Streamline your A.M. skin-care routine.
If applying sunscreen every day feels like a chore, finding the best moisturizer with SPF might just help. It’s easier than you might think since many daily moisturizers seamlessly slip sun protection without compromising texture, scent, or effectiveness. So, whether you have dry skin that’s in need of extra hydration or simply want to cut down on time, these moisturizing face sunscreens have you covered — literally.
The concept behind the best moisturizer with SPF is pretty straightforward. It can pull double-duty, pumping skin full of moisture (without leaving any chalky, white cast) while protecting it from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to signs of aging like fine lines, and on a larger scale, skin cancer. Just note, as with any other sunscreen, you still need to reapply these formulas throughout the day — every two hours, to be specific — in order to stay protected. (Oh, and wearing sunscreen indoors is also non-negotiable.)
“Hybrid skin-care products have gained popularity recently as consumers are trying to simplify their skin-care routines,” Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, tells Allure. “SPF-infused moisturizers are a direct result of the desire to do more with less.” She also reassures us that just because there’s an added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection, does not mean these moisturizers are thicker in texture or pore-clogging. What’s more: Dr. Chang confirms SPF-infused moisturizers are “regulated and tested by the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedures as sunscreens,” so they’re not more diluted in regards to protection.
With any potential concerns assuaged, a few more housekeeping rules are still worth going over. Dr. Chang reminds us that “most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) to fully cover the body.” For your face and neck, Dr. Chang says that equates to about 0.3 teaspoons or the size of two nickels. And don’t forget commonly-missed areas, like your eyelids, ears, and chest.
Below we rounded up the 14 best moisturizers with broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher, which include plenty of dermatologist-approved picks. Go forth, and practice safe skin care.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40
Why It’s Worth It: It’s been well-documented that dermatologists love EltaMD sunscreens. Dr. Chang loves EltaMD’s UV Daily SPF 40, in particular, because of its hydrating formula. The sheer formula contains hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and vitamin E to reduce free-radical damage and improve signs of aging, she says. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, department of dermatology, recommends EltaMD to all of her patients — so we know it’s good.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is one of the best drugstore sunscreens around. Dr. Chang notes this lightweight, fragrance-free formula is infused with ceramides, aka “key natural lipids to moisturize and repair your skin barrier.” She also calls out the SPF’s inclusion of hyaluronic acid and antioxidant benefits, thanks to niacinamide. Former Allure editor-turned-dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, also recommends this hybrid, as it doesn’t clog her pores and blends in within seconds.
Best for Dry Skin: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
Why It’s Worth It: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 works flawlessly under makeup and looks luminous on its own. This is thanks to the pearly light powder in the formula that gives a glow and makes dullness a thing of the past. “I’m all about the dewy formulas, especially on days I can’t be bothered to wear makeup, and this one feels like one of a super nourishing moisturizer that just so happens to have SPF protection,” says commerce editor Sarah Han.
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: Dr. Gohara also recommends the Best of Beauty-winning La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 because it’s oil-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores or cause breakouts), and contains “super-hydrating ceramides and niacinamide to bring down inflammation,” she says. Need more convincing? The lightweight lotion is spiked with prebiotics that support the diversity of good bacteria present in your skin’s microbiome and strengthen its physical barrier.
Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer
Why It’s Worth It: This milky moisturizer defends skin on multiple levels: Along with broad-spectrum SPF 30, it contains a bevy of skin barrier-supporting ingredients — ceramides, prebiotics, green tea — to keep skin healthy and balanced. It’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, too, and won’t leave behind a telltale cast.
Best for Mature Skin: iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: iS Clinical, a dermatologist-beloved brand, offers the Extreme Protect SPF 30 that utilizes a blend of chemical and mineral SPF filters (octinoxate and zinc oxide), so you get the best of both worlds. On the moisturizing front, you’ll find soothing aloe and vitamin E, redness-reducing olive leaf extract, and gotu kola extract to promote elasticity and curb the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Tinted: MDSolarSciences Tinted Creme SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: This tinted moisturizer comes packed with SPF 30 coverage (via zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) for those who want chemical-free coverage that doesn’t leave skin with a white cast. “Its tiny particles blend with most skin tones and mask the white color of mineral blocks,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD. “It also contains antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E for added sun protection.”
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: Kiehl’s is well-versed in fan-favorite moisturizers, so it’s little surprise that this formula would impress. It pairs chemical SPF filters with deeply nourishing ingredients, including avocado oil, squalane, and vitamin E, to bolster the skin barrier. The fragrance-free formula sinks in quickly and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Why It’s Worth It: Tatcha’s The Silk Sunscreen features the brand’s silk protein, which is a blend of sericin and fibroin. According to New York City-based dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, “sericin forms a layer of protection over the skin and may help promote hydration while fibroin may help repair skin cells and balance moisture levels.” When you mix that with the formula’s hyaluronic acid, you’ll notice dewy, brighter skin.
Best for Brightening: Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: This moisturizer has it all, with broad-spectrum SPF 50 (a relatively high amount for a moisturizer), antioxidants, and skin-brightening ingredients. In other words, not only does it protect skin from discoloration and dullness, but it actively targets existing pigmentation, too.
Best with Antioxidant Protection: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
Why It’s Worth It: Dr. Jart+’s Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ is one of the most seamless sunscreens our editors have ever tested. This chemical formula comes out white but virtually disappears the moment you start rubbing it onto your skin. The best part is the weightless liquid’s antioxidant-rich vitamin E protects skin against environmental aggressors (like air pollution and unprotected sun exposure) and soothes irritation, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Best Under Makeup: Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
Why It’s Worth It: Supergoop’s expertise is in sunscreen, so of course, we trust the brand to masterfully add sun protection to a moisturizer (and not to mention, a vitamin C serum). That’s exactly what it did with the Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, creating a formula that not only protects skin with SPF 40 but gives it a noticeably hydrated glow that has gotten us some serious compliments.
Best Gel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 feels like a refreshing glass of water on a hot summer day. This gel-like, airy, and fragrance-free formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to maintain a hydrated, smooth complexion, as well as vitamin E to fight free radicals. It’s love at first swipe, especially when considering the reasonable price point.
Best for All Skin Tones: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: To help you stay protected all year round, Rihanna created the pink-hued Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30, formulated with antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon and brightening niacinamide, which sinks into skin for an invisible, non-chalky, and glowy finish. And, of course, it’s perfect for all skin tones, including melanated complexions.