The 10 best face moisturizers with SPF that make it easier to wear sunscreen every single day

A collection of the best face moisturizers with SPF on a yellow gradient background.
EltaMD; Sephora/Business Insider

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Even if you've heard this dozens of times, I'm going to tell you again. Sunscreen should be part of your morning routine every single day — no exceptions! In the past, I often avoided this step because the goopy formulas made a mess of my foundation, but improvements in past years have produced sunscreens that could pass for skincare. Now, there are even face moisturizers with SPF built right in. 

Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC tells Insider that face moisturizers with SPF are "a good way to simplify your skincare routine while also getting additional benefits such as hydration, antiaging, and texture improvement in addition to sun protection." She adds that as long as the SPF level is greater than 30 (and ideally 40), it's just as effective as using a separate sunscreen. 

To find the best face moisturizers with SPF, we spoke to Dr. Levine and Dr. Dendy Engelman of Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery for their recommendations and tested out several on our own. While you'll find everything from matte formulas for oily skin to SPF moisturizers with shimmer, we named EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen as our top pick. This hydrating cream comes recommended by both dermatologists, is a fit for most skin types and tones, and doesn't interfere with makeup.

Advertisement

Our top picks for the best face moisturizers with SPF

Best overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - See at Amazon

Best drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 - See at Amazon

Best everyday: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 - See at Amazon

Best glowy: Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45 - See at Amazon

Best for dry skin: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 - See at Amazon

Best for mature skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 - See at Sephora

Best for sensitive skin: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ - See at Amazon

Best for acne-prone skin: Community Sixty Six Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30 - See at Sephora

Best for oily skin: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 - See at Amazon

Best for melanated skin: Fenty Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer - See at Sephora

Advertisement

Best overall

Staff Pick
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 showcase
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This dermatologist-approved sunscreen features hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and plump, zinc oxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and vitamin E to prevent skin cell damage.

Not only is this my go-to sunscreen, but it's also a top choice for both Dr. Levine and Dr. Dendy, landing it the first spot as the best face moisturizer with SPF. I first learned about the EltaMD favorite from my grandmother (whose dermatologist recommended it to her) and became an instant fan of the creamy, lightweight texture that feels just like a moisturizer. There's no greasiness or white cast, and it doesn't pill up under makeup. And if you go for the tinted option, you may be able to skip foundation altogether. The only drawback is that it's one of our most expensive picks, but I can't say the quality doesn't match the price.

Advertisement

Best drugstore

La Roche Posay showcase
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is an ultra-gentle hydrating product packed with soothing ingredients.

This sunscreen-infused moisturizer has all the perks of La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, a number one bestseller on Amazon, but updated with broad-spectrum sun protection. The chemical formula absorbs without leaving a white cast and contains a host of hydrating ingredients, including prebiotics, niacinamide, and ceramides. The lotion texture has a skincare-like feel, but be aware that it can pill under makeup if you plan to use it with foundation.

Advertisement

Best everyday

CeraVe showcase
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM is our top moisturizer with SPF because it provides sun protection while moisturizing your skin and it's affordable.

If you're new to using a moisturizer with SPF, CeraVe is one of the best face moisturizers with SPF and a solid place to start that won't require a hefty investment. The non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula is especially gentle and formulated to play well with most skin types. Plus, it contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides that boost moisture levels and improve the skin barrier. The creamy texture feels just like a facial moisturizer, and it's lightweight enough to use on often overlooked areas like hands and ears. Another plus? The lower price point means you won't feel the pinch as much when using it every day.

Advertisement

Best glowy

Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45.
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45

Winnie Harlow’s Cay Skin moisturizer sunscreen does double duty, providing sun protection and a pearlescent formula that keeps skin glowing no matter the season.

This sunscreen moisturizer from supermodel Winnie Harlow's island-inspired skincare collection pairs broad-spectrum sun protection with a pearlescent tint, giving you a just-back-from-vacation glow in any season. The lightweight cream has a nude tint that blends in with all skin tones, and it can be worn on its own or under makeup to create a lit-from-within look. Along with SPF filters, there's a blend of niacinamide, sea moss, and nectar to increase hydration levels and strengthen your skin's barrier.

Advertisement

Best for dry skin

Staff Pick
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40.
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Supergoop!’s Superscreen feels like a rich moisturizing cream that’s supercharged with SPF 40. It’s seriously hydrating, making it a great daily option for dry and combination skin types.

If intense hydration is on your must-have list, you'll want to check out Supergoop!'s Superscreen moisturizer. This formula has the consistency of a rich moisturizing cream but with the added power of SPF 40. While I'm a fan of most Supergoop! products, I especially like how this one doesn't feel like a traditional sunscreen, absorbs quickly, and gets you closer to a glass-skin look without extra products. It works well for my dry/combination skin, but those with oily skin will probably find this pick too heavy.

Advertisement

Best for mature skin

elemis pro-collagen marine cream
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

If it’s a luxe skincare experience you’re after, you’ll be a quick fan of the Elemis moisturizer with SPF 30. The gel formula treats fine lines and wrinkles and feels the opposite of a tacky sunscreen.

While this luxe moisturizing cream with SPF benefits all ages, it's made especially for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. My favorite part of this pick is the silky smooth gel consistency that truly delivers a high-end skincare experience; you're likely to forget that you're using sunscreen. Star ingredients include ginkgo biloba, chlorella, and Padina pavonica (algae extract), which work together to improve hydration and firmness. My combination skin did experience some mild pore-clogging after a few days of use, but according to its many high ratings and rave reviews, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Advertisement

Best for sensitive skin

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

This moisturizing, mineral-based sunscreen offers a high level of protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50+. Its silky emulsion formula makes it easy to blend into the skin.

Dr. Levine says this is a great SPF product that's also moisturizing. ISDIN's Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen is mineral-based and provides a high level of protection with SPF 50+, two elements that work in favor of sensitive skin types. However, the heavy dose of SPF does make this product more likely to leave a white cast. The consistency is silky smooth, and a precision nozzle helps you get just the right amount without making a mess. 

Advertisement

Best for acne-prone skin

Community Sixty Six Everyday Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30.
Community Sixty Six Everyday Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30

This mineral-based moisturizer with SPF is designed to wear well with makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s made for all skin types but is especially loved by those prone to breakouts.

Community Sixty Six's moisturizer with SPF is on Dr. Dendy's list of favorite face moisturizers with SPF. The formula blocks UVA and UVB rays with zinc oxide, an ingredient she says "protects the skin by deflecting the sun's rays and sitting on the surface of your skin which is less likely to break you out." This sunscreen moisturizer feels heavier than pure skincare but glides on smooth and blends in without leaving a white cast. While the tacky finish isn't for everyone, it still wears well under makeup and leaves a natural, dewy glow.

Advertisement

Best for oily skin

Staff Pick
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

If you’re looking for a sunscreen and makeup primer in one, this 100% invisible product does double duty — better yet, it’s suitable for all skin types thanks to the hydrating, fragrance-free, and oil-free formula. As an added bonus, it not only shields the skin from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays, but it also helps to filter out blue light from your devices.

Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen is a cult favorite that's been in my skincare lineup for years. The chemical formula is oil-free and has a lightweight gel consistency that's completely invisible on all skin tones. While not technically a moisturizer, it is designed to take the place of a makeup primer, nourishing skin with meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter before drying down to a matte finish that's a perfect canvas for foundation. Dry skin types will likely require more hydration, but this product works like magic for oily skin types.

Advertisement

Best for melanated skin

Fenty Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Fenty’s Hydra Vizor moisturizer delivers on the difficult task of making a physical sunscreen that’s invisible on the skin. We give it extra points for its sustainable, refillable design.

The main drawback of physical sunscreens is that they often leave a white cast, which is especially apparent on melanated skin. Fenty's Hydra Vizor solves this issue with its mineral moisturizer with SPF. The lightweight cream has a pink tint that's thoughtfully designed to look invisible on all skin tones. At the same time, it has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon to plump and improve overall skin texture. The best part of this sunscreen moisturizer is that it has a refillable design, saving you a few dollars and the environment when it's time to restock. It was also a top SPF in our guide to the best moisturizers for combination skin.

Advertisement

What to look for

Active ingredients

The best face moisturizers with SPF protect skin from sun exposure in one of two ways, either through a physical or chemical filter. Asked about the difference between them, Dr. Dendy says, "Chemical sunscreen is applied to and absorbed into the skin, while physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin and forms a barrier between the sun and its UV rays. Either option you choose should be reapplied throughout the day for proper sun protection." She also suggests looking for ingredients such as zinc oxide since it sits on the top of the skin and is less likely to cause breakouts, as well as water- and sweat-resistant formulas if you're especially active.

SPF Level

Another important factor to consider is whether a sunscreen moisturizer offers broad-spectrum protection, which keeps you safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Both Dr. Dendy and Dr. Levine recommend a minimum level of SPF 30 for daily use.

Consistency

Just like traditional moisturizers, sunscreen moisturizers come in a variety of texture options. Most of this comes down to personal preference, though some work better for certain skin types or skin tones. Dr. Levine and Dr. Dendy note that physical sunscreens with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are more likely to leave a white cast that doesn't disappear into melanated skin. Heavier creams can also be great for giving dry skin a dewy finish, but they may also cause breakouts for those with oily skin types, who tend to do better with lightweight textures.

Advertisement

FAQs

Is moisturizer with SPF as good as wearing sunscreen?

Both Dr. Levine and Dr. Dendy shared that as long as the level is 30 or higher, using a moisturizer containing SPF should be just as effective as using a separate sunscreen product.

What SPF should I use on my face every day?

When choosing a sunscreen product, look for a minimum of SPF 30. Dr. Levine tells Insider, "SPF 30 and greater is generally recommended, but I recommend SPF 45 or higher, and those with a history or high risk of skin cancer should really wear SPF 50+ for greater protection." 

Do I only have to use moisturizers with SPF in the summer?

Sunscreen products should be used every day, no matter the season. "Even if it's cloudy, 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin, so make sure you're applying year-round," says Dr. Dendy.

Does sunscreen make a difference in aging?

On the importance of using SPF, Dr. Dendy says that "since UV rays can cause the breakdown of collagen, which leads to the formation of wrinkles, along with sun damage and skin cancer, it can make a huge difference in your skin's aging process."

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].

Advertisement