Best Everyday Moisturizers to Prime, Hydrate & Protect Skin

Everyday Sunscreens That Moisturize, Prime, and Protect Your Skin

Finding a daily skincare product that hydrates, primes, and shields your skin can simplify your routine while enhancing your complexion. Below are carefully selected moisturizers that deliver hydration and prepare your skin for makeup, with some offering additional benefits like soothing sensitive skin or providing a soft-focus finish. While none explicitly list sunscreen protection, these products excel at moisturizing and priming, making them excellent companions to your daily sun protection regimen.

Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer

Silky hydration for all skin types This lightweight moisturizer offers buildable, breathable hydration that lasts throughout the day. Its silky texture absorbs easily, leaving skin soft and comfortable without heaviness. Clinically proven to provide immediate and 24-hour hydration, it also helps reduce redness and improves skin texture and tone.

Key Benefits

  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
  • Fortifies the skin barrier with soothing botanical extracts
  • Reduces visible redness for a calmer complexion
  • Fragrance-free, vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free

How to Use

Apply after cleansing and serum, smoothing gently over face and neck for a hydrated, smooth base.

Melt Moisturizer

Velvety, makeup-ready finish with brightening benefits Designed to "melt right in," this moisturizer supports dry and dehydrated skin with a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and wild plants. It delivers weightless hydration and a soft-focus finish that primes skin for makeup application.

Key Benefits

  • Provides a soft, velvety texture that preps skin for flawless makeup
  • Supports the skin’s moisture barrier and softens the appearance of fine lines
  • Contains ceramides, bakuchiol, and vitamin C for visible brightening
  • Suitable for all skin types, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free

Usage Tip

Apply smoothly onto clean skin morning and night. Use as a primer to achieve a radiant, makeup-ready glow.

Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

Lightweight gel that calms and primes skin This serum-like gel moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. It hydrates without heaviness, leaving skin feeling clear, refreshed, and ready for makeup or sunscreen. Its herbal elixir scent combines lavender, lime, spearmint, and rosemary for a soothing experience.

Key Benefits

  • Lightweight and fast-absorbing, perfect post-shave or post-sun
  • Calms and clarifies skin while providing lasting hydration
  • Works well alone or as a primer before sunscreen or makeup
  • Packaged in glass with clean, cruelty-free ingredients

How to Use

Massage onto clean, dry skin covering face and neck. Allow 15-30 seconds to absorb before applying sunscreen or makeup.

Moisturizer by Follain

Ultra-hydrating base for softer, smoother skin This lightweight yet deeply hydrating moisturizer creates a smooth canvas for makeup while nourishing skin with a blend of sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and bakuchiol. It enhances skin softness and suppleness, making it a reliable daily essential.

Key Benefits

  • Delivers intense hydration without heaviness
  • Creates a smooth base that supports makeup application
  • Suitable for all skin types, vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably packaged

Application

Apply 2–3 pumps to face and neck, ideally on slightly damp skin, and massage in for best absorption.

Summary

While these moisturizers do not contain SPF, they excel at hydrating, priming, and preparing your skin for makeup and sunscreen application. For everyday sun protection, pair your chosen moisturizer with a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure your skin stays protected while looking its best.
Tip: Use the Melt Moisturizer or Fortifying Gel Moisturizer as a primer step before applying sunscreen or makeup for a smooth, radiant finish.

Choose the moisturizer that best fits your skin type and desired finish to build a simple, effective daily routine that hydrates, primes, and protects your skin.
FeatureMelt MoisturizerNourishing Squalane Daily MoisturizerFortifying Gel MoisturizerMoisturizer (Follain)
BrandAlpyn BeautyThe Outset (implied)Ursa MajorFollain
Price$60.00$44.00$40.00$36.00
Size1.7 oz / 50 ml1.7 oz / 50 ml1.7 oz / 50 ml (listed as 1.6 oz / 48 ml)1.7 oz / 50 ml
Texture/TypeVelvety, "melts-right-in" creamSilky, lightweight, buildable, breathableLightweight, serum-like gelLightweight but ultra-hydrating cream
Skin TypesAll skin typesAll skin types including sensitiveAll skin types, especially sensitive, oily, acne-proneAll skin types
Key IngredientsHyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Bakuchiol, Ceramides, Vitamin CHyaluroset™ Complex, Edelweiss Extract, SqualaneAloe, Sunflower Seed Oil, Willow Bark Extract, Lavender OilSodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, Bakuchiol
Main BenefitsHydrates, supports moisture barrier, soft-focus finish, anti-aging, brighteningImmediate & long-lasting hydration, soothes redness, improves texture & tone, fortifies barrierCalms, clarifies, hydrates, good post-shave/sun, lightweightHydrates, softens, smooths skin, makeup base, anti-aging
FragranceNatural fragrance (essential oils)Fragrance FreeHerbal elixir with lavender, lime, spearmint, rosemaryNot specified
Cruelty FreeYesYesYesYes
VeganYesYesNot explicitly stated, likely yesYes
Gluten FreeYesYesNot specifiedNot specified
Paraben FreeYesYesNot specifiedNot specified
PackagingGlass, SustainableGlass, PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled)GlassSustainable Packaging
Clinical/Consumer Study28 days, 36 subjects, 95%+ positive results28 days, 38 subjects, 90%+ positive resultsNot specifiedNot specified
ApplicationSmooth onto clean skin AM and PMAfter serum, smooth onto face and neckMassage onto clean dry skin, wait 15-30 secApply 2-3 pumps to damp skin, massage in
Special FeaturesContains Bakuchiol (plant retinol alternative), Vitamin C brighteningClinically proven hydration, reduces rednessFormerly Fortifying Face Balm, good for acne-prone skinContains Bakuchiol, sustainable packaging
Consumer Ratings4.8 stars (268 reviews)4.8 stars (529 reviews)4.7 stars (260 reviews)4.7 stars (286 reviews)
Do these moisturizers contain sunscreen or SPF protection?No, the moisturizers featured do not contain sunscreen or SPF protection. For complete daily sun protection, it is recommended to pair these moisturizers with a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen.
What are the best moisturizers for priming skin before makeup?The Melt Moisturizer and Fortifying Gel Moisturizer are excellent choices for priming skin before makeup. Both provide a smooth, hydrated base and help create a radiant, makeup-ready finish.
Are these moisturizers suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?Yes, several of these moisturizers are suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer and Fortifying Gel Moisturizer are specifically formulated to calm and hydrate sensitive skin without causing irritation.
Can I use these moisturizers with sunscreen?Absolutely. These moisturizers are designed to hydrate and prime your skin, making them ideal to use before applying sunscreen. For best results, allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before layering sunscreen on top.
Are the moisturizers vegan and cruelty-free?Yes, all the moisturizers listed are vegan and cruelty-free. They are also free from parabens and many are gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of skin care preferences.
Which moisturizer is best for oily or combination skin?The Fortifying Gel Moisturizer is ideal for oily or combination skin. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing gel formula hydrates without heaviness and helps clarify and calm the skin.
How should I apply these moisturizers for best results?For optimal hydration and priming, apply the moisturizer to clean skin after cleansing and using serum. Massage gently over the face and neck, and allow it to absorb before applying sunscreen or makeup.
What ingredients provide hydration and skin barrier support in these moisturizers?Key hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients include squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and bakuchiol. These ingredients help lock in moisture, soothe the skin, and improve texture.
Are these moisturizers fragrance-free?The Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer is fragrance-free. The Fortifying Gel Moisturizer has a natural herbal scent from essential oils, while the other moisturizers are formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
Can these moisturizers be used both morning and night?Yes, these moisturizers are suitable for use both in the morning and at night. For daytime use, remember to follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for complete protection.
Can you tell me more about the Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer?What are the key benefits of the Melt Moisturizer?What is your return policy for skincare products?
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