Two things that are vital in any skin care routine: using moisturizer and using sunscreen. So it stands to reason that a moisturizer with SPF would be a great addition to your product lineup, killing two birds with one stone. And they certainly can—although, there are some things to know first.
According to New York City–based board-certified
dermatologist Hadley King, these hybrid products are "easy to integrate into your skin care routine because it takes the place of your usual moisturizer," and recommends them "for an average day of mild sun exposure." In addition to convenience, they can be more pleasant to use too. "Moisturizers with SPF are typically lighter than regular facial sunscreens," says
Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Further, King says, "They generally have more moisturizing ingredients, and they may have other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants or peptides."
That being said, there are some things to note: "They usually are not as water resistant," King warns. Plus, "You need to apply a sufficient amount to achieve the advertised SPF, and you need to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating." In general, many people don't wear enough sunscreen as it is, so using an SPF moisturizer isn't a silver bullet to getting sufficient sun protection. "I think using a hybrid product is better than no SPF at all, but to reap the [full] benefits of each product, I suggest using a facial moisturizer, and then layering a facial sunscreen atop," Hibler recommends. "Most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen," King adds. "The guidelines are to apply one ounce—that's enough to fill a shot glass—to the exposed areas of the face and body, a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone."
But according to Brooklyn-based board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, so provided you apply the directed amount, using a moisturizer with SPF is totally safe. "Most sunscreens include similar ingredients to moisturizers," Landriscina says. "As long as you're using enough to get the listed SPF, both will provide the same protection."
We also ask the derms about the products they recommend, which we list below, along with some additional editor-approved picks. Read on for 20 of the best moisturizers with sunscreen to use every day this summer and beyond.
1
Expert Pick
MELE
Dew The Most Sheer Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
2
Expert Pick
La Roche-Posay
Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30
3
Best Brightening Moisturizer with SPF
Fenty Skin
Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide
4
Cult Classic
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
5
Best for Blue Light Protection
Supergoop!
Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
6
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Deeper Skin Tones
Absolute Joi
Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream SPF 40 Café Au Lait
7
Best Seller
Olay
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
8
Best Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer
Naturally Serious
Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
9
Most Refreshing Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Moisturizer - SPF 50
10
Expert Pick
Sun Bum
Daily Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
11
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil
Facial Moisturizer - SPF 50+
12
Best Multitasking Moisturizer with SPF
Naked Sundays
SPF 50+ Collagen Glow Creme
13
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Garnier
Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Replumping Serum Cream with SPF 30
14
Drugstore Deal
CeraVe
Ultra-Light Face Lotion Moisturizer with Sunscreen - SPF 30
15
Celeb Pick
Aveeno
Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
16
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Dry Skin
JLo Beauty
That Big Screen Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
17
Best Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
Paula's Choice
Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer
18
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Mature Skin
L'oréal Paris
Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
19
Best Value
e.l.f.
Holy Hydration! Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30
20
Best SPF Primer
Lancôme
UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50