Face moisturizer with SPF is a summer staple and these are our top picks

If you're looking for a face moisturizer with SPF then you’re probably already clued up on the fact that daily sun protection is a non-negotiable part of your routine. You’re probably also a fan of multi-tasking, which is why a product that offers both hydration and protection is so appealing. 

“Sunscreen is the one universal item that every dermatologist will agree needs to be part of your daily skincare routine,” explains Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto. “Firstly, sunscreen use will reduce your risk of skin cancer. Secondly, the sun’s rays are responsible for about 80-90% of the features we associate with aging.” 

We can know how important sunscreen is, but often, the issue with committing to wearing even the best facial sunscreen is actually wanting to use it. “SPF was traditionally a functional product meant to protect your skin from cancer and the developers didn’t really think about how it was applied in context to a daily routine,” says Ava Matthews, co-founder of Ultra Violette. “This has really changed in the last three to five years and recent developments in SPF technology mean more lightweight formulations.” Combining sun protection with moisturizer is a smart way to include it in your routine without adding an additional step, and can also build in an extra layer of protection under your dedicated sunscreen. It'll go a long way toward keeping fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and pigmentation at bay too. 

The best face moisturizer with SPF as chosen by our experts

If you see this on the shelf, pick it up pronto. It’s been such a sell-out success for the brand since its launch that they’re struggling to keep up with demand. Why is it so popular? What we love most is the texture. Half gel, half cream it’s the kind of lightweight, easily-absorbed texture that thirsty skin laps up and leaves your skin dewy and glowy, rather than slick and greasy. There’s absolutely no white cast either, so it’s suitable for all skin tones. 

Alongside sunscreen filters the key ingredients in the formula are hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan which are there to hydrate the skin, as well as the brand’s Tri-Ceramide Complex designed to lock this newly acquired moisture in the skin. Everyone will love this, but if you normally avoid SPF for fear it’s too heavy for you, this will absolutely change your mind. 

If there’s a name in skincare that we trust to keep our complexions safe, it’s Paula’s Choice. The brand's newly launched facial moisturizer with SPF is a real over-achiever, combining not one, not two but five different filters to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It has SPF50 and a rating of PA++++, which is the highest rating you can get for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Unlike some of the others on this list which are very lightweight, this lotion feels substantial enough to give you the peace of mind that it’s actually forming a barrier over our complexions. In the summer we personally like to be able to feel and see sunscreen on our skin – otherwise, all we’re doing is fretting about burning rather than simply enjoying the sunshine. That being said, this is not greasy or heavy. The brand describes this as suitable for all skin types, and we’re inclined to agree, although you may find it slightly too weighty if your skin is very oily. 

Clinique Moisture Surge is one of those cult products that you come back to time and time again. Its only fault is that it hasn’t got any sun protection, which is why the brand created this – providing all the hydration from the original with the addition of SPF25. It’s a real treat to use, blending into the skin like silk and absorbing beautifully to create a plump, hydrated canvas for makeup. This is thanks to hero hydrator hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe vera within the formula. Because it’s so lovely, applying a generous layer doesn’t feel like a chore or leave your skin feeling coated in product. 

The drawback is that SPF25 isn’t as high of a factor as we would like and normally recommend. So, to be on the safe side, we’d suggest using this as a secondary sunscreen and still following with a layer of a dedicated SPF. 

Don’t be fooled by the no-frills packaging, as this is an impressive multi-tasker. A blend of three ceramides keeps even the most sensitive, driest complexions happy, while broad spectrum protection shields skin from UVA and UVB rays.

This product contains hyaluronic acid, helping the skin retain water to ensure maximum hydration. We found that the cream spreads easily and leaves behind a smooth finish. However, we did find that it left a touch of chalkiness on deeper skin tones. But, for its price, moisture-boosting, and texture, this fragrance-free AM moisturizer is a no-brainer all year round.

One of the most-asked SPF questions is how other skincare actives play with UV filters, and in the case of Vitamin C, the answer is very nicely indeed. SPF keeps the sun's rays at bay, while antioxidant vitamin C does more hard graft. It'll shield skin from free radicals, kick-start collagen production, and brighten lackluster complexions.

This chemical sunscreen moisturizer contains active ingredients which expel UV rays from your skin by converting them into heat, with broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from any UVA damage. On testing, we loved the summery fragrance and light texture, although as a chemical SPF, it may not be suitable for those with very sensitive eyes. Mineral formulas can be better for this: for more, head to our guide on mineral vs chemical sunscreens.

Wearing face moisturizer with SPF won't feel like a chore when the formula is as silky as this. This cruelty-free product contains skincare ingredients such as glycerin plus hyaluronic acid to hinder dehydration while the niacinamide in the formula protects the skin from discoloration and dark spots.

We believe that the best thing about this cream is its texture. On testing, we found it to be silky-smooth and so easily absorbed, making it perfect for under makeup. Plus, the subtle rose-tinted finish is a nice touch for tired faces and the outer packaging is refillable – bravo, Fenty. 

Treading the line between SPF and skincare, this is a must-try face moisturizer with SPF if your skin is on the dry side. The addition of hydration hero, hyaluronic acid, makes for a fresh feeling formula that leaves skin plump and dewy. We loved the gel texture when we tried it on our hot, puffy morning skin. it would definitely make a great choice for anyone with oily or combination skin who finds traditional creams feel suffocating. 

Containing Vitamin B5 and antioxidants, this formula prompts the skin's repairing process to restore damaged skin cells. Well also found that it's fast-absorbing, refreshing, and bolsters radiance while keeping our skin protected from the sun.

Hate the stickiness that can come with wearing both SPF and moisturizer at once? Follow Dr Emma Wedgeworth’s lead and give this hydrating lotion a go. There’s no white cast, nor will it pill or bobble beneath make-up. The texture is fairly rich and creamy, all the better to deeply nourish dry skin, and while we found it comfortable on our combination skin it may be a little too rich for very oily types.

As well as SPF 50+, the active-rich formula promises maximum protection, designed for dry or more mature skin. This is done via UV and pollution-busting antioxidants derived from not one but three sources, green tea extract, vitamin E and C. These work together to encourage skin cell repair and a nice even tone.

This ultra-hydrating Nivea moisturizer prevents skin damage and prompts cell repair, restoring your skin whilst hindering the development of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this with a combination of ingredients, such as natural 'retinol alternative' bakuchiol, which helps speed up cell turnover to strengthen the elasticity of the skin. It also contains two forms of hyaluronic acid (micro and macro) to penetrate the skin at various levels for ultimate hydration. Plus, of course, it's got SPF30, 

The texture of this cream is just light enough for the day, but perhaps a little closer to a rich traditional moisturizer than some others on this list. On testing, we loved how instantly nourishing it felt, adding plumpness and softness to our skin, while also protecting it.  While it may be a little too heavy for oily skin types, the creamy formula is the perfect option for those with dry skin who want to combat environmental aggressors.

Seriously, is there anything Medik8 can’t do well? Home to some of the best toners, retinals, and spot treatments around – the brand’s extensive range is loved by all. And this product – a face moisturizer with SPF – does not disappoint. The lightweight day cream, featuring broad spectrum SPF 50, sinks into the skin quickly to deliver a veil of nourishing protection. 

Inside, the formula contains something called carnosine which helps prevent signs of aging, as well as blueberry seed oil to protect against blue light and marrubium vulgare extract to ward off environmental aggressors. We found that it absorbs fast, feels ultra-comfortable, and sits so well under makeup. There’s also no white cast left behind – a big tick. 

This face moisturizer with SPF from French skincare brand Caudalie ticks a lot of our ‘must-have’ boxes. First of all, it’s fragrance-free which is a must for those following a skincare routine for sensitive skin. Secondly, the texture is lightweight – a little like a milk – which means it melts effortlessly into skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. Thirdly, it doesn’t leave a white cast which is essential for darker skin tones. And finally, it nourishes and treats skin with vitamin E and spruce extract. 

The only downside? We did find that the fluid has an unusual (and somewhat unpleasant) scent when you first apply it onto skin. But, with that being said, we found that the smell gradually disappeared over the day. Overall, if you can get past the smell, we would highly recommend this pick for everyday use. 

If you love to bask in the sunshine on holiday or during the summer months, this could be the face moisturizer with SPF for you. The clever cream promotes a golden glow while also protecting skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays – a win-win. What’s more, it’s lightweight in texture, has a beautiful sunny scent, and can be worn under makeup.  

Out of all the products we tried, this one definitely acts as one of the best moisturizers for dry skin, too. We found that skin looks hydrated, nourished, and radiant after a single use. The major caveat of this cream is the fact that it doesn’t clearly provide SPF information – instead of the usual number system (15, 30, 50), it has two sun symbols instead to indicate ‘moderate protection’. If UV levels are high, we would advise you to be cautious when using this cream.  

If you’re yet to dry Dr Sam’s products, let us introduce you to the range with this skin-loving face moisturizer with SPF. A daily essential, this weightless cream will easily slip into your skincare routine and can even replace your current moisturizer. As well as effective UVA and UVB filters, the formula contains hydrating sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), nourishing squalene and moisturising shea butter. 

After testing this product for a few days, we saw that skin looked healthier and happier with a glowing radiance that we normally only achieve with the best highlighters. We also love the fact that it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and behaves well with makeup. A great all-rounder, we would highly recommend this product to everyone, especially those with sensitive skins. Our only complaint is that the pump can sometimes get stuck. 

How we tested the face moisturizers with SPF

With lots more face moisturizers containing SPF landing on the market, we tested a wide range – spanning different textures and price points to see how they compared. To rank highly, the formulas needed to work effectively while also feeling comfortable enough to wear every day. Other factors we considered were how well they sat under makeup and how they made the skin look (greasy, hydrated, matte?). To make a fair judgment, we tested the products on different skin types and different skin tones. 

How to choose the best facial moisturizer with SPF 

There are a number of different factors to consider when selecting the best facial moisturizer with SPF for you:

• Factor. The problem with facial moisturizer with SPF is that “most people don’t wear enough sunscreen to get the SPF of the label,” explains cosmetic scientist Hannah Collingwood English. “So it’s important to look for one with as high of an SPF as possible.” For medical consultant, skin expert, and founder of the award-winning Adonia Medical Clinic,  Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, that means “minimum SPF30 to ensure sufficient protection.” The higher the factor, the larger the margin for error with application. 
• Broad spectrum. SPF only indicates how much protection you’re getting from UVB rays (the type that cause burning) but doesn’t take UVA rays (responsible for the majority of skin aging) into account. “Look out for the phrase “broad spectrum”,” says skin expert Dr. Sam Bunting. “In European products this will denote that there is both UVA and UVB protection. In products from the US, it specifically means that the critical wavelength is 370nm or greater.”
• Skin type. If you have dry skin, you’ll want your moisturizer to be nourishing, whereas if your skin is oily, you’ll prefer a lightweight texture. “Opt for a moisturizer that is non-greasy, easily absorbed and suitable for your skin type,” advises Dr. Ejikeme. 
• Chemical or mineral. There are two different types of filters that protect your skin from UV rays – chemical and mineral. Chemical filters tend to be lighter in texture and invisible on the skin, making them a good choice for oily complexions and deeper skin tones. Mineral filters are a little thicker and can leave a white cast, but are great for sensitive skin. 
• Texture. “It’s important to look for a facial moisturizer with SPF with a texture that you’re comfortable using a lot of at a time,” explains Collingwood English. “For reference, you should be using about 2ml or half a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, neck and ears.” Remember that everyone’s face shape is different, so you may need to use more than this. 
• Non-comedogenic. “I think it’s essential to look for the label “non-comedogenic”,” advises Dr. Sam. It’s a complicated-sounding term, but just means non pore clogging. “It’s indicative of a brand’s awareness that sunscreens can clog pores and that they’ve formulated with that in mind. Life is too short for products that make breakouts worse.”
• Active ingredients. Alongside UV filters, the best moisturizers with SPF will also contain active ingredients that are in the formula to improve your skin. “It’s nice to have water-attracting ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture,” says Collingwood English. “I also like to see antioxidants like niacinamide, green tea or vitamin C.” Your moisturizer may also contain ingredients that improve it’s texture. “Modern ingredients like silicones and sophisticated hydrators like squalane also help to deliver an elegant, silky finish,” adds Dr. Bunting. Depending on your skin type and health, you may want to avoid some ingredients. “If you have barrier impairment or skin irritation then avoid fragrance, artificial dyes or colorants while the skin is injured,” advises Dr. Ejikeme.