9 Best Moisturizers With SPF in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
There are moisturizers with SPF that work in two ways: moisturize and protect. Moisturizing is a basic skincare routine that is undeniably indispensable for anyone who lives in a tropical country. We live and breathe under the sun, exposed to harmful UV rays.
If you religiously follow the 3-step skincare regimen of cleansing, treating, and moisturizing, also remember to apply sunscreen before going out. Continue reading as we walk you through moisturizers with SPF, their effectiveness, and what to look for when buying online. To help you make the right choice Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison, a dermatologist, shares her comments and helpful tips!
Quick List - Top Moisturizers With SPF
CeraVe
Your Daily Mineral Sunscreen for Maximum Protection
EltaMD
Enjoy a Lightweight, Silky and Almost Invisible Finish
La Roche-Posay
The Product That Derms Recommend to Their Clients
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Moisturizer With SPF – Buying Guide
- Find the Formulation That Will Suit Your Skin Type1
- The Coverage Range Must Be at Least SPF 302
- Choose a Product That Has a ‘Broad Spectrum’ Label3
- Watch Out for Products That Have ‘Waterproof’ Claims4
- Check the Ingredients for Other Skin Benefits5
- Read Customer Reviews and Recommendations by Experts6
- 10 Best Moisturizers With SPF to Buy Online
- No. 1CeraVe | Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion｜SPF 30 & 50
- No. 2EltaMD | UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen｜SPF 46
- No. 3La Roche-Posay | Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer｜SPF 30
- No. 4Face Republic | Purity Sun Essence
- No. 5Paula's Choice | RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid｜SPF 50
- 4 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
- Should You Apply Moisturizer With SPF at Night?
- Will Moisturizer With SPF Provide Enough Protection?
- Should You Apply More Moisturizer With SPF if It Is Sunny?
- More Moisturizers to Try for Different Skin Types
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Moisturizer With SPF – Buying Guide
- Find the formulation that will suit your skin type.
- The coverage range must be at least SPF 30.
- Choose a product that has a ‘broad spectrum’ label.
- Watch out for products that have ‘waterproof’ claims.
- Check the ingredients for other skin benefits.
- Read customer reviews and recommendations by experts.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Find the Formulation That Will Suit Your Skin Type
Just like any other skincare product, the best moisturizer with SPF that would be the perfect fit for you would depend according to your skin type.
Normal Skin Should Pick a Lightweight Product
Your skin type ranges from normal, dry, oily, combination, acne-prone to sensitive skin. Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily, so choose a product that is lightweight and has a non-greasy feeling. In contrast, dry skin needs a formula with essential ceramides to restore your skin’s barrier and help lock in the moisture.
Lightweight moisturizers like emulsions and gels or cream-based moisturizers can be used by those with normal skin types. Those with dry skin have rough, itchy, and flaky skin. Moisturizers that are richer and cream-based are recommended for them.
Gel-Based Formulas Are Best for Oily Skin
Oily skin may have enlarged pores and are prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, made of a gel-based formula, fast-absorbing, and has a non-greasy feel with a matte finish. This can also work for combination skin where you have an oily t-zone area, and the rest of your face is dry.
Oily skin is characterized by having shiny and greasy skin with enlarged pores. Combination skin is characterized by having dry patches in some areas while oily in other areas, especially the T-zone. Those with oily and combination skin can use moisturizers that are in gel or emulsion format.
Sensitive Skin Must Be Cautious of Irritating Ingredients
Sensitive skin may react to certain ingredients that can irritate your skin and be more susceptible to redness and dryness. That said, you must check the label for ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. If you have acne-prone skin, find a lightweight formula that has a non-greasy finish, is fragrance-free, and is non-comedogenic.
Those with sensitive skin are likely to burn or sting after using a skincare product. Therefore, it is recommended for them to use a moisturizer with shorter ingredients list to minimize the chances of irritation or allergies and to look for fragrance-free moisturizers.
The Coverage Range Must Be at Least SPF 30
Keep in mind that SPF or sun protection factor and sunscreen are not ingredients. SPF is an indicator of how much protection your sunscreen product gives you against UVA and UVB rays. A high SPF range doesn't guarantee 100% protection if you miss applying sunscreen on other areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun.
But if you’re going to use a moisturizer with SPF, according to dermatologists, you need at least SPF 30. Some of the recommended brands include EltaMD, La Roche Posay, CeraVe, and ISDIN products with a coverage range from SPF 30 to SPF 50.
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 50 gives you 98% UVB defense. However, no sunscreen offers 100% percent protection from UVB rays, so if you see an item that says SPF 100, that's probably part of the marketing tactic.
The SPF in moisturizers should be at least 30 to ensure that you will be protected from the sun's UV rays. SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. A higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. If the SPF in moisturizers is less than 30, it is recommended that you use a separate sunscreen.
Choose a Product That Has a ‘Broad Spectrum’ Label
A moisturizer with at least SPF 30 should also have a broad spectrum label, which means it has passed the FDA test with UVA and UVB protection. The ultraviolet A rays have higher wavelengths but low energy levels. Still, they can penetrate deeper into your skin cells, resulting in wrinkles and age spots.
UVB rays have a lower wavelength but higher energy levels and affect the outermost layers of the skin. Once you are overly exposed, it can cause sunburn. The effects of UVB rays are delayed, which means you see tanned skin after a few hours.
Broad-spectrum means that there is both UVA and UVB protection. Dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 in sunscreens, while the UVA protection factor (protection grade of UVA or PA) is required to be at least one-third of the labeled SPF.
UVA rays have a longer wavelength, and these can penetrate our dermis, which can lead to photoaging (premature wrinkles, sun spots, melasma). UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and can penetrate our epidermis. Acute UVB exposure leads to sunburn in lighter skin types, while those with darker skin types can have tanning. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancers.
Watch Out for Products That Have ‘Waterproof’ Claims
Let's face it, these claims may trick us, and we probably have confidence in the product when it says it's 'waterproof.' You might probably think that when it is, you don't need to re-apply sunscreen. Well, there's no waterproof sunscreen. FDA has banned products that have 'waterproof' and sunproof' labels.
Brands can put water resistance on the label instead, provided that the sunscreen products passed the test after water immersion within a specific time, either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. That said, if it has a water-resistance claim, you can swim or do water exercises for that specific time and still be protected from the harmful rays.
It is recommended that consumers look for the label “water-resistant.” Water-resistance lasts either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. You still have to reapply the product every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating, even if the label says it is water-resistant.
Check the Ingredients for Other Skin Benefits
Since you will invest in a moisturizer with SPF, you might check other skin benefits that you can get from the active ingredients. These include humectants for improved hydration and anti-oxidants for protection against irritants.
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Provide Maximum Defense
These two key ingredients are FDA-approved and used as UV filters to protect you against harmful rays. Titanium dioxide is gentle on the skin, and when you apply it, it looks invisible. It is used to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Meanwhile, zinc oxide has antimicrobial properties for quick healing of the skin and is also non-comedogenic, which means it’s oil-free and doesn’t clog your pores. Keep in mind that these minerals that are infused in moisturizers with SPF often leave a white residue or a white cast that looks heavy on your face.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are inorganic UV filters that are incorporated in moisturizers to provide photoprotection. They are photostable and do not cause photoallergies, but they leave a white cast when applied to the skin.
Micronized titanium dioxide is 10 to 100nm in size, and it scatters less visible light, so there is no white cast. However, its ability to block UV rays decreases, leading to less photoprotection.
Humectants Help in Retaining Moisture in Your Skin
Niacinamide or vitamin B3, ceramides, and humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are often found in the formulation of moisturizing products because they either add or retain moisture to your skin. Premium brands typically incorporate one or a combination of these water-attracting ingredients for plump and smooth skin.
Humectants draw water from the environment and the deeper layers of the skin's epidermis to hydrate the skin without making it sticky. Examples are hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Ceramides are emollients and are responsible for maintaining the skin's balance or homeostasis. They are also responsible for the barrier function of the skin's outermost layer, together with cholesterol and free fatty acids.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Other Antioxidants to Help With Anti-aging
Vitamins and other antioxidants protect your skin against harmful skin irritants. For instance, some moisturizers have vitamin E to eliminate free radicals and, at the same time, diminish the signs of aging. Other brands also use vitamin C and retinol to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and have brightening or whitening effects.
Vitamin C and E have antioxidant properties, and they are able to neutralize free radicals, especially if they are combined together. If the moisturizer contains retinol as an anti-aging ingredient, it is best to apply the product at night because retinol can make our skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Read Customer Reviews and Recommendations by Experts
Moisturizers with SPF are not formulated equally. Just because it worked for your friend or sister who recommended a product, it doesn't guarantee you will achieve the same results. Better read customer reviews and non-sponsored reviews from dermatologists who share their expertise on social media channels.
Always check the active ingredients that block UVA and UVB rays as the FDA has raised concerns about chemicals in sunscreens and moisturizers. According to FDA tests, these can stay in your body for days or even weeks. So, if you're buying for the entire family, especially your kids, avoid avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, and octisalate.
Customer reviews could give you an idea if a certain skincare product worked or not for them. Be very thorough in reading these reviews because just because a particular product worked for them, it does not necessarily mean that it would also work for you because every skin reacts differently to skincare products.
It's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance on choosing the right skincare product based on what your skin needs.
10 Best Moisturizers With SPF to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion｜SPF 30 & 50 | | Your Daily Mineral Sunscreen for Maximum Protection | |
2 | EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen｜SPF 46 | | Enjoy a Lightweight, Silky and Almost Invisible Finish | |
3 | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer｜SPF 30 | | The Product That Derms Recommend to Their Clients | |
4 | Face Republic Purity Sun Essence | | Lightweight, Non-sticky Sunscreen for Everyday Use | |
5 | Paula's Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid｜SPF 50 | | An Anti-aging Moisturizer for Your AM Routine | |
6 | Garnier Bright Complete Brightening Day Cream ｜SPF 36 | | A Serum Cream That Lightens and Protects Your Skin | |
7 | Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream｜SPF 50 PA+++ | | Covers Skin Imperfections With SPF 50 Protection | |
8 | Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer｜SPF 30 | | A Moisturizer That Leaves Your Skin With a Matte Finish | |
9 | CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen｜SPF 30 | | A Moisturizer Specifically for AM Use |
Your Daily Mineral Sunscreen for Maximum Protection
This 100% mineral sunscreen from CeraVe is a moisturizer for the face and is recommended by dermatologists. You can choose between its SPF 30 and SPF 50 variants. It has active mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect you against UVA and UVB rays.
Moreover, it's formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for hydration and to help calm your skin. This allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer with SPF is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Keep in mind, though, that mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on the face, especially if you have a morena skin tone. If you are after your skin's protection, this is an excellent choice.
Enjoy a Lightweight, Silky and Almost Invisible Finish
This oil-free and lightweight sunscreen from EltaMD has SPF 46, which you can apply with or without makeup. It blends pretty well on your skin, and it doesn't leave a white cast, so it's great if you have no time to keep blending it on your skin. The active ingredients include zinc oxide and octinoxate, which blocks the UVB rays.
It's also formulated with the anti-inflammatory ingredient niacinamide, which helps in managing acne and rosacea. It's paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic and available in tinted and clear versions. If you don't mind splurging on a premium moisturizer with SPF, this is definitely a great choice!
The Product That Derms Recommend to Their Clients
La Roche-Posay is a multi-award-winning brand that has been recommended over and over again by dermatologists. This moisturizer is suitable for those looking to restore the skin barrier. It contains ingredients that your skin will surely thank you for.
The ingredients include prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin that will provide antioxidants, moisture, hydration, and brightening properties. They claim that your skin will retain its moisture for up to 48 hours. You can easily apply this after cleanser, and you can run out the door since it contains SPF 30.
You don't have to worry about the white cast since it's a chemical sunscreen. Users have enjoyed its lightweight and nongreasy texture, especially those with dry skin, since it's really moisturizing!
Lightweight, Non-sticky Sunscreen for Everyday Use
If you are looking for a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen for daily use, this sunscreen from Face Republic is worth considering. Infused with calming ingredients, it offers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection, guarding against harmful UV rays while keeping skin soft and soothed. Its essence-like texture also glides effortlessly, leaving no white cast — just a fresh, dewy finish.
Its gentle, vegan formula is perfect for any skin type. Whether you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, this sunscreen provides reliable sun care without irritation. It is even reef-friendly, a product designed to be safe for coral reefs and marine life. Plus, it is water-resistant, ensuring long-lasting sun protection!
An Anti-aging Moisturizer for Your AM Routine
Paula's Choice is known for its phenomenal products that have really impressed its users. This product is another crowd favorite because it can simplify your morning routine. This moisturizer has an SPF 50 and is jampacked with antioxidants that make your skin look younger and toned.
Once applied, you will notice a blurred appearance of pores and a satin-matte finish on the skin. It contains oat extract, green tea, goji fruit extract, grape seed extract, and black elderberry that help prepare your skin to look healthy throughout the day. A reviewer said that this is the perfect moisturizer to mix under makeup because it leaves your skin smooth and it doesn't pill!
A Serum Cream That Lightens and Protects Your Skin
If you're looking for an affordable product that can allow you to treat, moisturize, and protect at once, then this is what you're looking for. This serum cream from Garnier is made with pure lemon essence and white speed serum that can help fade dark spots and acne marks. This will surely help your skin appear much brighter!
It's perfect to wear, especially when you're going out to give your skin that boost of moisture and protection at the same time. However, be cautious if you are sensitive to fragrances since reviewers have said that the scent is quite strong when using this. Most enjoy the scent as it smells good when applied, but some may react differently to it.
Covers Skin Imperfections With SPF 50 Protection
Here's where your makeup routine and UV protection meet. This CC cream and sunscreen from Supergoop! has a 100% mineral-based formula that can protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It has a little bit of dewy finish but still blends smoothly with the skin as you apply it generously and evenly.
It is formulated with nourishing ingredients and can offer instant luminosity. It has apple extract to keep your skin smooth and bright as well as red seaweed extract as your defense against free radicals. This is suitable for all skin types, and you can wear it with or without makeup. You can choose from several shades to cover those imperfections, pimples, and dark spots.
A Moisturizer That Leaves Your Skin With a Matte Finish
For those with oily skin, this might be your new go-to moisturizer. This product has ingredients that help absorb excess oil on the skin. It also has ceramides that help your skin feel hydrated, so you don't have to worry about leaving your skin dried out.
This includes licorice extract that can also help with redness and irritation on the skin. This is lightweight and non-comedogenic, so this is a great moisturizer to use daily. Dermatologists recommend this to their acne-prone clients as it's gentle and effective in absorbing surface oil on the skin.
A Moisturizer Specifically for AM Use
This moisturizing lotion for the face from CeraVe is ideal for your morning routine to block those harmful rays while giving you enough hydration. It's thick with an almost similar texture to sunscreen. You need to blend it well on your skin and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before you apply your makeup.
It contains essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated. It is non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free. It also has zinc oxide to protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
However, this is not purely 100% mineral-based as it has homosalate, which is a chemical ingredient. If you don't mind having a blend of these ingredients, this product can be part of your daily morning regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
Still have some burning questions on your mind? Here are some of Dr. Meg's answers to the most asked questions on the internet!
Should You Apply Moisturizer With SPF at Night?
You can apply a regular moisturizer at night, but if you prefer to apply a moisturizer with SPF as part of your nighttime skincare routine, it is also fine.
Will Moisturizer With SPF Provide Enough Protection?
Moisturizers with SPF should have at least SPF 30 and above. If the SPF is less than this, it's better to use a separate sunscreen.
Should You Apply More Moisturizer With SPF if It Is Sunny?
Make sure to apply the recommended amount (1/2 teaspoon for the face and neck, 30ml or 1 oz for the whole body) to ensure that you are adequately protected from the UV rays. You must also do this even if it's raining or cloudy because UV rays can penetrate the clouds.
More Tips From Dr. Meg Sison
Apply a moisturizer with SPF even when you are staying indoors the whole day because UV rays, especially UVA, can penetrate window glass, and this can lead to premature aging later on. Consult a board-certified dermatologist if you feel overwhelmed with all the available skin care products to guide you in what you really need.
More Moisturizers to Try for Different Skin Types
Want to explore other kinds of moisturizers? Here are some of the amazing products that our specialists have reviewed so far. Whether you have acne-prone, sensitive, oily or dry skin, there's something for you to try. Check out the article links below.
10 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Maria Krisette Capati
Re-editor: Tm Yuquimpo
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Moisturizers With SPF
No. 1: CeraVe｜Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion｜SPF 30 & 50
No. 2: EltaMD｜UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen｜SPF 46
No. 3: La Roche-Posay｜Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer｜SPF 30
No. 4: Face Republic｜Purity Sun Essence
No. 5: Paula's Choice｜RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid｜SPF 50
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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