Face moisturiser with SPF? It’s a yes from us. Sure, the jury is still out on whether a moisturiser with SPF is as as good as applying an actually sunscreen for face (more on that later) – but fewer steps, more hydration and daily UV protection feels like a win.
“Wearing SPF on a daily basis is crucial for maintaining skin health and prevention,” shares 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.”
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 best moisturisers with SPF30 (and up) work hard to keep your skin hydrated and shielded year-round. They’re the ultimate multitaskers – ideal for busy mornings, layering under makeup, and freeing up space on your skincare shelf.
Like all skincare, not all formulas will work for everyone. Some suit oily or blemish-prone skin, while others are more nourishing for drier complexions, containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene. And, if you’re dealing with sensitivity or trying to minimise dark spots, fear not, as there are formulations to help with that too.
To minimise your scrolling time, we’ve done the hard work for you, and rounded up the best moisturiser-SPF hybrids that work hard behind the scenes to keep your skin glowing and healthy – just thank us later.
SPF moisturiser FAQs answered…
Meet the expert
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.
How we test moisturisers with SPF:
The GLAMOUR team has collectively tested hundreds of moisturiser formulas — including plenty of moisturisers with SPF. To decide which formulas deserved to be featured in this edit, we looked at everything from whether or not they were particularly suited to a specific skin type or concern, to the level of SPF protection included in the formula. We also kept an eye out for certain key ingredients, paid attention to how the formulas felt when applied, and made sure to use any products that we tested ourselves for a minimum of four weeks before making our final judgement.
Follow