CeraVe was founded in 2005, and the brand says it has worked with dermatologists to develop its products since the start. L'Oreal announced the acquisition of CeraVe in January 2017, and its press release describes a range of cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, healing ointments and a baby line. The brand's own pages say the products are built on three essential ceramides, numbered 1, 3 and 6-II, plus fatty acids and other lipids found in the skin barrier. I have also seen CeraVe say that the "cera" in its name stands for those ceramides.

That is the context for CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. It is a daytime lotion that combines the barrier ingredients with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and broad spectrum sun protection. CeraVe says it uses both chemical and mineral filters, including microfine zinc oxide it calls InvisibleZinc, which it says spreads easily and dries with a clear finish.

The first grid is eight CeraVe daytime lotions and sunscreens, from the original to mineral, tinted and anti-aging versions. The second grid is eight other face moisturizers with built-in SPF, from gel-creams to rich marine creams. If you are new to wearing sunscreen daily, a moisturizer with SPF is the gentlest way to start, since it replaces a step instead of adding one.

My tip: apply a generous line of sunscreen lotion across two fingers for face and neck, and do it as the last step before makeup.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the oil-free, non-comedogenic one for balanced to oily skin. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 is the same lotion idea with a higher number, with filters that absorb and reflect UVA and UVB. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the lighter-feeling choice for normal to oily skin, with a lightweight finish.

If you dislike chemical filters, look at the mineral ones. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion with Sheer Tint SPF 30 is 100% mineral filter with a tint meant to give a healthy glow without a white cast. CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face uses what the brand calls Miner-ALL technology and is made for all skin tones. CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 Face and Body Lotion is a hybrid of mineral and chemical filters in a 5 oz size, so it works for arms and chest too.

Then there are the treatment versions. CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream SPF 30 has encapsulated retinol, peptides and ceramides, and CeraVe Skin Renewing Brightening Lotion SPF 30 uses Melasyl technology to improve the look of dark spots.

What I would skip: the retinol day cream if you already use a retinol at night and your skin is touchy. One active at a time is calmer.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Anti Aging Marine Cream SPF 30 is the richest here, with algae such as chlorella and padina pavonica, and it suits normal to dry skin. CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 28 is a cloud-like cream with aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid. Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30 is the classic cream, with squalane and a glycoprotein from Antarctica.

For oily skin, Paula's Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is oil-free and weightless, with a satin-matte finish and no white cast. Paula's Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 is the pick for dullness and dark spots. Supergoop Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40 has ectoin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and it sits well under makeup. belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb SPF 45 is a lightweight two-in-one, easy for dry or combination skin.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 is the anti-aging one, with peptides, squalane and white tea extract for normal, dry and combination skin. I would hand it to someone who wants one step that moisturizes, smooths and protects, and who does not mind a cream finish.

One note on reading these. The SPF numbers here run from 28 to 50, and the feel matters more to me than the gap between them, because the one you enjoy putting on is the one you will reapply.

What I would skip: the richer Elemis cream if your skin is oily or you wear makeup over it. Reach for a fluid instead.

I think the best sunscreen is the one you do not argue with at eight in the morning. For oily or combination skin, the CeraVe SPF 30 lotion is where I would start, and the sheer mineral ones suit anyone who hates a white cast. If your skin runs dry, the cream moisturizers in the second grid give you more comfort. Skip the guesswork about texture by testing a small amount on your jaw first. Whichever you choose, put it on every morning, even when it is cloudy, and top up if you are outside. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, the Night Version and CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion and the Body Shelf Around It.