Beauty The 9 Best Moisturizers with SPF, Tested and Reviewed Whether you have high-maintenance skin, hate spending money on skincare, or can’t stand scented products, we have a pick for you. By Kells McPhillips Kells McPhillips Instagram Website Kells McPhillips is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared on Well+Good, Business Insider, Shape.com, Fortune, Calm, Create & Cultivate, Equinox, and others. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York City, and she's working on her first novel in the early mornings. Shape's editorial guidelines Updated on May 10, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Tested What To Know FAQ Why Trust Shape We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shape / Jhett Thompson Sunscreen needs no introduction, but here’s a quick refresher. “Sunscreen protects skin cells from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, which has locations in New Jersey and New York. “The sun’s rays can precipitate the formation of mutations in cellular DNA. If the body’s repair mechanisms do not correct these mutations, they can lead to the formation of skin cancer.” He adds that sunscreen decreases the effects of UV radiation on photoaging, which leads to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. If you’re ready to get serious about applying a daily moisturizer with SPF (or just want to shake up your current routine), you’re in luck. We spent two-plus weeks testing 15 different SPF moisturizers, analyzing each on texture, absorption, durability, hydration, and more. After conferring with expert dermatologists and compiling our ratings, we’re ready to share the best nine moisturizers with SPF on the market. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there’s something for you below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon Jump to Review Best Primer: Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer at Sephora Jump to Review Best Splurge: MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora Jump to Review Best for Combination Skin: Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Fragrance-Free: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 4.6 Neutrogena View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Wear 4.7/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Why We Like It: The flawless application and low price point make this moisturizer pretty hard to beat. It’s Worth Noting: This moisturizer has a mild sunscreen smell. In a world where two skincare products can set you back $100, it’s refreshing to use a reliable $16 moisturizer. This fast-absorbing, light, silky-smooth formula provides the perfect base for makeup, but we also found that it gives your skin a little bit of shine, which is always nice if you’re ditching your BB creams and foundations for the day. Hyaluronic acid, a super-hydrating ingredient, is also a key part of this formula. On the downside, some of us didn’t love the smell of this mild sunscreen smell of this product. Those who prefer their skincare buys to be fragrance-free should consider Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30. Price at time of publish: $16 Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3% Homosalate 15% Octisalate 5% Octocrylene 10% Purpose Sunscreen | SPF Level: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best Drugstore La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30 4.6 Walgreens View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 5/5 Absorption 4/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Why We Like It: She’s lightweight, she’s smooth, she’s fast absorbing—what’s not to love?It’s Worth Noting: Some of us found the product to be a bit shiny. One of our editors described this product as the “Goldilocks” of moisturizing products. (Not too thick, not too thin… but just right!) Even though we have a range of skin types, all of us loved this one—even those of us with sensitive skin or a complexion that tended to get drier in the winter months. This La Roche-Posay buy sinks in quickly and leaves your skin soft to the touch. The formula is also oil-free, making it an ideal addition to your routine if you’re prone to breakouts or an oily T-zone. Plus, the probiotics in this product protect the skin’s microbiome. A couple of us noticed that the product made our skin a little greasy as time passed. Plus, this moisturizer does have a citrusy scent, so if you’re not an oranges and lemons kind of person, you may want to pick another contender for your medicine cabinet. Price at time of publish: $23 Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% | SPF Level: 30 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 2.5 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best Primer Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer 4 Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Wear 4/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Why We Like It: The lavish texture of this moisturizer makes it feel like a splurge. It’s Worth Noting: Some may find this moisturizer a little too heavy for the summer months. We loved this product for its even texture and cast-free application. Because this Lancôme moisturizer is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, it’s also great for those who are prone to acne but want hydrated skin all day. It also contains vitamin E, a powerful ingredient for protecting the skin against free radical damage caused by things like solar radiation and environmental pollution. That said, we all agreed that this product is on the thick and oily side, and thus, you may want to pocket this recommendation for those cold, dry, bitter winters. It also tends to sit on top of the skin rather than soak in for oilier skin types. So if you’re not into the extra-moisturized feel or you want to wear this under your makeup, you may want to forgo it altogether. Price at time of publish: $48 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% | SPF Level: 50 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.0 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best Lightweight Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45 4.3 Sephora View On Sephora View On Cayskin.com Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 3.5/5 Absorption 4/5 Wear 5/5 Hydration 4/5 Appearance 4/5 Why We Like It: This product makes your skin look glowy and dewy without makeup and provides the perfect base for foundation. Win, win.It’s Worth Noting: It’s not as hydrating as some of the other options on the market. Sometimes you just want to throw on a single product and head out the door—and Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45 is perfect for those days. When describing the effects of this moisturizer, our editors used the words “glowy,” “dewy,” and “illuminating” on repeat. However, none of us described the product as oily. Niacinamide, an ingredient in this product, also makes skin brighter, smoother, and stronger—so that’s a win. We did all observe, however, that the “moisturizing” aspect of this product left much to be desired. While the SPF worked great, none of us felt like our skin felt more hydrated after a day of rocking this flawless formula. Because this product has a pearlescent finish, it can also get stuck on your clothes, so beware of changing post-application if you’re using this product. Price at time of publish: $34 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Sunscreen Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10% | SPF Level: 45 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.5 oz Shape / Jhett Thompson Best Splurge MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer 4.7 MDSolar Sciences View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Beautifiedyou.com Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4.7/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Wear 4.5/5 Hydration 4.7/5 Appearance 4.7/5 Why We Like It: Cooling, moisturizing, and smoothing, this luxurious product is worth every penny. It’s Worth Noting: There is a faint smell that many of us noticed. While this broad-spectrum product costs more than double the price of many of the other SPFs on this list, it offers a ton of bang for your buck. We unanimously loved this moisturizer's application, texture, and long-lasting protection. It’s also packed with niacinamide, which evens skin tone, as well as plenty of antioxidants to battle free radicals. At the same time, this product is very pricey for only 1.7 ounces of moisturizer. Plus, some of us found that the product had a faint smell that wasn’t necessarily unpleasant but was still very much present. Price at time of publish: $76 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octocrylene 2.75%, Octisalate 5% Water, and more | SPF Level: 30 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best for Dry Skin Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 3.8 Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Wear 3.7/5 Hydration 4/5 Appearance 3/5 Why We Like It: This product is the perfect SPF moisturizer for dry skin. It’s Worth Noting: Those with combination or oily skin will find this product too moisturizing. Bone-dry skin, be gone. Upon first testing this ultra-moisturizing Supergoop! buy, we all agreed that it’s a game-changer for dry skin. This full-spectrum, algae-infused formula is so thick that you only need a tiny dab to protect your entire face, so this little jar will last forever. It also blocks blue light, a great bonus for anyone who sees more computer light than sunlight on a normal day. (Guilty as charged.) All praise aside, this formula is not for those with normal, combination, or dry skin. Those of us without dry skin observed that the product became heavy and oily on our skin after a few hours. Price at time of publish: $44 Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 8%, Octisalate 5% | SPF Level: 40 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best for Oily Skin Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen 4.2 Sephora View On Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com View On Kohls.com Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4.5/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Wear 4.7/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Why We Like It: The whisper-soft finish of this formula is never oily, but always dewy. It’s Worth Noting: This product has a floral scent that some of us found overpowering. This product was love at first application. This light moisturizer sunk into the skin. Once applied, this product makes the skin appear even and hydrated but not streaky or cakey. A great bonus is the lavender-hued, ergonomic packaging that makes the Fenty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer easy to toss in your purse and reapply on the go. It’s also refillable—so score one for the environment. While it’s not necessarily a flaw, given that you should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours anyway, many of us noted that they did need to reapply this Fenty product often. Its thinner texture means that the hydration benefits don’t stick around as long, which may actually be an asset for those with more oily complexions. Price at time of publish: $39 Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4.5% | SPF Level: 30 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best for Combination Skin Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea 4.4 Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 4.7/5 Absorption 5/5 Wear 4.7/5 Hydration 4.7/5 Appearance 5/5 Why We Like It: Those with combination skin will enjoy this product's skin-smoothing effects.It’s Worth Noting: Some of us found this product a bit drying. Origins’ take on moisturizer with SPF has a unique texture that one of our editors described as “whipped cream-like.” The formula is lightweight and glides easily onto the skin. Many of us enjoyed its softening but non-oily effect, making it perfect for those with that oh-so-picky combination skin. However, “combination skin” means that some patches are dryer and some are oilier (notably, the T-zone). And a few of us noted that those dryer places became dryer, and those oilier places became oilier several hours after application. It also has a faint tea smell, so keep that in mind. Price at time of publish: $52 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 8.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 5.0% | SPF Level: 40 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson Best Fragrance-Free Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 4.2 Sephora View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora Our Ratings Feel/Consistency 3.5/5 Absorption 3.5/5 Wear 4.5/5 Hydration 4.7/5 Appearance 4/5 Why We Like It: Ah, smell that? It’s the sweet smell of nothing at all. It’s Worth Noting: This moisturizer has a thick, Greek yogurt-like texture. Prefer moisturizers that are thick, creamy, and scent-free? The search is over. While this product goes on feeling a bit greasy, it quickly sinks into the face for a moisturized finish (even in those hard-to-hydrate places like underneath the eyes and the chin. On a less positive note, we found that this moisturizer felt a little bit more like sunscreen than a moisturizer. Upon applying the cream, it goes on thick and requires a little effort to rub in. Price at time of publish: $38 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% | SPF Level: 30 | Broad Spectrum: Yes | Size: 1.7 oz. Shape / Jhett Thompson How We Tested The only way to test a moisturizer with SPF is to slather it on and have some fun in the sun—so that’s exactly what we did. After selecting 14 moisturizers to enter the skin-care ring with the help of dermatologist insight, internet reviews, and editor favorites, we gathered a pool of testers. We include folks with dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin, washed our faces, and started moisturizing. Shape / Jhett Thompson This two-part test took place in the lab and in our bathrooms at home. We hit the Testing Lab to read our skin’s moisture levels before and after applying and used blotting paper to measure product residue. We even spritzed our faces with water to see if a single spray would leave a Casper-like white cast. Then we took these bottles home and incorporated them into our daily routine for two weeks. And, oh, did we take notes. During that 14-day trial period, we wrote down how the product felt going on the skin, how it transformed our complexions, and whether the moisturizer held up as the day went on. We sniffed, dabbed, smeared, and came together to determine which nine products deserve that coveted medicine cabinet real estate. Shape / Jhett Thompson What to Know About Moisturizers with SPF SPF products should really come with their own dictionaries—seriously. With terms like “SPF,” “broad spectrum,” and “UVB” flying around, it’s hard to know what moisturizers with SPF deserve a place in the summer beach bag and which ones are better left on the shelf. SPF Rating “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a minimum SPF of 30,” says Dr. Camp. “A sunscreen product with SPF 30 protection protects the skin from 97 percent of UV rays.” Broad-Spectrum Protection Broad spectrum is one of those jargony, sunscreen words that may make you pause in the drugstore aisle. But all it really means is that the product provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. “UVA rays penetrate more deeply in the skin and are associated with premature aging,” says Dr. Camp. “UVB rays penetrate more superficially and are associated with the formation of sunburns.” In short, yes, you want to add that “broad spectrum” sunscreen moisturizer to your cart. Tinted SPF Moisturizers “Tinted SPF moisturizers help even out skin tone, and may be helpful in reducing the impact of UV and visible light on the formation of melasma, a condition in which hyperpigmented patches develop on the face,” says Dr. Camp. They also contain iron oxide, a pigment that protects the skin against visible light. Shape / Jhett Thompson Frequently Asked Questions Is a moisturizer with SPF enough? Yes, it’s enough for exactly two hours. “In addition to using an SPF moisturizer, protect your skin with the use of a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, UV protective clothing, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure, and remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after sweating or swimming,” says Dr. Camp. Don’t forget to apply it to your ears, hands, and other often-forgotten places. And remember: Your lip balm should contain SPF, too. Is it okay to use a tinted moisturizer with SPF at night? Sporting your tinted moisturizer at night gets Dr. Camp’s seal of approval. Just make sure you wash it all off before heading to bed. Why Trust Shape Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Shape, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal, and others. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, which has locations in Upper East Side, Hampton Bays, Commack, Smithtown, Plainview, and Midtown East of Manhattan, New York. Patients have been coming to him for his expertise managing medical conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, warts, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer, as well as cosmetic concerns and treatments with Botox®, fillers, lasers, and other skin rejuvenation devices. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit