We Tested Over 50 Sunscreens and These Are the 10 We’d Recommend If You’re Looking For a Moisturizer with SPF Protection

The brand promotes this formula as being lightweight and non-greasy. Bonaccorso disagreed somewhat, noting, “a medium thickness and left behind a slightly greasy texture at first. However, this sensation tended to dissipate after a short time, and the product layered well under makeup.”

In addition to its moisturizing benefits, the formula also provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays using a combination of chemical UV filters. Bonaccorso does note a “sunscreen-like scent”, describing it as present but not overpowering. Overall, Bonaccorso liked the ease of combining hydration and SPF in a single product and found that a small amount went a long way. That said, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with SPF 30 could be a solid choice for someone with dry skin looking to combine their moisturizer and sunscreen into a single step

The texture was a standout feature for our tester, Everyday Health writer Lacey Muinos, who praised its sheer, gel-cream consistency, noting that it spreads easily and doesn’t leave behind the chalky residue typical of many mineral sunscreens. “It goes on so easily and rubs in like a dream,” Muinos says. “The non-greasy texture is one of my favorite things about this product.” In testing, this formula outperformed expectations for a mineral SPF, with Muinos noting that it felt more like a chemical sunscreen in its smooth application, without the heaviness or white cast.

Muinos also praised the hydrating benefits of the formula, describing how it left her skin feeling dewy, plump, and bouncy after regular use: “I do think my skin was more moisturized and dewy after using it for about a week and a half,” she says. The product’s ability to provide lasting hydration while also calming and protecting the skin makes it ideal for daily use, especially for those seeking a gentle SPF that supports those with sensitive skin.

Tori Martinet, MS RD, writer at Everyday Health, appreciated that the product is “creamy without being greasy” and “was easy to spread over the skin.” Martinet did note, “There is a bit of white cast initially, but it goes away with rubbing in.” The product leaves a matte finish, which is often well-received by those with oilier skin types. Though fragrance-free, Martinet did mention the formula carried “a mild sunscreen scent.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation reinforces this moisturizer’s reliability for daily use. Martinet also gave this product high marks for being practical and skin-friendly, offering hydration, barrier support, and sun protection in one single step. For those with oily or acne-prone skin seeking a no-fuss product that performs well under makeup and keeps skin protected and hydrated throughout the day, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer is our pick for you.

Origins' A Perfect World™ SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea is a multi-benefit daytime moisturizer designed to hydrate, protect, and defend combination skin against environmental and sun damage. Using a chemical base, the formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 support. The antioxidant-rich formula is powered by white tea and a cranberry blend, both of which are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and correct damage from environmental stressors.

Bonaccorso, who tested this product, described the texture as “medium in thickness, but it absorbed quickly and left no greasy residue.” Bonaccorso says, “The product has a very mild, botanical scent from the white tea, but it immediately goes away upon absorption.” She continued to highlight the luxurious feel of the formula: “I like the feel of this product on my skin. It is not heavy or greasy, and absorbs well.”

The product is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is important as many synthetic substances found in some cosmetics have not only been linked to hormone disruption due to their ability to absorb into the skin, but also may irritate the skin. It’s vegetarian and crafted with environmental consciousness in mind, making it a strong choice for those with combo skin who value clean beauty. With its combination of higher SPF, antioxidant support, and a refined user experience, A Perfect World™ stands out as a protective and pampering option for daily skincare.

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is a daily-use sunscreen designed specifically for those with melanin-rich skin, with its focus on both sun protection and skincare. It offers a broad-spectrum SPF 30 while doubling as a hydrating lotion, formulated with ingredients like avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil. This chemical-based sunscreen protects against sunburn while addressing skin concerns such as dryness, uneven tone, and signs of aging, all without leaving a white cast, a common issue for melanin-rich skin tones.

Everyday Health writer LT praised the product for its light, smooth texture and moisturizing feel. She noted how quickly it blended into her skin, sharing, “It’s extremely sheer and leaves no white residue.” LT described it as lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating, providing a comfortable wear that worked well on bare skin or under makeup. While the product is fragrance-free, LT did note an extremely mild scent after several days of use, only noticeable when held very close to the nose. Overall, the application experience was described as “light and airy,” and LT loved how vibrant and moisturized her skin felt after use.

Marisa Olsen, an Everyday Health writer, appreciated the product’s medium-bodied, creamy texture that felt silky and smooth upon application. It goes on bright white but quickly absorbs after a few rubs, leaving no chalky residue and leaving skin feeling softer and moisturized after application. Olsen noted how well the formula balanced hydration with oil control, keeping her skin feeling fresh and less greasy throughout the day. Olsen says, “I was impressed with how quickly it absorbed into my skin; it was creamy and hydrating without annoying streaks.” The purple flip cap and travel-friendly design were also a big win for Olsen as she described the bottle as convenient, and the price point (under $15) made this a winner for daily use.

That said, Olsen did share some caution around eye sensitivity. Despite careful application, she noted that the formula could migrate into the eyes and cause discomfort, including stinging. This makes careful placement during application important, especially for on-the-go. For teens looking for an affordable, mattifying moisturizer that won’t clog pores and provides reliable sun protection, Cetaphil DermaControl is a strong, accessible choice.

What truly sets this product apart is the feel. It's not your typical sunscreen. Olsen described the texture as light and creamy, never sticky or heavy. “Love the texture. It has a more ‘luxe’ feel; soft and silky and sinks in well without making my skin feel greasy, sticky, or streaky.” Unlike traditional sunscreens, the formula feels more like a high-end day cream, wearing comfortably under makeup and over morning serums, emphasizing how seamlessly it fits into a daily routine.

The scent was another standout feature for Olsen. With notes of white tea, rosewood, lemon, and clove, the fragrance is fresh and natural, yet not overpowering. Designed with both performance and elegance in mind, this moisturizer is a high-end splurge that delivers visible results and daily protection in a single, travel-friendly bottle.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50 Moisturizer stands out as a budget-friendly option for those seeking a two-in-one product that delivers both hydration and sun protection. As a chemical-based, broad-spectrum SPF 50 product powered by Helioplex technology, which, according to the website, is a more stable sunscreen that better protects against both UVA and UVB rays, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, this gel-based moisturizer is designed to simplify skincare routines. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and free from common irritants like dyes, parabens, and mineral oils, this budget-friendly option is suitable even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Maria Cristina Lalonde, writer at Everyday Health, praised the product for its ultra-lightweight feel and invisible finish, noting it left no white cast and worked well under makeup. My skin felt softer and more hydrated than average,” Lalonde says, while appreciating that “it didn’t burn my eyes when I sweat during hot yoga,” an issue she has had with other sunscreens. Although the moisturizer does leave a shiny appearance, Lalonde noted that it absorbs fully within 30 minutes, leaving her skin smooth without any greasy residue.

For cost-conscious shoppers looking to streamline their morning routine, this product offers substantial value. It combines the essential functions of daily SPF and a hydrating moisturizer, while also including antioxidant protection with ingredients like vitamin E. Though it has a slight sunscreen scent, its overall performance, high SPF, and gentle formulation make it a top affordable pick for everyday use.

Lalonde confirms that this product lives up to its high-end promise. She described the finish as “light and shimmery,” with a “fancy skincare-like scent” despite being fragrance-free. Lalonde raved about its non-greasy texture and how well it layered throughout the day without the feeling of buildup or white-cast, even when reapplied, noting, “It helped even my skin tone without looking like I was wearing foundation.”

Despite the premium price, Lalonde felt its performance justified the cost. The formula's luxurious feel and instant skin-enhancing results make it an excellent investment for those who view SPF as part of their daily skincare ritual. One caveat: it may irritate the eyes if it sweats into them—something to keep in mind for high-activity days. But for everyday use, especially under makeup or as a standalone, HydraKate is a skincare-sunscreen hybrid that’s worth every penny.

Lacey Muinos, our tester, consistently highlighted the glow-enhancing finish and skin-smoothing effect as standout features. “It gives a flattering glow and just enough coverage for daily wear, while evening out redness and freckles without looking heavy.” Though marketed as a 3-in-1 (moisturizer, SPF, and makeup), Muinos felt it functioned best as a lightly moisturizing skin tint with SPF benefits, particularly for those with normal to oily skin. Muinos warned that those with dry skin types may still want to layer a dedicated moisturizer underneath. The texture is creamy and makeup-like, requiring intentional blending for a seamless look. As Muinos put it, “It’s easy to apply, but not effortless. You need to work it in well, or it’ll show where you missed.”

Muinos found Complexion Rescue made daily sunscreen application more enjoyable. Its radiant finish, light coverage, and skin-friendly formula helped her stick to her SPF routine consistently, sharing, “I don’t always look forward to putting on sunscreen, but I look forward to putting this on because I love how my skin looks with it.” It may not fully replace a standalone moisturizer for those with dry skin, still, as a morning go-to that delivers protection, hydration, and glow in one step, Complexion Rescue is a standout pick for anyone wanting an everyday SPF that doubles as a skin-enhancing tint.