A facial moisturizer with built-in SPF protection is a multitasking morning must-have to hydrate skin while shielding from aging and skin damage caused by daily UV exposure. With so many options on the market that combine moisturizers with sunscreen, it can be tricky to determine which formula works best for your needs and skin type.
I’ve evaluated and compiled the following list of the 15 best facial moisturizers with SPF available from top skincare brands to save you time and help you discover your ideal moisturizing sunscreen. For each superb moisturizer, I share key details, an expert review analysis, and user testimonials so you know exactly what sets these apart.
Whether you have normal, dry, oily, sensitive or aging skin, you’ll discover the perfect moisturizer with sun protection from this list that fits your budget, skin goals and sun safety standards for UVA/UVB defense. Plus helpful comparison info allows you to quickly compare key features between these top-performing SPF moisturizers at a glance.
Keep reading to uncover my top picks for the best moisturizers with built-in sunscreen and get glowing skin safely with daily UV protection and hydration!
CeraVe’s AM facial moisturizing lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that provides broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection. It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore the skin’s protective barrier.
CeraVe’s oil-free AM lotion is an excellent choice for those looking for a daily facial moisturizer that also provides sun protection. The formula hydrates without feeling greasy and protects skin from UVA/UVB rays with SPF 30. It’s non-comedogenic so suitable for acne-prone skin too. The addition of ceramides helps strengthen the skin barrier. Overall an great option for normal to oily skin types.
CeraVe’s anti-aging face cream contains retinol along with SPF 30 sunscreen to help reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while protecting skin from sun damage. The formula includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
This anti-aging face cream from CeraVe checks all the boxes if you’re looking to smooth fine lines and boost collagen while protecting skin from daily UV exposure. Retinol can help turn over new skin cells faster while the SPF shields from future sun damage. It may cause irritation for sensitive skin. The price is very reasonable for an anti-aging cream with built-in sunscreen.
This daily moisturizing lotion from CeraVe provides lightweight hydration and broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
CeraVe’s oil-free daily moisturizer with SPF 30 offers solid protection against sun damage for face and body without clogging pores or leaving a white residue. It provides enough hydration for normal and combination skin types with the addition of hyaluronic acid and skin-strengthening ceramides. While not specifically an anti-aging formula, the sun protection will help prevent premature aging from sun exposure. Overall an affordable, dermatologist-recommended option.
Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Anti-Aging Face & Neck Cream provides SPF 25 along with powerful anti-aging ingredients like vitamin C and shea butter to help moisturize, brighten, firm and protect aging skin against sun damage.
This affordable anti-aging face and neck cream from Neutrogena nourishes dry skin while helping to fade dark spots and improving skin’s firmness. The SPF 25 offers daily broad spectrum protection against skin aging and damage from UV exposure. With both short term and long term skin benefits from powerful ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, it’s a solid drugstore anti-aging option if you don’t require very high SPF.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Facial Moisturizer provides lightweight hydration and broad spectrum SPF 50 sun protection in a fragrance-free, oil-free gel-cream formula powered by hyaluronic acid.
If you like gel moisturizer textures, Neutrogena Hydro Boost checks all the boxes – it intensely hydrates dry skin, provides the highest level of UVA/UVB protection, absorbs quickly without clogging pores, and is free of fragrances and oils. It offers an affordable facial moisturizer and sunscreen 2-in-1. The hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture in the skin for a supple, smooth complexion. May not provide enough moisturization for very dry skin on its own.
RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer targets multiple signs of aging with ingredients like vitamins C & E, minerals and essential fatty acids along with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen in a lightweight, non-greasy formula.
This affordable anti-aging face moisturizer from drugstore favorite RoC Attacks lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone, improves firmness and hydrates while also protecting from incidental sun exposure. The mineral SPF 30 shields skin without a white cast. It harnesses the power of vitamins C & E along with nourishing oils to improve multiple signs of aging. The elegant formula won’t clog pores. Overall an excellent everyday option for all-in-one anti-aging care and sun protection.
Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer is an oil-free cream with SPF 35 that delivers lightweight hydration and broad spectrum UV protection for sensitive oily, combination and normal skin types, in a fragrance-free formula.
This daily facial moisturizer from Cetaphil is a solid choice for sensitive and oily/combination skin types who want hydration and daily sun protection. The SPF 35 shields a broad range UVA/UVB rays while being hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to prevent irritation. It provides moderate hydration and absorbs quickly without clogging pores. While not targeted for anti-aging specifically, the SPF helps prevents sun damage. Overall a great drugstore option if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion is specifically designed to moisturize and protect sensitive and dry skin types. It contains SPF 30 sunscreen and nourishing ingredients in a cream texture that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours.
Eucerin’s Daily Protection Face lotion lives up to its name – it excels at hydrating dry and sensitive complexions while shielding skin from UV damage with mineral SPF 30 filters. The formula soothes redness and irritation without clogging pores. It’s a great choice if you have sensitive skin and need all-day moisturization. While not specifically an anti-aging moisturizer, protecting dry skin from sun exposure helps prevent premature aging. Overall an excellent everyday facial moisturizer if you have very dry or easily irritated skin.
This mineral-based face moisturizer from Paula’s Choice features antioxidant-rich plant oils along with vitamins C and E to nourish, brighten and defend skin from aging while providing radiant SPF 30 sun protection in a luminous, yet lightweight cream.
This illuminating moisturizer lives up to its name, imparting instant radiance while providing mineral-based SPF 30 sun defense against aging and skin damage from UV light. The fruit-based antioxidants like kiwi and vitamin C impart a healthy, youthful glow while oils like argan soak skin in nourishing moisture. It doubles as a versatile highlighter/base under makeup too. Overall a beautiful formulation with clean ingredients ideal for normal to dry skin.
This mineral sunscreen facial moisturizer from Glow Recipe features antioxidant-rich watermelon extract along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe and brighten uneven skin tone while providing clean, reef-safe SPF 50 protection.
Glow Recipe has created a gentle mineral sunscreen that feels more like a soothing gel cream than thick, greasy zinc. It harnesses antioxidant-rich watermelon along with brightening niacinamide and intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid to correct uneven skin tone and nourish skin while blocking a broad spectrum of UVA/UVB rays. The elegant, lightweight texture works for most skin types. Overall an excellent clean formula facial SPF if you prefer mineral sunscreens.
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides lightweight hydration, oil control and broad spectrum sun protection specially formulated for sensitive, acne-prone oily skin types.
If you have acne-prone oily or combination skin, Cetaphil Dermacontrol checks all the boxes for providing hydration and SPF 30 sun protection without clogging pores or exacerbating breakouts. It absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on contact while softening skin thanks to nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5. The elegant texture doesn’t feel drying or greasy. Overall an excellent drugstore daily moisturizer pick for blemish-prone skin needing sun protection.
RoC’s Retinol Correxion Face Cream delivers a powerful anti-aging combo of pure RoC Retinol, hyaluronic acid and essential minerals along with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to treat deep wrinkles while shielding skin from daily UV exposure and future damage.
RoC’s potent anti-aging treatment takes a 360 approach by combining wrinkle-smoothing retinol, essential skin nutrients and mineral sunscreens to treat existing deep wrinkles while preventing new ones from forming. The retinol works deep within the skin to boost collagen. The SPF 30 shields from incidental sun exposure. Overall an affordable over-the-counter option containing a decent concentration of retinol along with proven hydrators and sunscreens.
Origins A Perfect World moisturizer is formulated with SPF 40, age-defending white tea and powerful antioxidants to combat visible signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, while providing daily sun protection.
This well-rounded age-defense moisturizer from natural brand Origins harnesses antioxidant-rich teas and protective SPF 30 to defend skin from free radicals and UV damage – two of the top causes of skin aging. It’s been clinically shown to reduce visible lines and wrinkles. The oil-free formula sinks in quickly to provide soothing lightweight hydration. A very solid choice if you want an all-natural anti-aging moisturizer with environmental protection built in.
This hydrating mineral sunscreen lotion from Paula’s Choice provides SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection and anti-aging benefits from antioxidants, shea butter and niacinamide. The cruelty-free, fragrance-free formula is made to hydrate and rejuvenate daily exposed dry skin.
This face moisturizer with SPF 50 mineral sunscreen from skin-care specialist Paula’s Choice shields vulnerable dry complexions from sun damage while imparting nourishing moisture and brightness. It harnesses antioxidant-rich botanical oils along with collagen-supporting niacinamide to rejuvenate aging skin. If you have very dry sensitive skin and want mineral-based protection from UVA/UVB rays, this nourishing, restorative formula is an excellent choice.
Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer provides continuous hydration and broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection in an oil-free, fast-absorbing face lotion ideal for normal skin types needing lightweight daily moisture.
Olay’s Complete All Day lotion delivers solid daily hydration with added SPF protection for normal skin types who don’t require heavy moisturization. The fast-absorbing, oil-free formula imparts a healthy glow without clogging pores or leaving skin greasy. While the SPF 15 rating is lower than ideal, it does provide daily protection to supplement higher SPF sunscreen as needed. Overall a nice affordable drugstore option for lightweight hydration with bonus sun protection.
Product | Key Features |
---|---|
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Oil-free, lightweight, broad spectrum SPF 30 |
CeraVe Anti-Aging Face Cream | Retinol, broad spectrum SPF 30, hyaluronic acid |
CeraVe Moisturizing Face Lotion | Oil-free, lightweight, broad spectrum SPF 30 |
Neutrogena Triple Age Repair | Broad spectrum SPF 25, vitamin C, shea butter |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream | Hyaluronic acid, lightweight, broad spectrum SPF 50 |
RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Cream | Broad spectrum SPF 30, vitamins C & E, lightweight |
Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer | Oil-free, lightweight, broad spectrum SPF 35 |
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion | Broad spectrum SPF 30, enriched moisturizers |
Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Mineral Moisturizer | 100% mineral SPF 30, vitamin C, lightweight |
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sunscreen | Mineral SPF 50, watermelon extract, niacinamide |
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer | Lightweight, absorbs oil, broad spectrum SPF 30 |
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream | Retinol, broad spectrum SPF 30, hyaluronic acid |
Origins A Perfect World Moisturizer | SPF 40, white tea complex, lightweight |
Paula’s Choice RESTORE Moisturizer SPF 50 | Mineral SPF 50, shea butter, niacinamide |
Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer | Oil-free, lightweight, broad spectrum SPF 15 |
When selecting a facial moisturizer with SPF, consider your skin type and concerns. Normal and oily skin may prefer lightweight gels or lotions while dry skin benefits more from creamy formulas. Seek a minimum of SPF 30 broad spectrum protection. Look for added skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants. Non-comedogenic formulas are best for acne-prone skin. Sensitive types should choose fragrance-free, mineral options. Daily use protects from UV damage – a key cause of skin aging over time.
There are a few main types of moisturizers with built-in sunscreen:
These lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas work well for normal, oily and combination skin types. Lotions provide moderate hydration.
Thicker, more nourishing creams excel at moisturizing dry skin with ingredients like shea butter and oils. They typically leave a glow.
Gel-cream hybrid formulas provide intense hydration powered by humectants like hyaluronic acid. Gels suit normal to oily skin.
Physical UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide suit sensitive skin. They can leave a white cast.
When using your facial moisturizer with SPF:
A. Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer or higher on your face whenever going outside, even for short periods.
A. While separate sunscreen formulas often provide higher protection, moisturizers with at least SPF 30 offer reliable UVA/UVB coverage in an easy step while hydrating skin at the same time. Using both extends outdoor protection.
A. Oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for acne-prone skin. Avoid coconut oil. Using SPF too often or failing to wash residue off at night can lead to clogged pores.
A. Reapply every 2 hours of cumulative sun exposure. Reapply immediately after sweating or swimming as well even if it hasn’t been 2 hours.
A. Most mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients have an inherent scent though fragrance-free options are available for sensitive skin. Storing products in hot temps makes the smell stronger over time.
I hope this curated list of top-rated moisturizers with sun protection—along with the comparison table, buying considerations, product summaries and expert evaluations—will make choosing your ideal face moisturizer with SPF quick, informed and enjoyable whatever your age, skin needs or budget. Be sure to apply an adequate amount daily and reapply as needed get lasting hydration and a crucial shield against premature aging caused by daily UV exposure over time.
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