Are you looking for an all-in-one skincare product that can keep the skin moisturized while protecting it from the damaging sun rays? Consider using a moisturizer with SPF! Moisturizers with SPF not only add moisture to your skin but also plump it up and leave it feeling smoother and healthier. However, they come in different formulas and might work for different skin types, so choosing one that works for your skin needs might not be that easy.
If you're struggling to find a moisturizer with SPF that's suitable for you, check out our list of favorites! La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is one of our favorites as it contains many effective moisturizers to add moisture to your skin and at the same time protects it from damaging free radicals. We've also combined a buying guide that's been reviewed by a dermatologist at the end to help you pick the best moisturizer with SPF for you!
Quick List - Top Moisturizers With Spf
Image Skincare
Best Mattifying Cream for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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With many options in mind, it might be tough to choose a moisturizer with SPF that works for you. In this buying guide, we will discuss important factors to consider when picking a product, including its ingredients and texture.
When choosing a moisturizer with SPF, it's important to make sure that it has enough SPF rating to shield your skin from UVB rays. But since UVA rays are equally damaging to the skin as UVB rays, you should look for a formula that can block UVA rays as well!
It's important to pay attention to the SPF (sun protection factor) number to shield your skin from the sun's rays. This indicates how much protection against UVB rays a product will give you. The higher the number, the better protection you'll get.
However, the actual differences can be quite small. For instance, SPF 30 will protect you from 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 can block around 98 percent. Many dermatologists recommend at least an SPF of 15 for everyday use, which can block around 93 percent of rays and help prevent skin cancer. But for extended outdoor activity, it's suggested to choose an SPF of 30 or higher since you'll be exposed to more direct rays.
Also, instead of prioritizing a moisturizer with a very high SPF number, it's more important to apply a good amount of product to all exposed body parts about 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours.
Keep in mind that the SPF number only shows the level of protection against UVB rays. Besides UVB rays, UVA rays are highly damaging to our skin, too.
Specifically, while UVB rays lead to sunburn, UVA rays can cause premature aging. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays without any protection might also lead to skin cancer. So, to protect your skin from those two damaging sun rays, go for a moisturizer labeled as "broad spectrum".
Mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun rays away from the skin. They are less likely to cause allergic reactions and, therefore, are suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, mineral filters wash off easily and might leave behind a white cast on your skin.
On the other hand, physical filters like oxybenzone and octisalate penetrate deeply into your skin and absorb UV rays, thus preventing them from damaging your skin cells. They are more efficient than mineral filters in protecting your skin from UV rays, but they are also more irritating to the skin.
So, if you have sensitive skin, we suggest going for a moisturizer with mineral filters instead of chemical ones. On another note, physical filters don't create any white cast on the skin!
Aside from sun protection, the most important purpose of a moisturizer is, obviously, to give your skin needed moisture. Therefore, it's essential to know which ingredients can truly benefit your skin. Read on to find out more!
Most moisturizers contain humectants, water-loving ingredients that draw water into the top layer of the skin, whether from the air or from the skin's lower layer. Therefore, they directly increase the skin's moisture level. Since humectants are lightweight and non-greasy, they work really well for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most commonly used humectants. It's a sugar molecule naturally found in the skin. Besides adding moisture to the skin, it also plumps up the skin and minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Humectants can sometimes pull too much moisture from the lower layer of the skin and actually dry out your skin. So if you have dry skin, make sure your moisturizer contains occlusives or emollients in addition to humectants for optimal hydration.
Humectants are a great addition to any moisturizer because any skin type can tolerate them. Even oily and acne-prone skin can tolerate a humectant like hyaluronic acid. Moisturizers with glycerin and hyaluronic acid are a great addition to your routine if you are using drying over the counter or prescription acne products.
These also can have an anti-aging benefit since the moisture provided can give a skin-plumping and hydrating effect. Make sure you also use them with an emollient-containing moisturizer as overuse of humectant can dry out the skin in the long run.
Emollients help restore the skin's barrier and prevent moisture loss to make the effects of humectants more long-lasting. They also help soften and smooth your skin and work really well to soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Some common emollients include plant-based butters and oils such as shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and argan oil. They contain a high amount of fatty acids to enhance the surface layers of the skin for softer, smoother and healthier skin.
If you have sensitive skin and are prone to facial eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea, a moisturizer with an emollient can be very helpful to help repair the skin barrier. Sunscreens often have a bad reputation for causing skin irritation and dryness, but an emollient moisturizer with SPF won't have this drying effect.
Occlusives create a barrier over the skin to seal in moisture and keep the skin hydrated for a long time. They also protect the skin from allergens and irritants.
Waxes, silicone, and lanolin are some common occlusives. Many emollients also act as occlusives too! For example, castor oil and shea butter can both lock in moisture and leave the skin soft to the touch.
Occlusives are pretty heavy and might clog pores and cause breakouts for those with oily or acne-prone skin. They will also make the skin feel a little bit greasy. However, occlusives are fantastic for those with dry, damaged skin.
You may want to lay off an occlusive type of moisturizer during the hot humid months and switch to something lightweight. Occlusive moisturizers are perfect for the dry winter months and can help keep the skin barrier intact during this time of year.
Different skin types have different needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution that meets the needs of all skin types. Therefore, make sure to choose a moisturizer that won't aggravate your skin type and can actually address all of its needs!
Those with acne-prone and oily skin should try to steer away from comedogenic ingredients such as coconut oil, almond oil, and apricot kernel oil. They can block your pores, cause acne breakouts, and make your oily complexion even oilier.
Since the list of comedogenic ingredients is tough to remember, you can choose a moisturizer labeled "non-comedogenic," as it is formulated without any pore-clogging ingredients. Oil-free products are a great choice, too! Many oils are comedogenic, so choosing an oil-free formula will save your skin from all of them.
It's a great idea to look for ingredients that can reduce excess oil and regulate sebum production as well. Niacinamide helps absorb sebum, shrink your pores, and smooth your skin texture. Acids such as lipo-hydroxy acid and glycolic acid also work well for oily and acne-prone skin, as they can remove excess oil and prevent acne.
If you have sensitive skin, we suggest staying away from potential irritants such as parabens and fragrances. They are generally safe and don't cause allergic reactions to most people. But for highly sensitive skin, they can be quite irritating.
Specifically, parabens, usually used as preservatives, can cause breakouts and redness to those with known allergies. And according to many dermatologists, fragrances are one of the major causes of allergic contact dermatitis. So if you have fragrance sensitivity, it's better to choose a fragrance-free formula.
Stay alert with natural ingredients too! Lavender oil, tea tree oil, and lemongrass oil are some natural ingredients that are irritating to some people. To give yourself some peace of mind, always do a patch test before applying a moisturizer.
If you have a history of atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, or rosacea, you should look for products with bland ingredients and those without fragrance.
Even products that are "all-natural" can cause intense skin breakouts, burning, and irritation. Some of the worst cases of contact dermatitis come from all-natural products, like tea tree oil, so be aware of these ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
If you're struggling with a dull complexion or imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles, make sure your moisturizer contains antioxidants. They can help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals, reinforce the skin's barrier, and prevent premature aging.
Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, are great antioxidants that can revive your skin's condition. They help your skin repair itself and brighten up your complexion.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as green tea leaf extract and gotu kola leaf extract are great choices, too! They help shield the skin from environmental aggressors to prevent premature aging. They help accelerate the rate of collagen production to enhance your skin's texture as well.
Many antioxidants, like vitamin C, are also sun-protective and prevent sun damage to the skin. These ingredients can help with hyperpigmentation, like melasma, that results from UV exposure. Using a product that has SPF and antioxidants is a great idea if you suffer from melasma or hyperpigmentation.
A moisturizer with SPF can come in a gel or cream. A gel gives the skin a refreshing feel and is usually formulated with lightweight moisturizers. It's less likely to clog your pores and is great for oily and acne-prone skin. A moisturizing gel is also a good choice for the summer since it keeps the skin hydrated without any heaviness.
If your skin needs a lot of moisturizing, consider a cream! They're often infused with heavy emollients and occlusives to trap moisture, soften skin, and repair the skin's barrier. They might be too oily for oily skin, but work really well for dry and damaged skin. Dry and cold winter weather calls for an intense moisturizing cream, too.
Don't be afraid to switch up your moisturizers and sun protection depending on how your skin is in the moment. Your skin is very sensitive to environmental changes, like the weather, so a product that was working well previously may cause irritation or dryness during a different time period.
Also, if you add other anti-aging products to your routine, like a retinoid or retinol, you may become drier, so changing from a gel to a cream-based product might be necessary.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer | ![]() | Hydration and SPF Protection All in One | |
2 | Murad Essential-C Day Moisture | ![]() | Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula That Helps Reduce Wrinkles | |
3 | Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer | ![]() | Best Mattifying Cream for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin | |
4 | RoC Multi Correxion | ![]() | Best for Improving the Skin's Elasticity | |
5 | Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculping Cream | ![]() | Best for Minimizing Aging Signs Like Wrinkles and Fine Lines | |
6 | Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter | ![]() | Best for Treating Hyperpigmentation and Reducing Dark Spots | |
7 | Dermalogica Hydro Boost Water Gel | ![]() | Best for Protecting the Skin Against Environmental Stressors | |
8 | Neutrogena Day Moisturizer | ![]() | Best for Evening Out the Complexion | |
9 | L'Oréal Paris Revitalift | ![]() | Best for Promoting Collagen Production for Healthier Skin | |
10 | Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer | ![]() | Best for Keeping Dry and Rough Skin Feeling Moisturized |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a gentle yet effective moisturizer that provides both hydration and sun protection in one convenient step. Formulated with prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin, this moisturizer helps restore and protect the skin’s natural barrier while providing up to 48 hours of moisture. The lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. In addition to its hydrating properties, this dual-action formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, protecting against environmental stressors without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Pros:
Murad's moisturizer is formulated with SPF 30 and can shield your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays. It's infused with antioxidant-rich ginkgo biloba leaf extract, brightening vitamin C, and moisturizing grapeseed extract. There are also ectoin and phospholipids to keep the skin hydrated.
One complaint some buyers have about this moisturizer with SPF is the greasy texture. On another note, many users praise the nourishing formula that makes their skin look and feel soft. They further compliment how it revives their skin and blurs wrinkles and fine lines.
Pros:
Cons:
This moisturizer with SPF has both chemical and mineral sunscreens and doesn't leave behind any white cast. It dries to a matte finish and works wonderfully for oily and acne-prone skin. The formula is also packed with many nourishing ingredients like apple fruit extract, shea butter, and plankton extract to improve the skin's hydration and texture.
For some buyers, this cream is too heavily fragranced. Still, many buyers agree that this lightweight moisturizer enhances their skin texture without causing any allergic reactions or breakouts. Those with oily skin also confirm that it doesn't make their skin feel extra greasy or shiny.
Pros:
Cons:
RoC's Multi Correxion includes 1.5 percent hyaluronic acid, a great humectant that can lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. It can also enhance your skin's elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of jasmine leaf cell extract further helps soothe skin irritation. It also offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 and is unscented.
It's reported that this moisturizer causes breakouts. On the other hand, the majority are pleased with the lightweight water-gel consistency that blends nicely into the skin and doesn't make it feel greasy. They praise the moisturizing effect as well and further mention that their skin feels much more moisturized and soft after using the moisturizer.
Pros:
Thanks to a combination of amino-peptide, niacinamide, and panthenol, this moisturizing cream from Olay works to address signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines to reveal healthy, youthful skin. It also provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
A few others warn that this moisturizer irritates their skin and suggests avoiding applying it near the eye area. Nonetheless, the majority compliment its moisturizing formula that leaves their skin feeling soft and healthy. They confirm that it diminishes their wrinkles and lines, too! Many also appreciate that it isn't greasy and works well under makeup.
Pros:
Cons:
Garnier's Clearly Brighter contains vitamins E and C to help treat hyperpigmentation and fade sun damage like dark spots. There is also lipohydroxy acid, a chemical exfoliant that can treat acne, reduce the look of your pores, and stimulate collagen production for healthier skin. It also contains lotus flower extract, dimethicone, and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.
There are reports that this moisturizer causes redness and inflammation to the skin. Still, it receives many compliments from buyers thanks to the non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and moisturizing formula. Most have seen a big improvement in their skin's condition, saying it became much softer and their aging signs become less noticeable.
Pros:
Cons:
Dermalogica's moisturizer offers SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's rich in antioxidant ingredients such as rose flower oil and green tea extract to neutralize free radical damage and fight skin blemishes such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Some buyers find the scent overwhelming, while some others comment that the moisturizer makes their skin feel greasy and isn't suitable for oily skin. Nonetheless, most love that it provides good sun protection and doesn't leave behind any white cast. There are also reports that it works well in blurring wrinkles and is great for sensitive skin.
Pros:
This moisturizer is enriched with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can encourage cell renewal, neutralize free radical damage, and even out the skin tone. With the infusion of glycerin, this cream also improves the elasticity of the skin. Shea butter, which is rich in fatty acids, further ensures long-lasting hydration.
Some reviewers have experienced allergic reactions after using this moisturizer. Still, many like the smooth, non-greasy texture and the mild scent. They say it keeps their skin moisturized and protects it from the sun rays. The antioxidant-rich formula helps correct aging signs effectively, too.
Pros:
Cons:
This moisturizer contains pro-retinol, a well-known wrinkle-fighting ingredient that can boost collagen production to minimize the appearance of blemishes like wrinkles and fine lines. The addition of gotu kola extract, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, further helps strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, promote cell renewal, and reduce imperfections.
According to some buyers, this cream has a strong fragrance and burns their skin. However, most are happy with the lightweight texture that doesn't make their skin feel greasy. After using this cream, many notice their skin becomes softer, more elastic, and healthy. It also offers great sun protection, they add.
Pros:
Cons:
Aveeno's daily moisturizer contains a proprietary blend of shea butter, blackberry leaf extract, and vitamins C and E to support the restoration of the skin. The result is that the skin looks and feels soft, smooth, and radiant. The antioxidant-rich formula also helps diminish the look of fine lines and enhance the elasticity of the skin.
A couple of users dislike the strong scent, while some others say it causes rashes and breakouts. Even so, many happy buyers share that this cream moisturize their dry skin well. They are pleased with its sun protection and thin, fast-absorbing texture, and further add that it doesn't leave behind any white residue.
Choosing a moisturizer with SPF isn't easy, since there are many things to take into consideration! If you still have some questions about this topic, keep reading this section for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
It's safe to use a facial moisturizer on your body, but we advise against using a body moisturizer on your face. This is because facial skin is more sensitive than body skin. Therefore, a body moisturizer may contain strong ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin of your face.
You should moisturize your skin twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. Keeping the skin moisturized can help reinforce the protective barrier of your skin, prevent dryness as well as skin irritation, and fight aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines.
A moisturizer with SPF is just as effective in nourishing your skin as a regular one! In fact, it's still formulated with ingredients that can keep your skin feeling healthy.
If you decide to go with regular sunscreen instead of an all-in-one product, we have many product guides and options for you!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: La Roche-Posay|Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
No. 2: Murad|Essential-C Day Moisture
No. 3: Image Skincare|Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer
No. 4: RoC|Multi Correxion
No. 5: Olay|Regenerist Micro-Sculping Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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