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The 9 Best Moisturizers With SPF That Make It Easy to Streamline Your Morning Routine

Multitasking for the win.

A person applying moisturizer to their cheek on the left a bottle of Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizer on the right

Byrdie

TL;DR

You (hopefully) already know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine—it’s an absolute non-negotiable for anyone and everyone. You should also apply moisturizer daily, no matter your skin type. Enter the beauty of a moisturizer with SPF, a one-stop shop that helps you speed up your morning skincare routine. Ideally, look for one that offers broad-spectrum sun protection—meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays—as well as one that’s noncomedogenic, so that you know it won’t clog pores, advises New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D. And to get even more bang for your buck, pick formulas with antioxidants, which will defend against skin-damaging free radicals, and ingredients that can help strengthen your skin barrier, such as niacinamide and ceramides.

To determine which moisturizers with SPF stand out among the competition, we did in-depth research on the most popular and highly-rated options before selecting 22 to test. Our testers used the product consistently for four weeks, weighing in on the texture, how well it absorbed and looked on the skin, and how it wore throughout the day. Here are the best moisturizers with SPF that impressed us the most.

What We Like
  • Lightweight texture and feel on skin

  • Very hydrating

  • Layers nicely under makeup

What to Consider
  • Not a lot of product for the price

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate | SPF Level: 28 | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This hybrid excelled in both categories, as a moisturizer and sunscreen. Our tester loved how much hydration it imparted, with a whipped, airy texture and a finish that never felt heavy. In the SPF department, it was neither chalky nor overly greasy—and didn’t trigger any breakouts or irritation. Plus, it also layered nicely under makeup and stayed put without migrating (or running into eyes) all day long. It does ring in at a slightly higher price point, but given how well it works as both a sunscreen and a moisturizer, it’s well worth the investment. 

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Clinique Moisture Surge™ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 28

Lindsay, tester with normal skin: “I actually had to do a double take that there was SPF in the formula because it was hard to believe based on the lightweight texture. It created a dewy canvas that left my skin looking and feeling hydrated and healthy.”

What We Like
  • Noncomedogenic and lightweight

  • Blends easily

  • Doesn’t leave a white cast

What to Consider
  • May not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 30 | Size: 2.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Yes, you still need to moisturize even if you have oily skin (skipping this step can ironically trigger your skin to actually produce more oil) and apply SPF daily, too, of course. The trick is to look for lighter formulas over rich creams. This checks the box in that department, with a super light texture that our tester noted absorbed super quickly into the skin. (Credit the use of glycerin, a lightweight hydrator that works by attracting moisture to and trapping it in the skin.) It’s also noncomedogenic, meaning you don’t have to worry about it clogging pores—a huge plus for those with oilier complexions. Just keep in mind that those with drier skin may find this not quite moisturizing enough.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Philtrina, tester with sensitive skin: “This absorbed quickly, and it was effortless to rub in. It didn’t feel heavier than my typical moisturizer.”

What We Like
  • Feels incredibly light on skin

  • Has a glowy finish

  • Easy to both apply and reapply

What to Consider
  • May pill slightly when layered with heavier products

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 30 | Size: 1.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Don’t love how sunscreen can feel thick or tacky? Try this winner and prepare to be amazed. Our tester raved about the featherweight texture, which was easy to blend into the skin and absorbed quickly, leaving behind a gorgeously dewy finish. Alongside the SPF and moisturizing properties, this also contains niacinamide to help fade dark spots and ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier, making this a major multitasker. FYI, while we found that it layered pretty well with most other products, it might pill slightly when paired with anything super rich or creamy.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

Lauren, tester with normal skin: “This is one of those really easy, everyday SPF moisturizers. It’s super lightweight, blends in really well, and doesn’t have that heavy sunscreen feel at all.”

What We Like
  • Contains anti-aging ingredients

  • Silky texture and feel

  • Can be used over and under makeup

What to Consider
  • Not a lot of product for the price

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 30 | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking youthful (friendly reminder that UV exposure is a huge contributor to signs of aging). Not only does this luxe pick deliver your daily dose of SPF, but it also contains three kinds of algae that offer antioxidant protection, support firmness, and boost hydration. Yes, please, times three. Our tester loved that this targeted a variety of concerns in one easy step and left her complexion looking naturally dewy and fresh in the process. Also nice: It layers well under makeup, but can be applied over it, too. Keep in mind that it’s definitely on the pricey side, but the fact that it targets so many different concerns does help justify that.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Heidi, tester with normal to dry skin: “This gives you the confidence of sun protection without adding an extra step to your skincare routine. It has skin-friendly ingredients and has the bonus of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. I loved the dewy glow it gave my skin!”

What We Like
  • Nonirritating formula

  • Blends well despite thicker texture

  • Creates a nice base for makeup

What to Consider
  • Has a noticeable scent

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 30 | Size: 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This didn’t elicit any irritation or redness, even for our tester with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. That’s thanks to the addition of the brand’s calming prebiotic thermal water, coupled with hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and glycerin. Despite it feeling slightly richer, we found that it absorbed and blended into skin gorgeously, albeit leaving behind a pretty distinct “sunscreen” scent. It also didn’t leave behind any telltale white cast or pose any pilling problems.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV

Chelsea, tester with sensitive skin: “I honestly forget to put SPF on, so this product is particularly game-changing for me. I did not experience clogged pores or irritation while using it.”

What We Like
  • Velvety-matte finish tamps down shine

  • Has an additional blurring effect

  • Works great under makeup

What to Consider
  • Requires a lot of effort to fully rub in

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 50 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Here’s proof positive that there are moisturizers with SPF out there that not only aren’t greasy, but can actually mattify your complexion. The velvety finish (and feel) of this one is so nice, that our tester likened it to that of a mattifying primer; it totally tracks that it also looks great under makeup. Along with the shine-free hydration and oh-so important sun protection, it contains salicylic acid to minimize the look of prominent pores and oil-trapping microspheres to blur away other imperfections. Our one gripe: It definitely requires quite a bit of elbow grease to rub this in fully and doesn’t soak in quite as seamlessly as some of the other options on this list.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Murad Superactive Mattifying Oil + Pore Control Moisturizer SPF 50

Cindy, tester with combination skin: “This stands out because it offers a more unique finish with its blurring and mattifying properties, which give the skin a smoother, more refined look.”

What We Like
  • Very affordable and easy to find

  • Doesn’t transfer or run

  • Has a higher SPF than others

What to Consider
  • Texture could be lighter

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF Level: 50 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Nab this bargain buy during your next drugstore shopping trip. Not only is it super moisturizing, it also delivers SPF 50, impressive considering most moisturizers with SPF tap out at 30. Our tester liked how it felt on her skin, as well as how well it lasted and the fact that it didn’t transfer or run into her eyes. She did call out that she wished it felt slightly lighter and more gel-like (similar to the other skincare in the brand’s Hydro Boost line). Still, this is most definitely a solid, drugstore standout.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

Cindy, tester with combination skin: “This product remained comfortable throughout the day and never felt dry. It held up well during sun exposure and light sweating, even during workouts. I often forgot that I still had SPF on.”

What We Like
  • Stays put and feels comfortable all day

  • Rich and hydrating

  • Doesn’t have a white cast

What to Consider
  • Hard to rub in

Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, zinc oxide | SPF Level: 37 | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While you ideally should be putting on sunscreen every few hours (especially when you’re outdoors), reapplication definitely falls by the wayside sometimes. That was the case for our tester, who appreciated how long this lasted, all while still feeling super comfortable on the skin—even after 12 hours. The rich, creamy formula also delivers tons of hydration; credit hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. It does require a bit of work to get this fully rubbed in, and we also noted a slight bit of pilling, but the staying prowess is well worth the extra effort.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37

Cortney, tester with dry, congestion skin: “I felt comfortable wearing this moisturizer all day. It didn’t feel heavy, not even after 12 hours.”

What We Like
  • Doesn’t cause breakouts

  • Feels lightweight and matte once absorbed

  • Zinc oxide formula is soothing on the skin

What to Consider
  • Leaves behind a white case initially

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF Level: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We loved that this noncomedogenic winner didn’t cause or exacerbate breakouts, a huge plus for those prone to blemishes. It relies solely on zinc oxide for sun protection, which derms often recommend for patients with acne or sensitive skin. That being said, our tester did find that it initially left behind a white cast—a common concern with zinc-based sunscreens—but appreciated that it dissipated after a few minutes once the product was fully rubbed in. Also nice: It’s another affordable drugstore choice.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using PanOxyl AM Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

India, tester with acne-prone skin: “This is an affordable 2-in-1 moisturizer/SPF for those who want to combat acne and get sun protection.”

What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer With SPF

  • Broad-Spectrum Protection: As for any SPF product, be sure to look out for products that offer broad-spectrum protection. This will indicate that the formula guards against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for protecting the skin from sunburns, cancer, and signs of aging.
  • Noncomedogenic and Oil-Free: When it comes to moisturizers with SPF, Dr. Peredo says it’s important to seek out formulas that are both noncomedogenic and oil-free to prevent breakouts—this is especially important if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
  • Skin Barrier-Strengthening Ingredients: SPF or not, a face moisturizer must help to protect and strengthen your skin, too. By helping to maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier, ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide help lock in hydration and prevent irritants from getting in, Dr. Peredo says.

How We Tested Moisturizers With SPF

The Byrdie Team Tests the Best Face Moisturizer with SPF

We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings. For this story, we asked testers to use these moisturizers with SPF for four weeks and provide in-depth insights.

  • Number of Moisturizers with SPF Tested: 22
  • Testing Period: Four weeks
  • Methodology: Our testers used their moisturizers with SPF at least once daily for a month. Each formula was tested on different skin types, and the testers kept track of their results by taking before-and-after photos, videos, and providing written insights.
  • Factors Considered: Texture, absorption, wear
FAQ
  • Do moisturizers with SPF provide sufficient sun protection?

    Moisturizers with SPF are protective, but there are some differences between them and a standard face sunscreen that are important to understand. “Moisturizers with SPF are tested to the same standard as specialized sunscreen products, so they provide the same level of UV protection,” says Dr. Frauke Neuser, M.D. “The main difference is that they usually aren’t waterproof or water-resistant, which is why you’d want to use a specialized sunscreen when you’re on the beach or exercising outdoors.” Point being, these are a good choice for everyday use, but opt for a straight-up sunscreen on days when you know you’ll be in the sun for long periods of time.

  • Do moisturizers with SPF cause acne?

    According to Dr. Neuser,  moisturizers with SPF don’t necessarily cause acne, but there are two factors that may contribute to sunscreen-related breakouts. Two big culprits? Comedogenic ingredients and/or a sensitivity to certain sunscreen ingredients. If you’re acne-prone, make sure you’re picking a formula that’s specifically labeled as noncomedogenic, she says. Opting for a mineral sunscreen can also help.

Meet Our Experts

For this story, they interviewed two experts to gain more insight into what to look for in moisturizers with SPF. Those experts include:

  • Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D., is a New York City board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience. 
  • Dr. Frauke Neuser, M.D., is a British scientist and the Senior Director of Scientific Communications of the Beauty & Grooming division at Proctor & Gamble.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She doesn’t go a day without applying SPF and often reaches for a moisturizer with sunscreen to help streamline and simplify busy mornings. 

Alyssa Kaplan is an editor at Byrdie, an experienced writer, and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing.

Edited by Shannon Stubbs
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs.

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