For hydration and sun protection in one step
No matter where you live or what time of year it is, wearing SPF every day is crucial. But if you like to maintain a minimal skincare routine, you can combine two steps in one by opting for a moisturizer that contains SPF. A good moisturizer with SPF makes it easy to practice safe sun exposure, and there are tons of affordable drugstore options on the market for all skin tones and types. If you don’t have one you love, we’re here to help.
Our team of editors researched and tested tons of options, evaluating each one based on its formula, ingredients, texture, and feel on skin. Ahead, we’re sharing our top picks and the ones we recommend checking out.
Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
This is our best overall pick thanks to the lightweight and hydrating formula, and how incredibly easy it is to blend and layer with makeup and other skincare products. It contains hyaluronic acid for an added boost of moisture, as well as a combination of chemical UV blockers that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We love that it’s non-greasy, doesn’t create a white cast, and won’t clog pores.
While it doesn’t contain added fragrance, it’s worth noting that it does have a strong chemical SPF scent upon the initial application. But considering that the scent dissipates and the formula is fantastic, this certainly isn’t a deal breaker for us. We found that it was a great option for people with a wide range of skin types and skin tones, making it a great place to start if you’re new to the category.
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
Not only does Bolden’s Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it contains nourishing ingredients, too—including vitamin C, a complexion-brightening antioxidant that can reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun spots, age spots, and other signs of sun damage. With melanin-rich complexions in mind, this moisturizer dries clear without any white residue. It’s suitable for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types, offering all-day hydration. And the smooth, skin-firming formula can be worn on its own or under makeup.
Though we love the formula and the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast on dark skin tones, we did find it to be a bit greasy on super oily skin, so keep that in mind if you’re prone to getting shiny throughout the day.
Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe has been a drugstore staple (not to mention a favorite among dermatologists) since its launch in 2006. It’s no wonder, then, that in terms of drugstore moisturizers with SPF, you can’t do much better than this one—especially if you have dry skin. Formulated with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this facial moisturizer protects and hydrates skin all day. Its broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection contains ultra-fine zinc, meaning the protective formula spreads easily without leaving a white cast. It’s also non-comedogenic, and approved by National Eczema Association.
We like this option a lot for those with dry or balanced skin, but it’s worth nothing that we felt it was pretty heavy and greasy for people with oily skin types. However, if you’re looking for a rich moisturizer that will provide you with sun protection, it’s absolutely worth checking out.
Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Have both dry and oily patches? This SPF will wear comfortably across your entire face and body. Infused with skin conditioning vitamin E, it leaves skin feeling silky soft—minus any heavy or greasy residue. It’s oil-free which is excellent if you’re prone to a lot of shine throughout the day, and we love that it’s been tested for sensitive skin. Another bonus is that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for sweaty trips to the gym or hot days by the water.
It’s hydrating, non-greasy, and comfortable to wear, but note that some online reviewers mentioned that it does leave a bit of a white cast on the skin.
Best for Oily Skin: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Cetaphil is another drugstore mainstay, and we love the brand’s DermaControl moisturizer for anyone with oily skin. Its four-in-one formula works to hydrate the skin, reduce shine, and provide sun protection, all while keeping oil under control. The hero ingredient is the brand’s MicroPearl technology, which helps create a matte finish without overdrying or irritating the skin—an ideal feature for anyone with oily skin.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
Differin used to be a prescription-only product, but to the relief of many, it’s now sold over the counter in the U.S. If you have acne-prone skin, stock up on the brand’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen. It offers much-needed hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays while working to reduce oil and shine. This drugstore moisturizer is made for those with oily skin, but it’s suitable for all skin types. The oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic formula is gentle on sensitive skin. While it doesn’t have adapalene (the retinoid in Differin Gel), it does contain allantoin, which helps generate skin turnover1—plus, it pairs well with most prescription and over-the-counter acne treatments and can even help to alleviate some of the drying effects of acne products.
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
If you have sensitive skin, then you might resonate with the challenge of trying to find a hydrating and protective pick that doesn’t cause irritation—but this dermatologist-tested moisturizer with SPF could be a fitting choice for you. The formula is rich and deeply hydrating without being overly oily, and we love that it’s packed with nourishing ingredients, like ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, the brand’s core ingredient that’s infused with antioxidants.
When we first applied it, we noticed how well the creamy texture absorbed into the skin without looking or feeling greasy or creating a white cast. It can look a bit shiny throughout the day, especially on oily skin, but it’s easy to blot away, and we’d absolutely take this over it being chalky or drying like some SPFs are. Plus, we love that it’s pretty affordable and accessible at the drugstore.
Best for Dark Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen is a lightweight lotion made for people of color by people of color. It has broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect the skin from sun damage without leaving a white residue—plus, it doubles as a nourishing moisturizer. This sheer cream is filled with natural ingredients, like avocado oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, carrot juice, and sunflower oil. The formulation dries clear and is gentle enough for everyday use while helping to soothe, moisturize, and heal the skin.
“As a Black woman who admittedly hasn’t always been great about using sunscreen on my face, Black Girl Sunscreen has been a game changer,” says Dominique Hobdy, Senior Commerce Editor. “The formula melts into my skin and doesn’t leave any extra oils behind. It’s become a staple in my routine.”
Best Lightweight: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
A lot of SPF’s and moisturizers that contain SPF can feel heavy, greasy, or hard to blend out. This one, however, isn’t any of those things. The ultra-lightweight formula spreads across the skin like butter, leaving it feeling hydrated and balanced. We love that it contains nourishing ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support a healthy skin barrier while not making the face look or feel too shiny.
“I’ve tried about every ‘no white cast’ sunscreen on the market, and this is one of the only ones that truly absorbs completely clear,” says Shannon Stubbs, Commerce Updates Writer. “It has a super-light texture, making it easy for me to layer it on every morning, and I love how it makes my skin feel soft and supple all day long.”
Best Smoothing: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream SPF 30
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of fine lines or prevent premature signs of aging, check out this No7 moisturizer. Recommended by Editor-in-Chief Hallie Gould, this ultra-rich cream smoothes the complexion while firming the skin—thanks in part to the brand’s Matrixyl 3000 technology, which contains powerful peptides to help reduce the look of wrinkles and protect skin from sun damage and other environmental stressors. After two weeks of use, this facial cream can provide a refreshed, healthy-looking glow.
Best Tinted: Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid Sunscreen
Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one product to moisturize, protect your skin, and even your skin tone, or you want added SPF protection and coverage underneath your foundation, this is a great pick for you. The Neutrogena tinted SPF comes in four flexible shades, and it’s formulated with mineral UV filters and without synthetic fragrance.
“This product is an excellent lightweight choice that glides on smoothly and absorbs without any stickiness,” says Associate Editorial Commerce Director, Jill Di Donato. “It’s a mineral sunscreen, but leaves no white cast on my skin (I have pale skin, to be fair). The tint is ultra sheer and I wear it as foundation most days, but if you’re looking for fuller coverage, consider wearing this under or over foundation. But I can appreciate the sheerness of the formula because it makes it easy to reapply when I’m on-the-go.”
Final Verdict
Our favorite drugstore moisturizer with SPF is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 thanks to its lightweight texture, how well it layers with makeup, and the fact that it doesn’t create a white cast. But if you’re looking for an option that provides tons of hydration and skin barrier support, we recommend the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Moisturizer with SPF
Level of SPF
If you get a lot of direct sun exposure on a daily basis, aim higher in terms of your SPF coverage. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche, low protection is considered anything with an SPF below 15, while medium protection ranges from SPF 15 to 29. An SPF measuring between 30 and 49 offers high protection, and anything over SPF 50 is considered to be very high protection. “SPF 50 should block out 99 percent of UV when applied correctly,” she says. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50, our top choice offers SPF 50.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Not all SPF is created equal. While many people focus on protecting against UVB rays, UVA rays are also to blame for premature aging of the skin due to sun exposure, and can even lead to the development of skin cancer.2 A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays, keeping skin protected from burning and premature aging.3 Broad-spectrum SPF will be clearly labeled on the bottle or product page.
Ingredients
Keep your skin type in mind when shopping for your SPF-infused moisturizer and check the ingredient list for any potential irritants or pore-clogging ingredients. This is particularly important if you have acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. Thankfully, there is an array of products catered to each specific skin type. And it goes without saying, but a good daily moisturizer should nourish your skin and help replenish its moisture. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, which helps protect skin and repair its barrier, and hydrating ceramides.4 Other notable ingredients that can be found on this list include moisture-rich glycerin and skin-healing allantoin.5If you’re looking for a product that contains hydrating ingredients, like ceramides and glycerin and is non-sensitizing, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30.
Lightweight Formulas
Save the heavy, greasy creams for nighttime, if you wish to use them. A good daily moisturizer should be lightweight and absorb well so makeup can apply smoothly over it. We picked the options on this list partially because they are non-greasy and suitable for all skin types, particularly oily and acne-prone. Our favorite lightweight option is the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.
The Finish
Certain ingredients in sunscreen—zinc and titanium oxides—are notorious for giving a white cast to skin or pilling when applied under makeup. Some drugstores may not have testers handy for you to see it for yourself, so be sure to check the ingredients and read through online reviews beforehand to determine whether or not the formula has a white cast if avoiding that is important to you. For the ultimate pick that doesn’t create a white cast, go for the Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
FAQ
Should you wear moisturizer with SPF every day?
Yes. The FDA recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day and reapplying every two hours. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is noted as a way to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging related to UV radiation.
Is SPF 20 enough?
Everyone should wear SPF 15 or higher, according to the FDA. Many of the moisturizers on this list exceed the recommendation and offer SPF 30 or above.
Where should I apply sunscreen?
You should apply liberally to any area that isn’t covered by clothing, including your nose, ears, neck, lips, hands, and feet, says the FDA. You can also wear clothing with built-in sun protection to protect areas usually covered by your clothing.
Why do I need SPF in my moisturizer?
Products containing sunscreen help protect your complexion against the sun’s UV rays, which can damage your skin and lead to wrinkles, a loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.6 By using a moisturizer that already has SPF in it, you’re eliminating an extra step in your skincare routine and getting a product that multitasks in the best way.
How often should I reapply SPF?
“Sunscreen should be applied every morning, and reapplied every two hours—no matter the SPF, sunscreen should always be reapplied,” says Dr. Guanche. If you’re using a moisturizer with SPF underneath your makeup, consider setting sprays or brush-on loose powders infused with sun protection for your touch-ups.
