Trust us, these are the 17 best SPF moisturisers that will protect your skin this Spring

Oh hello, is that sun we spot in the sky? Are we finally going to see some blue skies? No matter what the weather is saying, you should be wearing sun protection come rain or shine. Even though the sun doesn't feel that strong right now, protecting the skin on our faces is still so important. And there's no better way of doing that than using the best SPF moisturiser on a daily basis within our skincare routine.

As well as the well-known risks of skin cancer, the sun is also one of the biggest contributing factors to skin ageing thanks to UVA and UVB rays. Think UVB = burning and UVA = ageing. Because UVA rays have a longer wavelength they can penetrate the skin further causing DNA damage. Both UVA and UVB rays leads to sun damage, which in turn can cause hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and a loss of elastin. 

So, if we want healthy and youthful-looking skin, then we really must protect it from the sun. Every. Single. Day. (Yes, even in autumn and winter.) 

Best SPF moisturisers of 2024 at a glance:

• Best affordable SPF moisturiser: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 | £16.50 at Lookfantastic
• Best SPF moisturiser for dry skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+ | £34 at Sephora
• Best SPF moisturiser for sensitive skin: Avène Antirougeurs Day Cream SPF30 | £16.40 at Lookfantastic (was £20.50)
• Best SPF moisturiser for oily skin: Paula's Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 | £39 at Sephora
• Best tinted SPF moisturiser: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Insurance Tinted SPF30 | £51.75 at Lookfantastic (was £69)

Incorporating a decent daily sun protection regimen can be tricky, but by adding this essential SPF to one of the best moisturisers you'll be protecting your skin every day, without having to worry too much about it.

SPF moisturiser vs facial sunscreen: what's the difference?

First things first, let's address a common confusion: the difference between SPF moisturisers and a separate facial sunscreen.

In short, an SPF moisturiser is great for a very basic level of defence against sun-related damage. Protecting against the sun isn't its only function, as it's also doing the job of moisturising, too. So you'll be able to find one that protects you from the sun, whilst also catering to your other skin needs. It's like finding one of the best moisturisers for dry skin and then discovering it has a high SPF. Think soothing dryness, fighting discolouration, in the same vein as a brilliant hyperpigmentation treatment, and diffusing the appearance of wrinkles. If you're feeling a little lazy, travelling and trying to keep products to a minimum or just one of those people who fails to remember to apply your SPF, then these are a good option.

A facial sunscreen, on the other hand, only has one job: protect the skin on your face from the sun's rays without worrying about whether it's too moisturiser. Having said that, many sunscreen formulas now are so elegant, it's difficult to know the difference. 

Autumn is actually the perfect time to get your hands on a new SPF moisturiser, because during the summer they don't provide enough protection and it's better to double up. So, a moisturiser followed by one of the best facial sunscreens. 

If you're on holiday or it's a particularly sunny day at home and you've decided to sunbathe, then it's time to get the best sun cream out.

"Many people believe that having an SPF in their moisturiser will suffice," says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. "But, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, moisturiser with an SPF will only help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure, for example, walking to the car."

What these moisturisers won’t do is provide the same degree of sun protection as the best facial sunscreens, especially for longer periods of UV exposure. It's true that SPF in a moisturiser is tested the same way as SPF in sunscreen, so technically speaking, an SPF 30 moisturiser formula will offer the same level of protection as a facial sun cream with an SPF of 30. However, it all comes down to the application.

"To achieve the SPF on the label, you would have to apply at least half a teaspoon to the face, which people rarely do," says Kluk. Think about the way that you apply your usual moisturiser; you don't slather on a thick layer that thoroughly covers your face and neck in the same way you would do sun cream before heading to the beach.

"What’s more, SPF moisturisers are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant. For these reasons, they won’t offer the same level of protection as the best sun creams," the doctor adds.

It's also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF don’t always contain protection against UVA rays, either. "As a result, they will not protect against UV ageing in the same way as a broad-spectrum sunscreen would," stresses Kluk.

Another essential suncare step is reapplication. So once you have applied either your moisturiser with an SPF or a facial sunscreen, the British Skin Foundation recommends that you top up every two hours. That's tricky if you've got a full face of make-up, which is where the best spf to apply over make-up comes in.

However, having an SPF in your daily moisturiser is never a bad idea. Because on those days when you're working from home or it's cloudy out, that added bit of daily defence is needed.

Here's our pick of some of the best SPF moisturisers...

We've tested so many SPF moisturisers over the years, and we've rounded up our top picks below. For more information on how we test the products that make it into our edits, check out our in-depth guide. Keep on scrolling to shop... 

1. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50

We previously featured the SPF30 version of this, as it was the highest factor it went up to. But now, the skincare gods answered our prayers and gave us SPF50. The stronger your skin’s barrier, the less sun damage you’re likely to accrue. So this moisturiser is a must-have on account of its ceramides, hyaluronic acid, SPF and purse-friendly price point. This is hands down one of the best moisturisers, with or without an SPF.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is my everyday SPF moisturiser. It doesn't sit on the skin, it hydrates my dehydrated skin and adds nourishment to drier areas. All the while protecting me everyday."

2. Avène Antirougeurs Day Cream SPF30

Avène is the brand you go to if your skin is having a 'moment'. They are incredibly well-versed in sensitive skin. So much so, that they recently launched their range specifically for rosacea-sufferers. This everyday SPF moisturiser is slightly green-tinted to counteract redness and super simple and gentle so as not to further irritate the skin. It's completely brilliant.

3. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30

Dry-skinned friends, say hello to this little beauty. It's described as a serum, but we recommend applying your existing serum first then layering this on top. Even though it's a gel, it's richer than you'd imagine, so we don't think it needs a moisturiser on top—this should do the job.

4. Paula's Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

It's non-greasy and dries down to a really nice semi-matte finish that looks slightly dewy. This fluid texture and finish makes it a really nice primer before make-up. For some people, it might be difficult to work with this fluid texture but it's worth getting used to. Finally, it smells like marzipan so you decide whether that's a good thing or downside! 

5.Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+

There's a high chance that you've seen this SPF moisturiser on your Instagram feed. Caroline Hirons is a huge fan, she says, "The lightweight formula sinks into the skin. With no pilling and no white cast it’s a great choice." If you won't take her word for it, how about the fact that there are three different versions depending on your needs - hydrating, mattifying and sensitive.

6. The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++

Ally Head, Health Editor says: "As someone with PCOS who occasionally deals with hormonal breakouts, I have to be careful with what I products I use on my skin. I've been picky about which facial SPF moisturisers I've used for fear of breakouts or irritation but was pleasantly surprised by this Body Shop product. A reformulation of their raved-about Skin Defence Essence product, I found the moisturiser easier to put on than regular SPF (and simpler to remember to apply, too). It's super lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves your skin feeling moisturised." 

7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+

If you were concerned that using an SPF moisturiser would mean forgoing your anti-ageing plan of attack, then think again. This rich cream that sinks in really quickly, works at improving your skin's elasticity and reducing the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. All the while protecting you from the sun.

8. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Insurance Tinted SPF30

All hail Sarah Chapman. Formulated with Light Diffusing LipoLight® and antioxidant Buddleja Davidii plant, the treatment protects against UVA, UVB, thermal and infrared radiation. Not only that, but smart light scattering powders and optical blurring technology help to give a brighter, glowing complexion. It's worth noting that this product is best applied after your regular morning moisturiser.

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "God I love this product. When my skin is behaving and I have no hormonal spots, this is the only base I need. It protects my skin and gives the most beautiful wash of subtle colour that allows my skin to show off."

9. Eve Lom Daily Protection + SPF50

Grace Lindsay, Beauty Contributor says: "This SPF moisturiser sat so well under my make-up, and gave me a subtle glow throughout the day. The fast-absorbing formula is designed to firm, brighten, hydrate and lift the skin thanks to Vitamin C, Lactic acid and Niacinamide, and it certainly delivers." 

10. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City-Smart SPF50

Elizabeth Arden's Prevage range is almost as iconic as its Eight-Hour line. All Prevage products are made with its antioxidant technology, which makes this lightweight SPF an absolute must. It's the perfect choice if you are concerned with signs of ageing and like an easy-to-use and wearable formula.

11. Revive Moisturising Renewal Day Cream SPF30 Broad Spectrum (UVA/UVB) Sunscreen PA+++

Grace Lindsay, Beauty Contributor says: "This product is definitely an investment, but if you're looking for a little bit of luxury, I couldn't recommend it enough. The moisturising skincare treatment features Revive's signature bio-renewal protein, and works to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and protect against signs of premature ageing. My skin felt so soft afterwards, and my make-up went on so easily." 

12. Byoma Moisturising Gel-Cream SPF30 

This new SPF moisturiser from Byoma is seriously impressive. It's deeply hydrating, sinks into the skin nicely and offers protection from from UVA and UVB rays. Not to mention we love the colourful packaging. Such a fun choice for spring and summer (alongside your facial sunscreen, of course).

13. Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser

This is one for people who hate traditional SPF formulas thanks to it's incredibly lightweight texture. It sinks in like a dream and doesn't feel heavy or pore-clogging. This texture, plus its hydrating properties, is what makes it wonderful under make-up, too. 

14. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Holy hydration, indeed. Leave it to e.l.f to create an SPF that is genuinely a joy to use. And it's really affordable too. This only thing with this consistency is that if this is your only SPF, you likely won't be using enough for adequate protection. I'd recommend putting on two layers of this if you want to be properly covered. 

15. Dr David Jack All Day Long Daily Moisturiser SPF 50

The texture of this is like nothing, it's incredibly elegant and feels incredibly luxurious on the skin. Thanks to its smart fragrance-free formula, it works for all skin types and is non-irritating for most. Sadly, this doesn't work for all skin tones so is something to bear in mind when choosing. 

Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "This is up there with my favourite SPFs (for my skin tone and type—white, oily) of all time. It's almost impossibly lightweight and just makes me skin feel happy," - 

16. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Available from Lookfantastic Pro-Collagen Marine Cream has been a bestseller for Elemis for years. And with good reason. It deeply nourishes the skin, enveloping it in hydration with added anti-oxidant benefits. The SPF version does everything the original does, with the added sun protection. 

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I have dry skin, which as soon as autumn arrives starts to misbehave. I always reach for my little green pot of Marine Cream to help prevent flaking and tightness when the weather gets colder. Thankfully, it's not greasy, so works well for oilier skin types too. As it has a slight fragrance to it, those with sensitive skin should try something else. Just in case," 

17. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

This is such a reliably good moisturiser - with or without SPF. It's key function is to hydrate the skin and it does that very well. And in doing so it helps your skin barrier perform a lot better. It has a super lightweight texture, not tacky, which appeals to both men and women.