My skin care routine can vary daily, but I never forget two steps — moisturizer and a layer of sunscreen. However, when I’m in a hurry or traveling, combining those steps with a moisturizer with SPF is easier and more convenient. It also gives your skin long-lasting hydration while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.
I spoke to three board-certified dermatologists about how to find the best moisturizer with SPF for your specific skin type. To help you find the best option on the market, I rounded up expert recommendations, NBC Select staff favorites and highly rated options that address a range of skin types and concerns.
SKIP AHEAD The best moisturizers with SPF in 2024 | How to shop for moisturizers with SPF
How I picked the best moisturizers with SPF
When shopping for a moisturizer with SPF, our experts recommend keeping in mind the following characteristics:
- Sunscreen type: Unlike traditional moisturizers, sunscreens have active ingredients listed on the label that indicate what type of sunscreen is incorporated into the formula. Some sunscreens are mineral, others chemical, and, at times, hybrid. You’ll likely be able to choose which is best based on personal preference, but at times, you may want to consider your skin type. Below are more on the types of sunscreens.
- Broad-spectrum: You want your SPF moisturizer to have broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing wrinkles and premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annabelle Garcia.
- SPF rating: Our experts and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This level of protection can block 97% of the sun’s rays, and with a higher SPF, more protection is given, but no SPF rating will completely block the sun.
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The best moisturizers with SPF in 2024
Below, I gathered expert-recommended moisturizers with SPF. I also included some NBC Select staff favorites and highly rated options that I think you should know about, which also align with the guidance I got from our board-certified dermatologists.
Best overall: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Improves skin barrier
- May be hard to squeeze
This moisturizer is recommended by both board-certified dermatologists Dr. Kiran Mian and Garcia because it’s suitable and well-tolerated by all skin types. Mian loves how easily it blends into the skin and how ingredients like the thermal spring water work to rebalance the skin’s microbiome. However, aside from how the ingredients work to moisturize and protect the skin, the texture and consistency also contribute to the overall positive experience.
As someone who uses the non-SPF moisturizer, I was worried that the changes made in the formula would remove the elements I love, but I was wrong. It’s still lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy, which is especially important to me in the summer.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best hybrid SPF moisturizer: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Non-greasy
- Dries clear
- Maintains skin barrier
- May be hard to pump
This lightweight lotion combines chemical and physical sunscreen ingredients, according to Mian, to provide broad-spectrum protection while blending easily into skin tones without leaving a white cast. The brand claims that this lotion not only protects skin from UV rays but also helps give it a plump appearance, improves the skin barrier and soothes it.
Sunscreen type: Hybrid | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best splurge: Skinceuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
- Improves discoloration
- Brightens skin
- Lightweight
- Higher price point
- Not for extremely dry skin
According to the brand, Skinceuticals SPF moisturizer helps protect skin from damage, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce pigmentation and discoloration caused by UV exposure. While this moisturizer is hydrating (thanks to the additional ingredients in the formula), it’s best to incorporate an additional moisturizer if you have very dry skin.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide and glycerin | Noncomedogenic: n/a
Best for skin barrier health: Roc Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30
- Brightens skin
- For all skin types and tones
- Fast absorbing
- Nothing to note at this time
According to Dr. Connie Yang, a board-certified dermatologist, this moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating, and its formula is full of ceramides and prebiotics that are safe for sensitive skin. The ceramides will focus on hydrating the skin and repairing the skin barrier, while prebiotics help your skin’s microbiome, according to the brand.
Yang says that in addition to moisturizing and protecting the skin, it also layers nicely under makeup and leaves a nice dewy finish on its own. This quality is a favorite of NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. “This was one of my favorite moisturizers with SPF that I tested during our 2024 NBC Select Wellness Awards,” she says. I really like the finish because it left my skin with a nice sheen but not greasy.”
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Ceramides, green tea and prebiotics | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best for normal skin: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50
- Non-greasy
- Easy to pump
- Helps skin barrier
- Nothing to note at this time
This lightweight moisturizer, which has one of the highest SPF ratings on our list, is great for those with normal skin, according to Garcia. While its primary function is to protect your skin without a heavy residue or feeling, it also helps repair and hydrate your skin, according to the brand.
Sunscreen type: Hybrid | SPF: 50 | Key ingredients: Glycerin and vitamin E | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best for mature skin: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
- Reduces fine lines
- Retains moisture
- Lightweight
- Pump can be difficult
When deciding which skin care products to use in the morning, Yang often reaches for this sheer, lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen. It’s suitable for those with normal, dry and combination skin, but it’s also great for mature skin. That’s because the hyaluronic acid in the formula will help minimize the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand.
Sunscreen type: Hybrid | SPF: 40 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best tinted: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
- Available in 20 shades
- Blue light protection
- Matte finish
- Not SPF 30+
- Higher price point
This tinted moisturizer protects from UV and visible light with the help of ingredients like titanium dioxide (for broad-spectrum UV protection) and iron oxide for protection against visible light), according to Mian “This is really important for my patients with melasma, whose condition can get exacerbated with visible light and blue light, in addition to UV exposure,” she says. This option can also provide a light, even coverage, evening out skin tone and blurring out any blemishes.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 20 | Key ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba esters and squalane | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best absorbing: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
- No white cast
- Non-greasy
- Softens skin
- Has added fragrance
If you love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream or prefer a gel-cream consistency, consider this SPF option. Reviewers say it gives their skin long-lasting hydration, but more importantly, they love how lightweight it feels on their skin. They say it’s not thick or greasy, which helps it absorb quickly into their skin without leaving behind a sticky residue. This moisturizer has a 4.4-star average rating from over 7,500 reviews on Amazon.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid vitamin E | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best for oily/acne-prone skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Available in tinted options
- Soothing
- Helps texture
- Higher price point
- May sting sensitive eyes
This oil-free sunscreen is great for oily and acne-prone skin, according to Garcia. The sunscreen also helps even tone and texture by improving discoloration and smoothing the skin simultaneously. Because of these qualities from the ingredients in the formula, it is a great option for those with rosacea, according to the brand.
Sunscreen type: Hybrid | SPF: 46 | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best budget pick: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Day Cream SPF 30
- Gentle formula
- Helps the skin barrier
- Easy to pump
- Nothing to note at this time
Suitable for all skin types (including those with sensitive skin), this non-greasy and fast-absorbing sunscreen hydrates your skin and reduces the the appearance of fine lines. That’s because the formula has peptides to act as a retinol alternative to fight off wrinkles and fine lines, according to Yang. While it does so, it’s also soothing the skin, repairing the skin barrier and evening skin tone, according to the brand.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol and peptides | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Best for dry skin: Supergoop Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40
- One tub lasts a long time
- Fast absorbing
- Natural/dewy finish
- Not for oily/acne prone skin
If you’re like me and have extremely dry skin, this SPF moisturizer will become a staple in your morning skin care routine. I love its thick and rich consistency (which is why I prefer most moisturizers) because my skin immediately feels moisturized and looks less dull and dry. After applying it to my skin, I’ll go in with my makeup and find that it sits nicely, which is great since it doubles as a primer.
I wouldn’t recommend it to those who experience frequent breakouts because it can feel heavy if your skin doesn’t need this intense moisture. Instead, if you do have oily or acne-prone skin, consider this NBC Select staff favorite — Supergoop Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Key ingredients: Ceramides, algae extract and ectoin | Noncomedogenic: Yes
Editor’s pick: Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20
- Velvet-like texture
- Minimizes fine lines
- Improves dull skin
- Not SPF 30+
- Higher price point
In addition to her regular sunscreen, NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider loves using this SPF moisturizer (one that has been in her summer skin care routine for years) as her base layer because it feels like a traditional moisturizer. “It’s the best because it doesn’t smell like sunscreen, doesn’t leave any white cast whatsoever and never irritates my skin or makes me oily in the hot months,” she says.
Sunscreen type: Chemical | SPF: 20 | Key ingredients: Glycerin, teasel extract and myrothamnus extract | Noncomedogenic: Yes
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How to shop for moisturizers with SPF
In addition to having your SPF moisturizer have an SPF rating of 30+ and broad-spectrum protection, our dermatologists share a few factors to consider when shopping for a moisturizer.
Skin type
Depending on your skin type, you should be mindful of certain characteristics. Below, our experts break down what to consider.
- Oily/Acne-Prone: According to Garcia, look for an oil-free, noncomedogenic formula to avoid clogging pores. Chemical sunscreen moisturizers are more optimal for oily/acne-prone skin since they tend to be lighter in texture and thickness than mineral options, says Mian. You might also want to find a sunscreen with mattifying ingredients like clay, says Garcia.
- Dry: If you have dry skin, choose a creamy consistency with a more dewy finish, according to Mian. This type of rich formula will have ceramides and/or hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, says Garcia.
- Normal: Any broad-spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer is suitable for normal skin, according to our experts.
- Sensitive: This skin type typically does better with mineral SPF moisturizers because chemical options absorb into the skin and can be irritating, says Mian. You’ll also want to minimize irritation and avoid common irritants like fragrances and dyes, choosing soothing ingredients instead, says Yang.
Sunscreen type
Sunscreens fall under two main types — mineral and chemical.
- Mineral: You can identify if it’s a mineral SPF moisturizer if the active ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. The only downside is that historically and in some current formulations, they do tend to leave a white cast.
- Chemical: Active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate will indicate it’s a chemical sunscreen. These will absorb UV rays, convert it to heat, and release it from the body, says Mian. Generally they are less visible on skin but can be irritating for some skin types, according to Garcia.
Ingredients
In addition to the active ingredients, you’ll want to find ingredients that will help your skin in other ways. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great because they are moisturizing ingredients, while aloe vera and chamomile will help soothe the skin, says Garcia. Also, added antioxidants like vitamin C and E protect against free radical oxidative damage from environmental stressors.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Connie Yang is a board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank in New York City.
- Dr. Annabelle Garcia is a board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas.
- Dr. Kiran Mian is a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Center in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate reporter covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on the best neck creams and eye creams. For this story, I interviewed dermatologists, shared their recommendations, and researched highly rated moisturizers with SPF that met their guidance.
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