No matter the time of year, the best moisturisers with SPF should be a crucial part of your skincare routine. While we're always on the hunt for the best moisturisers, we'd recommend incorporating a moisturiser with SPF protection into your daily routine.
Moisturisers with SPF make it even easier to keep our skin as protected as possible all year round. While protecting our skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature ageing and skin damage, moisturisers with SPF provide the hydration and care our skin needs.
This one goes out to all the self-proclaimed lazy girls, busy mums and three-steps-max skincare girls out there. If you look to keep your skincare routine as easy and simple as possible, you'll want to keep reading. In the same way that the best tinted moisturisers offer a low-maintenance solution to your beauty regime, thanks to the beauty of two-in-one products, things need not be so complicated.
Closer's best moisturisers with SPF at a glance:
Editor's choice: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30, £17 - Buy on Cult Beauty
Best SPF moisturiser overall: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, £34 - Buy on Cult Beauty
Best highly rated moisturiser with SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25, £14.95 - Buy on Amazon
Best moisturiser with SPF for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF 30, £21 - Buy on LookFantastic
We took on the task of finding the best moisturisers with SPF, highlighting their sun protection factor and making sure there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for the best moisturiser for dehydrated skin or have super sensitive skin, there's an SPF moisturiser that will make your life that little bit easier.
SHOP: The best moisturisers with SPF
Editor's choice
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
An up-and-coming choice as the go-to SPF moisturiser for celebs and skincare enthusiasts alike, the Supergoop! Glowscreen delivers dewy, glowy, bouncy skin with an added 30 SPF. A fab base for your makeup, this highly-rated moisturiser does it all. Packed full of ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to promote healthy skin, its ingredients protect from sun and free radicals. That's all while being vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and without leaving a white cast. A winner all round.
Customer review: "Wow... just wow. This is maybe the fourth Supergoop! product I've bought. The glow is natural so it's a perfect base for under makeup OR to wear on its own for days you're lazy but still want to feel put together. Every time I wear this I get asked about my skincare routine/makeup and I have been evangelising this product to gals around me. If you're on the fence. Get it."
Pros
- No white cast
- Enriched with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Has a slight tint
- Protection: SPF 30
- Suitable for: All skin types
Best moisturiser with SPF overall
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
We all know the importance of wearing high sun protection every day, but oily skin types (or anyone who wants to save time in the morning) could benefit from a 2-in-1 SPF moisturiser. Ultra Violette's unbeatable Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ is loved for delivering top-tier protection as well as looking great under make-up and giving no white cast. Customers love how it doesn't sting eyes unlike many others and is perfect for no make-up days, thanks to its hydrating and glowy formula. Oh, and it's non-comedogenic, so it won't break you out.
Customer review: "Haven't found anything to beat this SPF. It's excellent under makeup and is well worth the spend. I'll be investing in the bigger size of the same product next time as I love it."
Pros
- No white cast
- Has high factor protection
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some found it too hydrating
- Protection: SPF 50
- Best for: Oily skin
Best highly rated moisturiser with SPF
CeraVe is one of TikTok's most recommended affordable skincare brands and comes highly praised by many beauty gurus, as well as dermatologists. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 25 is a lightweight 24-hour moisturising lotion formulated to protect the skin barrier with three essential ceramides. For long-lasting hydrating, the moisturiser incorporates hyaluronic acid to help retain the skin's natural moisture.
Customer review: "Have been suffering with really dry red rosacea like skin and had used a number of different creams to no avail and then I found this. After using twice a day for a week, my skin was less dry and the redness had subsided. I have continued this and my skin is so much better. Would highly recommend. Fantastic."
Pros
- Highly rated
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Contains three essential ceramides to protect skin barrier
Cons
- Quite thick in consistency
- Protection: SPF 25
- Best for: Normal to dry skin
Best moisturiser with SPF for sensitive skin
www.lookfantastic.com
La Roche-Posay has given us many a holy grail product and its SPF products are no different. Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin types, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 is a non-sticky formula that works to reduce the appearance of blemishes and reveal a refined complexion. The moisturiser boasts SPF 30 to shield skin from damaging rays, protects against free radicals and prevents the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Customer review: "Ok so I’ve struggled and spent a lot of money on products that act as a moisturiser and SPF all in one. This one is amazing. Not only does it provide protection from the sun but it is light enough for my oily skin. Love this!"
Pros
- Enriched with niacinamide
- Includes LHA solution for exfoliation
- Infused with salicylic acid for repair
Cons
- May not absorb quickly
- Protection: SPF 30
- Best for: Sensitive, oily and blemish-prone skin
Best SPF moisturiser for anti-ageing
www.lookfantastic.com
If you're concerned about your skin ageing sooner than it should, Ultrasun is the perfect solution for you. Its Face Lotion is SPF 50+, so you know your skin is getting the most protection, and contains Ectoin, which is a safeguarding ingredient known for preventing UVA-induced premature photo ageing.
Review: "This is a favourite brand of mine. I have not burnt at all with this on and it sits really nicely under makeup. No white streaks and no oiliness."
Pros
- Extremely protective - SPF 50
- Easy to apply
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Slightly stickier formula
Best intense moisturiser with SPF
www.kiehls.co.uk
Inspired by Kiehl's bestseller, the Ultra Facial Cream, this light-textured facial moisturiser provides up to 24-hour hydration with SPF 30. With a thick, nourishing texture, this facial cream leaves skin soft and smoother. Kiehl's Ultra Facial sun cream is perfect if you're looking for intense hydration and a well-balanced moisturiser, particularly in harsh weather conditions.
Customer review: "This is the 2nd time I have bought this moisturiser. The 1st being last summer before I went to Italy. I don't sunbathe but wanted a moisturising face cream which also had a high SPF so I wouldn't have to apply sunblock on my face as well as a general moisturiser. I've used the ultra moisturiser with no SPF and loved that. The SPF version worked a treat. My skin stayed moisturised in the hot weather plus I didn't get burnt on my face, neck or décolleté or the usual red nose."
Pros
- Infused with glycoprotein and plant extracts
- Has broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection
- Provides up to 24-hour hydration
Cons
- Has a very thick consistency
- Protection: SPF 30
- Best for: Irritable and dehydrated skin
Best moisturiser with SPF for no cast
uk.glossier.com
If you're already a fan of Glossier, you'll love its take on daily sunscreen. Invisible Shield is a great option for sun protection if you're a fan of serums, the lightweight SPF 30 water-gel formula feels like a serum and protects against sunburn - we're obsessed. If you've had issues with a lot of sunscreens leaving a white cast, you'll be happy to hear that this moisturiser promises none of that and no greasy residue too.
Customer review: "It’s light, it applies easily, soaks in quickly and it smells fresh. I’ve never liked applying sunscreen on my face because it either smells or feels greasy. Invisible shield is my favourite part of my skin routine - it smells so good!"
Pros
- No white cast
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Does have a fragrance that may irritate sensitive skin
- Protection: 30 SPF
- Best for: All skin types
Best moisturiser with SPF for higher factor
This daily sunscreen moisturiser is ideal for people looking for more even-toned and younger-looking skin. This Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Skin Restoring Moisturiser soothes, hydrates and promotes radiant-looking skin all while protecting skin from the sun with its SPF 50. Benefiting from added niacinamide and vitamin B3, these skin-restoring ingredients work to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and dullness.
Customer review: "I have been looking for a factor 50 facial moisturiser that blends in well to the skin, without feeling sticky (most high factor face creams are heavy, don't blend in well and leave your face shin ). This product is exactly what I have been looking for. Lightweight and absorbs instantly. Really, really pleased."
Pros
- Enriched with niacinamide
- Has broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection
- Contains antioxidants
Cons
- May irritate sensitive eyes
- Protection: SPF 50
- Best for: Normal to dry skin
Best moisturiser with SPF as primer
www.debenhams.com
Gen-Z brand Love, Me Me Me is coming in with a bang so you can up your skincare. Their SPF Screen Time Moisturiser is also infused with CBD to give you a totally nourishing but protecting base. Up to SPF 25, you'll feel ready for anything.
Customer review: "This is a daytime light cream for the face, designed to be used daily as a base for your make-up. It is scentless, and contains an SPF 25 to give you sun protection. Plus CBD which seems to be in everything nowadays.... My wife likes to have automatic sun protection on her face and has been using this daily. You only need a very small amount and it is not greasy on the skin or scented. A useful make-up primer."
Pros
- No white cast
- Has broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Small product size
- Protection: SPF 25
- Best for: All skin types
Best moisturiser with SPF for oily skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Glow Recipe has come out with a sunscreen that works alongside all its other glorious products. Ultra-lightweight, incredibly moisturising and housed in a chic shelfie-worthy bottle, this Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen is a creamy dream that unites ultimate sun protection that your skin will no doubt thank you for.
Customer review: "I used this on days when I’m headed outside regardless of the sun exposure due to the Niacinamide which helps keep my oil under control during the warm days. I pair this with using the Glow Recipe Niacinamide serum before bed, so my skin gets two doses to keep it looking healthy and acne-free."
Pros
- Enriched with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
- Has a lovely watermelon scent
- Infused with vitamins and antioxidants
Cons
- May leave a 'pilling' residue on the skin
- Protection: SPF 50
- Best for: Oily skin, all skin types
Best moisturiser with SPF for dry skin
www.feelunique.com
Treat your skin to a burst of lightweight hydration with the Clinique Superdefense SPF 40 Moisturiser Gel, a cooling formula that banishes dryness without weighing you down. Helping to improve the appearance of signs of tiredness and ageing, the gel moisturiser gives your skin a look that's thoroughly refreshed. The moisturiser is free from oil, delivering a smooth, glowy finish that's never greasy or shiny. Resisting both humidity and sweat, you can be sure hydration will be locked in throughout the day for long-lasting comfort and protection.
Customer review: "Love this product, it is so light when on and soaks into the skin nicely. Skin dries soft and cool, and doesn't stay sticky or clammy. Some moisturisers I have previously tried I have to stop using at certain times a month or I will break out but not with this, it helps dry patches and genuinely feels nice."
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Helps defend against UVA/B, pollution and other irritants
- Contains a blend of antioxidants
Cons
- Not the best for oily skin
- Protection: SPF 40
- Best for: Tired and dry skin
Best budget moisturiser with SPF
www.boots.com
We can trust Bondi Sands to make a product that's an essential, especially during the summer. This super hydrating Sunny Daze SPF 50 Moisturiser protects your skin from UVA and UVB sun exposure. This daily moisturiser provides hydration for up to 72 hours and is enriched with vitamin E to soothe the skin as it protects. Sunny Daze also acts a great base for make-up as it leaves the skin looking plump and glowing.
Customer review: "Honestly, this is my favourite mineral sunscreen I've ever tried. I have notoriously break-out-prone skin that is sensitive so a myriad of ingredients however my skin does not react to this spf. Hallelujah. Also, considering it has 25% ZINC OXIDE?!! That's amazing protection. The cherry on top? There's not even a white cast. This is a win for me!"
Pros
- Has high factor protection
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Provides up to 72-hour hydration
Cons
- Is tinted, which some customers didn't like
- Protection: SPF 50
- Best for: All skin types
FAQs
What is SPF?
SPF, or 'sun protection factor' measures the amount of time a product will protect you from the sun's UV rays. So, obviously, the higher the SPF, the more effective it'll be. The ingredients within a product containing SPF work to shield your skin from the sun, creating a barrier cream and protecting your skin barrier from damage. That's why it's so important to wear SPF.
What is broad-spectrum SPF?
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both types of UV light, so, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the ones that prematurely age your skin while UVB is the main cause of sunburn. Broad-spectrum SPF is usually the most recommended. Some say it's a good idea to layer your vitamin C moisturiser with an SPF of at least 30 before exposing your skin to the sun.
Do moisturisers with SPF work?
Any product with added SPF, including face creams, foundations or sunscreen all work in the same way. Without getting too technical, they include specific ingredients that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays. That way, your skin doesn't absorb the damage. Depending on the ingredients and the factor, moisturisers with SPF can be an effective way to protect you from skin damage.
Angelica Daujotas is a contributing beauty and lifestyle writer, covering all topics from hair dyes to gardening tools. Her love for writing goes all the way back to her younger years, spent scribbling in her Hannah Montana secret diary.