While it may feel like we're always being told to add a new product to our skin care routine, everyone should be using at least three basics: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. We add more depending on the issues we are tacking and the skin goals we'd like to achieve. The skin care market is a massive place with thousands of products, so it's no surprise that there are products that do double duty.
A moisturizer with SPF is one of those products. There are a plethora of them on the market, but a SPF hydrator might be one of the most important products to include in your routine. After all, using sun protection is vital for preventing premature aging.
It can be overwhelming to sift through all the options available, so we decided to ask the experts for some help. Here, we’ve rounded up all the SPF moisturizers that top dermatologists actually recommend to their patients.
Expert-recommended SPF moisturizers | Editor picks | How we chose | Meet the experts
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Dermatologist-recommended SPF moisturizers
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Hydrates skin
- Lightweight
- May leave white cast
Size: 3.0 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octocrylene
If you know about CeraVe, then you already know that it’s a brand you can trust when it comes to gentle lotions and creams.
“This one in particular is tried-and-true, affordable and effective,” says Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Omer Ibrahim. “It offers a SPF of 30, and with its ceramides — the skin’s natural lipids that help moisturize and repair the skin barrier — and hyaluronic acid, it stands out as a great emollient for the skin.”
Additionally, a low level of niacinamide functions as an antioxidant.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
- Helps soften skin
- Great coverage
- Reviewers mixed on scent
Size: 2.3 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone
People with hyperpigmentation should try this moisturizer. “The soy helps with the pigment and the SPF is a must,” explains New York City dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali. It’s also a favorite of Shop TODAY production coordinator Camryn Privette.
As a bonus, this formula is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30
- Not greasy
- Lightweight
- Reviews are mixed on smell
Size: 3.38 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
According to Ibrahim, this La Roche-Posay SPF moisturizer is oil-free, non-comedogenic and good for all skin types.
“The product combines niacinamide, glycerin, ceramide and prebiotic thermal water to adequately hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier, while providing the SPF protection you need,” he notes.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Provides nice glow
- May leave white cast
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin C, olive oil, aloe vera
“Mineral sunscreens are a better alternative to chemical sunscreens, especially if you have sensitive skin,” says Obioha. “I recommend the Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen if you’re looking for a product that will provide some light coverage while also offering SPF protection.”
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- No white cast
- Smooth on skin
- Nice smell
- May make skin oily
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Red algae, frankincense, meadowfoam seed complex, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
For those who hate feeling like they have sunscreen on, Bhanusali recommends this option by Supergoop. “It truly absorbs right into the skin,” he says. Plus, it’s completely invisible and scentless — unlike most SPF options out there.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
- Gives skin nice glow
- Good for sensitive skin
- May smell strong
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
“This product is sheer, lightweight and with its healthy dose hyaluronic acid, boosts skin hydration,” Ibrahim says. “It also contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that, over time, helps reduce signs of aging.”
It's also a shopper favorite with a near-perfect average rating from almost 800 Dermstore reviewers and over 1,200 LovelySkin reviewers.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face
- Provides great coverage
- Not greasy
- May be heavy
Size: 1.8 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Zinc oxide
For a sheer sunscreen that works on all skin types and tones, this is a great option.
"This sunscreen will give your skin a really beautiful lit-from-within glow, while still providing the essential SPF protection,” says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Onyeka Obioha. “It is also great to use under foundation."'
Editor-favorite SPF moisturizers
Olay Complete UV365 Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- May make skin oily
Size: 6.0 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Glycerin, polyethylene, homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
Branded commerce senior editor Francesca Cocchi says she's been using this moisturizer with SPF for years and loves it. It offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 15 and contains antioxidants alongside vitamins E, B3 and C. This formula is designed for normal skin types and the brand says it's oil-free, non-greasy and non-comedogenic.
Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 30
- No white cast
- Not greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Runny when dispensed
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Notable ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, avobenzone
"Just like its name describes, this SPF moisturizer practically feels weightless on my skin," says senior editor Jess Bender. "I’ve been trying this out since I grabbed a sample from work and I’ve been extremely pleased by how hydrating it is (thanks, hyaluronic acid!) without feeling greasy and how easy it is to layer with the rest of my morning skin care and daytime makeup," she explains.
Commerce editor Amanda Fama can't get enough of Biore's weightless moisturizer with SPF 50. "The formula is so lightweight and hydrating that it feels like high-quality moisturizer, but the added SPF 50 sets it apart. It smells amazing, too," she says.
How we chose the best moisturizers with SPF
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best moisturizers with SPF by enlisting the product recommendations of three board-certified dermatologists. We also filtered our searches for top-rated products and read through hundreds of verified shopper reviews on multiple retailer websites.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.
- Dr. Onyeka Obioha, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist and the founder of Boutik Dermatology in Los Angeles.
- Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology in New York City.
