Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer with SPF?
Like all sunscreens, moisturizers with SPF will contain chemical and/or mineral UV filters to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines, and, to a greater extent, skin cancer. We adhere to the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) guidelines and only recommend sunscreens with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. However, your sunscreen-day cream hybrid will contain at least the following ingredients for lasting hydration:
Niacinamide
We consider niacinamide to be one of many gold standard functions in skin care. This antioxidant, also known as vitamin B3, changes skin tone and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation while providing hydration and supporting the skin barrier. “Niacinamide works with your skin’s natural chemicals to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding the lipid layer, reducing the appearance of pores, and protecting against UV damage and inflammation,” Seattle board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, previously told . Seduction.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is the queen of hydration. This gentle, skin-friendly ingredient acts as a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water to the top layer of the skin, therefore hydrating it. “[Hyaluronic acid is] great at retaining moisture and giving skin elasticity and firmness,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD.
Ceramides
To replenish and seal in much-needed moisture, many creams rely on ceramides. “Ceramides are fatty acids in the skin that help maintain the skin’s barrier and retain moisture and moisture,” Dr. Idriss explained earlier. Seduction. They are also soothing ingredients to look for when treating skin conditions like eczema.
How can I apply a booster with SPF?
Like any other sunscreen, you still need to reapply these formulas throughout the day, every two hours, for clarity, stay protected. (Oh, and wearing sunscreen indoors is also non-negotiable.) Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, reminds us, “Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen (a full shot glass) for full body coverage.” On your face and neck, Dr. Chang says that’s the equivalent of 0.3 teaspoons, or the size of two nickels. And don’t forget areas that are often missed, such as the eyelids, ears, and chest.
Is a moisturizer with SPF the same as wearing sunscreen?
As long as the moisturizer in question has the AAD’s recommended broad rating of SPF 30 or higher, and you’re using enough (as mentioned above), it’s fine. If moisturizers with SPF encourage you to wear more SPF, more power to you and them.
“Combination skin care products have become popular recently as consumers try to simplify their skin care routines,” said Dr. Chang. “SPF-infused moisturizers are a direct result of the desire to do more with less.” She also assures us that just because there’s the added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection, it doesn’t mean these moisturizers are thick in texture or pore-clogging. In addition, he confirms that SPF-infused moisturizers are “regulated and tested by the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedures as sunscreens,” so they’re not diluted in terms of protection.
Meet the experts
- Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic physician at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.
- Mona Gohara, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine
- Mina Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology, surgery, and cosmetic dermatology at California Dermatology Specialists in Los Angeles.
- Brandith Irwin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle
- Doris Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- May Hall, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
How we test and review products
When Seduction reviews the product, our editors look at it from all sides to help you better. We review ingredients, scrutinize product claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each product included in each review, we rely on experts in their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us evaluate ingredients and formulas.
To come up with our list of the best moisturizers with SPF, we considered each product’s performance in five main categories: product ingredients and effectiveness, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product is determined to be a winner in each category by our editorial team, made up of in-house writers and editors and contributors—with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information about our reporting and evaluation processes, read our full review process and how-to page.
Our staff and inspectors
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You may be looking for a face cream to combat persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday skincare routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launch to hit the hair market. Whatever your wants or needs and concerns, Seduction you want to make sure you like whatever we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse group of writers and editors—in addition to the extensive list of external reviewers and industry experts we call on regularly—is critical to achieving that goal.
After all, we can indeed Are we saying that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 when the only testers we asked for were people under 30? Can we honestly consider a premium diffuser worth your hard-earned money if it’s never been tested on curls? We pride ourselves on the fact that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair colors, genders, and backgrounds, which means we are able to thoroughly evaluate any beauty product that enters the beauty closet.
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