9 Best SPF Moisturizers for Winter, According to Dermatologists

When choosing any facial lotion, it often comes down to this question: Do you have dry or oily skin? If you have dry skin, Dr. Hartman recommends finding an SPF moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera. On the flip side, “If your skin is oily, you can help regulate sebum production by adding an appropriate level of moisture—a lighter moisturizing agent like hyaluronic acid is a good choice,” she adds. This SPF 50 moisturizer from Marlowe is our top option because it offers both, and much more.

Beyond sheer versatility, we found this SPF cream to absorb so quickly, it borderline cut our skincare routine in half (something we especially appreciate on those cold and dreary mornings).

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Leave it to surf legend Kelly Slater to develop the best sunblock for winter sports. Not even a full-calendar year into its existence, Slater’s impressive Freaks of Nature skincare line has been making waves thanks to its SPF-focused moisturizers devised to withstand all the elements. Our snowboarding and skiing testers loved this moisturizer for its ability to hold up while hitting the slopes. It’s also certified reef-safe for wearing in any tropical locations (and for our surfers out there).

Whether it’s fighting off sweat or snow, the 80-minute resistance claim of this cream is quite the modest estimate—we found it lasted much, much longer. Sure, the bottle is on the expensive side but this moisturizer lays on like crazy, just a small dap of this stuff will be enough to cover your entire face.

EltaMD UV Clear comes highly recommended by Dr. Zalka, and it did not disappoint. This moisturizer is truly scentless (perfect for sensitive or dry skin), next-level thick (ideal for protection during the winter), and loaded with skin-repairing ingredients. There’s zinc oxide, which not only protects against UV rays but also reduces inflammation and redness, as well as octinoxate for additional protection.

Plus, the formula features niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to hydrate skin and help balance its oil production, which is especially useful for people with oily skin or acne-prone skin as it can unclog pores. “If you are looking for a more even tone to the skin, or to reduce inflammation, look for niacinamide. It helps reduce age spots and redness, and also helps minimize the appearance of pores,” Dr. Hartman. This is all on top of being ultra-gentle and quickly absorbing.

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During our testing phase, we constantly found ourselves returning to this no-nonsense SPF lotion for low-maintenance protection. Its sensitive skin-safe formula is backed by hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture, and ultra-soothing niacinamide to calm skin.

Dr. Hartman also advocates for the cream, especially for those with easily aggravated skin. According to the dermatologist, “CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is a nice option for someone with sensitive skin who needs a quick routine in the morning, since you get moisturize from ceramides, plus essential sunscreen protection.”

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Based on our testing, this 100 percent mineral sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin. With its hypoallergenic formula, it moisturized and protected our skin without ever inviting a reaction or any irritation. While it is certainly one of the more expensive options out there, we found it to be more than worth it thanks to its effectiveness and sensitivity toward skin that’s acne-prone, easily aggravated or just oily.

“Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy,” Hartman says.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, gee I really wish my sunscreen was more like my deodorant, then sir this is the SPF for you. It rolls on for easy application, which also makes it ideal for anyone who often finds themselves with SPF in their eyes. Not to mention, it goes on clear without any lingering casing or residue.

According to Dr. Hartman, “Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick 50+ is a great option for people with darker skin as it won’t leave a white cast. It also applies incredibly easy and stays put without feeling sticky or greasy.”

Another favorite of Dr. King, she says its, “lightweight formulation, provides broad spectrum protection and also contains antioxidants for additional protection from free radicals.” Our testers confirm this is by far the thinnest SPF of all on this list, which is perfect for those who have oily or sensitive skin. We found this cream was ideal for everyday application before commuting to work or running errands. However, if your winter is more adventurous, it might be best to look for a thicker option.

Still, if you have oily skin or don’t get too wild during this season, Face Reality will be an easy-to-apply, daily SPF. “Moisturizing but sheer, lightweight, and non-comedogenic—great for oily skin, and still moisturizing so it’s a nice choice for winter,” Dr. King says.

Look, I get it, most dudes aren’t like me and haven’t been obsessing over their skin’s health since high school. It’s completely understandable (and probably more sane), but unfortunately, there are consequences to entering this game late. Maybe you even sought out this list because you’ve already experienced sun damage.

Many of our testers have gone through a similar journey and they swear by this moisturizer’s ability to not only protect against new damage, but also help repair preexisting dark spots and blemishes. Plus, the pros vouch for it: “Contains vitamins C and E for added protection from antioxidants. Also contains moisturizing ingredients, and lipo-hydroxyl acid to gently exfoliate to help reduce the appearance of sun damage,” Dr. King says.

Can I Use My Daily Summer SPF in the Winter?

Given that SPF and sunscreen are necessary for all 12 months, it’s fair to wonder if you need different products for each season or if one solid option will be sufficient. The short answer is it depends. Overall, what’s most important is to keep using SPF every day, so if the easiest way to do that is to stick to one product, then do it. As Dr. Hartman says, “If sunscreen is already a habit from the summer, keep it going through fall right into winter.”

However, if you want to really take your skincare and UV protection seriously, you’ll want to slightly adjust your products during the cooler months. Dr. King explains, “In general, we need heavier, more moisturizing formulations in the winter that contain more emollients and occlusive.” Those latter two are primarily moisturizing agents because cold air tends to draw moisture out of the skin much faster, leaving it drier than usual.

That being said, Dr. King notes that if a person’s skin is already especially oily or the winter weather is mild, using the same product from the summer would be acceptable. Plus, Dr. Zalka offers another solution for those hooked on one particular SPF. “You can use your favorite SPF all year long. In winter just incorporate layers of hydration underneath your product,” she says adding face oil as a great resource here.

Why Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen in the Winter?

Is wearing SPF to protect yourself from the sun’s rays is necessary when it’s freezing out and the sun goes down before 5 o’clock? Every dermatologist we consulted with confirmed it’s still just as important to wear SPF during the cooler months as the warmer ones. Beyond the fact that UV rays are still ultra-present when it’s cold out, snow and ice reflect them to give their threat a boost this season.

This, of course, creates unique challenges during the winter. “That is why you will find if there is snow on the ground and the sun is shining you reach for your sunglasses because it is very bright. This is the same for the skin and the effect is magnified if you are at high altitudes, like on a ski slope,” Dr. Zalka explains.

Dr. Hartman adds that while lower temperatures and lower humidity don’t directly affect the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV damage, these conditions can absolutely lead to drying and irritation, which can impact protection. “When skin is irritated and stressed overall, it has a harder time protecting and renewing itself,” he says. “Many times in the winter you might feel that your skin is tight or feels pulled. This is from a lack of moisture in the skin, so you need to add moisture back.”