14 Best Moisturizers With SPF That'll Plump and Protect Skin
If applying sunscreen every day feels like a chore, finding the best moisturizers with SPF might just help. Many daily moisturizers slip sun protection without compromising texture, scent, or effectiveness, so chances are, you may be using one already. However, we found a few that are ensured to plump your skin while guarding it with a broad-spectrum protection rating of at least 30, as per the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendations.
If your skin needs extra hydration and sun protection, these moisturizing face sunscreens have you covered — literally.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40, $39
- Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30, $23
- Best Tinted Moisturizer: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30, $34
- Best for Dry Skin: Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer SPF 37, $22
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30,
$20$14 - Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer, $17
- Best Under Makeup: Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, $48
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a moisturizer with SPF as good as wearing sunscreen?
- Tips for applying moisturizers with SPF
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: It's been well-documented that dermatologists love EltaMD sunscreens. Dr. Chang loves EltaMD's UV Daily SPF 40, in particular, because of its hydrating formula. The sheer formula contains hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and vitamin E to reduce free-radical damage and improve signs of aging, she says. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, department of dermatology, recommends EltaMD to all of her patients — so we know it's good.
Editor Tip: There's also a tinted version for a touch of redness-minimizing, non-cakey coverage.
Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Zinc, octinoxate, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Everyone
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Gohara also recommends the Best of Beauty-winning La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 because it's oil-free, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores or cause breakouts), and contains "super-hydrating ceramides and niacinamide to bring down inflammation," she says. Need more convincing? The lightweight lotion is spiked with prebiotics that support the diversity of good bacteria present in your skin's microbiome and strengthen its physical barrier.
Editor Tip: It's also free of fragrance and allergy-tested for those with sensitivities.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin | Who It's For: Those seeking sunscreen without the grease
Best Tinted: MDSolarSciences Tinted Creme SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: This tinted moisturizer comes packed with SPF 30 coverage (via zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) for those who want chemical-free coverage that doesn't leave skin with a white cast. "Its tiny particles blend with most skin tones and mask the white color of mineral blocks," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD. "It also contains antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E for added sun protection."
Editor Tip: It has a matte finish, making it ideal for those with oily skin.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit | Who It's For: Those who prefer to multitask
Best for Dry Skin: Oars + Alps Everyday Anti Aging Face Moisturizer SPF 37
Why It's Worth It: The Oars + Alps Everyday Anti Aging Face Moisturizer SPF 37 is an oil-free formulation that leaves skin feeling plump without a greasy feel, thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid. As it leaves a transparent finish behind, it also treats skin to a dose of antioxidant vitamins B5 and E to protect against free radical damage.
Editor Tip: This formula contains a cocktail of physical and chemical filters, which means it provides all the UV protection of both without the chalkiness or white cast of the former.
Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a lightweight, transparent SPF that intensively conditions dry skin.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is one of the best drugstore sunscreens around. Dr. Chang notes this lightweight, fragrance-free formula is infused with ceramides, aka "key natural lipids to moisturize and repair your skin barrier." She also calls out the SPF's inclusion of hyaluronic acid and antioxidant benefits, thanks to niacinamide. Former Allure editor-turned-dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, also recommends this hybrid, as it doesn't clog her pores and blends in within seconds.
Editor Tip: Since it's oil-free and noncomedogenic, it works for all skin types — oily and combination skin included.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Who It's For: Those who go through a lot of SPF
Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer
Why It's Worth It: This milky moisturizer defends skin on multiple levels: Along with broad-spectrum SPF 30, it contains a bevy of skin barrier-supporting ingredients — ceramides, prebiotics, green tea — to keep skin healthy and balanced. It's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, too, and won't leave behind a telltale cast.
Editor Tip: It was clinically tested on diverse skin tones to ensure proper protection for all.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, shea butter | Who It's For: Reactive skin types
Best Under Makeup: Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: Supergoop's expertise is in sunscreen, so of course, we trust the brand to masterfully add sun protection to a moisturizer (and not to mention, a vitamin C serum). That's exactly what it did with the Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, creating a formula that not only protects skin with SPF 40 but gives it a noticeably hydrated glow that has gotten us some serious compliments.
Editor Tip: The bouncy texture creates a smooth canvas that allows for a seamless makeup application.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Blue-green algae, glycerin, cerium | Who It's For: People who want a glowy look
Best Gel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 feels like a refreshing glass of water on a hot summer day. This gel-like, airy, and fragrance-free formula is loaded with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to maintain a hydrated, smooth complexion, as well as vitamin E to fight free radicals. It's love at first swipe, especially when considering the reasonable price point.
Editor Tip: The formula sinks in quickly, so it's a good option ahead of a run or bike ride.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E | Who It's For: People who sweat or plan to be active
Best with Antioxidant Protection: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Jart+'s Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ is one of the most seamless sunscreens our editors have ever tested. This chemical formula comes out white but virtually disappears the moment you start rubbing it onto your skin. The best part is the weightless liquid's antioxidant-rich vitamin E protects skin against environmental aggressors (like air pollution and unprotected sun exposure) and soothes irritation, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Editor Tip: For mineral sunscreen devotees, there's the Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ to suit your preferences, too.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Lavender oil, vitamin E | Who It's For: Those seeking amplified protection
Best Dewy Finish: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
Why It's Worth It: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 works flawlessly under makeup and looks luminous on its own. This is thanks to the pearly light powder in the formula that gives a glow and makes dullness a thing of the past. "I'm all about the dewy formulas, especially on days I can't be bothered to wear makeup, and this one feels like one of a super nourishing moisturizer that just so happens to have SPF protection," says commerce editor Sarah Han.
Editor Tip: We've found that it's so nourishing that you can skip moisturizer altogether.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pearl light powder, glycerin | Who It's For: People seeking added radiance
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Why It's Worth It: Tatcha's The Silk Sunscreen features the brand's silk protein, which is a blend of sericin and fibroin. According to New York City-based dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, "sericin forms a layer of protection over the skin and may help promote hydration while fibroin may help repair skin cells and balance moisture levels." When you mix that with the formula's hyaluronic acid, you'll notice dewy, brighter skin.
Editor Tip: PA is a rating system that represents Protection Grade of UVA Rays, in addition to the standard SPF number (which only accounts for how well a sunscreen protects your skin against UVB rays). The PA system ranges from PA+ to PA++++, so "the greater the number of plus signs, the better the level of protection against UVA rays," Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously explained.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, silk extract | Who It's For: Anyone looking for max protection
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: Kiehl's is well-versed in fan-favorite moisturizers, so it's little surprise that this formula would impress. It pairs chemical SPF filters with deeply nourishing ingredients, including avocado oil, squalane, and vitamin E, to bolster the skin barrier. The fragrance-free formula sinks in quickly and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Editor Tip: The emphasis on moisturizing oils makes it a great option for winter.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Squalane, apricot oil, sweet almond oil | Who It's For: Those who need extra hydration
Best for Brightening: Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: This moisturizer has it all, with broad-spectrum SPF 50 (a relatively high amount for a moisturizer), antioxidants, and skin-brightening ingredients. In other words, not only does it protect skin from discoloration and dullness, but it actively targets existing pigmentation, too.
Editor Tip: The non-greasy feel will also win over oilier types, too. It comes in a travel-friendly 0.5-ounce tube, too.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, oat extract | Who It's For: People with dull skin or uneven tone
Best for All Skin Tones: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: To help you stay protected all year round, Rihanna created the pink-hued Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30, formulated with antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon and brightening niacinamide, which sinks into skin for an invisible, non-chalky, and glowy finish. And, of course, it's perfect for all skin tones, including melanated complexions.
Editor Tip: Once you run out, you can simply pop a new $35 cartridge right in.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: People with medium to dark skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a moisturizer with SPF as good as wearing sunscreen?
The concept behind moisturizers with SPF is pretty straightforward, and depending on the formulation, it can tick multiple boxes off your skin-care to-do list, including sunscreen. As long as it has the AAD's recommended board-spectrum SPF 30 rating, your multi-tasking cream can pump skin full of moisture (without leaving any chalky, white cast) while protecting it from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to signs of aging like fine lines, and on a larger scale, skin cancer.
"Hybrid skin-care products have gained popularity recently as consumers are trying to simplify their skin-care routines," Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, tells Allure. "SPF-infused moisturizers are a direct result of the desire to do more with less." She also reassures us that just because there's an added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection, does not mean these moisturizers are thicker in texture or pore-clogging. What's more: Dr. Chang confirms SPF-infused moisturizers are "regulated and tested by the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedures as sunscreens," so they're not more diluted in regards to protection.
Tips for applying moisturizers with SPF
Just note, as with any other sunscreen, you still need to reapply these formulas throughout the day — every two hours, to be specific — to stay protected. (Oh, and wearing sunscreen indoors is also non-negotiable.) Dr. Chang reminds us that "most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) to fully cover the body." For your face and neck, Dr. Chang says that equates to about 0.3 teaspoons or the size of two nickels. And don't forget commonly-missed areas, like your eyelids, ears, and chest.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of moisturizers with SPF, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
For more of our favorite, hard-working skin-care products, keep reading:
- 17 Best Face Moisturizers Allure Editors Have Ever Tried
- 18 Best Face Exfoliators for Glowing Skin
- The 14 Best Cleansing Balms to Melt Away Makeup, Oil, and Dirt
- 11 Pimple Patches That'll Flatten and Heal Your Breakouts
Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
