3 Benefits of Using a Moisturizer With SPF

Wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable—every day, rain or shine. But actually remembering to apply sunscreen every day may not come that easily if it’s not already a habit. Swapping your go-to face cream for a moisturizer with SPF can help ensure that you’re protecting your skin, even if you forget to slather on sunscreen before starting your day. These hybrid formulas, also known as SPF moisturizers, pull double duty, hydrating your skin while helping to shield against harmful UV rays. And if you’re not using one in your morning routine yet, we’re here to tell you that you should be. 

Ahead, we’ll explain some of the most notable benefits of using a face moisturizer with SPF and clue you in on what these hybrid products can do. Plus, we’ll share a look at some of our best SPF moisturizers to snag next time you hit the store. Find all the details below. 

Do You Both Need Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

Your skin absolutely needs both moisturizer and sunscreen to look and feel its best—you can’t use just one or the other. On rushed mornings, you may feel like it’d be easier to skip moisturizer and just apply sunscreen, as that’s often described as the most important step in your morning routine. And while SPF is essential, a standard sunscreen is unlikely to provide the moisture your skin needs to feel hydrated, smooth, and comfortable. Moisturizer, however, will—that’s what it’s meant for. If you don’t have time to apply moisturizer, wait for it to absorb, layer on sunscreen, and then wait 15 minutes before heading outdoors (which is recommended for all sunscreens), then an SPF moisturizer can come in handy. It trims the two steps down to one—and minimizes the time you’ll have to wait between skincare steps.

Are SPF Moisturizers Effective?

If you’re wondering whether a moisturizer with SPF is enough to protect your skin from the sun, the answer is: it depends. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that if you’re using an SPF moisturizer in place of sunscreen, you’ll want to be sure to reach for a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 15. As a refresher, broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen protects against UVA rays (the kind that can contribute to visible skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles) and UVB rays (the type that causes painful sunburns). If it doesn’t say broad-spectrum on the label—or the SPF rating is less than 15—you’ll still want to pair your SPF moisturizer with an actual facial sunscreen. 

How much you apply matters, too. In general, you should use about an ounce of sunscreen to cover your entire body and roughly a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone. However, most people don’t apply nearly enough—and this goes doubly for moisturizers with SPF. One 2019 study published in PLOS One found that people who used SPF moisturizer in place of standard sunscreen used significantly less than they otherwise would, often missing key areas like the eyelids. If you’re not using enough of your SPF moisturizer, you won’t get adequate protection from UVA and UVB rays.

One way to ensure you’re getting adequate coverage is to pair your SPF moisturizer with sunscreen, especially on days you plan to be outdoors. We love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, as it’s lightweight, suitable for all skin types, and blends well across a wide range of skin tones without leaving behind a white cast. Plus, it primes well for makeup, which can help to pare down your usual morning routine. 

No matter what form of sunscreen you choose, make sure to apply it as directed and take additional measures to protect your skin from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends wearing sun-protective clothing (including hats and sunglasses with UV protection) and seeking shade whenever possible to help reduce your risk of skin cancer. And, regardless of whether you’re using a facial moisturizer with SPF or a standard sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply your product at least every two hours (more often if you’re sweating or swimming). 

3 Reasons To Use an SPF Moisturizer

It’s hard not to love a multitasking skincare formula, especially when it offers essential benefits. Incorporating a moisturizer with SPF into your routine is a simple change that you can make to both simplify your routine and reap skincare benefits. These are just a few incentives to try a daily moisturizer with SPF. 

1. SPF moisturizers save time 

As we mentioned earlier, a proper skincare routine includes both moisturizer and sunscreen. The busy, lazy, and just plain forgetful among us may find it easy to skip applying moisturizer or sunscreen (or even both of those steps, depending on the day), but your skin needs both. By switching to an SPF moisturizer, you can knock out two essential steps at once, saving time on rushed mornings without sacrificing your skin’s healthy look and feel.

2. Moisturizer with sunscreen is cost-effective 

If you’re on a tight budget, every penny counts. And while both moisturizer and sunscreen are crucial for healthy-looking skin, it might be hard to rationalize the expense of buying two separate products. With an SPF moisturizer, you don’t have to choose—you’ll be getting the benefits and value of two products for the price of one. 

3. Moisturizer with SPF can create a great base for makeup 

Makeup looks its best when it’s applied to smooth, moisturized skin. Even if you’re using the right foundation and concealer for your skin type, it won’t look even and natural if your skin is dry, which makes moisturizing before makeup a must. Using a moisturizer with sunscreen can be especially helpful, as many formulas are designed to layer beneath makeup. Standard sunscreens, on the other hand, don’t always play well with makeup. 

How To Get the Most Out of an SPF Moisturizer

To maximize your benefits from any skincare product, it’s critical to use it correctly. Though using a facial moisturizer with SPF may seem pretty straightforward, there are actually a few tips that are easy to overlook. Follow these three recommendations to ensure success. 

1. Apply your SPF moisturizer daily 

We know, this sounds a little obvious, but you’d be surprised by how often people skip one or both of these steps. For a product to work, you have to use it—and when it comes to sunscreen, you must use it every day to adequately defend your skin from sun damage. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cloudy outside or you’re not leaving the house—unless you’re spending all daylight hours in a pitch-black room, your skin needs sunscreen. 

You may also be curious to know whether you can use SPF moisturizer at night. While you can in a pinch, especially if you don’t have access to a cream without sunscreen, we wouldn’t recommend making a habit of it. SPF is designed for daytime use to protect your skin from environmental stressors, which you’re not exposed to while you sleep. Overnight, skin benefits from the use of ingredients that support its natural regenerative processes, which you’ll typically find in night creams. So while using a moisturizer with SPF before bed is unlikely to hurt your skin, it’s not necessary—you’ll do better with a formula designed for nighttime use.

2. Make sure you’re applying enough 

While a dab of regular moisturizer might be enough to nourish your skin, you’ll need to apply more moisturizer with SPF. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should apply about two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin for adequate sun protection, which translates to a nickel-sized dollop for your face (two if you’re applying to your neck as well). Make sure you’re applying at least that much of your moisturizer with SPF to fully protect your skin from sun damage. 

3. Reapply your SPF moisturizer often

This is an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of using any SPF, including moisturizer with sunscreen. To shield your skin from UV rays, you must reapply your SPF throughout the day, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating. The AAD notes that you should reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are spending time outside. Remember that even though UVB rays can’t penetrate through window glass, UVA rays can, so it’s worth reapplying your moisturizer with SPF even if you’re not going outside—better to err on the side of caution.

Our Best Moisturizers With SPF

Now that you understand the value that a facial moisturizer with sunscreen can bring to your skincare regimen, it’s time to find the right one for your skin needs and goals. Here, we’re sharing some of our best SPF moisturizers for your consideration.

L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Hydrate, smooth, and plump your skin with this lightweight moisturizer with SPF 30. It provides up to 24 hours of hydration and leaves the skin with a natural-looking, semi-matte finish—without a white cast. You can wear it alone on no-makeup days or wear it under your usual makeup products for hydration and protection. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer SPF 25

Reach for this luxe day cream next time you want to pamper your skin. The nourishing formula contains patented antioxidants and vitamin E and leaves the skin smooth and soft to the touch without a greasy feel. Broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Those with dull mature skin would do well to reach for this daily moisturizer with SPF. The pink-hued formula with imperial peony extract and lipo-hydroxy acid helps boost radiance, softens the skin, and provides up to 24 hours of non-greasy hydration. Smooth the fast-absorbing formula onto your face and neck at least 15 minutes before going outside, and remember to reapply every two hours (at least!) for lasting sun protection.

L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot SPF 30 Day Cream 

This richly hydrating moisturizer with sunscreen boasts added benefits beyond nourishment and sun protection. The non-greasy formula helps brighten the skin, minimizes the appearance of dark spots and discolorations, and promotes a more even complexion with continued use.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30

Target the visible signs of aging and protect your skin from the sun with this daily face moisturizer with sunscreen. The powerful formula contains broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid and helps smooth, firm, and brighten the skin in as little as one week of use.

If wrinkles are your primary concern, consider reaching for this anti-aging moisturizer with SPF. It’s made with pro-retinol and Stimuplex™ and helps promote firmer, smoother, and brighter-looking skin. The deeply hydrating formula also leaves the skin feeling soft and supple. 

Next Up: Should You Apply Moisturizer or Sunscreen First?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris