The best SPF moisturisers to keep skin bouncy as it ages

Score: 83/100

This UV ray-fighting formulation scored almost full marks for skin hydration in our lab – every panellist who tried it confirmed its moisture-locking abilities, saying their faces felt hydrated all day after adding this step to their morning routines.

“It provided moisture that lasted until I cleansed my makeup off every night – other moisturisers with added SPF I’ve tried have made my skin dry,” one person told us, while another added: “Using this has meant my skin is genuinely in the best condition it’s ever been, hydration-wise.”

Many noted less redness after time spent in the sun than they would usually experience, even without reapplying (although this is not advised). They loved the light, non-greasy feel and found it didn’t look shiny once it sank into skin. One person thought their makeup had a little less staying power when they wore this under it, but that’s what the best setting sprays are for, right?

Score: 82/100

Skin + Me has revolutionised the skincare landscape in recent years with its personalised formulations, and this SPF moisturiser didn't disappoint, scoring full marks in our lab tests. Four hours after application, testers’ skin was still perfectly hydrated, and our experts were seriously impressed with the combination of ingredients.

Panellists agreed that it left their skin looking “hydrated all day,” with many saying it gave a “glowy” finish that sat beautifully under makeup. One person even told us their skin was so taught, it looked like they’d had Botox.

The innovative twist-and-click packaging was another highlight, helping users dispense the correct amount of product with a satisfying click and making it easy to get the recommended daily dose without wastage.

A few panellists would have liked the option to adjust the amount dispensed, though, and some felt the texture was a little thick and greasy – it’s worth noting that there are three versions of this formulation – for oily, combination and dry skin – so they may have selected one that wasn’t quite right for them. Overall, most agreed their skin was left feeling healthy, hydrated and glowing, making this a smart everyday staple.

Score: 82/100

Our testers were big fans of this sunscreen’s tinted formula, with many say they were happy with the coverage and noting that it evened skin tone without leaving a white cast. They told us the lightweight texture meant it absorbed quickly into skin and sat “beautifully” under makeup. Several panellists said it doubled up as a good makeup primer that left their skin looking plump and noticeably dewy.

“I liked the way that the cream was easily absorbed, and makeup applied nicely on top of it,” said one satisfied tester. While the ultra-thin, watery consistency divided opinion – one person noted it “needed shaking up before each use” – but most agreed the payoff was worth it, making this a lightweight SPF that delivers seamless coverage and a natural, radiant finish.

Score: 78/100

Medik8 is one of our beauty team’s favourite skincare brands, but it’s not just the retinols and potent actives that pack a punch. For days when you haven’t got time to layer up multiple skincare products, or you just want a grab-and-go cream to throw in your bag for all occasions, reach for this vitamin C SPF 30 moisturiser.

Our panellists said it improved the look and feel of their skin, with one telling us it made them look “more radiant and glow-y” in an instant. Testers also raved about the fresh, citrus scent and said it melted into their skin quickly and didn’t have a greasy residue, instead leaving their complexion soft and supple.

Score: 76/100

With a reputation for great value formulations that truly make a difference to skin, we weren’t surprised to see CeraVe make our list. Purposefully and thoughtfully designed to work for both dry and oily skin types, this moisturiser can help you transition you from periods of excess oil to more dull and dry days as your skin matures, without the need to swap it out as your skin changes.

It's packed with ceramides to strengthen that all-important skin barrier and ensure all that hydration gets locked in. Testers said they would continue using it after the trial period, telling us it sunk in easily, didn’t pill under makeup and left no white cast. Plus, it’s kind on your purse.

Score: 74/100

Elizabeth Arden has created some of the most iconic beauty products on the market (hello, Eight Hour Cream). Claiming to protect against pollution as well as UV – it’s literally named ‘city smart’ – this SPF 50 moisturiser is great for urban dwellers desperate to protect their faces against external aggressors and slow down the skin ageing process.

Our panellists said it was lightweight and fast absorbing, “with a lovely creamy (but not overly greasy) texture,” according to one. “It gave skin a slight natural tint, without leaving any streaks,” another person told us. Although it scored well for hydration in our lab tests, some of our panellists with dry patches said they’d expected their skin to feel more moisturised and had to use another cream on top – perhaps not one for those with really dry skin.

Score: 72/100

More than just its chic lilac packaging, Trinny London’s See The Light claims to reverse the signs of visible ageing. Developed in Korea – like many of the most efficacious formulations – it acts like a primer, with makeup to sit on top comfortably, without budging. “I felt like my makeup had a lovely base and it went on more smoothly than normal,” one panellist told us.

Some grumbled about the fragrance. “I didn’t like the smell personally, but I think some people would like it,” said another tester. But almost everyone told us their skin felt smoother and softer to the touch after using the product, and many said they noticed the potency of the sun protection factor – “I would normally get a red nose from being in the sun, but with just one application of this in the morning I managed to avoid any immediate signs of damage,” said one pleased panellist.