11 Best Moisturizers With SPF, According to Dermatologists 2024
No matter what anti-SPF TikTok tries to tells you, sunscreen is one skin care step you canât afford to skipâbut that doesnât mean you canât consolidate your routine with a great moisturizer with SPF.
Frankly, Iâm tired of hearing that sunscreen is the âleast sexyâ part of any skin care routine. As so many of us learned after the lockdown-fueled skin care boom: layering too many products with highly concentrated active ingredients can do more harm to your skin barrier than good. And yet, many of your favorite nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide can be found in sunscreens, giving you an instant glow while protecting your skin against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Sounds pretty sexy to me. Not to mention convenient, which is why so many dermatologists recommend SPF moisturizers. âThere are actually no downsides, because the level of sun protection remains the same regardless if it’s formulated as a face moisturizer or not,â Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist tells Glamour. âIf it makes it easier to use sunscreenâif there’s less stepsâthen that’s amazing.â
Youâve probably already switched out your winter foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, so why not throw in some some sun protection? Based on the recommendations of multiple board-certified dermatologists, Glamour editors rounded up the best moisturizers with SPFâno matter your budget or skin type. And donât worry, we made sure to test for white cast.
The best SPF moisturizers, at a glanceBest Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Best Tinted: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30Best for Anti-Aging: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30Best for Every Day: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 SunscreenBest for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Daily Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50But first, some SPF FAQs you may want to know:Is SPF 50 really so much better than SPF 30?What about the chemical vs. mineral sunscreen debate?How much to applyâand how often to reapply?Whatâs the best way to reapply over makeup?What are the best added skin care ingredients in SPF moisturizers?Is there anything important to avoid in SPF moisturizers?All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
There’s a reason dermatologists and Glamour contributors can’t stop recommending this face sunscreen, despite it’s hefty price point. With its lightweight formula and high concentration of niacinamide, EltaMD UV Clear is especially great for people with acne-prone skin and those who, like me, struggle with rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
âI feel like it blends really nicely into the skin and is not irritating,â says Dr. Amin. âThis one just goes well under makeup, and blends really nicely with minimal white cast.â Plus, it doesn’t have fragrance or anything that would irritate the skin.
For me, the watery formula leaves my skin more even and glowing, never greasy. I do find the scent of it odd, but not unpleasantâand nothing could outweigh the way it neutralizes redness.
Type: Includes mineral (Zinc oxide), as well as chemical (Octinoxate) filtersSPF: 46Size: 1.7 ouncesWhat we like: Niacinamide, lightweight texture, clear finishWhat could improve: Pricey2/17
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
âMade with sunflower extract, rosemary and rice bran extracts, and natural aromatic extracts, this SPF 50 sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage, is water-resistant, can be used on both face and body for protection, and is a great option for children and adults,â says Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double board board certified dermatologist.
I’m inclined to agree, considering I’ve been using this lotion every day for three-years straight. When I tell you I’ve emptied four of those 18 oz. jugs, I’m not exaggerating. The lightweight, lemon-scented lotion couldn’t feel less like the sticky sunscreens I grew up hating and refusing to reapply.
The only downside is the formula is slightly too greasy for the sensitive, combination skin on my face, though plenty of online reviewers have had much better results. I personally prefer to go for fragrance-free face sunscreens anyway.
Type: ChemicalSPF: 50Size: 18 ounces, though it’s sold in a variety of sizes.What we like: water and sweat-resistant, non-sticky, kid-friendlyWhat could improve: Not fragrance-free