Our Beauty Chemists Say These Are the 10 Best Moisturizers With SPF
For oily skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, and everything between.
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I don't know about you, but I love saving a little time during my morning routine. And I find that what really helps are skincare twofers, specifically moisturizer with SPF. The two categories are essential to healthy skin, and this dream team delivers hydration and sun protection in a single step.
No matter the weather or season, the scientists in the GH Beauty & Personal Care Lab recommend wearing sunscreen every single day. That's because the best defense against aging and sun damage is a good broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. "Being consistent with use of moisturizer with SPF is most important when it comes to preventing signs of aging," explains Angelo Landriscina, M.D., a dermatologist in Brooklyn, New York.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer SPF 30
- Best Value: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Face + Neck Moisturizer SPF 30
- Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense SPF 50
- Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe AM Face Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
For days when you're in a rush (or simply forget) to apply sunscreen on the days you're not basking by the pool or hiking a sunny trail, a daily face moisturizer with SPF mixed right in is the perfect solution for moisturization and UV protection in one step. "It's like getting two steps done in one, so it makes your morning skincare routine quicker and easier," Dr. Landriscina says. For added benefits, seek out formulas that are made with anti-aging ingredients like peptides or antioxidants. These are a few of the top options to shop.
Best Deal
Pros
- Measurably hydrates skin
- Anti-aging effects
- Matte finish
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Some reviewers said it burns their eyes when they sweat
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. However, some reviewers said it burned their eyes when they sweat.
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%) and octocrylene (6%), niacinamide, peptides |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Perfect score in testing for being easy to apply
- Highest score for shine-free finish
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Can potentially leave a white cast on darker skin tones
In addition to safeguarding skin from the sun, the formula is infused with pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and crepiness, as well as tighten contours. Beloved by testers, this left skin hydrated with a shine-free finish, performing solidly across the board. It earned a perfect score for being easy to apply and the highest core for absorbing quickly. Testers also loved its pleasant scent and that it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, leave a film, cause stinging or burning, or interfere with makeup.
“I liked that it was a combination cream, not just SPF/sunscreen but also was hydrating and anti-aging,” a tester said. “I could see a big difference in the hydration level of my skin, which tends to be dry in my nose area. After using this my skin felt softer and moisturized. I do think it brought a brightness and smoothness to my skin as well.” However, it can potentially leave a white cast on darker skin tones, according to testers.
Features at a Glance
| Ingredients | Avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Top hydration score
- High score for not stinging or burning the face
- Dewy finish
Cons
- Cap does not stay attached to the tube well
- Caused texture for some testers
A winner in our 2024 face sunscreen test, the mineral SPF earned the highest scores for overall satisfaction, making the face feel hydrated, not stinging or burning the face, and being easy to apply. Testers also appreciated that it didn’t leave a film or residue, interfere with makeup, leave a white cast, or cause visible redness or irritation on the face. The SPF has a dewy finish, leaving skin looking radiant.
“I loved that it is creamy and smooth rather than tacky, and didn't leave a white residue,” one tester said. “The lack of scent and the lightweight feel of the lotion made me honestly forget that I even had sunscreen on. I love that this product disappears under my makeup!” However, some testers complained that the cap does not stay attached to the tube well and some noted that they experienced increased texture after using this product.
Features at a Glance
| Ingredients | Zinc oxide (18%), hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid |
| Size | 1.7 fl .oz. |
Pros
- Contains skin-protecting ingredients
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Some reviewers complained it left a white cast
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.
| Ingredients | Homosalate (10%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2%), zinc oxide (8%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Size | 3 oz. |
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Fast-absorbing
- No greasy look or feel
Cons
- Pricey for size
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 Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "It doesn’t leave me feeling or looking greasy." Note that it is on the pricey side though.
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (2.68%), homosalate (9.60%), octisalate (2.88%), octocrylene (5.38%), oxybenzone (3.46%), vitamins C and E |
| Size | 1 oz. |
Pros
- Softens skin
- Applies easily
- Doesn't irritate or cause breakouts
Cons
- Some reviewers said the pump didn't work well
With hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, this affordable fragrance-free CeraVe lotion scored high among testers 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.
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (2.7%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Wears well under makeup
- Boosts radiance
- Softens skin
Cons
- May be too luminous for oily skin
This multitasking 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!"
Features at a Glance
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Rich texture
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Pricey
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. However, just note that it is on the expensive side.
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (3.0%), homosalate (7.0%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (10%), vitamins C and E |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Reduces wrinkles
- Firms skin
- Smooths texture
Cons
- Strong sunscreen smell
This gentle RoC cream is a GH Beauty Lab test winner for effectively smoothing lines and skin texture. Lab digital imaging showed that the non-greasy 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. Just note that the sunscreen smell is strong.
| Ingredients | Avobenzone (2%), homosalate (4%), octisalate (4%), octocrylene (2%), vitamin C |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Tinted to blend into skin
- Makes skin look hydrated
Cons
- Only comes in one shade
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."
Features at a Glance
| Ingredients | Zinc oxide (13%), vitamins C and E |
| Size | 2 oz. |
How we test moisturizers and SPFs
Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists regularly test moisturizers for face and body. When products make hydration claims, Lab experts test them using a Corneometer to measure skin moisture levels before application and again six hours later to gauge the difference in moisturization over time (pictured below).
Products are also label-masked and sent to consumer testers, who use them at home and rate factors like absorption, texture, scent, and how skin looks and feels.
How to choose the best moisturizer with SPF
"More than anything, finding a sunscreen that you like (smell, feel, cosmetic elegance) is of utmost importance because you have to be consistent in using it," Dr. Landriscina says. Here are his general guidelines according to skin type and concern:
✔️ If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a non-greasy formula with oil-absorbing ingredients and a matte finish that help decrease shine. You can also look for products specifically formulated for acneic skin that are noncomedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores.
✔️ If you have dry skin, "look for ingredients that will moisturize and help support skin barrer function, like ceramides and squalane," Dr. Landriscina says. Keep in mind you may want to layer an additional moisturizer on in the morning for maximum hydration if you have dry or very dry skin: “Our evaluations found that day creams with SPF typically provided lower moisturization than night creams,” Wnek explains. For maximum hydration, layer your sunscreen over your moisturizer if you have dry skin.
✔️ If you have sensitive skin, choose moisturizers with SPF that are made without fragrance, which can cause sensitivity. Some also find that mineral sunscreen ingredients, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are less irritating.
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.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Danusia Wnek, GH Beauty Lab senior chemist, has been testing skincare products, including moisturizing creams and sunscreens, for over a decade at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness, and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. She also regularly polls our consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide.
April Franzino, senior beauty and style director, has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content, utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, including moisturizers and sunscreens. April works closely with the GH Beauty Lab to coordinate skincare product testing and translate test results into best-in-class compelling, factually accurate science-backed content for Good Housekeeping.
Celia Shatzman, a GH beauty contributor, has 20 years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare content.
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