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The Best Moisturizers With SPF to Hydrate and Protect Your Skin

Did someone say glowy skin?
Film strips with images of people smiling with glowing skin. Some are holding squeezable cosmetic tubes of facial...
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors

Our team has tried and tested just about every skin-plumping, dryness-reducing sunscreen on the market, and we're sharing our favorites with you. If your skin needs extra hydration and sun protection, these moisturizing face sunscreens have you covered—literally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Moisturizer With SPF Overall: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42

Shiseido

Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42

Why it's worth it: Shiseido's Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 works flawlessly under makeup, and looks luminous on its own, thanks to pearly light powder. This light, transparent formula is spiked with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so it's no surprise your skin will feel velvety-smooth and bouncy post-application, even if you have naturally dry skin. Plus, there's licorice root extract to brighten and even out hyperpigmentation. Though it's not a traditional facial cream, our editors found it's so nourishing that you can skip moisturizer altogether.

Tester feedback: "Phrases like 'fresh moisture' and 'urban environment' couldn’t be more fitting for a beauty editor based in the Big Apple constantly bouncing around in the pollution-filled air. It's giving dewy skin goodness—and by it, I mean Shiseido’s Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "The dew doesn't venture into greasy, is-that-sweat territory, either, but definitely gives my combination skin a visible boost. It's a must-have everywhere I go."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (2.3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (5%), hyaluronic acid, pearl light powder, glycerin, licorice root extract | Fragrance-free: no

TikTok-Approved Moisturizer With SPF: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50

Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen applying the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50

Why it's worth it: Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun SPF 50 has probably popped up on your FYP at some point, and trust us, it's worth all of the hype. This gorgeous sunscreen has the feel of a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't feel sticky or leave behind white residue as you apply it. As for the formula, this sunscreen is infused with rice grain and fermented rice extracts to calm and condition your skin.

Tester feedback: "Quite frankly, I might never go for another sunscreen again after the torrid affair I'm currently having with Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun SPF 50," says senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen. "On TikTok's recommendation, I bought an entire four-pack of this K-beauty staple and have been tearing through it all summer—which is all too easy to do, given the way it melts into skin like butter and leaves a highlighter-level glow behind."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: chemical sunscreen filters (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol), rice grain extract, rice ferment extract, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Chemical-Based Moisturizer With SPF: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50

Dermalogica

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50

Allure associate editor Annie Blay applying the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50

Annie Blay

Why it's worth it: If you want your sunscreen to feel akin to a classic face cream, Dermalogica's Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50 is the one for you. It has a lotion-like texture that feels cooling on skin as it protects pores against harmful UV rays and treats them to antioxidant-rich white tea extract, firming peptides, and moisturizing squalane. The results: skin that's plump, protected, and feels oh-so-smooth.

Tester feedback: "I love how easily this hydrating SPF lotion blends into my skin, leaving no white cast," says associate editor Annie Blay. "My skin immediately feels moisturized but without the greasiness that some sunscreens can leave."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (3%), octocrylene (7%), white tea extract, peptides, squalane | Fragrance-free: no

Best Mineral-Based Moisturizer With SPF: Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Allure editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel applying the Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Jessica Cruel

Why it's worth it: Kate Somerville's HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops are mineral-based, but they're nothing like the chalkier lotions on the market. This totally clear formula absorbs onto the surface layer of skin immediately, leaving no white cast or ashy residue behind—but the dewy glow it does leave behind is nothing less than breathtaking. Though this formula contains non-nano zinc oxide, as in larger particles of the sunblock, the trick to its transparent sheen is its sheer mineral-based pigments that neutralize any discoloration.

Tester feedback: "As a woman with brown skin, I usually run away from mineral sunscreen. Zinc? AHHHH! That's a surefire way to look purple," says editor-in-chief, Jessica Cruel. "This lightly tinted formula changed my mind. It's got a watery consistency and blends seamlessly without leaving my skin looking dusty."

Type: mineral | Key ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide (24.5%), sheer mineral pigments, ectoin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Moisturizer with SPF for Redness: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 35

Perricone MD

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 35

Jennifer Hussein

Why it's worth it: Between the humid heat, skin-irritating sand on the beach (a newly discovered concern for our tester), and one too many cocktails (another concern for our tester), there's an endless list of redness-inducing scenarios our skin comes across. Perricone MD's Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 35 comes to the rescue, thanks to a green tint that neutralizes the look of flush and red patches. A broad-spectrum SPF 35 rating guards your skin against harmful UV rays, while an antioxidant duo of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a potent, stabilized form of vitamin C) and niacinamide enhances your skin's natural luminance.

Tester feedback: "The Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 35's green tint takes a minute or so to blend in, but once I'm done massaging its custardy formula onto my face, neck, and décolletage, I don't have to worry about my mild rosacea flare-ups giving me a Raggedy Ann flush," says Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. "I like to have a minimal, three-step-maximum skin-care routine in the morning, especially when running to the office (and I'm heavy-handed with my alarm's snooze button). This cream's combination of hydrating antioxidants and broad-spectrum SPF covers multiple skin-care bases, a major plus in my book."

Type: mineral | Key ingredients: ethylhexyl methoxycrylene (mineral-based sunblock), aluminum hydroxide (mineral-based sunblock), titanium dioxide, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C), niacinamide, copper tripeptide | Fragrance-free: yes

More moisturizers with SPF we love:

Best Hybrid Moisturizer With SPF: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40

EltaMD

EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40

Why it's worth it: It's been well-documented that dermatologists love EltaMD sunscreens. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, loves EltaMD's UV Daily SPF 40, in particular, because of its hydrating formula. The sheer formula contains hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and vitamin E to reduce free-radical damage and improve signs of aging, she says. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, department of dermatology, recommends EltaMD to all her patients—so we know it's good. Plus, there are two tinted variations of this sunscreen if you're seeking light coverage.

Type: hybrid | Key ingredients: zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate (7.5%), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer With SPF to Wear Under Makeup: Supergoop Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40

Supergoop

Supergoop Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40

Why it's worth it: Supergoop's expertise is in sunscreen, so of course, we trust the brand to masterfully add sun protection to a moisturizer. That's exactly what it did with the Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40, a dolled-up sibling of the brand's Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40. This 2-in-1 formulation treats pores with a nourishing blend of the skin-plumping good stuff: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and ectoin.

Our editors, including Allure associate digital beauty director Sarah Kinonen, are major fans of this moisturizing sunscreen. "I get daily compliments on how 'glowy' my complexion is. Sure, there are multiple factors at work here (I've gotten Botox, I apply a vitamin C serum every morning without fail, and I'm a youthful 32-year-old), but Triple Prep amps up the dewiness of my skin every time I wear it, with or without makeup," she explained in her review.

Editor's tip: Like many Supergoop products, this formula was made to play well under makeup. In fact, its mattifying properties and fast-absorbing texture make for one of the best hydrating makeup primers out there, Amanda Lam, a cosmetic chemist, noted to Allure.

Type: mineral | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (6%), hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ectoin, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Radiance-Boosting Moisturizer With SPF: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++

Tatcha

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen

Why it's worth it: Tatcha's The Silk Sunscreen features the brand's silk protein, a blend of sericin and fibroin. According to New York City-based dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, "Sericin forms a layer of protection over the skin and may help promote hydration while fibroin may help repair skin cells and balance moisture levels." When you mix that with the formula's hyaluronic acid, you'll notice dewy, brighter skin.

Editor's tip: PA is a rating system that represents the Protection Grade of UVA Rays, in addition to the standard SPF number (which only accounts for how well a sunscreen protects your skin against UVB rays). The PA system ranges from PA+ to PA++++, so "the greater the number of plus signs, the better the level of protection against UVA rays," Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously explained.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, silk extract | Fragrance-free: no

Glowiest Moisturizer With SPF: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Naturium

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

Why it's worth it: It's all in the name: Naturium's Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 sets itself apart from traditional SPF formulas through its silky, Korean beauty-inspired formula—and with a PA++++ rating, it performs like one, too. This chemical-based sunscreen is the antithesis of matte formulas, thanks to its pearlescent, glass-skin-inducing finish. On top of its instant glow boost, this formula will enhance your skin's natural radiance with the help of two antioxidants: niacinamide and vitamin C.

Han says this is her favorite sunscreen for days when she wants a glowy sunscreen finish. "It gives my skin an instant brightening boost and acts as an illuminating primer if I choose to wear makeup," she previously reported.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), squalane, niacinamide, vitamin C | Fragrance-free: yes

Most Weightless Moisturizer With SPF: Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50

Bioré

Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50

Why it's worth it: Bioré's UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 is one of the internet's favorite sunscreens for its totally transparent, barely-there formulation. This essence-textured pick has a thinner, more watery feel than traditional sunscreen lotions and instantly hydrates skin with the help of hyaluronic acid.

Originally, it gained traction in its native home of Japan, but this viral find became so popular that the brand brought it stateside—a dream come true for our senior beauty editor, Jesa Marie Calaor. "The day Bioré's UV Aqua Rich launched in the U.S., I texted all my friends to get one. I'd discovered it during a trip to Japan, from which I'd come home with a packing cube full of them," she says. "While the formulas are slightly different, both are so moisturizing (an essential for my extra-dry skin) and leave behind a glowy, silky finish on days I decide to skip my skin tint."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: chemical sunscreen filters (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl triazone, isopropyl palmitate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, bis-rthylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine), hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin: Eucerin Face Immersive Hydration Daily Face Lotion SPF 30

Eucerin

Eucerin Face Immersive Hydration Daily Face Lotion SPF 30

Why it's worth it: Like most of the sunscreens on this list, Eucerin's Face Immersive Hydration Daily Face Lotion SPF 30 relies on hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin, but where it differs is how the additive is used. This formula contains both macro and micro sizes of the molecule to penetrate different surface layers of the skin, making sure your complexion has a soft, smooth texture rather than a greasy film. While this formula is fragrance-free, we recommend a 100% mineral-based formula, like Eucerin's Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, if your skin is especially sensitive.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (10%) | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer With SPF for Body: Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

Bask

Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it's worth it: Sunscreen is notorious for smelling gross, but Bask's Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 has a gourmand vanilla-coconut scent that keeps us coming back. Its delicious aroma isn't the only thing to write home about: This sunscreen lotion has a water-based formula that effortlessly blends from white to totally transparent as you rub it in, plus your pores will be treated to soothing, calming aloe vera extract.

Editor's tip: As the superlative implies, this silky formula is suited for the face and body, so Han says it's a must-have for beach days. "I hate to admit this but I don't wear body sunscreen on a daily basis, since I spend most of it in an office—but the beach is an absolute exception," Han says. "I slather (and re-slather) this one on like my life depends on it—no burns today, Satan!—and the fact that my skin is hydrated and gleaming afterward makes it all the more worth it."

Han adds that Bask also offers two spray sunscreens with SPF 30 and 50 but she prefers a cream formula to make sure she's getting enough (and even) coverage.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7.5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (5%), aloe vera extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

Why it's worth it: Dr. Gohara also recommends the Best of Beauty-winning La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 because it's oil-free, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores or cause breakouts), and contains "super-hydrating ceramides and niacinamide to bring down inflammation," she says. Need more convincing? The lightweight lotion is spiked with prebiotics that support the diversity of good bacteria in your skin's microbiome and strengthen its physical barrier.

This moisturizer with SPF won a Best of Beauty Award in our sensitive skin category, but, as one Allure tester says, this non-irritating pick is a savior for her oily skin. "Even my T-zone felt less oily thanks to the silica in the formula (and the fact that it's oil-free)," she says.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7%), ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, silica | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer with SPF for All Skin Tones: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30

Fenty Skin

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30

Why it's worth it: To help you stay protected all year round, Rihanna created the pink-hued Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30, formulated with antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon and brightening niacinamide, which sinks into the skin for an invisible, non-chalky, and glowy finish. Its pastel lavender color blends seamlessly on all skin tones, including melanated complexions. This pick is super easy to refill, too. Once you run out, you can simply pop a new $35 cartridge right in.

Editor's tip: Fenty Beauty serves a loaded platter of this moisturizing SPF. Those who prefer physical sunblocks over chemical filters can try two mineral variations (tinted and sheer pink) that provide the same hydrating ingredients. And if you prefer a scentless sunscreen, you can shop fragrance-free chemical- and mineral-based formulations, too.

but if you want subtle coverage, this sunscreen is also available in 10 flesh-tone tints.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), niacinamide, kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: no (but there are fragrance-free and mineral-based options)


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer with SPF?

Like all sunscreens, a moisturizer with SPF will contain some form of chemical or mineral UV filters to guard your skin against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to signs of aging like fine lines, and on a larger scale, skin cancer. We adhere to the AAD's guidelines and only recommend sunscreens with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

However, your sunscreen-day cream hybrid will contain at least one of the following ingredients for long-lasting hydration:

Niacinamide

We consider niacinamide to be one of the golden standard multitaskers. This antioxidant, also known as vitamin B3, evens skin tone and minimizes the look of hyperpigmentation while also supplying hydration and supporting the skin barrier. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation," Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, previously told Allure.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is the final boss of hydration. This gentle, sensitive skin-friendly ingredient acts as a powerful humectant, which means it attracts and binds water to the surface layer of skin, therefore hydrating it. "[Hyaluronic acid is] great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure.

Ceramides

To replenish and seal in much-needed moisture, many creams depend on ceramides. "Ceramides are fatty acids in the skin that help to maintain the skin barrier and retain moisture and hydration," Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare, previously explained to Allure. They're also a soothing ingredient to look out for when treating skin conditions like eczema.

Tips for applying moisturizers with SPF

As with any other sunscreen, you still need to reapply these formulas throughout the day—every two hours, to be specific—to stay protected. (Oh, and wearing sunscreen indoors is also non-negotiable.) Dr. Chang reminds us, "Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) to fully cover the body." For your face and neck, Dr. Chang says that equates to about 0.3 teaspoons or the size of two nickels. And don't forget commonly-missed areas, like your eyelids, ears, and chest.

Is a moisturizer with SPF as good as wearing sunscreen?

As long as the moisturizer in question has the AAD's recommended board-spectrum SPF 30 rating or higher, and you're applying enough (as outlined above), it's on par. If moisturizers with SPF motivate you to wear the damn SPF, all the more power to you and them.

"Hybrid skin-care products have gained popularity recently as consumers are trying to simplify their skin-care routines," says Dr. Chang. "SPF-infused moisturizers are a direct result of the desire to do more with less." She also reassures us that just because there's an added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection, does not mean these moisturizers are thicker in texture or pore-clogging. What's more, she confirms SPF-infused moisturizers are "regulated and tested by the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedures as sunscreens," so they're not more diluted in regards to protection.

Meet the experts

  • Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City
  • Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine's Department of Dermatology
  • Morgan Rabach, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
  • Brandith Irwin, MD, a Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best moisturizers with SPF, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.


For more of our favorite, hard-working skin-care products, keep reading:


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