Here’s the thing: you can get a great facial sunscreen or you can get a best moisturizer with SPF.
As everyone knows by now, we should be wearing sunscreen every day of the year, no matter the season, and that’s where my post comes in: we’re going to talk about the best moisturizers with SPF.
Why not enjoy double the benefits when you can?
Getting double benefits for pretty affordable prices is the goal.
Well,
Some are not that affordable but more on that later. There are plenty of options for everyone.
We’re going to discover all kinds of options: the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin, the best moisturizers with SPF for oily skin, the best tinted moisturizers with SPF, and maybe even the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF.
They will have one thing in common:
I’m going to try to find the best moisturizers with a high SPF – SPF 30 and SPF 50 only. Or SPF 40.
The SPF 30 is good even for the summer months but many are more comfortable when wearing SPF 50 or higher.
There are some best moisturizers with SPF 50, definitely choose one of those for the summer months.
I’m also going to concentrate my search on mineral-based sunscreens, although even some of those have a few chemicals in the mix. We’ll see how that goes.
Some will be completely chemical.
Contents
My Picks
1. For Dry Skin: Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer
This Image Skincare moisturizer with SPF is one of the best but you must be aware that even it’s a mix of mineral and chemical ingredients (9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate, 5% octisalate) to ensure protection against UV rays. The rest of the ingredients are a combination of plant stem cell extracts, vitamin C, and marine botanicals. Even though I put it in the dry section, it actually works great for all skin types, it won’t clog pores, breakouts won’t be a side-effect. Plus, there won’t be any white cast left behind, it is entirely absorbed by the skin.
2. For Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is one of the most popular most highly recommended sunscreens. This one is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen. It’s actually fantastic for all skin types, perfect for acne-prone skin, as well. The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a combination between mineral and chemical active ingredients (zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%).
3. Anti-Aging: TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF 40 Moisturizer
There are not many impressive anti-aging ingredients but there are some: 3 different plant and fruit stem cell extracts, it relies mostly on antioxidants as anti-aging ingredients. But it also contains shea butter so, I wouldn’t recommend it for those with acne-prone skin. It’s a completely chemical sunscreen (avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 5.0%, octinoxate 7.0%, octisalate 5.0%).
4. Tinted: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30
There are few moisturizers with SPF as popular as this one from bareMinerals. With this product with a good SPF level we’re actually replacing 3 products from our skincare day routine: moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation. The tint provided by this gel cream is more than enough to make us look great. There’s only one active ingredient for skin protection: titanium dioxide 6.2%. It’s a mineral-only sunscreen. The rest of the ingredients include antioxidants, mineral electrolytes, and marine botanicals. It’s great for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. There 10 shades to choose from.
Best Moisturizers with SPF for Dry Skin
After a lot of research I’ve only selected three best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin.
They actually work for acne-prone and oily skin, too.
Having a lot of choices is good but having too many is completely annoying and time-wasting. At least, that’s how I see things.
These 3 choices cover a lot of needs, all have high SPF, which is perfect, they all moisturize and protect against UVA and UVB rays at the same time, and the price range covers pretty much any shopper.
1. Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer, 3.2 oz
At first glance, the Image Skincare SPF 50 Moisturizer might seem a bit expensive but it’s actually not.
Given that you get 3.2 oz of best moisturizer with SPF 50, the price is quite great. One of the best, indeed.
And this is SPF 50, even the most sensitive skin will be totally protected from getting red or burned.
It’s a mineral sunscreen with a dash of chemical ingredients that creates a barrier against the sun.
The main ingredients are:
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9% zinc oxide
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7.5% octinoxate
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5% octisalate
Octinoxate and octisalate are chemical ingredients often found in sunscreens.
There are entire discussions centered around chemical ingredients found in sunscreens and how safe are they. Oxybenzone is usually the one most discussed about and this SPF 50 moisturizer doesn’t contain that.
None of the best moisturizers with SPF included in my post contain oxybenzone.
I must admit that I’m really not that concerned about chemicals in sunscreens but I know that a lot of people are.
When it comes to the Image Skincare SPF 50 Moisturizer, the moisture is ensured by a combination of plant stem cell extracts, vitamin C, and marine botanicals.
It’s easily absorbed by the skin, there’s no white film, no greasy feeling, no nothing that might look weird or make you feel weird.
This best moisturizer with SPF from Image is amazing and my top recommendation.
I included the Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer in the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin category but the thing is that it works as a best moisturizer with SPF for oily skin, too.
It works for all skin types and it won’t clog up the pores, breakouts won’t be a problem.
Overall,
I couldn’t skip on adding an Image product if I had the chance and talking about the best moisturizers with SPF gave me that opportunity.
I really like their products, they also have an amazing vitamin C serum, that’s how I’ve come to know about them.
2. Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+, 1.85 oz
Do you want to the best moisturizer with SPF for the most affordable price?
Well, this is it. The Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ is the answer.
The price is fantastic.
But the high quality is what really wins people over and makes them become faithful users.
I’ve entered this under the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin but it would fit under the best moisturizer with SPF for oily skin, too.
It’s actually for all skin types, which is pretty incredible.
This is a mineral-based sunscreen, no chemicals here.
The hydrating part is ensured by a combination of aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and all kinds of oils.
It’s easily absorbed by the skin, it will leave your skin feeling fantastic, no white film left.
Seriously,
The Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ should be at the top of anyone’s list.
It’s absolutely perfect, try it out, you might not want any other best moisturizer with SPF ever, whether you have dry, sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
3. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer, 1.7 oz
The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench SPF 45 is definitely on the expensive side.
But it’s suitable for absolutely all skin types.
And it has a high SPF, you will benefit from broad spectrum protection.
The 30% hyaluronic acid complex is extremely moisturizing.
It can attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the air, which sounds a bit technical so, I’ll just go with saying that your skin will feel moist and plump throughout the day.
There are also a few ceramides among ingredients.
I would have expect it to be a mineral-based sunscreen since it says that it’s reef-safe but the Water Drench SPF 45 is actually completely chemical.
The active ingredients are:
- avobenzone 3%
- homosalate 5%
- octisalate 5%
- octocrylene 10%
If you’re looking for a best moisturizer with SPF for all skin types, that’s deeply moisturizing without feeling oily, greasy or heavy on the skin, that blends into the skin (no white traces), that works against fine lines and wrinkles but you’re not bothered by the chemical ingredients and the really high price, then give it a go.
Best Moisturizers with SPF for Oily Skin
All of the above three choices under the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin can actually be used by those with oily skin, too.
However,
If you aren’t satisfied with those, you can check out these two best moisturizers with SPF for oily skin.
The first one is actually a sunscreen but it works perfectly for oily skin without causing any breakouts, a mineral-based sunscreen with a chemical ingredient, too.
The second one is entirely chemical but it’s actually created for normal to oily skin, it protects against UVA and UVB rays perfectly, and it’s really affordable. It just had to be included.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, 1.7 oz
This oil-free formula is perfect for oily skin without causing any breakouts. The price is not that bad either, not exactly cheap but it definitely doesn’t go into expensive territory.
It’s actually a sunscreen but, since it’s so good, I decided to include it as a best moisturizer with SPF for oily skin.
Why I like the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 so much:
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great for sensitive skin
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perfect for acne-prone skin
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it contains niacinamide
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doesn’t cause breakouts
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no white film left on the face, it’s easily and smoothly absorbed, it feels perfect on the face
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high SPF
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mineral-based sunscreen with a chemical ingredient, too
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the two active ingredients are: zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%
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extremely popular, loved by dermatologists, too
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pretty good price
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recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen
2. CeraVe Face Moisturizer SPF 30, 1.7 oz
Another perfect choice as a best moisturizer with SPF for oily skin is the CeraVe Face Moisturizer SPF 30.
It’s created for normal to oily skin.
The moisturizing ingredients are ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
The great part is that it’s easily absorbed by the skin, no matter what skin color you have, without leaving a white cast behind.
It doesn’t feel oily and doesn’t clog up the pores, it won’t cause breakouts, either.
And your skin won’t look shiny at all. Just perfect for oily skin.
This CeraVe moisturizer with SPF 30 is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as a broad spectrum sunscreen for daily use.
That’s indeed a good reassurance that it works for protecting the skin against the harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause so much damage.
It’s important to apply it on your neck and chest area, too. As it is the case with all sunscreens.
The face, the neck, the chest, together with our hands are the parts that show our age, unless we cover them in sunscreen and anti-aging creams.
This is also one of the cheapest best moisturizers with SPF, it’s pretty hard to beat that price.
If you get it on sale, it’s not that far away from being a best beauty product under $10.
Unfortunately,
This is a chemical-based sunscreen.
The active ingredients used for protecting against sun damage are:
- avobenzone 3%
- homosalate 10%
- octisalate 5%
- octocrylene 2.7%
That doesn’t bother me but there are people who are only looking for mineral-based sunscreens so, I thought about mentioning it, just so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizers with SPF
Wearing sunscreen daily, not only during the summer, is already one of the most important steps in preventing wrinkles and premature aging skin.
Wearing a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is more than enough.
Even so,
If you want to take it one step further in preventing fine lines and wrinkles, you start looking for the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF.
I found two very good ones for you. It’s a good place to start.
You can also check out my post featuring the best facial creams for wrinkles, just in case you want to increase your arsenal.
1. TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF 40 Moisturizer, 1.67 oz
The TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF 40 Moisturizer has a lot to offer as a best anti-aging moisturizer with SPF:
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high SPF 40, perfect for summer and all year round use
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nevertheless, it’s a chemical sunscreen: avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 5.0%, octinoxate 7.0%, octisalate 5.0%
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perfect for all skin types, it won’t leave white residue behind, it will feel amazing on the skin – the perfect replacement for a moisturizer with the added bonus of protecting the skin against sun damage, broad spectrum coverage
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the anti-aging benefits are delivered by 3 different plant and fruit stem cell extracts, there’s a high level of antioxidants
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shea butter is also among ingredients for perfectly moisturized skin
What I really like about the TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF 40 Moisturizer is that it really delivers on the anti-aging component and the moisturizing aspect without neglecting to be a perfect sunscreen albeit a chemical one, it does exactly what it says, no matter the skin type.
I would like to complain about one thing: the TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF 40 Moisturizer is pricey. Quite expensive, from my point of view.
It’s not as popular or as well-known as other best moisturizers with SPF, maybe the price has something to do with it.
2. DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46, 1.7 oz
Now,
If the above best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF was pricey, the DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46, at about half a price, is a pretty good deal.
It’s also tinted, having a universal tint so, it won’t really add color.
The DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 actually blends into the skin. It will not leave your skin feeling greasy.
Great for all skin types.
The active ingredients are again a combination of mineral and chemical:
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zinc oxide 12%
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octinoxate 7.5%
The high SPF is a big plus.
The anti-aging/moisturizing ingredients cover a great base that will help in your fight preventing fine lines and wrinkles: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
I also wanted to talk about a StriVectin moisturizer with retinol, which has amazing anti-aging benefits, especially for mature skin but it has oxybenzone as active ingredient so, I decided against it.
Plus, it’s really expensive.
If you want to check it out, it’s called StriVectin Advanced Retinol Day Moisturizer SPF 30.
The same goes for the Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Moisturizer with SPF 20. It’s a lot more affordable but it too includes oxybenzone among active ingredients.
If you’re not bothered by that, check them out. Maybe the oxybenzone is necessary to counteract the effects of the retinol since it causes sun sensitivity. Or maybe there’s another reason.
Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF
We’ve seen which are some of the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin, oily skin, and even the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF but there’s still one category left: the best tinted moisturizers with SPF.
Tinted moisturizers are a great replacement for those who don’t want to wear foundation.
They also hydrate the skin without causing any harm to it.
However,
Most importantly, they’re very easy to wash off, just a normal cleansing routine is enough. And they don’t stain.
You can apply them by directly using your fingers or with the aid of a blending sponge.
1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30, 1.18 oz
This is more than a best moisturizer with SPF.
It’s a best tinted moisturizer with SPF.
The bareMinerals is a tinted gel cream with SPF 30, a perfect replacement for foundation, even better when it has SPF 30, too.
The price is great, too!
Not quite cheap but pretty good for what you’re getting, which is more than a best moisturizer with SPF.
I don’t wear make up so, I’m not into foundations but I’m totally into finding the best tinted moisturizers with SPF.
They’re great, especially on days when you feel like your skin is too dull or you want to change something about your appearance without impacting the health of your skin in any way.
The active ingredient for skin protection is titanium dioxide 6.2%.
This is a mineral-based sunscreen, no chemicals involved at all.
Titanium dioxide is inferior to zinc oxide.
You can wear a moisturizing cream for dry skin underneath in case your skin needs extra hydration or a hyaluronic serum or a vitamin C serum, and then apply the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30.
That’s just in case you have really dry skin.
Otherwise,
The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 should be enough on its own. It provides enough moisture thanks to a combination of antioxidants, mineral electrolytes, and marine botanicals.
Good for all skin types, including sensitive skin and acne-prone, it won’t cause breakouts.
The trick is getting the right color for your skin type, especially if you’re buying online.
There 10 shades to choose from. Those are a lot of options.
I already know that I’m just a number above the lowest number/lightest shade but that’s because I’ve been buying tinted moisturizers for quite a while.
Even so,
The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 is a great option if you’re looking for some of the best tinted moisturizers with SPF.
2. Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45, 1.7 oz
If you want to know what a lot of money can buy when it comes to the best tinted moisturizers with SPF, then you will be interested in what the Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45 has to offer.
It’s definitely outrageously expensive.
Not many people are going to be comfortable with paying so much on just a moisturizer with SPF, even though it’s SPF 45, and from a very well known brand used by dermatologists, too.
At least it’s not 1 oz although, the 1.7 oz isn’t exactly the biggest consolation.
Or you can check out the EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid SPF 40, which is the same size as the Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45 but three times cheaper.
Let’s see what the Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45 offers:
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the protection from UVA and UVB rays is ensured by octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 5%, titanium dioxide 3.5%, zinc oxide 3%
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it’s a combination of mineral-based sunscreen with a few chemicals in the mix, just like the above Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer but at least that one has a higher concentration of zinc oxide
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it’s also an anti-aging moisturizer with SPF with a list of all the right ingredients for fighting fine lines and wrinkles: peptides, vitamin C, and a blend of white birch, yeast and plankton extract
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jojoba esters and castor oil are there to make this one a good moisturizer for dry skin
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aloe vera is among the many ingredients, too
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and it’s good for all skin types
You could easily say that the Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45 is close to perfect but that price pretty much kills a lot of our enthusiasm.
All in all,
There is a lot to talk about when it comes to picking out the best moisturizers with SPF, there are so many products that it’s really hard to choose which one would actually be best for you.
Which is why I broke them down in categories, after all, everyone’s needs are different: there are options for the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin, for oily skin, the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF, and the best tinted moisturizers with SPF, there are a few options for whatever skin type and preference you might have.
After what felt like looking at and analyzing hundreds of skin care products in a week’s time, I am pretty satisfied with my findings for the best moisturizers with SPF, I hope you are, too.
