The Best SPF Moisturizers Pull Double Duty

When it comes to an all-day workhorse that suits almost every skin type, I always find myself returning to an OG: Kiehl’s Facial Cream SPF 30. Especially in the warmer months, this daily moisturizer earns its place with a lightweight, smooth texture that absorbs quickly, hydrates deeply (thanks to plant and glacial extracts) and delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, all without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s one of those reliable staples you’ll always want within reach, offering hydration and sun protection with zero fuss.

Murad’s Mattifier SPF 45 is a stellar dual-action moisturizer that combines shine control with broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection. Oil-trapping microspheres mattify, smooth and soak-up sweat and shine; avocado and yellow wood bark extracts minimize pores and manage excess oil; and skin-calming hydrators moisturize. It’s ideal for anyone needing lasting coverage in warm and humid conditions with oil absorption, pore-minimizing benefits and sun protection all in one formula.

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight gel cream infused with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to quench dry skin; vitamin E and antioxidants help defend against environmental stressors. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, apply in the morning or 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours (especially if you’re sweating) to keep your skin soft, soothed and protected.

Jack Black’s Double-Duty Face Moisturizer is more like a quadruple duty product with its antioxidant powers (from natural ingredients) and skin irritation-calming properties. It’s packed with blue algae extract and sea parsley for soothing, plus Vitamins A, C and E to keep skin protected and hydrated. Phospholipids help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, while vitamins fend off free-radical damage. I find it lightweight, non-greasy and perfect for tossing in my tote whenever my skin needs extra TLC and protection against outdoor aggravators.

This multitasker from CeraVe hydrates, nourishes and protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is formulated with not one, not two but three ceramides, which help keep moisture mega locked-in and protect your skin’s barrier. It also contains classic hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide. This dermatologist-favorite formula works wonders when your skin needs serious quenching and SPF protection at the same time.

My first impression at the Nivea preview — where they unveiled their new Age Defense Daily Face Moisturizer — was that it punches above its weight as one of the most accessible and effective SPF moisturizers. It covers all the bases with broad-spectrum SPF 30, hydrating hyaluronic acid and a gentle pro-retinol (a milder vitamin A derivative) to help smooth fine lines. It’s a stellar everyday option with a lightweight texture that feels great to use and a price that’s easy to digest.

Lightweight formula? Check. SPF 37? Check. Oil-free? Also, check. This multitasking sunscreen is packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich goodness like hyaluronic acid, Alpine Caribou Moss, Vitamin E and Vitamin B5 to help combat signs of aging. It comes in a travel-ready tube that begs to be tossed into your gym bag, backpack or carry-on for easy moisturizing and SPF protection when hiking, traveling or just being out and about.

Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Heat Aging Protector feels more like a high-end treatment serum than an SPF moisturizer. It’s a mega-potent, science-driven formula with a brightening Vitamin C complex and a signature ThermaRadiance Complex to defend against heat-related damage like sun exposure. Vitamin E revives dehydrated skin and treats fine lines, and safflower oleosomes soothe and replenish. With SPF 50, this premium formula is a serum, treatment and sunscreen in one, moisturizing and protecting while targeting dryness and improving texture.