Few beauty products inspire as much guilt-laced procrastination as daily SPF.
We know we should, but it’s hard to create a daily habit surrounding something that, until quite recently, felt like an extra layer of effort (and, frankly, left us with pore-clogging resignation).
But times have changed, and so too have SPF formulas. The new generation of moisturising SPFs don’t just sit nicely under makeup; they actively improve skin while shielding it from UV rays and pollution, all without leaving behind a dreaded chalky cast or oily finish. Think of them as your skincare-meets-sun-care hybrid. One bottle, two jobs: zero excuses.
We spoke to medical and cosmetic doctor Dr Leah Totton for insight into the world of moisturising SPF. “Sun Protection Factor (SPF) protects your skin against the sun's harmful UV rays that can lead to certain skin cancers, sunburn and also premature ageing,” Dr Leah starts, going on to explain: “UVA penetrates the skin on a deeper level, which damages the skin’s cells and increases the chances of skin cancers. UVB affects the outer layers of skin and is what causes sunburn. Skin cancer can still occur from UVB.”
It’s why wearing broad-spectrum SPF every day, no matter the weather, is so vital.
“As well as certain skin cancers, the sun can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation,” explains Dr Leah, outlining why it’s not only essential to protect the skin, but nourish it with moisturising active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter.
“Ensure your SPF is broad spectrum, so you have protection against UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a mineral sunscreen. If you have dry skin, you can opt for SPFs with hydrating properties. Similarly, if you have acne-prone skin, then look to choose an oil-free SPF,” advises Dr Leah.
Just like your regular moisturiser, when it comes to applying moisturising SPF, “Don't forget your neck and your ears. The lips can also be affected by the sun's rays, so it’s worth finding a hydrating SPF for your lips too,” according to Dr Leah.
Best moisturising SPFs at a glance
If you’re looking to combine your moisturiser and SPF into one simple step, remember that the rule of reapplication still applies. If you don’t feel the need to reapply an extra hydrating, moisturising SPF throughout the day, invest in a lightweight formulation that won’t clog your pores and works over makeup. “You need to reapply your SPF throughout the day (if exposed to sunlight, then this should be every two hours). You need to wait around 20 minutes before going in the sun after applying,” recommends Dr Leah.
We’ve curated a selection of the best moisturising SPFs for hydrated and protected skin below.
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Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen SPF 30
Best for: skincare-SPF hybrid
A suncream without the laborious thick texture, Ultra Violette is leading a revolution in the SPF space with formulas that are a dream to apply. The Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen is packed with kind-to-skin ingredients that nourish while shielding from the harmful sun’s rays.
It was created with sensitive skin types in mind as well as blemish-prone with a lightweight texture that shouldn’t cause breakouts. The product is free from artificial fragrance and alcohol and instead includes soothing broad-spectrum shielding titanium dioxide.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF30
Best for: Beauty editor seal of approval
There is a reason that you’ll spot this product on the bathroom shelves of beauty editors. It’s a facial cream that can take the place of your traditional moisturiser, but that’s only where the goodness begins. It is infused with specialised optical blurring technology as well as an adaptive tint.
This means just one colour works for all skin tones but it is very light coverage. It also provides a flawless filter finish and a healthy radiance in just one swipe. There’s no residue and the texture feels like a second skin, so it’s ideal for humid and warmer summer days. For all skin types, including acne-prone.
Buy now £59.20, Lookfantastic
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel UV Serum SPF 30 50ml
Best for: Weightless gel formula
Type: chemical
Ok, ok. It’s not an SPF50 - but with regular re-application, it provides brilliant protection.
This suncream is a cult-favourite on the Standard Shopping desk, so much so that one of us has turned our entire extended family (full of fair-skinned beauties) onto the product. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Aquagel UV Serum is equipped with powerful SPF 30 and has a gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin, much like water.
It’s void of any grease or residue and feels more like an ultra-hydrating serum base than an uber protective sunscreen. It’s one to pop in your bag and take with you wherever you roam, whether the sun’s out or not.
Buy now £39.90, Cult Beauty
Augustinus Bader The SPF 50
Best for: Pure luxury
As sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin ageing, it feels only right that legendary label Augustinus Bader (known for its anti-ageing The Cream and The Rich Cream) has expanded its skincare selection to include an SPF 50. The facial product that feels a long time coming provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
While acting as a shield, the cream combats redness, enhances glow and results in long-lasting hydration.
Buy now £105.00, Augustinus Bader
Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Lip Balm SPF50 15ml
Best for: Hydrated, protected lips
This is a one-and-done product for me. Instantly hydrating, broad-spectrum SPF50, and perfect under lipstick, Hello Sunday’s sun-protecting lip balm is brilliant for year-round use. It’s enriched with shea butter and squalane for an ultra-soft feeling.
Buy now £7.00, Cult Beauty
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml
Best for: Thicker consistency and hybrid protection
Every dermatologist you will ever speak to will stress the importance of wearing SPF daily, but this doesn’t need to be a chore.
CeraVe has created this moisturiser to be used every day to protect your skin from the sun with SPF50 coverage. It provides a broad-spectrum shield to limit exposure to ageing UVA and burning UVB, while remaining lightweight.
The sun’s rays can negatively impact the skin barrier, leading to fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and loss of elasticity. SPF is the first defence to repair and protect and prevent sensitivity, inflammation and peeling.
Buy now £16.50, Lookfantastic
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Best for: Rosacea-prone skin
South Korean label Thank You Farmer was created to cut through the beauty noise. Forget over-complicated formulations and long lists of ingredients that no one has heard of, the label instead prioritises natural and farm-grown ingredients, all in a bid to delay the skin’s ageing process.
Its own 8-Relieful Complex is at the heart of the Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream and contains eight elements like chia seed, honeysuckle and liquorice root extracts that calm inflammation, enrich the complexion with antioxidants and are all plant-based. Gentle on the skin, while packing powerful UV protection, it is a lightweight, non-greasy product that melts into the skin.
Buy now £18.00, Cult Beauty
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (50ml) Lightweight SPF 50+ PA++++
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Best for: Korean excellence
This is one of the bestselling and most popular Korean SPFs on the market - and with one squeeze of its hydrating, high-protection formula, it is no surprise why.
You don’t really need to add any additional moisturiser when applying this sun serum from SKIN1004, it is highly nourishing, harnessing the power of both hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica to plump, hydrate and soothe. It is packed with antioxidants to enhance its protective nature from external aggressors - including sprout extracts from rocket, green tea and broccoli. The lightweight texture is suitable for all skin types.
Buy now £18.00, Lookfantastic
