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The 16 Best Face Moisturizers With SPF, Recommended by a Dermatologist

We chatted with a board-certified dermatologist for recommendations

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Skin care is a process that is ever evolving as you think you’ve got all of your bases covered only to find out that you actually don’t. Let’s do a quick checklist shall we? You’ve got the face wash to cleanse your skin, a dedicated moisturizer for skin types such as sensitive skin, and a Vitamin C and/or general face serum for increased hydration and toning, plus more. Now, do any of your products contain SPF aka something to protect you from the sun and the UV rays? If not, we’re going to have to get that corrected ASAP. No worries though! Sure you can go the route of getting a regular sunblock, but in our opinion, the easiest method is to get a moisturizer with SPF in it, that way you accomplish the mission of both moisturizing and protecting your skin at the same time. As such, we put together a guide on the best moisturizers with SPF that you can purchase now with the help of our dermatologist Dr. Magovern.

According to Dr. Magovern, sunscreen is the number one product that helps with skin aging, meaning that an SPF moisturizer gives you a two for one deal. Whether it’s the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF ($16.93) or something like the Neutrogena Hydroboost Face Moisturizer ( $26.79, $16.26). These are some great options to consider adding to your skincare lineup. 

RELATED: The 26 Best Body Washes for Men: An Option for Every Skin Type

Meet our expert:

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern earned her MD from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She completed her medical internship at Stanford University, and her dermatology residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she was elected to serve as chief resident. She currently practices at Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, CA.

The Best Moisturizers with SPF, at a Glance:

1. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF

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Amazon

Best Moisturizer with SPF, at a Glance

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Has a lightweight formula that is very powerful and effective
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
  • Price: $16.93
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Everyone

CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF is our top choice due to its powerful formula and affordability. An oil-free option that contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide amongst other properties, the AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF is lightweight, gentle, and effective, which is why dermatologists love it. The application process is a smooth one with a fast absorption rate, there’s no fragrance present or any other potential irritating ingredients, and the pricing is one of the most affordable out there, which is again why derms love it.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $16.93

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer

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Amazon

Best Lightweight Moisturizer

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Doesn’t have any piling, and blends well into the skin
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
  • Price: $16.26
  • SPF rating: 25
  • Who it's for: Everyone

Speaking of affordable SPF moisturizers that get the job done, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with SPF is a silky formula that blends effortlessly into the skin. A lightweight moisturizer that isn’t too heavy or greasy, our experience with testing the Hydro Boost was a positive one. Sunscreens have a way of being very thick and tough to blend, the lightweight formula prevents the overall heaviness that sunscreens bring, giving you a great balance of both. It also doesn’t have any piling, which is another reason why dermatologists recommend it. You can typically find the Hydro Boost for under $20, making this another affordable option to consider.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $24.14

3. Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream

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Shisedo

Best Hydrating Moisturizer

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Plumps and hydrates the skin
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ginseng root extract
  • Price: $50
  • SPF rating: 20
  • Who it's for: Everyone

It may not always be in the budget to spend a hefty price tag on skin care products, but if you are able to splurge, the Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream is a moisturizer that works well and gives you adequate SPF. Giving you equal amounts of plumpness and hydration, hyaluronic acid, ginseng root extract, and SPF are the main ingredients of this formula, which is why derms recommend as it addresses all skin care issues.

SHOP NOW AT SHISEIDO, $50

4. Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

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Oars + Alps

Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Targets skin dryness and aging along with other issues
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B, Vitamin E5
  • Price: $22
  • SPF rating: 37
  • Who it's for: Those with sensitive and/or aging skin

Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37 combats multiple skin issues in one go such as dryness, aging, and more. Hyaluronic acid is the prime ingredient, which contributes to the hydration elements of the formula. The Vitamin B and E5 helps with the anti-aging component, and what you get in return is a smoothness to your skin, plus the SPF is present as well.

SHOP NOW AT OARS + ALPS, $22

5. Cetaphil Face Moisturizer

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Amazon

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Free of any common irritants including scents/fragrances.
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B, Vitamin E5
  • Price: $12
  • SPF rating: 35
  • Who it's for: Combination/sensitive skin

Cetaphil’s Face Moisturizer is one of the best and most lauded SPF moisturizers on the market according to dermatologists across the world. Super nourishing and hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B and E5, not only is this moisturizer super smooth, but it’s also free of any common irritants including scents/fragrances. The application process is an easy one, the absorption rate is decent, and your skin still feels great after wearing it all day. Our only qualm is that the moisturizer itself is on the thicker side (comparable to actual sunscreen). Otherwise this is a great moisturizer to invest in.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, (Was $14.99, Now $12)

6. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer

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Amazon

Best Moisturizer for Acne

  • Tip from a dermatologist: Blends ceramides and niacinamides together for a powerful solution
  • Key ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin
  • Price: $22.99
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Those with acne/oily skin

Should you suffer from acne prone skin in particular, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer targets that with its powerful blend of Ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin. The formula itself is already recommended by dermatologists for acne, so adding in the SPF is only a bonus. Considering the strength of the solution, the under $30 price makes this a solid investment.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $22.99

7. EltaMD's UV Daily SPF 40

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Dermstore

Best Medicated Moisturizer

  • Tip from a dermatologist: The hyaluronic acid takes care of the moisturizing properties, while the Vitamin E targets signs of aging on the skin.
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E
  • Price: $66
  • SPF rating: 40
  • Who it's for: Everyone

EltaMD's UV Daily SPF 40, is another great dermatologist recommended option for moisturizers that have SPF as it contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E as its main ingredients. The hyaluronic acid takes care of the moisturizing properties, while the Vitamin E targets signs of aging on the skin. The main benefit of the UV Daily SPF 40 is that it is an actual medicated option, therefore making it slightly more powerful than other moisturizers options.

SHOP NOW AT DERMSTORE, $66

8. Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen

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Shiseido
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Highly regarded by dermatologists for its ability to lock in moisture and retain moisture throughout the day
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
  • Price: $38
  • SPF rating: 42
  • Who it's for: Everyone

Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 is lightweight and gives you a plump hydrated look and feel. Highly regarded by dermatologists for its ability to lock in moisture and retain moisture throughout the day. Additionally, the Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen has all of the ingredients necessary to combat skin dehydration from weather, pollution, blue light, time spent in the sun, wearing a mask, traveling, air conditioning, and heating. The moisturizer is a little pricier than some, but worth it when you start seeing the results. 

SHOP NOW AT SHISEIDO, $38

9. RoC Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer

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Amazon
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin as it's fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, probiotics
  • Price: $16.97
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Normal/sensitive skin

The RoC Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer is loaded with natural ingredients that include probiotics and green tea to help keep the skin hydrated and toned. This moisturizer is a unique one because it specifically targets dry and sun-damaged skin with its ultra-hydrating lightweight formula, and is renowned and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin as it's fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. Just apply it in the morning, and you’re good to go.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $16.97

10. MDSolarSciences Tinted Creme SPF 30

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MDSolarSciences
  • Tip from a dermatologist: A mid-weight formula that contains tons of SPF 30 coverage
  • Key ingredients: Vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, pomegranate extracts 
  • Price: $33
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Everybody

Another great moisturizer for SPF is the MDSolarSciences Tinted Creme SPF 30, which is a mid-weight formula that contains tons of SPF 30 coverage. Packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and E along with other neutralizers like zinc and pomegranate, the application instructions are quite easy as all you have to do is apply to your face and neck after cleansing in the morning and/or evening. What you get in return is almost 48 hours worth of protection.

SHOP NOW AT MDSOLARSCIENCES, $33

11. Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

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Tatcha
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Dermatologists recommend this cream to help with boosting hydration, quick absorption, and the fact that it doesn't clog your pores
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, silk extract niacinamides
  • Price: $62
  • SPF rating: 50
  • Who it's for: Everybody

A silk protein moisturizer, the Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of the most powerful from an SPF perspective. Featuring hyaluronic acid for hydration, moisturizing, and balance. Dermatologists also recommend this cream to help with boosting hydration, quick absorption, and the fact that it doesn't clog your pores. The formula is an effective one, blending together zinc oxide, and silk extract niacinamides to go along with the hydration elements provided by the hyaluronic acid. Priced at $62, the investment is a little more than some, but this product comes highly reviewed by dermatologists, so very much worth the coins.

SHOP NOW AT TATCHA, $62

12. Aloe Up Daily Face Moisturizer

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Amazon
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Has boosting UVA/UVB protection to help with protecting your skin from those dangerous sun beams
  • Key ingredients: Vitamin E, B3, aloe, zinc oxide
  • Price: $27.54
  • SPF rating: 25
  • Who it's for: Everybody

Aloe's Daily Face Moisturizer contains Vitamin E, B3, aloe, and zinc oxide, all of which help with moisturizing your skin to appear smooth and dewy. Also boosting UVA/UVB protection to help with protecting your skin from those dangerous sun beams, this is a lightweight formula that is non-greasy, oil-free, and has Aloe's SolaSheer Sensitive Technology to assist with skin hydration. Best of all, this moisturizer is affordable with its under $30 pricing. If you are looking for a place to get started, the Daily Face Moisturizer makes for a good entry point.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $27.54

13. Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50

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Amazon
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Evens out the skin and hydrates along with protecting against the sun
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
  • Price: $36.10
  • SPF rating: 50
  • Who it's for: Everybody

Another SPF 50 option, Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50 evens out the skin and hydrates along with protecting against the sun. Complete with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, the formula is nourishing cream that delivers instant and lasting hydration, all while smoothing wrinkles and returning radiance to dry and dull skin. In addition to the hyaluronic acid and peptides, the formula also contains shea butter, which really helps with the overall smoothness of your skin, along with promoting a more youthful appearance.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $36.10

14. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer

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Fenty Skin
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Has a fast absorption rate and healing properties
  • Key ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, baobab
  • Price: $39
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Everybody

Containing Kalahari melon and niacinamides amongst other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and baobab, the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30, is made with the goal of instantly soothing and replenishing the skin's moisture barrier. In addition to its fast absorption and healing properties, the moisturizer leaves your skin glowing, dewy, and balanced throughout the entire day. That’s precisely why dermatologists recommend the purchase along with the formula also working great for melanated skin.

SHOP NOW AT FENTY SKIN, $39

15. SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

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Dermstore
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Can be used daily, corrects fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrates the skin
  • Key ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, aerated silica, translucent color spheres, 4% transparent micronized zinc oxide
  • Price: $40
  • SPF rating: 50
  • Who it's for: Everybody

The SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 is about as protective as a moisturizer can get as it can be used daily, corrects fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrates the skin. Featuring a silky cream that can be applied easily, everyone who has made the splurge has considered this specific moisturizer well worth their coins as the formula is dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, anti-pollution, and alcohol-free.

SHOP NOW AT DERMSTORE, $40

16. Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction

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Amazon
  • Tip from a dermatologist: Has a zinc/titanium blend that tents and color corrects with applying
  • Key ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, zinc oxide, water
  • Price: $17.79
  • SPF rating: 30
  • Who it's for: Everybody

And should you need to tackle color correction, the Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + SPF 30 is another great option as it has a zinc/titanium blend that tents and color corrects with applying. This formula is a simple yet effective solution to moisturizing and protecting against UV rays, and  instructions are actually quite simple for using. All you have to do is scoop out a small amount on your fingertips (after you've cleansed of course), and lightly rub the product onto your face and neck. After that you’re good to go!

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $17.79

Things to consider when shopping for moisturizers with SPF:

Here are some things to consider when shopping for moisturizers with SPF according to Dr. Magovern:

SPF level: 

"You should always be using at least SPF 30, since this level will block 95% or more of the sun’s harmful rays." 

Key ingredients: 

"I love mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide. Zinc oxide blocks the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays, unlike chemical sunscreens. If you’re going to be wearing sunscreen, use one that will give you the most protection."

Who it's made for: 

"Sunscreen is made for everyone; however, certain formulas may work better on different skin types. If you’re acne-prone, look for formulas that are labeled non-comedogenic, as these won’t clog your pores and worsen breakouts. If you have dry skin, opt for hydrating formulas with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that will moisturize the skin." 

FAQs about moisturizers with SPF:

Here are some frequently asked questions about moisturizers with SPF answered by Dr. Magovern:

Dr. Magovern's Suggestion:

"I love 2-in-1 products, however, always make sure that sunscreen is a key component in the formula and not an afterthought. For example, some 2-in-1 products only offer an SPF of 15, and I recommend using at least SPF 30 on the face daily.  

Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you will wear, so if you find a 2-in-1 product you love, wear it!"

What SPF should I use on my face?  

"I always recommend wearing at least SPF 30 on the face."

Can I use a moisturizer instead of face sunscreen? 

"You can use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 in the formula, or you can use a regular face moisturizer followed by a layer of sunscreen on top. During the day, you should never use just a regular moisturizer without sun protection in your routine."

Does sunscreen help with aging? 

"Yes! Sunscreen is the number one product that helps with skin aging. I’ve found that people who incorporate sunscreen daily starting at a young age will look a decade or more younger than they are as they age. There are twin studies that visually prove this, and I see it often with my patients." 

What's a good moisturizer with SPF for people who hate sunscreen?

"I recommend EltaMD’s UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. I love that the formula features zinc oxide to protect against UVA/UVB rays, as well as hyaluronic acid to create a lightweight yet extremely hydrating moisturizer. If you hate sunscreen, try their tinted version, which helps even complexion and can double as a cosmetic." 

Should I use a moisturizer with SPF every day? 

"You should absolutely use a face moisturizer with SPF daily, to prevent skin aging and skin cancer. Even though I'm a dermatologist, I do think some people need exposure to sun and sunlight (and yes, even without sunscreen). Sunlight is important for maintaining our circadian rhythm, vitamin D production, and overall health and wellness." 

RELATED: The 12 Best Neck Creams, According to a Dermatologist

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