is great for someone (like younger me) who doesn’t want to deal with a lot of skin-care steps,” Jerden says. Though she recently switched to a non-SPF moisturizer that she pairs with a dedicated sunscreen, she appreciated that, despite the CeraVe’s lightweight feel, it still helped counteract dryness caused by various prescription acne medications.
Best moisturizer with SPF for dry skin
SPF Level: 30 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides | Price: 3.38 ounces, approx. $7.40/ounce
If your skin is dry and sensitive, this fragrance-free, noncomedogenic lotion is a safe bet. Made with the key ingredients highlighted by our expert panel (glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide), the formula soothes, repairs, and rebalances parched skin. “This is basically an upgraded version of the already beloved Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, boosted with SPF protection,” says Dr. Libby. The nourishing moisturizer is also ideal for mature skin, which tends to get drier with age.
Best moisturizer with SPF for acne-prone skin
SPF Level: 46 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $25/ounce
If this SPF moisturizer looks familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen it highlighted as a Strategist best seller, an oily skin must-have, and long-established favorite with over 2,600 five-star reviews on Amazon. As if that weren’t enough of a flex, five of the pros I contacted selected EltaMD UV Clear as the best moisturizer with SPF for acne-prone skin. The gentle formula checks off a lot of important boxes. “It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and [exfoliating] lactic acid. It also helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to discoloration and breakouts associated with acne and rosacea,” says Dr. Hamza Bhatti of Schweiger Dermatology Group. Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare, likes its “smooth” texture and applauds the product’s ability to “refine the skin, clear pores, and reduce shine.” Dina Strachan of Aglow Dermatology sums it up as “therapeutic without being irritating.”
Best moisturizer with SPF for dark skin
SPF Level: 30 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, antioxidants | Price: 2 ounces, approx. $5.50/ounce
This moisturizer is one of the Strategist’s picks for the best face sunscreen and one of the few SPFs several of my dark-skinned friends consistently rave about. The clear-drying formula has a slightly dewy finish that I love, too. Dr. Strachan is also a fan. “This product can be used on both the face and body, and it doesn’t leave a white residue,” she says. Black Girl Sunscreen works great as a daily hydrator with SPF because it’s packed with nourishing natural ingredients. “It contains moisturizing avocado and jojoba, while carrot juice and cacao offer antioxidant protection, and sunflower oil counters inflammation,” says Dr. Marcus.
Best moisturizer with SPF for aging skin
SPF Level: 30 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin | Price: 1.75 ounces, approx. $50/ounce
This is the priciest SPF moisturizer in our roundup, but based on Dr. Westbay’s endorsement, it’s worth the investment for anyone who wants to smooth out fine lines. “This is such a powerhouse of anti-aging ingredients combined with sun protection. It also makes your skin look and feel incredible after you put it on. My husband loves it, and this is the moisturizer that finally got me to win the battle of getting him to apply sunscreen every morning!” Made with an impressive combo of retinol, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamins A and E, this luxe cream is a multitasker. It smooths, firms, and evens out the complexion while keeping skin safe from the sun.
Best priming moisturizer with SPF
SPF Level: 50 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Price: 1 ounce, approx. $55/ounce
This primer-SPF-moisturizer hybrid makes skin look fresh and more awake on its own, but foundation lovers will appreciate the smooth, flawless canvas it creates for makeup. Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King recommends it for its “blurred, filtered effect,” but she notes that the does-it-all formula is legit. “It’s rich in antioxidants to help protect the skin from damage from free radicals, and it contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate, as well as camellia seed oil and shea butter to support the skin barrier.”
Best mineral moisturizer with SPF
SPF Level: 50 | Texture: Lotion | Ingredients: Vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinimide, glycerin | Price: 2 ounces, approx. $17.50/ounce
If you prefer a moisturizer with SPF that blocks the sun with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (as opposed to chemical sunscreens), this lotion gets the job done exceptionally well, according to Dr. Westbay. “It has a creamy texture that melts into skin without leaving it feeling greasy and, although it’s a mineral-based formula, it doesn’t leave behind a white cast.” The product isn’t cheap, but it delivers more than just sun protection. With a mix of licorice, kiwi, argan, niacinamide, vitamin C, and an antioxidant blend, it helps defend your complexion against air pollution. It also gives skin an instant shot of radiance, which I think is priceless when I’m trying to camouflage fatigue.
Some more moisturizers with SPF we’ve written about
Our experts
• Dr. Hamza Bhatti, dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Schweiger Dermatology Group
• Amelia Jerden, Strategist writer
• Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist
• Dr. Tiffany Libby, dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown Dermatology
• Dr. Rebecca Marcus, dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD
• Roberta Moradfar, aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of EFFACÈ Aesthetics
• Dr. Dina Strachan, dermatologist at Aglow Dermatology
• Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare
• Dr. Rachel Westbay, dermatologist at Marmur Medical
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