Is a Moisturizer With SPF as Good as Wearing Sunscreen?

Let’s face it – mornings are often hectic. Between hitting the snooze button multiple times and debating whether dry shampoo can save your hair yet again, your skincare routine needs to work fast.

That’s where the beauty of a multi-tasking SPF moisturizer comes in. Hydration and sun protection in one step? Yes please.

But here’s the big question – is a moisturizer containing SPF really as good as wearing sunscreen? We’re here to break it down.

What’s the Difference Between a SPF Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

Both moisturizers with SPF and sunscreen seem to promise the same thing: sun protection. However, their formulations and performance can be quite different.

An SPF moisturizer is primarily designed to hydrate your skin; sun protection is added as a nice bonus. That means it’s usually lighter, more wearable, and versatile and often feels smoother and silkier on the skin.

It’s like a cozy hoodie with a waterproof lining. The lining isn’t the main feature but an appreciated addition.

Meanwhile, sunscreen is formulated with one clear mission: to protect your skin from UV rays. It usually contains higher concentrations of UV filters and is designed to remain on your skin longer, resist sweat and water, and deliver broad-spectrum coverage. It’s your heavy-duty raincoat when you know a storm is on the way.

Why the SPF Number and Coverage Matters

Have you recently grabbed a moisturizer containing SPF 15? That's a great start! But it’s important to know what this number really means.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it only refers to UVB protection, which shields skin from sunburn. However, the SPF number doesn’t tell you anything about UVA protection, which is responsible for the more serious stuff – deeper skin damage, premature ageing, and even cancer.

Look for “broad-spectrum” on product labels. This means that the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

And if you’re spending time outside, SPF 30 or higher is the gold standard recommended by dermatologists. Many SPF moisturizers don’t quite hit that mark (you’ll notice many offer SPF 15) or lack proper broad-spectrum protection.

The Real Issue: How Much Product Are You Actually Using?

Most people don’t realize that they aren’t using nearly enough sunscreen to reach the level of protection on the label. The problem is even worse when it comes to moisturizers with SPF.

Think about it. When you’re moisturizing, you typically use just enough to hydrate your face, which is typically a pea-sized amount. But did you know that to reach the full SPF benefit you’d need to apply roughly half a teaspoon of product to your face and neck?

That’s quite a lot of moisturizer. It's more than most people are typically rubbing in, anyway.

The bad news? Even if your moisturizer claims to provide SPF 30, chances are you’re only getting SPF 10 or even less if you apply it like a normal moisturizer.

Can You Wear Both an SPF Moisturizer and Sunscreen?

Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. It’s great practice to apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning as a base layer, which works particularly well if you’re working indoors most of the day or it’s an overcast, gloomy morning.

But if you’re venturing outdoors or sitting by a window, add a dedicated layer of sunscreen for serious protection. Think of moisturizer with SPF as your everyday insurance policy. Turn to sunscreen for the extra coverage when the stakes are higher.

What About Makeup With SPF? Can I Skip Sunscreen Then?

Sorry, friend, but makeup with SPF falls into the same category. Most people don’t apply nearly enough foundation or powder to obtain adequate protection, and why would you even want to? Reapplying makeup throughout the day isn’t exactly practical or cost-effective either – we’re sure you don’t want to powder your face every two hours.

Some products like setting sprays or powders containing SPF are useful in topping up sun protection during the day, especially when you don’t want to ruin your makeup by applying sunscreen. But they shouldn’t be your only line of defense.

So, Should I Keep Using My Moisturizer With SPF?

You can and should definitely keep using your SPF moisturizer if that’s what you’re used to. Moisturizer with SPF is an excellent way to sneak some daily protection into your routine without overthinking it. Just know its limits, and make sure to apply proper sun protection when spending time outdoors. Do you want more skincare advice? Learn when beauty products expire here.