17 Best Face Moisturizers with SPF for One-Step Sun Protection (original) (raw)
Best Overall Moisturizer with SPF
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Measurably hydrates skin
- Anti-aging effects
- Matte finish
- Non-sticky
Cons
This superstar moisturizer with SPF from Olay, a GH Seal star and Beauty Award-winner, may be the only product you need in your morning skincare routine. It is an anti-aging serum, moisturizer and sunscreen in one, with line smoothers (like peptides), hydrators (like glycerin) and broad spectrum SPF 30. GH Beauty Lab tests found it increased moisture levels in skin by 31%, which is more than any facial SPF 30 previously evaluated. Testers said the “quick-absorbing,” “non-greasy” formula firmed skin, diminished wrinkles and brightened complexions.
• Key ingredients: Avobezone (3%), Octinoxate (7.5%), niacinamide, peptides
• Size: 1.7 oz.
Best Value Moisturizer with SPF
Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35
Pros
- Works on all skin types
- Lightweight
- Not greasy or irritating
- Bargain price
Cons
A winner in our GH Beauty Awards, Neutrogena’s daily moisturizer is great for all skin types, especially if you’re worried about your sunscreen feeling too oily. The glycerin-rich classic lotion is oil-free, proven to feel light and won't irritate skin. Consumers found the formula lightweight and non-greasy on skin, and it’s also hypoallergenic.
• Key ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (12%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2.35%), Oxybenzone (6%), glycerin
• Size: 2.5 oz.
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Best Vitamin C Moisturizer with SPF
L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
Now 31% Off
Credit: L'Oreal Paris
Pros
- Increases skin's moisture levels
- Reduces dark spots and evens skin tone
- Good value
Cons
The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test, this L'Oréal moisturizer with SPF 30 delivers great bang for your buck plus skin-brightening benefits. It proved super-effective at evening skin tone, reducing visible dark spots, and moisturizing skin. Lab tests found the vitamin C and glycolic acid lotion raised skin's hydration 28% and decreased UV spots by 11% in four weeks. “It decreased the appearance of my wrinkles and made my skin brighter and more radiant,” a tester said.
• Key Ingredients: Octocrylene (7%), Avobenzone (3%), Octisalate (5%), Homosalate (5%), vitamin C, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 1 oz.
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Best Moisturizer with SPF for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe AM Face Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Now 26% Off
Credit: CeraVe
Pros
- Contains skin-protecting ingredients
- Gentle formula
Cons
Dermatologist-recommended, this fragrance-free CeraVe lotion is a great budget-friendly option that won't inflame skin. Not only is it packed with SPF, it's also formulated with ingredients that strengthen the skin's barrier against irritants, like ceramides, niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid, to keep sensitive complexions soft and protected. "It does not irritate my sensitive skin but it's made my face noticeably softer," a reviewer noted. "I've tried more expensive moisturizers but I much prefer this product."
• Key Ingredients: Homosalate (10%), Meradimate (5%), Octinoxate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), Zinc Oxide (6.3%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Size: 3 oz.
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Best Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum SPF 50
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Fast-absorbing
- No greasy look or feel
La Roche Posay's unique moisturizer with SPF comes in a liquid serum form that soaks right in, perfect for those with oily skin. "It is a super lightweight sunscreen and its texture absorbs quickly into skin," reports GH Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. "It doesn’t leave me feeling or looking greasy."
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.68%), Homosalate (9.60%), Octisalate (2.88%), Octocrylene (5.38%), Oxybenzone (3.46%), vitamins C and E
• Size: 1 oz.
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizer with SPF
EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Pros
- Softens and plumps skin
- No visible residue
- Gentle
Cons
This EltaMD face moisturizer with mineral SPF is a cult classic dermatologist and editor favorite. "The brand's sunscreens have high SPF, don’t irritate skin and don’t leave the dreaded white cast that many similar formulas do," reports a former GH Beauty Assistant. "I like this one specifically because it moisturizes so well — it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, and instantly plumps my face while being very protective."
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (10%), Titanium Dioxide (5.5.%), hyaluronic acid
• Settings: 2 oz.
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Best Drugstore Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Softens skin
- Applies easily
- Doesn't irritate or cause breakouts
Cons
With hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, this affordable fragrance-free CeraVe lotion scored high among t esters with dry skin in GH Beauty Lab testing. One hundred percent of users found that it went on effortlessly and didn’t cause redness, irritation or breakouts. Many said it “absorbed quickly” and didn’t irritate even “super sensitive” skin.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2.7%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid
• Settings: 1.7 oz.
Best Moisturizer with SPF for Acne-Prone Skin
Olay Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control Lotion SPF 35
Pros
- Matte finish
- Not sticky
- Smooth texture
Cons
To keep breakouts and shine at bay, turn to this Olay SPF lotion, which gained raves in GH Beauty Lab testing for its silky, non-tacky feel. It came in highest for leaving a matte finish on every skin type and tied for best texture and not being sticky, rating first with users that have acne-prone skin. “The first time I didn’t have to wait for a sunscreen to dry,” and “It didn’t interfere with any other serums, moisturizers or makeup,” two marveled.
• Key Ingredients: Octocrylene (8.5%), Avobenzone (3%), Octisalate (4.5%), Homosalate (9%), niacinamide, vitamin E
• Settings: 1.3 oz.
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Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF
Roc Multi-Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Reduces wrinkles
- Firms skin
- Smooths texture
Cons
This gentle Roc cream is a GH Beauty Lab test winner for effectively smoothing lines and skin texture. Lab digital imaging showed that the nongreasy formula improved skin’s texture by 11% in four weeks; it also rated highly for diminishing wrinkles and firming. “It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing” and “improved the fine lines around my eyes,” two testers reported.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (2%), Homosalate (4%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (2%), vitamin C
• Size: 1.7 oz.
Best Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin
Vichy LiftActiv Sunscreen Peptide-C Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
- Gentle and non-irritating
- No chalky residue
Packed with hydrating hero ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids, Vichy's cream c ame out on top in GH Beauty Lab face sunscreen testing for making skin feel moisturized. It also didn't sting or irritate, leave a white residue or interfere with makeup."It was very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester noted.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%), vitamin C, peptides
• Size: 1.69 oz.
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Best Moisturizer with SPF for Under Makeup
Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40
Pros
- Wears well under makeup
- Boosts radiance
- Softens skin
Cons
- May be too luminous for oily skin
This multi-tasking sunscreen from Supergoop combines softening, glow-boosting, and makeup priming properties. "It has a good SPF, it’s moisturizing, and it works really well as a makeup primer," says a former GH Beauty Assistant. "It’s slightly tinted and has a pearlescent finish that makes you look dewy and sun-kissed — I always get the most compliments on my skin!"
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Settings: 1.7 oz.
Best Luxury Moisturizer with SPF
StriVectin Super-C Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 30
Now 15% Off
Credit: StriVectin
Pros
- Rich texture
- Fresh scent
Applying a moisturizer with SPF feels like an indulgence thanks to StriVectin's rich formula boosted with antioxidant brightener vitamin C, a favorite of GH's beauty director. "I love the fresh, citrusy scent and that it feels more like a fancy moisturizer when you apply it than a sunscreen," she says.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3.0%), Homosalate (7.0%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (10%), vitamins C and E
• Size: 1.7 oz.
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Best Scented Moisturizer with SPF
YourGoodSkin Anti-Oxidant Day Cream SPF 30
Pros
- Softens skin
- Light, appealing scent
Cons
Boosted with protective natural antioxidants like vitamins C and E, YourGoodSkin’s day cream with sunscreen is a GH Beauty Lab test winner. In Lab evaluations, the formulation tied for first place for its pleasant, subtle fragrance and making testers’ skin feel soft. “This had a fresh, light scent and felt smooth on my skin” and was “luxurious, like a very rich face cream,” two fans reported.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3 %), Octinoxate (0.5 %), Octisalate (5 %), Octocrylene (7.5 %), vitamins C and E
• Settings: 2.5 oz.
Best Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF
Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrates skin
- Contains anti-aging ingredients
Cons
Mary Kay’s lightweight lotion will keep your skin hydrated for up to 12 hours. Backed by our GH Seal, a clinical study found it immediately boosted skin’s hydration levels by a whopping 238% ! Plus, the formula is packed with potent ingredients like niacinamide, peptides and resveratrol to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Lab experts also love that it comes in two versions — this one for normal to dry skin and another for combination to oily skin.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (3%), Oxybenzone (4.5%), peptides, vitamin E
• Size: 1.7 oz.
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Best Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Tinted to blend into skin
- Makes skin look hydrated
With a subtle tint, this Paula's Choice moisturizer with SPF can double as natural-looking makeup. "It's really lightweight, goes only smoothly, doesn’t leave a white cast and it sinks in instantly — you don’t have to spend any time rubbing this in," says a former GH Beauty Assistant. "Sometimes I even skip face makeup and just wear this; my skin instantly looks more hydrated after I put it on."
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (13%), vitamins C and E
• Settings: 2 oz.
Best Moisturizer with SPF for Mature Skin
Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Day Cream SPF 30
Pros
- Minimizes lines
- Smooths skin
Cons
For serious wrinkle-fighting benefits, plus moisturization and SPF, look no further than this GH Beauty Award-winning Mary Kay cream with peptides backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. "In clinical studies the Lab reviewed, this cream improved lines and wrinkles,” says GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann.
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (2%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), Oxybenzone (4%), peptides, vitamin E
• Size: 1.7 oz.
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Best Antioxidant Moisturizer with SPF
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15
Pros
- Boosted with antioxidants
- Smooths and clarifies skin
A GH Beauty Award winner, this multi-purpose, oil-free Neutrogena day lotion hydrates, smooths with alpha-hydroxy acids, and protects skin with antioxidants vitamins C and E. GH Beauty Lab evaluations showed the formula softens, smooths and improves skin clarity over four weeks of use. "This is my go to skin lotion for several years," a reviewer said. "I try other products but none give my normal/dry skin the natural glow that this product does."
• Key Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Oxybenzone (5%), vitamins C and E, glycolic acid
• Size: 2.5 oz.
How we test moisturizers and SPFs
Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing different types of moisturizers for face and body. When skincare products make moisturization or hydration claims, Lab experts use the Corneometer device to measure how much they affect skin’s moisture levels. The machine is used to calculate hydration of testers’ clean skin before a product is applied and six hours after to gauge the difference in moisturization over time (pictured below).
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Because more goes into choosing a great moisturizer than Lab results, moisturizers are also label-masked and distributed to testers, who use them at home in their regular skincare routine and evaluate them on attributes such as how well they absorb, texture, scent and how they make skin look and feel. When the GH Beauty Lab tests sunscreens, consumer testers report on sun protection efficacy, ease of application, look and feel on skin, fragrance and overall satisfaction.
Is moisturizer with SPF as good as sunscreen?
Yes: Since sunscreens are regulated by the FDA, any product with sunscreen is tested to provide the level of SPF listed on the packaging, so they will be effective when applied according to label's instructions. GH Beauty Lab experts recommend using at least broad spectrum SPF 30 for maximum efficacy. You also want to make sure that "you're applying enough of the product to get the SPF listed on the package, about one half teaspoon for the face, neck and ears for most people," Dr. Landriscina advises.
Nicole Saporita was an editor and writer at Good Housekeepingfrom 2014 to 2020, where she researched, wrote and reported original content for the Good Housekeeping Institute and several other departments, including health, travel and family.
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.