Skincare

The 13 Best Moisturizers With SPF (for When You Can’t Face a Multi-Step Routine!)

Hydration and protection all rolled into one.

By Lourdes Avila Uribe
Shani Van Breukelen AYOND wake up call

Even those of us who are self-professed skincare junkies have days when we simply cannot get through a multi-step skincare routine. When you need to power through a busy morning, multitasking products that save time, energy, and let’s be honest, sanity, are the name of the game. But that doesn’t mean we need to skimp on important active ingredients or, even worse, sun protection! You can benefit from the most important components of your skincare routine (moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.) with just one of the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF.

We tapped dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar to share her thoughts on the best anti-aging moisturizers with SPF, and her insights are incredibly valuable. But she did stress that even if our morning moisturizer has sunscreen in it, SPF should still be reapplied throughout the day. One application is not sufficient protection for a full day outside! Also of note, a combination moisturizer/SPF will be diluted in strength, so it won’t be as powerful as straight sunscreen worn over moisturizer.

All that said, these moisturizers are a great option for those who can’t do a multiple-step routine, or simply don’t like applying SPF. They’re chock-full of nourishing, anti-aging ingredients that keep skin feeling fresh, young, and healthy while also hydrating and providing sun protection. Besides, we’re all about products that do double duty. What more could you want?

How to find the right anti-aging moisturizers with SPF for your skin

As Aguilar reassures us, you don’t have to drop a huge chunk of change to find options that actually work. The trick is to look for proven active ingredients you’d use in your regular cream in addition to an SPF over 30+. She always recommends seeking advice from your licensed esthetician or dermatologist if you have questions about your particular skin’s needs.

Look for the following ingredients:

  • Peptides
  • Collagen
  • Retinol
  • Retinol derivaties
  • Epidermal growth factors
  • Hyaluronic Acid

These all help form the building blocks for strong, healthy, youthful, and rejuvenated skin. 

What to avoid

Aguilar does suggest steering clear of fragrance as it can be drying and may cause irritation. She also avoids mineral oil for all skin types. The larger-sized molecules sit on the surface and can suffocate the skin, causing breakouts and irritation. She also recommends avoiding phthalates and parabens where possible.

Keep scrolling to shop our fave anti-aging moisturizers with SPF!

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted SPF 30

Aguilar adores this multi-action day cream. It is a regenerating moisturizer, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and primer. The universal mineral-tint shade works to minimize redness and balance skin tone while plant oils and herbal synergies assist in skin transformation and repair via anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vital phytonutrients.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted SPF 30, $95

Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

This incredibly light formula includes antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection to fight visible signs of aging and prevent premature aging. It supports a healthier, younger-looking appearance, fights environmental stressors, and leaves a lovely matte finish.

Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, $33

Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Anti-Aging Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 25

This clinically proven moisturizer is deeply hydrating and targets wrinkles, uneven tone, and firmness. It’s a little under the desired SPF 30, but a great alternative when you’re in a pinch and want to grab a more affordable option.

Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Anti-Aging Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 25, $17.64

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Elemis has taken its cult-fave gel cream and turned it into the ultimate three-in-one anti-wrinkle moisturizer that improves hydration and firmness whilst protecting the skin from sun exposure.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, $89

Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45

Do not sleep on this award-winning anti-aging tinted moisturizer. It gives skin a touch of sheer, healthy color and is formulated with a blend of peptides and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also moisturizes and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45, $76

Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Oil Free Moisturizer with White Tea

Infuse your skin with healthy hydration while protecting it from environmental aggressors and UV rays with this lovely cream. It helps to delay visible signs of aging so skin stays vibrant and youthful.

Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Oil Free Moisturizer with White Tea, $49

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15

This clinically proven moisturizer helps to even skin tone, texture, fight early signs of aging, and improves the appearance of dullness and dark spots. Just don’t forget to reapply since it is on the lower end of SPF.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $13.97

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Niacinamide and ceramides power this dermatologist-loved lotion. It’s a micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen and moisturizer that is super hydrating without feeling greasy. Perfect for those looking to restore skin’s natural moisture barrier.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $13.49

Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

This lovely hydrating moisturizer protects not just against harmful rays, but from pollution as well. It’s a lightweight formula that wears beautifully under makeup.

Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, $38

MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30

Time-releasing moisturizers and humectants help keep skin hydrated while powerful antioxidants (snow mushroom, grape extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E), caffeine, and niacinamide help reduce signs of UV-induced damage and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’ll leave you with glowing, radiant skin, too.

MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30, $75

Strivectin Advanced Retinol Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Retinol during the day? You heard correctly. This is a daytime moisturizer that combines the benefits of retinol, and SPF protection to promote healthy skin renewal and target major signs of aging while defending skin against new damage.

Strivectin Advanced Retinol Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $99

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E nourish the skin and pump it full of hydrating, healing antioxidants. Great for acne-prone skin, this sunscreen is lightweight and non-greasy. The dream!

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $37

Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

If you have dry skin then this is the moisturizer for you. It hydrates skin, treats and prevents breakouts, and minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles.

Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $50