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Moisturizer with SPF, explained

Why a moisturizer with SPF is also a sunscreen drug.

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Both a cosmetic and a drug

The FDA says "moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-protection claims are cosmetic/drug products," and must comply with the requirements for both. It says sunscreens are regulated as drugs in the United States.

What the label shows

The FDA says that on a product that is both a drug and a cosmetic, the drug ingredients must be listed alphabetically as "Active Ingredients," followed by the cosmetic ingredients in descending order of predominance as "Inactive Ingredients."

The SPF claim

Under the FDA sunscreen monograph (M020), a product that passes the broad spectrum test is labeled "Broad Spectrum SPF" with its tested value. A product that does not pass is labeled "SPF" with its value only.

Expiration dates

The FDA says makeup and moisturizers that are also sunscreens, with "SPF" labeling, are regulated as both cosmetics and drugs, and that drugs must be tested for stability and have expiration dates printed on their labels.

Tinted moisturizer

The FDA says moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-protection claims are both cosmetics and drugs. The FDA pages we use do not treat tinted moisturizer as its own category, so the same rule applies to one marketed with sun-protection claims. We do not say whether any product makes such a claim; read its label.

What the AAD suggests

For oily skin, the AAD suggests a moisturizer that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. For sunscreen in general, it suggests SPF 30 or higher, water resistance, and broad-spectrum coverage.

Sources: FDA, Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?); FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun; FDA, OTC Monograph M020: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (PDF); FDA, Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics; AAD, How to control oily skin; AAD, How to apply sunscreen.

FAQ

Is SPF in a moisturizer enough sun protection?

We cannot say for your day. The FDA says to use other sun protection measures along with broad-spectrum sunscreen, and to reapply at least every two hours.

Does a moisturizer with SPF expire?

The FDA says products that are both drugs and cosmetics must be tested for stability and have expiration dates printed on their labels. Its sunscreen page says an expiration date is required unless the maker's stability testing has shown the product will remain stable for at least three years, so a sunscreen with no expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase.

General information, not medical advice. Before you use a new skin care product on your face, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests testing it on a small spot of skin, such as the bend of your elbow, twice a day for seven to 10 days. If your skin reacts, wash the product off and do not use it again. Follow the directions and warnings on the label. See a doctor or dermatologist about a rash, a skin reaction that does not go away, or any skin condition. If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or trouble swallowing, call 911.

The FDA says moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-protection claims are both cosmetics and drugs. Follow the directions and warnings on the product's Drug Facts label. The FDA says to ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to children under six months of age.

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Next: SPF and broad spectrum