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
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 in skin care. 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 queen 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,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD.
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,” Dr. Idriss 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.
