CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50, Face Moisturizer with SPF, 3oz

Why it's worth it

This is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 moisturizer built on micro-fine zinc oxide, and it blends into all skin tones without leaving a chalky film. It's the daytime step most people skip, packaged as the moisturizer they already use.

Daily sunscreen is the single highest-return thing in any routine, and this makes it painless. The AAD recommends a daily moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher as basic maintenance. This one goes further at SPF 50, using micro-fine zinc oxide for UVA and UVB coverage. Because it doubles as your morning moisturizer, it's one step instead of two — which is the difference between doing it and not.

The formula includes hyaluronic acid to hold moisture and niacinamide to calm redness, plus the same three ceramides and MVE technology as the rest of the line. It spreads easily and absorbs fast. Owners consistently report it sitting well under makeup, which is where a lot of mineral sunscreens fall apart.

From our review of 8 cerave skincare products

What we like

• +Daily sunscreen is the single highest-return thing in any routine, and this makes it painless
• +The formula includes hyaluronic acid to hold moisture and niacinamide to calm redness, plus the same three ceramides and MVE…
• +Zinc oxide sunscreens have historically meant a gray cast on deeper skin tones
• +Use it as the last step in your morning routine, after everything else has absorbed

What to know

• –Three ounces goes fast if you're using the amount you actually need for full protection
• –A minority of owners mention a slight cast or a faint film, especially on deeper skin tones or under certain lighting
• –It's a moisturizer with SPF, not a beach sunscreen