Streamlining your skincare routine often comes down to one thing: upgrading your daily moisturiser with one that includes an SPF. In an ideal world, we’d layer cleansers, serums and creams with care, but early starts and time pressures don’t always allow for that. And on those days, an SPF moisturiser will be on-hand to do the heavy lifting.
While it might seem optional in UK climes, sunscreen remains one of the most important parts of any routine, protecting against UVA/UVB damage year-round, even under cloud cover. These harmful rays can not only contribute to serious conditions such as melanoma, but also the rate at which our skin ages.
When it comes to good skincare generally, professional MUA Florrie White told me that consistency matters most. Whether you have time for one product or six, the priority is that you “invest your time in using it day and night”. SPF moisturisers make that easier, combining hydration with daily protection in a way that’s simple to stick to. If you use a single skincare product, it should be a decent SPF moisturiser.
With that in mind, I tested a wide range of formulas – from budget buys to vitamin C-infused tints – to find the ones that actually do it all. Topping the list was Ultra Violette’s supreme screen, which stood out for its silky texture, long-lasting hydration and ability to suit a broad mix of skin types without compromise. Scroll on for all the formulas I deemed impressive after months (and in some cases, years) of testing.
Read more: 8 best vitamin C serums, tried and tested by a beauty editor
The best moisturisers with SPF for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ultra Violette supreme screen hydrating facial skinscreen SPF50+: £34, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Simple protect 'n' glow triple protect moisturiser SPF30: £7, Boots.com
- Best value for money – Fenty Skin hydra vizor invisible moisturizer SPF30: £35, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for anti-ageing – Murad superactive moisturiser SPF wrinkle fighting: £59, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for a matte finish – Garnier BHA+ niacinamide daily UV fluid SPF50: £8.66, Boots.com
How I tested
Over the course of two years, I trialled each SPF moisturiser as the final step in my morning routine, wearing them for full days to assess how they performed under actual UV light, not just in front of my bathroom mirror. I revisited standout formulas over time, alongside testing newer launches, to ensure a fair and up-to-date comparison.
I kept the rest of my skincare consistent where possible, and looked closely at texture, absorption, white cast and hydration (both immediate and throughout the day), as well as how each formula layered under make-up. I also considered ingredients, SPF level and overall value for money. You’ll find a more detailed breakdown of my testing criteria further down this page.
Read more: Best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that protect without causing breakouts
Ultra Violette supreme screen hydrating facial skinscreen SPF50+
Best: overall SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract, squalane, Vitamin E, glycerin
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: Yes
Why we love it
- Super nourishing for all skin types
- A little goes a long way
- Feels comforting on the skin
Ultra Violette specialises in SPF, with no less than ten sunscreen products in its brand arsenal. Supreme screen is the perhaps UV’s hero formula, boasting both the nourishing moisture of squalane for mildly dry skin plus the water hydration of glycerin for those with dehydrated, oily skin.
This expertise is immediately obvious. The formula felt deliciously silky and instantly left my face feeling softened and springy. I didn’t need much to cover all areas thoroughly (including my neck) and was pleased to see a sub-£40 price point even with its cruelty-free, vegan and vitamin-rich ingredients. What’s more, this SPF moisturiser is actually a physical – or mineral – sunscreen. This means it provides a physical barrier between you and harmful UVAs and UVBs, as opposed to absorbing them like a chemical SPF. Mineral sunscreens are often cited as being less irritating, too, and while Ultra Violette’s ingredients list has potential irritants in the form of fragrance and alcohol, these are softened with soothing vitamin E and healing tocopheryl acetate.
As the day wore on, this SPF moisturiser maintained my skin’s hydration and neither pilled nor produced a mass of midday shine. I adored it from dawn until dusk, and the fact that it covers the bases of pretty much all skin types is a big bonus.
Buy now £34, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Simple protect 'n' glow triple protect moisturiser SPF30
Best: budget SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Chemical and mineral
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, fatty acids, anti-inflammatory ginger root extract, niacinamide, glycerin
Size: 40ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Feels lovely upon application
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t contribute to shine
Take note
- Pills after a time (if you don’t overwork it, you should be fine)
The price of this SPF moisturiser wowed me at the time of writing. For less than £10, you’re getting a good chunk of skin-loving ingredients and even a fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan formula.
While it’s certainly moisturising, this formula isn’t perfect. Primarily water-based, it may not be nourishing enough for dryer skin types. What’s more, it pills when overworked – though the brand does explicitly suggest using lighter formulas before applying this one, as well as allowing them time to settle. Surprisingly, Simple also advises working any thicker creams (dry skin types, listen up) into the skin at the same time as this triple-protect moisturiser. This should minimise pilling.
As for the finish, I enjoyed the lack of shine prompted by this moisturiser. As someone who works on a laptop in between testing, the addition of blue light protection is intriguing. It’s one of the lowest SPFs I tested at SPF30, so it’s probably at its best in winter. It gives a flattering finish left on make-up free skin, but you might not want to use this before heading into the office - I wouldn’t want to mess about with pilling alongside my make-up before a commute.
Buy now £7, Boots.com
La Roche-Posay toleriane rosaliac AR SPF 30
Best: anti-redness SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, calming neurosensine, oil-absorbing corn starch and silica
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: No
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Super hydrating, skin drinks it up
- Calming
- Colour-correcting green pigments negate redness
- Non-sticky
- No whitecast
Take note
- Skin prone to redness is generally more prone to sunburn, so a higher SPF would have been nice
If you're looking for the best SPF moisturiser for redness, I recommend La Roche-Posay’s toleriane rosaliac AR SPF 30. A real delight to use, I’d think it was a regular moisturiser if I didn’t know better. It has none of the stickiness, pilling or white cast that’s often part and parcel of an SPF formula. Rather, it absorbed into my skin like a cold drink of water without dragging or leaving streaks in its wake.
You won’t spot the anti-redness pigments upon dispensing this cream, but rest assured they’re there. I’ll admit, I didn’t initially think they’d had much of an effect on my skin, but after comparing testing photos with the other SPF moisturisers in this guide, it became clear the formula had subtly blurred the more purple-y tones from my rosacea.
It’s also worth noting that I spent the afternoon in the sea – including getting my face wet – and suffered neither stinging eyes nor sunburn. The brand doesn’t state whether the formula is waterproof and I’d always advise reapplying SPF after swimming, but finding my skin unharmed despite my negligence was a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
Buy now £27.5, Boots.com
Clinique UV solutions hydrating sunscreen SPF 50
Best: sensitive eyes SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, soothing rice extract
Size: 75ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: No
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Ophthalmologist tested safe for contact lens wearers
- Doesn’t leave eyes stinging
- Feels refreshing and leaves quenches dehydrated skin
- A little goes a long way
Take note
- Slight white cast
Clinique’s latest SPF, the UV solutions hydrating sunscreen SPF 50, is what I’d recommend for people with sensitive eyes. With most SPFs (Laneige, Beauty of Joseon and Bioré included) any moisture tends to drag product into my waterline, triggering that familiar, onion-chopping sting, and I was skeptical that Clinique's formula could sidestep this issue entirely. I put it to the test on a bright, blustery day at the seaside – the kind of conditions that usually leave my eyes streaming – and after about an hour, when my eyes began to water, to my surprise, the usual irritation (and the onslaught of tear) didn’t follow. Result.
In terms of texture, the formula lives up to its hydrating claims. My skin felt plump and moisturised, and while the finish is slightly tackier than something like La Roche-Posay’s toleriane rosaliac (£26.50, Boots.com), it’s comparable to a rich day cream. There was a faint white cast on application, so deeper skin tones may want to swatch in-store before committing to the spend, but on my fair skin it blended in with a little elbow grease. I likely overapplied, too, so a lighter hand should reduce any chalkiness. Plus, it’s always a pro when you can glean more from just a small dose of product.
Buy now £30, Clinique.co.uk
Murad superactive moisturiser SPF wrinkle fighting
Best: anti-ageing SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Sun-friendly retinoid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes, both
Fragranced: Yes
Why we love it
- Makes retinoids safe to use in the sun
- Anti-ageing elements are an incentive to wear daily
- Lightweight, creamy feel
Take note
- Expensive
I’ve been using Murad’s superactive SPFs since their launch last year, which come in four variants: hydration (£49, Johnlewis.com), brightening (£55, Johnlewis.com), oil and pore control (£45, Johnlewis.com), and anti-ageing. For me, the latter (which I’m hailing the best anti-ageing SPF moisturiser) was a clear winner, particularly given the usual caveat that retinoids and sun exposure don’t mix. Murad sidesteps this by using a microalgae-derived retinoid designed to remain stable in UV.
During testing, the retinoid delivered on its sun-friendly claims: after a full day at the beach, I experienced no burning, sensitivity or redness. What’s more, Murad’s youth renewal collection of retinol has previously left my skin feeling tender after nightly use (not unusual for vitamin A, though it’s still something that requires pacing). By contrast, I experienced zero sensitivity with the superactive SPF, even when using it daily – sometimes in addition to an evening retinoid.
Texture-wise, it’s fairly thick but absorbs quickly, leaving no streaks, white cast or greasiness. It’s a pleasure to apply and delivers a solid hit of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and ceramides. That said, consider pairing it with a hydrating serum if your skin can be dry. It also sits well under make-up and a little goes a long way – helpful given the more than £50 price tag.
Buy now £59, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Avène hydrance SPF 30 hydrating cream for dehydrated skin
Best: combination skin SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Hybrid chemical and physical
Key ingredients: Lipids (for barrier health and hydration), shea butter, vitamin E
Size: 40ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Vegan but not cruelty-free
Fragranced: Yes
Why we love it
- Delightful summery fragrance (lightly floral)
- Light, creamy formula that disperses across skin easily
- Quenches dehydrated skin
Take note
- Smaller quantity than most
If you’ve used anything from Avène before, you’ll likely recognise the brand’s signature clean, floral scent. As a long-time fan of its SPF body lotion (£18.49, Amazon.co.uk), the Avène aroma is one I associate with holidays – and one that fans of Nivea sun and Garnier ambre solaire will probably appreciate, too.
At first, the hydrance SPF moisturiser feels similar in texture to a body sunscreen, but thankfully it quickly melts into something much lighter as you work it in, leaving none of the sticky residue you might expect from a pool-proof formula. A little goes a long way and it’s surprisingly easy to overapply. Luckily, it spreads effortlessly without dragging, which makes it easy to correct an overzealous initial squirt. I also found it offered just the right amount of playtime: enough to move it around the face, but quick to dry down before make-up.
The 40ml size is slightly underwhelming, though I can see the appeal for anyone trying to squeeze their entire routine into a strict airport liquids bag. With my oily complexion, I appreciated the level of hydration this formula delivered, but I think combination skin types would benefit just as much. By pairing humectants with shea butter for deeper nourishment, it strikes a nice balance, catering to oily T-zones while still softening any dry, tight patches.
Buy now £22.5, Boots.com
Ultra Violette clean screen SPF 30
Best: dry skin SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Hybrid chemical and physical
Key ingredients: Silica, glycerin, pentavitin (a 72-hour hydrator)
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes, both
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Non-aggravating on dry and sensitive skin
- Reasonably priced
- Applies smoothly and dries down well
- Vacuum-style dispenser allows you to use every last drop
Take note
- Would prefer SPF 50, especially if targeting sensitive and dry skin types
As Ultra Violette’s number one supreme screen fan, I didn’t think things could get much better, but the brand has managed to replicate the same winning offering in its clean screen SPF. There aren’t any flashy actives, fragrances or skin-blurring extras here; instead, it’s a SPF moisturiser that ‘does the job’ particularly well.
It glides on like butter, keeps shine at bay and, crucially, skips alcohol – a win for anyone prone to flaking or tightness. It’s also fragrance-free, making it a strong contender for sensitive skin. The formula combines both chemical and mineral filters (including titanium dioxide), which helps reduce the risk of irritation often associated with purely chemical SPFs. As someone with rosacea, a compromised skin barrier and a sensitive orbital area, it passed with flying colours. I suffered neither stinging or blotchiness.
For drier skin types, it includes pentavitin, a humectant designed to draw moisture into the skin for up to 72 hours. I’m typically sceptical of claims that extend beyond your evening cleanse, but IndyBest reviewer Alice Reynolds, who has a drier complexion, found the formula was “nourishing and lightly hydrating without feeling heavy” when used daily. Happy days.
Buy now £32, Sephora.co.uk
Fenty Skin hydra vizor invisible moisturizer SPF30
Best: value for money SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, aloe vera, antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon, hydrating baobab
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: Yes
Why we love it
- Refillable
- Nourishes and hydrates skin
- No white cast
This SPF moisturiser took me entirely by surprise as someone who primarily thinks of Rhianna’s Fenty as a makeup brand. Not only is the outer casing refillable (and refills are around £5 cheaper), but its size skews towards the upper end, with many brands offering around 10-20ml less product.
I loved how this felt on my skin, and I think you get a lot of bang for your buck. It’s creamy, lightweight and thirst-quenching for dehydrated skin. It doesn’t pill, and a little dollop easily spreads across a large area. It’s full of soothing and healing ingredients.
While it’s not uncommon to see the likes of glycerin, HA and niacinamide listed as components of an SPF moisturiser, Fenty adds baobab and Kalahari melon to promote healthy, hydrated skin. This is great for oily to dry skin types, but those with sensitive skin might want to request a sample in-store - this formula also uses fragrance and preservatives.
Buy now £35, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Paula's Choice 5% vitamin C sheer moisturiser SPF50
Best: oily skin SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), amino acids from algae, discolouration-minimising acetyl zingerone, glycerin
Size: 60ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Multiple skin benefits
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t contribute to shine
Take note
- Runny texture means you have to be speedy to apply
While it maintained a serum-like texture, this Paula’s Choice sheer SPF moisturiser offered more hydration than both the Garnier and Nivea options in this edit. It also offered the highest quantity of formula at 60ml without requiring extra product to do the job. That said, it wouldn’t be moisturising enough for dry skin types and, for those with combination skin, would likely only be an appropriate choice during the warmer months when dryness is at a minimum. It’s a huge plus that the product is cruelty-free, vegan and on the higher end of the SPF scale. What’s more, it’s largely sensitive skin-friendly and only warrants a warning in this department because of its included preservatives.
This formula felt weightless, and all the skin brightening and rejuvenating benefits in such a featherlight formula certainly impressed me. If you don’t like the feeling of bearing down on your skin with layer after layer of vitamin serums, skin barrier oils and the like, then this SPF moisturiser will be right up your street. It’s a great all-in-one solution for those hurried slap-on-and-go situations.
For normal to oily skin, both underneath and without make-up, I think Paula’s Choice has done relatively well for the price. I’d probably buy it again, but I think it could do with a little more structural integrity in the form of some richness for those dryer skin days.
Buy now £46, Spacenk.com
Medik8 advanced day ultimate protect SPF50+
Best: luxury SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Glycerin, olive oil, antioxidant moringa seed extract, vitamin E, fatty acids
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: Yes, though through the scent of its ingredients and not synthetically
Why we love it
- Moisturising without being greasy
- Feels like a moisturiser without the heaviness of a typical SPF
- Smells like lemon drizzle
Take note
- Stings/causes watering if it gets in eyes
Medik8’s advanced day total protect SPF moisturiser is undoubtedly a premium formula, but it’s one I come back to time and time again. In fact, I’ve been using the product since 2020 and have found it to be equally effective as a standalone moisturiser and as a supplementary SPF on top of an existing moisturiser. But that’s not to say it needs the hydration of another moisturiser. Instead, its ability to work with a variety of other products is part of the formula’s success.
It’s slightly thicker than some of the moisturisers in this edit and feels more indulgent to the touch, too. The consistency means you need to use a little more product than you think - around two to three full pumps usually does it for me, but at this price, you’d want slightly more effective coverage.
I love the scent of this SPF, thanks to its five fruit oils, and the finish leaves the skin looking plump without any grease. It neither weighs the skin down nor leaves it feeling sticky like those war paint-esque kids' SPFs. It provides a solid SPF50, but ironically, it’s not a great choice on holiday. It tends to run in water, which can be pretty painful - it’s stung my eyes in the sea and swimming pool on multiple occasions. The fruits and essential oils also mean that this pick might not be suitable during pregnancy or for those with sensitive skin.
Buy now £59, Spacenk.com
CeraVe AM facial moisturising lotion for normal to dry skin
Best: sensitive skin SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 30
Type: Chemical and mineral
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin
Size: 52ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: No
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Lots of gentle, skin-loving ingredients (no alcohol)
- Non-comodogenic
- Sinks into skin nicely
Take note
- Need a relatively generous amount to cover face
- Can drag on skin when applying
True to form, CeraVe has an effective and affordable SPF moisturiser. While many brands focus on shine control with their SPF moisturisers, it was refreshing to see ceramides included in CeraVe’s iteration for those prone to dryness and flaking. In fact, the brand has somehow covered all bases: tackling shine control with niacinamide, avoiding alcohol for a sensitive skin-approved formula and using two types of humectants (moisture-attracting components) for a boost of hydration.
In practice, these elements make for a well-rounded product and one that doesn’t pill, either. While it does require a few more pumps of product than I might have anticipated and is a tiny bit sticky/heavy to the touch, it’s good value for money and a solid choice for those making their first foray into SPF.
Buy now £11.89, Amazon.co.uk
Boots SPF+ niacinamide moisturising lotion SPF50
Best: acne-prone skin SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, niacinamide, glycerin, coconut oil-derived coco-caprylate/caprate
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: Yes
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Helps with oil/sebum balancing
- Doesn’t pill on contact with pre-applied skincare
Take note
- Pills quite badly once dried down
- Not a good pick for face touchers
Boots’ niacinamide moisturising lotion provides a medium level of hydration, so I think it’s most suitable for normal to oily skin types. A little goes a long way with this formula. It dries quickly, but you still have enough time to work it into the skin, and it dries relatively matte.
That said, as the hours passed, I noticed a little pilling, and this SPF won’t take well to excess buffing of cream blushes or brozers. However, I found that the lotion’s consistency combined well with my underlying skincare as I was rubbing it in.
Contrary to popular skincare advice – to leave each step of your skin/make-up routine time to settle onto the complexion – I’d argue this product is best suited to a layered application in quick succession. So long as you avoid pilling, this will provide a high level of sun protection while keeping shine at bay. It’s fragrance and alcohol free as well as non-comedogenic, so it’s sensitive and acne-prone skin approved. For less than £10, it just about gets my seal of approval.
Buy now £8, Boots.com
Garnier BHA+ niacinamide daily UV fluid SPF50
Best: matte finish SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, aloe vera, oil-balancing zinc PCA
Size: 40ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: No
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Weightless
- Sits well under make-up
- Helps to prevent shine
Take note
- Not moisturising enough unless layered with other serums
I was on the fence as to whether or not this formula actually counts as an SPF moisturiser. That said, for oily skin types - and those fond of a hydrating serum underneath their SPFs - it provides an adequate amount of moisture to healthy complexions.
I frequently reach for this SPF as someone who loathes the heavy feeling of a thick sun cream and, as you can see in the imagery here, Garnier’s formula has a runny and oh-so-lightweight consistency. It doesn’t pill, and silica and perlite work to absorb excess oil on your skin throughout the day.
The key ingredient here is niacinamide, which tackles the cause of excess shine by helping to regulate oil production within the skin. Essentially, it takes a 360 approach to the trials and tribulations of having oily skin (aside from the delayed fine lines, naturally), using the BHA element – salicylic acid – to slough away debris from the pores and keep blackheads at bay. For oily skin types, a high SPF of 50 and at less than £10 at the time of writing, I’m utterly obsessed. However, you need to combine it with other moisturisers or serums for proper hydration.
Buy now £13.99, Boots.com
Clinique moisture surge SPF25 sheer hydrator
Best: no make-up days SPF moisturiser
Sun protection factor: 50
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, aloe vera, oil-balancing zinc PCA
Size: 40ml
Cruelty-free and vegan: No
Fragranced: No
Why we love it
- Weightless
- Sits well under make-up
- Helps to prevent shine
Take note
- Not moisturising enough unless layered with other serums
I love the original Clinique moisture surge hydrator, but this opaque cream texture, seemed closer to the brand’s moisture surge intense. For those not familiar, moisture surge intense also has an opaque cream appearance and features more dry skin-loving ingredients, whereas the original moisture surge formula is sheer and gel-like. Naturally, I was then quite curious as to how this thicker-in-appearance SPF would perform on the skin, especially as it’s SPF25, not 30.
As a long-time Clinique fan, I thoroughly enjoyed how the sheer hydrator sank into my skin, sliding under my fingertips with ease and leaving a perfectly hydrated, dewy glow. Indeed, I can’t fault the mid-range price or the finish.
The pilling, however, was a real shame. After applying make-up, my buffing brushes seemed to sweep away the SPF with each stroke, leaving little crumbs of product on the end of the bristles.
Admittedly, I left some time between SPF and foundation application, so perhaps this product would have been better suited to a swift layering of formulas – especially given how I saw no pilling problems using it on top of my existing skincare.
Had it not been for the flawless and healthy finish the sheer hydrator left on my make-up free skin, I’m not sure it would have made the cut for best SPF moisturisers. Then again, I’ve been repeatedly reaching for it on my make-up free days.
Buy now £44, Boots.com
Your questions about SPF moisturiser answered
What is the best SPF moisturiser?
Overall, Ultra Violette’s supreme screen was the best SPF moisturiser option for most skin types, with high UVA/UVB protection and a make-up compatible formula, all for a reasonable price point.
Closely behind was Fenty’s hydra vizor with its refillable packaging and affordable refills, while Murad’s superactive moisturiser SPF in its wrinkle-fighting variety proved my favourite for anti-ageing, thanks to its clever sun-safe use of retinoids. Speaking of clever formulas, I’ll certainly be looking to Clinique’s new UV solution SPF for eye-safe poolside use.
Lastly, when my wallet feels strained, Simple’s failsafe protect 'n' glow formula will be my sub-£10 saviour.
A year on from my first round of testing, I felt some brands hadn’t kept up with industry standards and, as such, no less than seven SPF moisturisers were axed from this guide upon revisiting it. For some, this was merely a case of performing at an average level versus newer, better formulas. However, for the likes of Cetaphil’s daily defence face moisturiser and Estée Lauder’s daywear, I couldn’t justify their ongoing issues – namely, accentuating dry patches (Lauder) and leaving a white cast (Cetaphil).
How I tested SPF moisturisers
To build a clearer long-term picture, I first tested an initial batch of SPF moisturisers in 2025, before revisiting the category in 2026 with a fresh wave of formulas. This allowed me to see which products stood the test of time and which felt less impressive in the wake of new beauty developments.
Do SPF moisturisers provide adequate sun protection?
I spoke to dermatologist Dr Milena Al Mansuri to discuss the ins and outs of SPF moisturisers. Dr Mansuri has been a medical doctor for nearly a decade after graduating in 2016 and now runs her own aesthetics clinic, Milena Aesthetic, in Dubai.
“Moisturising creams with SPF are an essential part of daily skincare,” assures Dr Mansuri, who adds that these types of formulas “combine hydration with protection against harmful UV radiation”. That said, she caveats that an SPF moisturiser won’t provide as much UVA/UVB protection as a standalone SPF, and suggests that those who “spend a lot of time outdoors should reapply [their SPF moisturiser] every two hours.”
How often should you apply an SPF moisturiser?
“SPF moisturisers should be applied every morning, at least 15-30 minutes before going outside,” reveals Dr Mansuri. “Even on cloudy days,” she adds, “UV rays can damage your skin, so daily use of SPF is crucial year-round.”
What ingredients make a good SPF moisturiser?
Alongside a mineral or chemical sun-blocking filter, Dr Mansuri suggests “hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides to maintain skin moisture.”
For those with sensitive skin, she suggests avoiding potential irritants like fragrance and alcohol.
What’s the difference between mineral and chemical SPF?
The answer is surprisingly simple, according to Dr Mansuri, who breaks down the two SPF types:
● “Mineral (physical) sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays,” she says, adding that they’re immediately effective and less irritating to those with sensitive skin types.
● Meanwhile, “Chemical sunscreens, including avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat.” Dr Mansuri elaborates to tell me that “they usually have a lighter texture and don’t leave residue, but they may irritate sensitive skin.” Finally, chemical sunscreens need to be applied to the skin between 15 and 30 minutes ahead of sun exposure.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As someone who’s worked in the beauty – and more specifically, skincare – industry for more than six years, senior shopping writer Lucy Smith has watched the tide turn on SPFs. Years ago, brands and influencers were promoting ‘SPFs for tanning.’ This focus has completely flipped and now the advice is to apply a daily dose of facial sunscreen. As such, she’s covered a swathe of different formulas for IndyBest, from Korean SPFs to The Ordinary’s SPF, and has spoken to experts – such as Zelens founder Dr. Marko Lens – about the amount of SPF to use daily. As for the moisturiser aspect, she reviewed 18 of the best moisturisers for oily skin, so she knows all the latest and greatest brands for hydration, nourishment and that all-important skin glow.
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