Yahoo Lifestyle In need of an SPF moisturiser? Look no further than to the best on the market
By now everybody should all be well aware of just how important it is to wear sunscreen every single day. Yes, even when it’s cloudy outside (like it is right now as I type this despite the fact it’s August. But let's not talk about that).
If you’re wondering why it’s so important despite a lack of sunshine, it’s because the UV rays that are emitted from the sun can cause damage to your skin all year round. They can even get through both clouds and windows, so unless you’re going to be locked up in a dark room for the rest of time, I ask you to please wear SPF.
I get it though: you probably think there isn’t a product out there that’ll work for you, but trust me, there is. It doesn’t matter what your skin type – whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive or acne-prone – or what your budget is, I guarantee there’ll be something out there that you’ll love, and the best SPF is the one that you actively want to apply each morning.
But if you don’t believe me, I’ve spoken to two of the UK’s top derms to get their advice.
Why is it important to wear SPF every day?
“In a nutshell, daily sunscreen application is crucial as it protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV can cause skin cancer, premature ageing and sunburn. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the skin so this is why we advise daily use," explains Dr Anjali Mahto, founder of Self London.
"Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent cumulative sun damage, maintaining healthier, younger-looking skin and reducing the risk of serious skin conditions later down the line. It’s a simple step in your everyday routine that will have a big impact over your lifetime,” she says.
What factor sunscreen is best?
“Ideally at least an SPF30, but I like to use an SPF50 that has broad spectrum UVA protection, added blue light protection and is tinted,” says Dr Angela Tewari, Avène’s partner consultant dermatologist. Dr Mahto concurs, adding that an SPF30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB rays. “They’re the ones that are primarily responsible for sunburn and contribute to skin cancer."
Is a moisturiser with SPF enough?
"A moisturiser with SPF can be effective if applied correctly and generously. And this is the key," says Dr Mahto. "Most people don’t apply enough product to achieve the full SPF rating, potentially leaving skin inadequately protected."
That's why you'll find most experts advising liberal and even application on all exposed areas, and it's also important to remember that SPF is just one part of the equation. "You also need to defend skin against UVA rays, too, so ensure the product you're using is broad-spectrum – meaning it has both UVA and UVB protection."
Can you mix a moisturiser with SPF?
In short, the answer here is no. "You'll end up with a diluted level of protection which is I wouldn’t advise it. You shouldn’t really mix anything with your SPF, not even another SPF," warns Dr Tewari.
How much SPF should be applied?
In order to get the stated level of SPF protection, you need to ensure you're using the right amount. "Apply at least a teaspoon of SPF moisturiser to your face and neck daily," says Dr Mahto. "The general guideline we go by is to use two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin."
However, we know that's not always easy to measure, which is where the clever 'two finger' rule comes in. "Squeeze out a line of sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers and apply this amount to your face and neck. Ensure even coverage for adequate protection," she explains.
The best SPF moisturisers 2025
Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
A beauty editor favourite for very good reason, CeraVe’s moisturising SPF50 is packed with the brand’s patented ceramide technology meaning it’ll provide skin with long-lasting hydration as well as protection against UV.
The rich cream is nourishing but not greasy, it sinks into skin quickly and it’s also got added niacinamide and vitamin E to help balance and even out your skin.
Holy Hydration Face Cream SPF30
Truly weightless, this nourishing cream delivers both impressive hydration and SPF30 in one easily-absorbed cream that really does melt into skin. It contains both hyaluronic acid and peptides to care for and support skin.
It’s great for all skin types but is most beneficial for those who sit on the drier end of the spectrum, and it doesn’t feel greasy on skin and we love the fresh scent it has.
Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF50 Moisturiser
If you’re looking for an incredibly lightweight sunscreen that’ll sit perfectly under make-up, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost fluid might be the product you’ve been looking for.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5 and niacinamide, it protects against harmful UV rays while promising all-day hydration. It absorbs quickly and supports the delicate skin barrier, too.
C+ 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50
New in from Paula’s Choice, this vitamin C-infused moisturiser works to help minimise discolouration for more even-looking skin while also working to prevent dark spots occurring.
Plus, it contains SPF50 to protect against sun damage – all whilst being proven to hydrate and brighten skin over time. Consider it a one-stop wonder product.
Protective Fluid SPF30
Ideal for oily or spot-prone complexions, this multi-purpose formula works to nourish, mattify and clarify skin. Incredibly lightweight, it absorbs quickly into skin and immediately gets to work soothing blemishes.
It protects against UVA and UVB rays and it’s formulated with sebum regulating technology that promises to provide a long-lasting matte-looking finish on skin, which should save you from that 3pm oil-slick.
Hydrance Light-UV Hydrating Emulsion SPF30 Moisturiser
Nourishing but not sticky or greasy, this sunscreen moisturiser defends against skin damage caused by harmful UV rays.
It’s bolstered with Avène’s incredible thermal spring water that contains anti-irritating properties to help soothe and calm stressed or irritated skin.
Plus, it provides up to 24-hpurs of hydration, and we love the fact it dries down quickly and has a matte finish.
The Everyday One SPF50
A real everyday hero, this lightweight moisturiser combines SPF50 to protect against UVA and UIVB rays alongside a blend of hyaluronic acid to help moisturise skin, vitamin E for its ability to strengthen the delicate barrier and amino acids to soothe the skin.
Plus, it’s fragrance-free and absorbs into skin like a dream, making it the perfect base for makeup.
Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50
With an impressive blend of hydrating and skin-supporting ingredients, Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer is mineral sunscreen perfection. Nourishing and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), it doesn’t leave a white cast and instead it’ll give skin an impressive glow.
Ideal for wearing underneath makeup, it contains a hardworking trio of hydrating squalane, moisture-attracting sodium hyaluronate and skin-softening shea butter.
SPF Face Moisturiser
Ideal for those with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, E45’s SPF moisturiser absorbs quickly and feels incredibly lightweight, and it’s non-comedogenic so you don’t need to worry about it clogging or blocking pores.
As well as protecting against sun damage, it also contains vitamin E to nourish and defend against environmental aggressors, like the pollution we’re exposed to on a daily basis.
Prisma Protect SPF30
A vegan and cruelty-free formula that’s activated by visible light using clever technology that helps to boost skin’s natural luminosity.
With broad spectrum SPF30 protection, it defends against UV rays as well as pollution, plus it promises to hydrate skin all day long.
Glow-C Daily Moisturiser SPF30
An incredibly satisfying, lightweight whipped formula, this moisturiser contains both niacinamide and dual-action vitamin C to help simultaneously brighten and hydrate skin, while added SPF30 works to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
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