Streamlining your skincare routine often comes down to one thing: upgrading your daily moisturiser with one that includes an SPF. In an ideal world, we’d layer cleansers, serums and creams with care, but early starts and time pressures don’t always allow for that. And on those days, an SPF moisturiser will be on-hand to do the heavy lifting.
While it might seem optional in UK climes, sunscreen remains one of the most important parts of any routine, protecting against UVA/UVB damage year-round, even under cloud cover. These harmful rays can not only contribute to serious conditions such as melanoma, but also the rate at which our skin ages.
When it comes to good skincare generally, professional MUA Florrie White told me that consistency matters most. Whether you have time for one product or six, the priority is that you “invest your time in using it day and night”. SPF moisturisers make that easier, combining hydration with daily protection in a way that’s simple to stick to. If you use a single skincare product, it should be a decent SPF moisturiser.
With that in mind, I tested a wide range of formulas – from budget buys to vitamin C-infused tints – to find the ones that actually do it all. Topping the list was Ultra Violette’s supreme screen, which stood out for its silky texture, long-lasting hydration and ability to suit a broad mix of skin types without compromise. Scroll on for all the formulas I deemed impressive after months (and in some cases, years) of testing.
Read more: 8 best vitamin C serums, tried and tested by a beauty editor
The best moisturisers with SPF for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ultra Violette supreme screen hydrating facial skinscreen SPF50+: £34, Sephora.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Simple protect ‘n’ glow triple protect moisturiser SPF30: £7, Boots.com
- Best value for money – Fenty Skin hydra vizor invisible moisturizer SPF30: £35, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for anti-ageing – Murad superactive moisturiser SPF wrinkle fighting: £59, Lookfantastic.com
- Best for a matte finish – Garnier BHA+ niacinamide daily UV fluid SPF50: £8.66, Boots.com
How I tested
Over the course of two years, I trialled each SPF moisturiser as the final step in my morning routine, wearing them for full days to assess how they performed under actual UV light, not just in front of my bathroom mirror. I revisited standout formulas over time, alongside testing newer launches, to ensure a fair and up-to-date comparison.
I kept the rest of my skincare consistent where possible, and looked closely at texture, absorption, white cast and hydration (both immediate and throughout the day), as well as how each formula layered under make-up. I also considered ingredients, SPF level and overall value for money. You’ll find a more detailed breakdown of my testing criteria further down this page.
Read more: Best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that protect without causing breakouts