The 15 Best Moisturizers with SPF for Glowy, Protected Skin
Updated: Aug. 09, 2022Step right this way for the top multitasking moisturizers that will keep skin hydrated and protected—and your beauty routine fuss-free.
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The easiest way to protect yourself every day
During the humidity-filled dog days of summer, nothing sounds less appealing than a face full of skin-care products and makeup, even if we still want the hydrated glow that comes along with it. Lucky for us, there’s a growing group of seriously genius face moisturizers that slide SPF right into their formulations, without the goopy sunscreen feel or smell, making them the ultimate summer must-buys. The best part? You won’t even notice the difference—you’ll just be hydrated and protected, without sacrificing the good bits of either sunscreen or moisturizer, for minimal primping and maximum gorgeousness.
No matter what your skin type, there’s a moisturizer with SPF designed specifically for your skin type to make your life so much easier not just in the summer but all year long. (Yes, there are even great moisturizers for oily skin—we promise!) Dermatologists say the number one way to delay the signs of aging is to consistently wear sunscreen daily, even when you might not think you need it. That’s because sun damage is cumulative. So even if you’re not spending the day taking in the rays at the beach, when you’d need something stronger than a hybrid SPF-moisturizer product, wearing some natural sun protection for all those quick, harmless outdoor activities—like running errands, driving to work, or walking the dog—is crucial.
With that in mind, get ready to meet your new favorite multitaskers. These dermatologist-approved, double-duty face moisturizers packed with SPF make it easy to protect the skin, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the summer without a UV worry—especially if you also cover up with a stylish sun hat and a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. If you want to stay out of the sun but also want a nice tan, check out these best self-tanners that give you a gorgeous glow.
Neutrogena Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Houston-based dermatologist Elizabeth Mullans, MD, recommends this oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF to her patients and friends who live in warm, sunny climates. “In the summer months, your skin will make more of its own oil from the heat, and you cannot add too much product on top of that,” she explains. Her solution? “Use a makeup or coverage that has sunblock built in. A great tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 is from Neutrogena,” she says of this natural-looking tint that provides just enough coverage to hide imperfections while mastering the no-makeup vibe. And with hydrating, complexion-boosting vitamins A, C, and E, your skin will look happy, healthy, and the good kind of glowy—never shiny!
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
Non-greasy yet blended with a heavy dose of Maran’s famed 100 percent pure organic argan oil, green tea extract, and the brand’s proprietary Sunboost ATB antioxidant complex, this magically nourishing formula melts into the skin quickly to keep skin hydrated and plumped while the zinc and titanium get to work fending off rays. It ticks off the rest of the clean beauty boxes, too: vegan, cruelty-free, and without any trace of gluten, GMOs, or synthetic fragrances.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35
For an easy, breezy, jack-of-all-trades daily moisturizer with SPF that’s neutral and good for all skin types, look no further. Not only is it “very affordable,” says Dr. Mullan of this brand frequently recommended by dermatologists, but it’s also “the best type of sunscreen for combination skin.” Clinically tested for even the most sensitive skin, this Cetaphil moisturizer works to repair the skin barrier (thanks to its edelweiss flower extract), while soothing, antioxidant-packed vitamin B fights free radicals on the surface to further protect skin’s outer layers.
Tizo Lip Tinted Protection SPF 45
You’re not fully hydrated or protected without swiping on a conditioning lip balm with SPF. Lips are woefully forgotten when it comes to sun protection, but they are surprisingly sensitive and subjected to a lot of bright sunshine and harmful UV rays. Developed with clean principles in mind, this Tizo balm is free of chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, preservatives, phthalates, and parabens, and instead uses nutrient-dense fruits (like kiwi, lime, and ginger) to spike a fruit flavor, while the heavy-hitting titanium dioxide and zinc oxide wrap around lips to reflect the sun away. The result? A moisturized and well-protected pucker, with just enough of a tint to avoid the dreaded white filmy residue. For more hydrating lip products, check out these top-rated lip balms.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This serum from clean-beauty favorite Ilia might lean more into the makeup realm than most of the others on our list. But its high SPF and high-powered skin-care ingredients squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (which spike the skin’s moisture levels and even out blotchy patches) definitely make it worthy of a callout. Plus, it’s exactly the kind of lightweight, multitasking almost-makeup product that Dr. Mullan tells her patients to use: “You have to adjust what you use by the season, and in the summer, you should use a makeup that has a sunblock built in.” Just one drop of this silky serum—available in 30 shades—will cloak skin with weightless, dewy, and buildable coverage for that elusive “lit from within” natural glow for days at the office (or on Zoom) and nights out. It’s one of the products that can help you recreate these natural makeup looks to bring out your best features.
ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+
This facial moisturizer and sunscreen combo is a dream come true for anyone who takes skin health seriously but doesn’t want to use heavy products in the summer. “We really recommend at least SPF 30 daily,” says Pittsburgh-based dermatologist Nicole Vélez, MD. “And we say that’s the most important thing you can do for your skin because 80 percent of skin aging is caused by sun damage, so if you’re using anything less than 30, it’s not enough.”
Although it’d be easy to be fooled by its buttery smooth and lightweight texture, this hybrid formula from Isdin is armed with the superior protection of SPF 50 and infused with natural enzymes to restore sun-damaged skin to its full glory. “Really, the most important thing to keep skin healthy and young-looking is sunscreen,” says Dr. Vélez, who adds that if you really want to be on the safe side, physical blockers like hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. And if you’re heading to the beach, don’t forget to bring along a good beach umbrella!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
“For oily skin, mainly in younger people, it cannot take too much product on their skin without breaking out, so everything they use in skin care and makeup should be oil-free,” explains Dr. Mullan, who favors this lightweight and oil-free option from La Roche-Posay. Paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and proven to be non-irritating during dermatologist-run clinical trials, this moisturizer for oily skin is ideal for anyone with a slicked T-zone or acne-leaning skin because it won’t clog pores. And as anyone with oil- or acne-prone skin knows, anything that is not labeled noncomedogenic means “you’re going to get clogging eventually,” cautions Dr. Mullan, especially during sweaty summer days.
Paula’s Choice Calm Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30
Even if your skin is highly reactive to active skin-care ingredients, you still need to wear sunscreen on the reg—but you’ll definitely want to be careful about what you choose. This Paula’s Choice moisturizer is an excellent option. Developed specifically with the most sensitive skin types in mind, this mineral-based sunscreen is literally built to soothe inflamed skin with antioxidant-rich ingredients that are lovers, not fighters, making it gentle enough to use even during an acne or rosacea flare-up. Still, if gnarly breakouts become consistent, Dr. Vélez suggests visiting your dermatologist to “focus on treating the irritation, so it isn’t an ongoing issue, and stick to a very mild, lightweight sunscreen.” And truthfully, they don’t make moisturizers with SPF more pacifying than this gem.
EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Ever notice the products on display at doctors’ offices and think to yourself: Is that really worth the hype? Well, EltaMD is one brand where we can unequivocally say: Heck, yes! “Just by putting this one cream on, you’re getting the sun protection, you’re getting the antioxidants, and you’re getting hydration,” says Dr. Vélez. And this mineral sunscreen is brimming with all the good stuff: free-radical-fighting and fine-line-reducing vitamin C and a surprisingly high volume of hyaluronic acid to help skin retain and replenish moisture to dry, stressed-out, or flaky skin. “Products like this with peptides in them, and especially with such a high percentage of hyaluronic acid, are meant to hydrate the skin in a serious way and help restore volume and improve texture on the skin surface,” explains Dr. Vélez.
MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30
This formula is brimming with ethically sourced botanicals and fruit, including honeysuckle, sandalwood, and macadamia seed nut, but the true stars are the red algae extract that brightens and refreshes skin and the rich fatty acid kukui nut oil that reduces inflammation. Even more important, its zinc oxide base protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which Dr. Mullan says is a key factor when selecting a moisturizer with SPF because it is “non-greasy and good for all skin types.” Plus, it won’t leave a trace of chalky white residue, even on darker skin tones, according to several very impressed reviewers on Amazon.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
This easygoing, tried-and-true classic moisturizer with SPF won’t break the bank, but it will offer loads of benefits and protection for your skin. Designed to be uncomplicated, water-light, easily absorbed, and non-comedogenic, this drugstore favorite works well as a strong base layer under makeup and won’t even think about clogging your pores. The combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide will quench parched skin to support long-lasting moisture retention, and the no-frills formulation means it plays nice with other skin-care products if a layered, multi-step routine is your thing.
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
“Another important factor to look for is whether it is a mineral sunscreen, ideally titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are going to be more protective,” explains Dr. Vélez. “And ones that have iron oxide actually also protect against the blue light from your cell phone or computer screen. Especially in our world right now, that’s something else to look out for.”
With SPF 40, this ultimate two-in-one offers UVA and UVB protection. As Dr. Mullan notes, we still need to wear sunscreen even when we’re indoors, because the annoyingly sneaky and harmful UVA rays can penetrate windows. For a product that’s as fun as it is protective, look no further than this feather-light Supergoop! whipped moisturizer brewed with reparative blue-green algae to rebuild the skin’s barrier. It also contains the brand’s moisture-binding plant fermentation innovation, which drenches the skin’s surface and kicks dehydration to the curb. Dryness? You won’t know her.
SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
High-tech and seriously high-performing, this mineral sunscreen is built with an oil-absorbing base to immediately soak up any sudden moisture. And no moisture is getting through this bad boy—not sweat, a shiny T-zone slick, or even the heavy humidity in the air surrounding your face. That means this SkinCeuticals formulation will give your skin a truly impossible-to-believe (until you see it for yourself) soft matte finish all day long. “Today, it’s all about multitasking,” says Dr. Mullan. “You can find one product that can do a few different things for you and it simplifies your entire routine.”
Starting off as an airy, bouncy mousse, the moisturizer turns into a powder, ready to sop up anything that crosses its path, thanks to the aerated silica’s insane ability to absorb up to 15 times its weight in oil. (Again, you have to see it to believe it!)
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Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50
Skip the heavy cream moisturizer (not everyone needs one anyway!) and take a next-gen serum with SPF for a spin. With the texture of a serum and the efficacy of mineral sunscreens, these pretty little drops are deceptively powerful, and they just about do it all: moisturize skin, repel free radicals, fight sun damage, and kick-start the body’s natural reparative process to strengthen skin at the cellular level. This overachieving serum is richly formulated with hyaluronic acid and green tea leaf extract and swirled together with a collection of nutrient-dense cassia extract, vitamin E, and beta-glucan for a silky-soft finish. Just put a few drops in your hands, rub together to warm up, and pat them onto cleansed skin; wait five minutes for the drops to dry and settle, and then you’re good to go!
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Say it with us: The sun is a foe, not a friend, and it makes patchy, dark age spots on the face worse. Most moisturizers with SPF hover around the SPF 30 mark, but the amped-up formulation from Dr. Dennis Gross kicks it all the way to 50 for next-level protection against sun spots to earn a rightful spot on your sink.
“Not wearing a high enough SPF, meaning anything lower than SPF 30, will contribute to discoloration,” cautions Dr. Vélez. “And sun damage contributes to enlarged pores, wrinkles, and signs of premature aging.” Powered by black rice extract to boost collagen production, combined with a potent blend of melatonin, vitamin E, and three different forms of vitamin C to camouflage preexisting dark spots and fine lines, this miracle product stops future discolorations before they have a chance to start.
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Sources:
- Elizabeth Mullans, MD, a dermatologist at Uptown Dermatology in Houston
- Nicole Vélez, MD, a Pittsburgh-based dermatologist
