7 best SPF moisturisers for all skin types, tried & tested
The best SPF moisturisers are, for me, the ultimate skincare overachievers. Ever since entering into my late 20s, applying sunscreen every single morning has become just as important as cleansing and moisturising. And while the jury may still be out on whether a moisturiser with SPF is quite as effective as a dedicated face SPF, there’s no denying the appeal of getting hydration and daily protection wrapped up in one chic little formula.
“Wearing SPF on a daily basis is crucial for maintaining skin health and prevention,” says Emma Wedgwood, skin specialist and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics. “Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which are responsible for premature aging, sunburns, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Consistent use of SPF helps prevent sunburn, which is a sign of immediate damage to the skin.” In short: daily SPF isn’t a nice to have, it’s essential.
So, whether you’re looking for a lightweight gel-cream that won’t clog pores, or a fragrance-free moisturiser that delivers anti-ageing benefits thanks to ingredients like peptides and squalene, the Glamour team has tried and tested the best moisturisers with SPF30 (and up) to keep your skin hydrated and shielded year-round. Just thank us later.
Meet the expert
- Emma Wedgwood, skin specialist and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics.
How we test SPF moisturisers:
Like all beauty products, it’s never one formula that fits all which is why we take testing seriously at Glamour. To decide which formulas deserved a spot in this edit, I first looked at product listings to determine the key ingredients in each formula as well as the level on UVA/B protection. When they landed on the beauty desk, I used the moisturiser with SPF on my hand to assess the texture, and then ensure one editor used each of them, on their face, for a minimum of four weeks to assess whether they paired well with makeup and other skincare products like foundation, serum and tinted moisturiser.
I included different members of the Glamour team in this piece to see how they reacted to different skin types, tones and concerns to guide our readers to the best formula for them -– whether you're after a dewy finish, help with fine lines and wrinkles, or the highest protection possible. Each of the testers are experts in the skincare field, and have tested thoroughly. Find out more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me:
I've been a beauty journalist for six years now – five at The Mirror, and this past year at Glamour – so skincare is something I take seriously. SPF when I was younger though? Not really on my radar. I've learnt the hard way - burning my face way too many times on holiday to know the importance of SPF now, in my late 20s.
Seeing as SPF is extremely important, finding formulas which actually promise protection, not just a dewy finish was key - so I enlisted the help of Emma Wedgwood, skin specialist and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics to get her expert opinion, and recommendations. Because I'm extra cautious, I always use a separate face sunscreen as well as my SPF moisturiser - overkill, I know, but it's better to be safe than sorry IMO.
Ahead, shop the best SPF moisturisers, according to the Glamour team…
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour Freelancer.
- Tested for: Four weeks.
- SPF level: 50+.
- Key ingredients: Advanced UV Filters, DNA Repair Enzyme, 360° Environmental Shield, squalene, and hyaluronic acid.
- Pros: High SPF level; Great for mature skin; Lovely rich formula; Invisible on all skin tones
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: “This product is ideal if you're looking for maximum SPF50 sun protection and a youth-boosting effect that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with each use," Denise said. “The pump dispenser ensures you use exactly the right amount of product each day, and the silky consistency applies like a dream. It's a smooth and hydrating base for makeup, and over time, I've noticed my skin feeling more plump and supple.
"I personally prefer a tinted sunscreen over a non-tinted formula like this – I prefer how they look under makeup – and for that reason, I haven't found myself reaching for it so much since testing. That said, it's a really good product that scored highly across all other criteria.”
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Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Tested for: Six weeks.
- SPF level: 30.
- Key ingredients: Kiwi and licorice root extract, and argan oil.
- Pros: Gives a really radiant glow; Antioxidant-rich formula; Nice and hydrating.
- Cons: Can leave a white cast on darker and deeper skin tones; Only SPF 30.
Why we love it: “I literally couldn't love this moisturiser with SPF any more if I tried," Sophie said. "I've been using it every day for the past three months, after my vitamin C serum and before makeup, and the glow it serves up is incredible. I've had numerous friends ask what I've been doing differently in my routine; my boyfriend even commented on my skin's glow.
“It's quite thick in consistency (I do like that), but applies like a dream and blends perfectly. As for the formula, it's rich in brightening antioxidants and moisturising vitamin E to inject long-lasting hydration into your skin. It's also worth noting that the price point is really good – while we do get to test a lot of product we don't have to pay for at Glamour, I've actually repurchased this multiple times with my own money and still love it just as much.”
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
- Tested by: Lucy Morgan, Digital Director and Purpose Director.
- Tested for: Eight weeks.
- SPF level: 50.
- Key ingredients: MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology, ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin E.
- Pros: Great for 'normal' skin; Affordable; Easy to apply.
- Cons: Doesn't have a particularly luxe look or feel.
Why we love it: “The kind of moisturiser that'll work just fine whatever your skin type, this CeraVe cream is suitable for dry skin, oily skin, and everything in-between,” Lucy said. “So many Glamour editors love it as an affordable SPF moisturiser choice. Through thorough testing, we found it to deliver rich hydration throughout the day thanks to its fully nourishing formula.”
Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer is also a big fan of this moisturiser and uses it most days under her makeup. “Ok, so it's not the most aesthetic bottle, but its the formula that really shines here. I usually apply this when my skin is begging for some hydration (basically all winter long) as it's packed with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and pollution protection which is ideal seeing as I get on the tube everyday. I love how quickly it absorbs, and it doesn't leave a sticky layer or white cast.”
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La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Manager.
- Tested for: Four weeks.
- SPF level: 30.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
- Pros: Plumps skin, cooling gel texture & doesn’t pill under makeup.
- Cons: Some may prefer a higher SPF or a cream texture.
Why we love it: If your skin’s feeling dehydrated or a little meh, this is the kind of daily moisturiser that’ll bring it back to life - while giving you an impressive dose of SPF 30 protection at the same time.
Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Manager, tested this for four weeks and loved how quickly it slotted into her morning routine. “”The gel texture feels instantly cooling on the skin and sinks in fast without leaving that sticky SPF film some moisturisers can have," she said.
It absorbed quickly, layered well with the rest of her skincare, and sat really nicely under makeup with no pilling or patchiness - always a win. She also noticed her skin looked a bit plumper and fresher throughout the day, which she put down to the hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 combo. That said, if you prefer a richer cream texture or like your daytime moisturiser to have a higher SPF, this might not be the one. But if you want something lightweight, hydrating and easy to wear every day, it’s a very solid option.
Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Tested for: Six weeks.
- SPF level: 50+.
- Key ingredients: UVA PA++++ filters, UVB filters, raspberry leaf extract, and white tea leaf antioxidants.
- Pros: High SPF level; Absorbs instantly; Protects against premature ageing.
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: Looking to prevent signs of premature skin ageing? Say no more – this broad-spectrum moisturiser protects you against both UVA and UVB rays, helping stop the unwanted formation of sun damage, dryness, fine lines, pigmentation, blemishes, dark circles and dark spots dead in their tracks. Silky in texture and totally weightless, it absorbs instantly, and will sit beneath your make-up completely undetected.
Georgia Trodd, Glamour’s Senior Commerce Writer, tested this for six weeks and was really impressed by how weightless it felt on the skin. The texture is silky and lightweight, blending in quickly and absorbing almost instantly without leaving behind any greasiness or white cast. It sat really well under makeup too, with no pilling or patchiness, and felt completely undetectable once applied. She also liked that it offered SPF 50+ and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, which makes it a strong option for helping prevent premature signs of ageing like pigmentation and fine lines. That said, it is pretty expensive, and if you prefer a richer moisturiser texture, this might feel a little too light. But if you want high protection in a formula that’s easy to wear every day, it’s a very good option.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Suncream Tinted SPF50
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Tested for: Four weeks.
- SPF level: 50+.
- Key ingredients: Mexoryl 400 filter.
- Pros: Water and sweat resistant; Hypoallergenic; Lightly tinted; High SPF content.
- Cons: Some people say it's too dark for lighter skin tones.
Why we love it: “I’ve always been a fan of tinted moisturisers - I’m not a big foundation wearer, so anything lightweight and hydrating that gives my skin a hint of colour and SPF protection is a win. My skin leans on the drier side, so I love that the aim of this to hydrate thanks to ingredients like glycerin and thermal spring water. I would say the application isn’t the smoothest - I found it a little rigid on the skin, and it dried super quickly - so I feel if it’s not blended properly, it could go patchy.
In hindsight, I think a brush would have been better to apply it with than my hands. Interestingly, it comes in one universal shade which supposedly adapts to all skin tones - and I have to say, the colour match for me was bang on. It’s light coverage, so it doesn’t cover up much, but it’s perfect for days when you want that natural, no makeup makeup finish.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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Eucerin Sun Pigment Control Sun Cream SPF50+
- Tested: No, but dermatologist-recommended.
- SPF level: 50+.
- Key ingredients: Thiamidol, Licochalcone A, Glycyrrhetinic Acid
- Pros: Fades dark spots; high UV protection; suitable for sensitive skin.
- Cons: Slightly richer texture than others on this list.
Why we love it: If pigmentation is your biggest skincare concern, this hard-working moisturiser with SPF 50+ deserves a spot in your daily routine. Designed to reduce the appearance of sun-induced dark spots, it contains patented Thiamidol - an ingredient clinically proven to visibly fade hyperpigmentation and prevent new patches forming.
Meanwhile, antioxidants Licochalcone A and Glycyrrhetinic Acid offer extra support against UV- and pollution-induced damage. It keeps your skin hydrated and protected without clogging pores, and it’s fragrance-free too - ideal for sensitive skin types.
Your SPF moisturiser FAQs, answered.
Is a moisturiser with SPF as good as wearing sunscreen?
While you'll likely require a more substantial suncream on your next beach holiday, a moisturiser with SPF can definitely provide enough protection for day-to-day use — as long as it ticks some key boxes. “When choosing a moisturiser with SPF, consider factors such as SPF level (30 or higher), broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB), and applying an adequate amount for effectiveness,” Emma explains. “For extended beach exposure, it's best to use dedicated sunscreen with higher SPF levels, water resistance, and sweat resistance.”
In other words, while any amount of sun protection is better than nothing, it's strongly recommended that you use anything with an SPF protection rating of at least SPF 30 or SPF 40 — particularly during the summer months. Products with SPF 15 or SPF 25 will likely need to be supplemented with a stronger sun cream or sunscreen on particularly sunny days. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Can I use SPF moisturiser everyday?
Yes — and we recommend that you do. “Wearing SPF on a daily basis is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sun damage," shares Emma. “Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which are responsible for premature aging, sunburns, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Consistent use of SPF helps prevent sunburn, which is a sign of immediate damage to the skin.”
As above, make sure you apply a core SPF product on top of your SPF moisturiser to receive proper sun protection.
What is the best SPF moisturiser for sensitive skin?
If your sensitive skin often leaves you dealing with redness, itching, and inflammation, you'll definitely want to avoid formulas that contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances — and instead seek out products filled with nourishing and repairing ingredients that will help restore your skin's all-important moisture barrier.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30 is one of our top picks for sensitive skin that's prone to blemishes, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation — whereas the Eucerin Sun Pigment Control Sun Cream SPF50+ is great for improving dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Alongside both of these brands, Bioderma and CeraVe also have a lot of great products that specifically cater to sensitive skin.
Want to revamp your entire skincare routine? Read our extensive guides on the best hyaluronic acid serums, best face washes and cleansers, best retinol serums, best moisturisers for mature skin, best night creams, best vitamin C serums and the best sunscreens and sun creams.
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