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The 8 Best Moisturizers With SPF, Tested & Reviewed

With hydrating selections from Oars + Alps, Fenty Skin, and more.

Moisturizer with SPF

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

TL;DR

Overall, our favorite moisturizer with SPF out of the bunch is the Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37. It’s lightweight and hydrating, fragrance-free, affordable, and doesn’t create a white cast. But if you’re looking for an option you can grab conveniently at your local drugstore, we recommend the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50.

You already know how important it is to wear sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. You should also apply moisturizer daily, no matter your skin type. Enter the beauty of a moisturizer with SPF—the two-in-one product that helps you cut down on steps in your morning skincare routine.

The best moisturizers with SPF should offer broad-spectrum sun protection that shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays. "Seek out noncomedogenic options that you know won't clog pores," advises New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo, M.D.. She recommends looking for formulas that contain antioxidants, which will act as a layer of defense against skin-damaging radicals. Finally, she advises looking for ingredients to repair the skin barrier, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.

To figure out which moisturizers with SPF stand out among the competition, we did in-depth research on the most popular and highly-rated options before selecting dozens to test in our lab facility in NYC and at home. We each used one product consistently for two weeks, evaluating the texture and feel on the skin, how well it absorbed, how it made our skin feel throughout the day, and how it looked on the face. The ones that impressed us the most appear on this list.

What We Like
  • Feels lightweight on the skin

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Layers well with makeup

  • Fragrance-free

  • No white cast

What to Consider
  • Has a sunscreen-like texture and scent

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

There are so many things that we adore about this moisturizer with SPF. Although the texture is more reminiscent of a true SPF rather than a creamy or gel-like moisturizer, once you rub it into the skin, it feels incredibly lightweight, hydrating, and nongreasy. It absorbs within a matter of seconds, leaves no residue or white cast behind, and layers beautifully with makeup.

The formula features reef-safe chemicals and physical UVA and UVB blockers (namely zinc oxide), and while it has a very subtle sunscreen scent, it’s fragrance-free, and any scent derived from the ingredients dissipates on the skin quickly. It also contains hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration, as well as vitamins E and B5 for nourishment and antioxidant protection. After wearing it all day, the skin feels balanced and soft to the touch. It’s pretty much everything we want and need in a moisturizer with SPF, making it easy to recommend for all skin types.

Hands with cream from the Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Lightweight texture

  • Glowy, non-greasy finish

  • Layers well with makeup

  • No white cast

  • Great for all skin types

What to Consider
  • Has the common SPF smell

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is truly an all-in-one moisturizer, which we think makes it worth the price. It contains super hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, antioxidants, such as snow mushroom, grape extract, and vitamin C, as well as caffeine and niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.  And, of course, it features SPF 30. The texture is lightweight but moisturizing enough to keep the skin feeling good all day long, and we love that it absorbs within a few minutes and doesn’t create a white cast.

Unlike a lot of sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF, the consistency is ultra-blendable and layers effortlessly with other skincare and makeup products. It has a subtle, luminous finish that makes the skin glow, and it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a product that will hydrate your skin, provide UVA and UVB protection, and serve up a dose of antioxidants, we highly recommend checking this one out.

Person applying the MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer on their face

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • No white cast

  • Luminous finish

  • Layers well with makeup

What to Consider
  • Has a strong SPF scent

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

This is our favorite drugstore moisturizer with SPF because it’s lightweight and hydrating, incredibly easy to blend and layer with makeup and other skincare products, and creates a glowy finish on the skin. It’s pretty no-frills in the sense that it doesn’t contain a ton of buzzy skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide, acids, or vitamin C, but this might actually be ideal for those who are sensitive to actives. It does, however, contain hyaluronic acid for an added boost of moisture, as well as a blend of chemical UV blockers that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s nongreasy, doesn’t create a white cast, and won’t clog pores.

While it is free from added fragrance, we did notice that it does have a strong chemical SPF scent upon the initial application. Considering that the scent dissipates after a few minutes and the formula is really fantastic, this certainly isn’t a deal breaker for us.

Hand pumping cream out of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Enhances skin’s radiance

  • Suitable for all skin types

  • Lightweight

What to Consider
  • Doesn’t layer well with other moisturizers

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A lot of sunscreens appear glowy on the skin due to greasy or oily formulas, but not this one. We love that this product maintains a lightweight and comfortable feel on the skin (aka, it's not greasy) while making the complexion look radiant, thanks to superfine pearls in the formula. Because of this, it’s suitable for all skin types, even oily. The hydrating formula contains sea moss to help strengthen the skin barrier, plant-based nectar for moisture, and niacinamide to smooth skin.

We love how this pick layers beautifully underneath foundation, but we found that it does have the propensity to pill when layered with heavier creams. While the brand doesn’t specifically advise shaking the bottle prior to application, we highly recommend doing so because the formula does separate. But once you shake the bottle and apply it to the skin, we think you’ll be incredibly pleased with the hydrated, glowy results you achieve.

Close up of fingers with Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Nongreasy

  • No white cast

  • Creamy texture

What to Consider
  • Not the easiest to blend in

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Exposure to damaging UV rays is a massive contributor to skin aging. To prevent this, consistent SPF application is essential. And if anti-aging is something you’re particularly focused on in your skincare routine, incorporating antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage is also a major plus. This moisturizer with SPF shields the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, provides necessary hydration, and is packed with white tea, a potent antioxidant.

The texture is fairly lightweight and creamy, allowing it to provide just the right amount of richness and hydration without feeling greasy, though it is slightly hard to blend in, as its texture more closely resembles a true SPF rather than a traditional moisturizer. However, it doesn’t create a white cast, it’s not oily, and it doesn’t feel stiff or heavy like some SPFs do. If you don’t mind taking an extra minute to work your skincare into your face, we think you’ll really enjoy this formula.

Person applying Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea on their face

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Deeply hydrating

  • No white cast

  • Nongreasy upon initial application

  • Absorbs well

What to Consider
  • Gets a bit shiny after a few hours of wear

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

If you have sensitive skin, then you know how tricky it can be to find products that deliver on their claims without causing irritation. This dermatologist-tested moisturizer with SPF could be a fantastic choice for you if you’re looking for hydration and sun protection all wrapped up into one convenient product. The formula is rich and deeply hydrating without being overly oily, and we love that it’s packed with nourishing ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, the brand’s core ingredient that’s infused with antioxidants.

When you first apply it, you’ll notice that it has a creamy texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t look greasy or create a white cast. Because the formula is pretty rich and moisturizing, it tends to look a bit shiny throughout the day, especially on oily skin, but it’s easy to blot away, and we’d absolutely take this over it being chalky or drying like some SPFs are. Plus, we love that it’s relatively affordable and accessible at the drugstore.

Hand squeezing La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30 into the back of the other hand

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What We Like
  • Can be used as primer, moisturizer, and SPF

  • No white cast

  • Layers well with skincare and makeup

  • Hydrating enough for dry skin

What to Consider
  • Slightly greasy

  • Has a strong rose fragrance

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The reality is that tons of SPF products don’t layer well underneath makeup. Moisturizers with SPF are better for wearing under makeup than some traditional sunscreen formulas that can be stiff and cause pilling, but finding one that layers seamlessly underneath foundation takes some trial and error. We like this one because it was formulated with makeup application in mind. It works as a moisturizer, SPF, and makeup primer, and the emollient, easy-to-blend texture lends well to layering with other products.

While the brand claims that it has a gel texture, we found it to be a bit more rich and creamy than a traditional gel, but this actually made it hydrating enough to keep dry skin looking and feeling moisturized throughout the day. It is just a tad greasy, meaning that those with oily skin might want to proceed with caution, but it’s not so greasy that it feels heavy or looks overly shiny. On its own, it creates a luminous finish on the skin with absolutely no white cast, and when layered with makeup, it provides a radiant glow that helps foundation look skin-like.

Person pouring Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer on their face on a towel on the back of their hand

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What We Like
  • Refill cartridges available

  • Natural, nongreasy finish

  • No white cast

  • Comes in a fragrance-free option

What to Consider
  • Prone to pilling underneath makeup

  • Might not be hydrating enough for super-dry skin

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If adopting a more sustainable beauty routine is important to you, we recommend checking out this refillable moisturizer with SPF. Once you purchase it initially, you can buy a refill cartridge once you run out—it makes for less plastic, and it’s more cost-effective. We also have to give major bonus points to the brand for having a fragrance-free option available.

The formula has a quite thin and creamy texture, making it easy to spread across the face and blend into the skin. It’s nongreasy and doesn’t create a white cast. It provides a nice level of hydration for oily and balanced skin, though it could be a bit too light for those with dry skin, especially during the cooler months. We also found that it did pill underneath some foundations, but if you’re willing to experiment a bit to see what it layers nicely with, or you’re planning on using it on bare skin, we still absolutely recommend giving it a try.

Hand showing a small amount of Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer With SPF

  • Broad-spectrum protection: As for any SPF product (whether a full-body sunscreen or a simple facial moisturizer with added sun protection), 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, 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, Peredo says.
FAQ
  • Do moisturizers with SPF provide sufficient sun protection?

    Moisturizers with SPF are protective, but there are differences between them and traditional sunscreens 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.”

  • Do moisturizers with SPF cause acne?

    According to Neuser, moisturizers with SPF don’t necessarily cause acne, but there are two factors that may contribute to sunscreen-related breakouts. Clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients or sensitivity to chemical UV filters can trigger breakouts. “Make sure you use a product that’s noncomedogenic or a mineral sunscreen if you know you’re sensitive to chemical UV filters,” she says.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She conducted hours of research on the best sun-protective moisturizers, evaluating each formula’s texture and feel, ingredient list, UV-shielding abilities, and how well it kept skin hydrated. We also incorporated reviews from our product testers, who provided key insights on the best moisturizers with SPF protection.

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry 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. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

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