Science Tips Tips Tricks Technology 15 Best Moisturizers With SPF 2020, According to Dermatologists
Science Tips Tips Tricks Technology
If there’s one piece of skincare advice you’ve heard over and over again, it’s to wear sunscreen every day—yes, even during the cold, gray months—but especially during spring and summer. And while you likely have no problem slathering up to spend time in the sun over the weekend, the last thing you want on your face Monday through Friday is a formula that’s super thick and makes you smell like an overly-processed coconut.
But there’s a new class of sunscreens made for your face that hydrate skin without clogging your pores. These formulas not only shield against the sun’s harmful rays by offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, they also contain antioxidants (to keep skin looking youthful) and tint (to even skin tone and work double-duty in place of your foundation).
The right moisturizer with SPF (most often, a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients) can easily give skin a smooth canvas to be worn under makeup—or provide enough of a tint to skip it altogether. It’s far superior to using makeup with added SPF, which won’t do the job, says Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia.
How to choose (and use) the best moisturizer with SPF for your skin
Read your labels: To find a moisturizer with SPF, make sure its designated on the label as face sunscreen, otherwise it will not be potent enough to fully protect your skin. Shoot for a minimum of SPF 30. “Apply it to your entire face and look for one that delivers broad spectrum protection,” says Dr. Amy Forman Taub, M.D., medical director and founder of Chicago-area Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.
Know your skin type: If you have oily skin, finding the right moisturizer with SPF can be tricky, but it’s possible. “Most modern, well-made sunscreens are noncomedogenic,” Dr. Taub says, meaning the ingredients in the bottle are specifically formulated to not cause blocked pores, and thus, acne breakouts. Look for noncomedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free on the label.
Don’t skimp on hydration: Your moisturizer with SPF should still be hydrating, regardless of your skin type. Look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, ceramides, and glycerin.
Stick with one you like: Finding the perfect match for you may be trial and error, says Dr. Saedi. When it comes to keeping your skin looking young, consistency is key. “Go for a formulation that you like and are willing to wear every day,” she says. Just be sure to reapply every two hours for max protection (or touch up with a powder sunscreen if you don’t want to disturb your makeup).
Not sure where to start? The following moisturizers with SPF protect your skin while keeping your complexion in check. Each one contains a minimum of SPF 30 (though most provide much more), as well as broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. They’re all lightweight enough to be used under makeup and won’t cause breakouts or irritate sensitive skin. Here, the best dermatologist-approved moisturizers with SPF for every skin type.
1
BEST OVERALL
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Named one of our favorite moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin, you can count on this as your go-to product when you need something gentle yet hydrating. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides work together to restore and moisturize the skin, niacinamide soothes, while zinc oxide provides broad spectrum protection. Recommended by the National Skin Cancer Foundation, this noncomedogenic product is also oil- and fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about irritation if you have sensitive skin.
2
BEST VALUE
Neutrogena Hydro Water Gel Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
This lightweight gel sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer, thanks to a healthy dose of water-attracting ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Plus, it’s oil-free, noncomedogenic, and non-greasy—so your skin only feels plump (never oily) after application. Not to mention, you get three ounces of product for under $10.
3
RAVE REVIEWS
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60
This light, matte formula from La Roche-Posay absorbs into skin quickly, making it an ideal base to apply makeup on top, says Dr. Saedi. “It glides on easily, there’s no white film, and it doesn’t smell like sunscreen,” she says. It’s also pumped with free radical-fighting antioxidants to fight the signs of skin aging, like fine lines and sun spots.
4
EDITOR’S PICK
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 50
This moisturizer with SPF earns a recommendation from Ramsey Markus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westside Dermatology in Seattle. He uses this gentle, mineral-based SPF himself, since he’s allergic to chemical filters. Free of oils and fragrances, the non-greasy formula effortlessly glides on and sinks into the skin without a stark white cast.
5
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This oil-free facial sunscreen from EltaMD is a favorite of both Dr. Taub and Dr. Saedi. Ideal for those dealing with acne or rosacea, “it contains niacinamide [a form of vitamin B3], which is an anti-inflammatory that helps calm skin,” says Dr. Saedi. What’s more, it contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that acts like a tiny sponge to pull water to the skin’s surface for a boost in hydration.
6
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR OILY SKIN
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Created specifically for oily skin types, this mattifying moisturizer with SPF from Cetaphil won’t break you out or irritate existing acne, since it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance-free. You’ll still receive broad spectrum sun protection, as well as much-needed hydration via glycerin (which pulls and locks in moisture) and dimethicone (an ingredient that prevents water loss without clogging the pores).
7
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR DRY SKIN
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
This pick gets a stamp of approval from Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of Skin Rules. Even though the formula feels non-greasy, dry skin drinks up the glycerin and squalane to help restore natural moisture. Your complexion will feel nourished without the shiny residue left behind by most face sunscreens.
8
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer SPF 30
This moisturizer with SPF from Olay deeply hydrates dull skin without leaving behind a sticky, greasy film. In fact, it feels pleasantly lightweight, doesn’t smell of strong fragrances, and is noncomedogenic to prevent breakouts. Soothing aloe teams up with glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamins E, B3, and B5 to moisturize and protect the skin, while SPF 30 fights harmful UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it absorbs quickly, so you won’t have to worry about your makeup sliding around.
9
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR DARKER SKIN TONES
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Also named one of our top face sunscreens, this affordable pick gets a stamp of approval from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “The soy complex in this product helps brighten the skin while UV blockers provide broad spectrum protection,” he says. It works great for all skin types since it’s oil-free and noncomedogenic, but the sheer finish makes it an excellent option for deeper complexions (according to dermatologists of color!).
10
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR DULL SKIN
L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
The skin-brightening trifecta—glycolic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol—join forces in this moisturizer with SPF. With broad spectrum SPF 30, you’ll tackle sun spots and other discolorations while protecting your skin from further sun damage. Glycolic acid gently sloughs away dead skin cells, while vitamin C promotes collagen production for a boost in radiance.
11
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR REDNESS
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
This noncomedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer is exactly what your complexion needs if you’re constantly dealing with redness, since it contains skin-soothing thermal water, hydrating ceramides and glycerin, and niacinamide to tackle discoloration. Meanwhile, SPF 30 keeps skin protected from damaging UV rays.
12
BEST MOISTURIZER WITH SPF FOR AGING SKIN
Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30
This vegan, cruelty-free moisturizer works double duty by preventing future lines and wrinkles while helping to reverse visible signs of aging. Thanks to a formula rich in essential oils, algae extract, peptides, and antioxidants, skin will look plumper, smoother, and brighter.
13
BEST NATURAL MOISTURIZER WITH SPF
COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Crème SPF 30
This silky moisturizer earned a high rating from the Environmental Working Group. Thanks to its top-notch ingredients (most of which are organic), like aloe vera, cocoa seed extract, and niacinamide, your face will feel calm and hydrated without skimping on broad spectrum protection. It feels pleasantly lightweight and won’t slip-slide underneath your makeup.
14
BEST TINTED MOISTURIZER WITH SPF
Epionce Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50
Dr. Taub recommends this moisturizer with SPF when you’re looking for a sheer tint to even out the skin tone. Apply this water-resistant mineral sunscreen before using bronzer or blush to keep skin hydrated and glowing, thanks to moisturizing agents like argan oil, glycerin, and dimethicone. Free of fragrances, sulfates, and parabens, this is an ideal pick if your skin is easily irritated. Bonus: It also delivers a dose of antioxidants to fight free radical damage and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
15
BEST LUXURY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF
NEOCUTIS Journée Bio-Restorative Day Cream SPF 30
This fragrance-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer with SPF is a safe bet when you’re looking to address signs of aging, like fine lines, says Dr. Taub. Antioxidants and minerals like vitamins C, E, and green tea extract provide free radical protection and help stimulate collagen growth, while hyaluronic acid offers max hydration.
Jessica Migala
Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition, and skincare, with work published in Women’s Health, Glamour, Health, Men’s Health, and more.
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