Sunscreen isn't just for the beach or summer days spent on the court. The fact is that your skin needs protection year-round, and that includes your face. Every day, the sun's rays come into contact with your skin, causing damage and harm. With that in mind, SPF shouldn't be an afterthought or an extra step in your routine. Instead, it should be well integrated into your morning skincare system.

As the final item to be massaged into your skin before heading out of the door, it's essential for a number of reasons. Protection against a painful burn is the most obvious, but it also fights against signs of aging like discoloration and wrinkles. 

Still, applying sunscreen to your face can feel like a chore, which is why opting for a product that works double-duty is more ideal. SPF moisturizers combine the power of sunscreen with your daily face cream for a one-and-done step. If you're new to shopping for or using these kinds of products, consider the list below your guide.

What are SPF moisturizers?

You may think that a tube of sunscreen and an SPF moisturizer are the same. Though they are closely related, there are some differences that set them apart. Sunscreen is designed to do one thing and one thing only: protect your skin against the sun's rays and UV damage. But in the case of moisturizers with SPF, the product is made to serve two functions. They offer sun protection while also addressing standard skincare needs.

It's important to note that while SPF moisturizers are useful for daily protection, most offer a smaller degree of protection in comparison to sunscreen. With that in mind, you'll want to opt for a traditional face sunscreen instead of an SPF moisturizer if you plan to spend extended periods of time outdoors. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the recommended level is SPF 30 or higher.

SPF Moisturizer Recommendations

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

If you have sensitive skin, CeraVe's products are a great option because they're gentle on the skin. This face lotion is a testament to its ethos and includes a range of skin-loving ingredients along with a decent level of SPF protection. The formula includes the top performers, like ceramide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and soften, while SPF 30 keeps harmful sun rays from damaging your skin.

Jack Black Dual Defense Face Moisturizer - 100% Mineral Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

Along with hero ingredients, this moisturizer has an antioxidant blend of blue algae extract and sea parsley to improve the skin's texture and appearance. The sun protection is also top-tier in this tiny tube. With broad-spectrum SPF 30, you can be sure you're protected from UV radiation. It even travels well, so you can use it at home or on the go.

Oars + Alps Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37

When you need a little extra protection, this is the cream for the job. It boasts a broad-spectrum level of SPF 37, but it does a lot more than block the sun's rays. The higher level also means more anti-aging protection. Of course, this is enforced with key ingredients like vitamins E and B5, hyaluronic acid, and natural antioxidants from alpine caribou moss.