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Whether we like it or not, wearing a face SPF should be something that we are wearing underneath our makeup everyday – even if you’re indoors, and during the winter months!
A good quality SPF will protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays – which can cause a reduction in collagen, elasticity, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles – not to mention an increased risk of skin cancer too.
The good news? Face sunscreens are no longer thick, sticky and greasy! There are now plenty of great formulas that won’t clog pores or leave you looking like a ghost either.
It’s really important to check that your sunscreen is suitable for your skin type and offers a minimum of SPF 30.
Nowadays you can find SPF in all different forms – from complexion-boosting tinted CC creams, hydrating moisturisers with SPF, and antioxidant-rich lotions for extra wrinkle-proofing powers!
Should you get caught out by the sun and need some tips for dealing with sunburn? We’ve got you covered – check out these tricks and treatments to relieve blisters, redness and peeling.
We’ve also rounded up the 10 best aftersun lotions and creams for soothing and hydrating sunburnt skin.
Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30
This lightweight SPF 30 formula protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution and high energy visible light, especially now that the sun has come out to play.
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Best face sunscreens for 2023
We’ve rounded up the top sunscreens for your face below, including formulas for every skin type.
1. Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30
Best for dehydrated skin
Although it’s ideal to wear SPF all year round, this lightweight SPF 30 formula protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution and high energy visible light, especially now that the sun has come out to play.
The creamy, non-greasy formula contains Elemis Enviro-Age Complex, a triple defense system that helps combat the visible effects of environmental ageing, that’s also perfect when used as a base for makeup.
The clinically proven sunscreen is infused with coconut and jojoba oils to deliver a boost of hydration and leave the skin feeling nourished, soft and supple.
2. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer
Best for darker skin tones
This 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturiser is lightweight, oil free, and truly invisible on all skin tones, making the perfect sunscreen for melanated skin tones.
It won’t clog your pores and is known to clap back at dehydration, discoloration, dark spots, and it’s also makeup-friendly too. Best of all the container is refillable.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF50+ Sun Cream Gel
Best for acne-prone skin
La Roche-Posay are well known for offering gentle, nourishing formulas that are perfect for those who are prone to blemishes. The Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel is a non-comedogenic, light-as-air gel cream that offers SPF 50 protection and leaves a matte finish.
The water-resistant formula is suitable for all skin types but is specially designed for sensitive, intolerant and combination to oily skin.
4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Best for uneven skin
This best-selling moisturiser boasts an oil-free formula, is noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is non-greasy – making it a great choice for all skin types.
With natural light diffusers, it’s designed to leave you with a more even skin tone and improved texture for a radiant glow.
5. REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen 50ml
Best for sensitive skin
This silicone-free sunscreen is designed to protect the skin against all forms of light, plus it’s non-comedogenic formula won’t leave you looking pale as a sheet.
Easily absorbed, the lightweight product is created with clean ingredients that make it suitable for even the most sensitive complexions.
It contains yellow passionfruit seed extract and soothing rice extract to diminish red skin and leaves you with a shine-free finish.
6. Supergoop! GlowScreen SPF 30
Best to wear under makeup
Supergoop’s Glowscreen gives your skin an enviably dewy and luminous glow, not to mention the protection of SPF 30. It also sits well under makeup without making your skin look shiny or greasy.
The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and cocoa peptides to hydrate to the skin, while niacinamide helps to reduce excess sebum. Count us in!
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Best for combination skin
Keep your complexion nourished and protected with La Roche-Posay’s best-selling sun cream.
The lightweight fluid applies effortlessly to the skin without leaving the look and feel of greasy, heavy product residue.
It creates a powerful barrier against the harsh rays of the sun, reducing the risk of burning and irritation.
8. Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Moisturiser SPF 30
Best hydrating face sunscreen
This vegan facial sunscreen offers a great boost of hydration, while green coffee bean and peony extract help to brighten up dull complexions.
A mineral-based SPF 30 gives protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent future signs of ageing.
9. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50
Best for oily skin
This Kiehl’s product gives you both a High factor SPF and a non-greasy formula that oily skin types will appreciate.
Not only is it light enough for daily use, but will also help to reduce visible signs of ageing. We’re sold!
10. Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF50
Best for all skin types
This oil-free mineral sunscreen is designed with all skin types in mind.
It contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for protection against UV rays, plus the invisible finish makes it great for every skin tone.
11. Malin + Goetz SPF30 Sunscreen High Protection
Best for combination skin
This new launch from Malin+Gotez is one you’ll want to get your hands on ASAP!
With its quick-absorbing, non-greasy formula, this SPF 30 creates a shield against UV damage, while also hydrating skin – and even acts as an impressive primer for makeup too.
The star of this gel-cream formula is Malin+Goetz’s innovative, cold processed ‘MicroSperse Technology’ – which helps the SPF to glide on easily, spreading across your skin without pilling up or leaving an unwanted residue.
The nourishing formula is also brimming with brightening, oil-balancing niacinamide, antioxidant-packed, conditioning vitamin E and other skin-loving ingredients!
12. Carbon Theory Day-Lite SPF 50+
Best for sensitive skin
Image:
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With a unique super-lightweight formula, and a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection plus built-in hydration – Carbon Theory’s Day-Lite is a new generation of sunscreen.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free, Day-Lite SPF 50+ is designed for all skin types, from sensitive to oily and also has our breakout-busting ingredients to ensure that your skin is happy, healthy and protected from the sun.
SymSave H is an antioxidant ingredient with soothing characteristics to calm sensitive skin.
13. Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist
Best for over makeup
Keep your skin happy and healthy with Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist.
Designed with a lighter spray and innovative nozzle, this mist provides a gentle cooling, skin-loving finish with high performance SPF50+ to keep your skin protected when you top up your SPF throughout the day.
This unique formula is completely invisible and packed with native Australian botanical extracts, hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich watermelon extract and vitamin C rich Kakadu plum, perfect for not only setting your makeup, but also adding a luminous glow to your skin!
14. Dr Levy Pollution Shield
Best to prevent ageing skin
Designed to prevent premature ageing by protecting your skin from pollution, Dr. LEVY Switzerland’s innovative Pollution Shield 5PF isn’t technically an SPF – but it does protect the skin against fives types of pollution in four ways: anti-adherence, anti-penetration, anti-oxidation and anti-ageing!
Within minutes, the invisible formula effectively repels physical pollution while visibly softening the skin texture under a silky-soft veil.
The skin, under its protective screen, is bathed in protective probiotics, antioxidants and moisture-capturing oils to support your skin’s natural barrier.
It’s also supercharged with co-enzyme Q10 and vitamins C and E to help fortify depleted skin from within, promoting a more youthful finish!
15. Arbonne FunSun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Best for all over protection
This vegan and cruelty free formula goes on super lightweight and easily absorbs into skin, without the embarrasing chalky look afterwards.
TheZinc Oxide broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen delivers a more sheer, translucent appearance and to fight against UVA (skin ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays).
It’s also resistant against water meaning you can dip in the pool with full protection too.
Buy now from Arbonne (£32.00).
16. Verso Day Cream SPF 30
Best for anti-aging skin
Named the ‘ultimate daily hydrator’, Verso’s Day Cream SPF 30 keeps skin looking fresh and luminous from morning ‘til night – by smoothing creases, boosting radiance, brightening imperfections and providing protection from sun damage. Best of all? It’s all done without the tell-tale film left behind by so many skincare and suncare hybrids.
Verso are swiftly redefining retinol, with their patented ‘Retinol 8 Complex’ – a unique vitamin A derivative (a more stable form of vitamin A, with eight times the potency of topical retinol in the same dosage), together with polyphenol extracts – that works to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce pigmentation and supply the skin with more much-needed energy and oxygen to refine and illuminate without irritating! Pretty cool, hey?
17. Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Ultra-Lightweight Calming SPF 25 Veil
Best for calming skin
This lightweight veil delivers powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection whilst leaving the skin feeling calmed and soothed with nourishing Cannabidiol and skin-softening Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil!
Formulated with 99% pure Cannabidiol (CBD), the gentle sunscreen gives the your skin the protection it deserves – an it’s suitable for the most sensitive skin too!
The result? Your kin is left feeling calmed and soothed with an invisible, non-greasy finish.
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Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Ultra-Lightweight Calming SPF 25 Veil
18. COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Best for soothing skin
Perfect for daily use, this Aloe Soothing Sun Cream works to protect the skin from UV and environmental aggressors while deeply hydrating.
Lightweight enough to feel like a moisturiser, the sunscreen is easily and quickly absorbed by the skin, without feeling greasy or leaving a white cast.
Formulated with Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, the SPF leaves skin hydrated in the summer, without stripping the complexion!
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COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
19. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen SPF50
Best for mattifying skin
Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen SPF50 is a mineral-only SPF that will have re-thinking everything you know about mineral SPFs.
For starters, it won’t feel heavy – so you won’t look like a cricketer after application and sensitive skin won’t throw a tantrum either!
Perfect for anyone with oily or reactive skin, or those who just prefer a physical sunscreen, this fragrance-free formula won’t feel sticky or heavy; quite the contrary, it’s designed to soothe sensitive skin and grant a subtle matte finish.
Its protective prowess stems from zinc oxide; nothing more, nothing less – that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays while working as a soothing anti-inflammatory to reactive, angry skin.
Plant-derived pentavin then lends the blend a refreshing hit of hydration that reveals itself as a plump, juicy finish, plus antioxidant-rich kakadu plum guards your skin against free radicals and promotes a simply luminous finish!
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Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen SPF50
20. Hello Sunday The Everyday One – Face Moisturiser
Best for added skin protection
With the finish of a hydrating cream and the protection of a sunscreen, Hello Sunday’s The Everyday One – Face Moisturiser SPF 50 works hard to shield your skin from environmental aggressors – be it UVA/UVB rays, polluting particles or blue light!
Bridging the gap between sun protection and skin care, this fragrance-free formula is crafted from hyaluronic acid (the beauty industry’s favourite hydrating ingredient), as well as a moisturising complex of panthenol, allantoin and aloe vera to thoroughly soothe, condition and quench your skin.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s infused with free radical-thwarting carnosine and a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as vitamin C, algae and bisabolol to soothe and protect your skin. When it comes to the finish, the lightweight cream absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling super soft!
21. Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50
Best for lasting skincare benefits
This dual-action protective, skin tone evening anti-ageing formula represents a new generation in sunscreen.
With powerful UV shields plus antioxidant Vitamins C and E, it doubly shields your skin: firstly from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also from ageing free radicals and daily environmental damage.
Fast-absorbing and ideal for all skin types, it actively brightens, nourishes, firms and regenerates too helping form new collagen, and reducing the appearance of lines and imperfections.
Free from PABAs, parabens and artificial fragrance, results are instant and get even better with regular use.
22. Dr. Brandt’s Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50
Best for UVA, UVB and Blue Light protection
Make space on your top shelf for Dr. Brandt’s Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50! This lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50, HEV/Blue Light, infrared and pollution protection, promotes radiance and more youthful-looking skin – protecting against further discoloration, damage and photoaging.
The Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 is formulated with a combination of Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Extremolyte Technology, and antioxidants helping to protect from UVA/UVB rays, HEV/blue light, infrared radiation, and pollution. Clary Sage Ferment and Plankton Extract provide a natural brightening effect diminishes the look of age spots and improves skin clarity.
23. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen
Best for antioxidant-infused
Looking for a new fruit-filled skin care obsession? Enter the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 that’ll become your poolside pal and bathroom cabinet staple!
What’s a routine without an SPF that you can trust to protect you? Fused antioxidant-rich niacinamide, the number one hydrating hero that is hyaluronic acid and skin-soothing, vitamin-rich aloe, wave goodbye to dark spots and larger-than-life pores.
Banishing dullness and dehydration with its chemical and mineral hybrid formula, restore your healthy-looking radiant complexion totally rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ultra-lightweight, incredibly moisturising and housed in a chic shelfie-worthy bottle, this creamy dream unites ultimate sun protection with blendable benefits that your skin will no doubt thank you (and us) for.
Did we mention that you’ll never have to worry about a white cast, stickiness or greasy residue? Activate your dewy, glass-skin glow and basque in the sun…
24. Hada Labo Tokyo Face Sun Cream SPF50
Best Japanese sunscreen for the face
This new Hada Labo Tokyo sunscreen for the face is a light cream with an SPF50, providing the highest protection against sun rays.
Besides forming an effective shield against UVA and UVB radiation – this air light cream has potent anti-ageing properties.
The face cream includes Panthenol, which helps to regenerate collagen and elastin, while the Hada Labo Tokyo signature ingredient, Super Hyaluronic Acid is intensely moisturising, ensuring the skin is very well hydrated.
Buy now from Superdrug (£16.95).
25. Altruist Sun Spray SPF50
Best sun spray
Altruist uses a broad range of photostable UV filters, and not only is it suitable for daily use on adults, but children too.
The easy application means you just have to spray and rub in, simple as that. With its fast absorption it offers immediate protection, whilst being non-sticky and leaving no residue.
Buy now from Lloyds Pharmacy (£6).
26. Sun Bum Original Sun Screen Face Stick SPF 30
Best for on-the-go
Looking for a broad spectrum SPF 30 with both UVA and UVB protection, plus Vitamin E & Aloe Lotion? Well you’ve found it with Sun Bum!
Containing an emollient tropical extract, it also calms and soothes sensitive skin!
We love how it’s convenient and easy to use – as this premium sunscreen face stick that is perfect for squirming kids, sandy hands, or a quick swipe of sunscreen across your face!
Did you know it’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes too?
27. Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30
Best for over makeup
Coola’s Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 with Green Tea and Aloe is the perfect year-round addition to your beauty regime!
With a featherweight formula enriched with skin-nourishing plant extracts (including protective green tea and soothing aloe vera), this spray ‘fixes your face’ while providing invisible, broad spectrum UV protection! How cool is that?
Your smokiest eyes and brightest red lip looks will stay perfectly in place – and being from a specialist SPF brand, you can rest assured that the completely clear UV block will keep your complexion well protected!
28. Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50+
Best on a budget
This light-weight, easily absorbed day cream from Cetaphil is perfect for everyone!
It hydrates skin and provides very high, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB photoprotection to help defend skin against the effects of daily exposure to sunlight, and help skin maintain its natural protective barrier!
It’s suitable for all skin types – including those with sensitive skin too!
29. Saltee Face Sea & Sun Formula SPF 50
Best for swimming
Not only is it lightweight and hydrating -but soothing too! The Face Sea & Sun Formula SPF 50 offers naturally derived UVA and UVB protection that’s suitable for even the most sensitive of complexions.
Also ideal for soothing skin after a long day of sun exposure, this formula uses cucumber extract for intense skin hydration; Nordic pine bark to diminish the look of hyperpigmentation and give glow; birch water to protect the complexion via amino acids; and ocean-derived venuceane to counter photo damage while protecting you from the hottest of sunny days. And – as if that wasn’t enough – this fast-absorbing formula is completely oxybenzone-free, making it that little bit safer for ocean life.
30. ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser SPF 30
Best for giving skin a glow
Hydrate dry, dull skin with this lightweight hydrator that brings you glowing skin – boosted with SPF 30 to naturally protect the complexion!
The cult-favourite and beloved ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Moisturiser, has now been fortified with SPF 30 for ultimate summer radiance. Fresh, fruity, and hydrating, this easily-absorbed formula delivers a burst of delicious nutrients for the skin.
The perfect way to integrate SPF protection into your skincare or makeup routine, this moisturiser quenches dehydrated skin but also protects skin year-round with vitality and luminosity.
31. Zitsticka Megashade
Best for spot fighting
It’s a SPF 50, breakout-proof sun-care – made dewy!
Say hello to Zitsticka’s Megashade – a radiance boosting SPF serum that blocks sun damage from harmful UV rays while leaving an invisible, all day glow.
The formula sinks into the skin seamlessly and weightlessly and is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, never clogging your pores or leaving a white cast.
Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamin E, plus bacteria killing aloe vera and tea tree – it’s ticking all our boxes!
Buy now from Beauty Bay (£35.00)
32. Decléor Aloe Vera Sun Bi-Phase Oil SPF30
Best oil based SPF
This non-sticky Bi-Phase Sun Oil is enriched with Aloe Vera, Sesame, Argan and Coconut Oils leaves the skin feeling nourished and hydrated.
The formula with UVA and UVB filters, works instantly to protect the skin, providing SPF30 protection from the harmful effects of the sun.
The result? The skin is left feeling hydrated all day and upon application of the oil an instant cooling effect of -2°C is provided! How cool is that?
33. Love me me me Screen Time Medium Protection SPF25
Best for screen use
Start the day with Screen Time by Love me me me’s. It’s a daily SPF moisturiser that protect’s your skin from harmful UVA and UVB sun light – and combats sun damage and signs of ageing.
The hydrating formula is light-weight and glides onto the skin creating a perfect base for make-up that is moisturised, nourished and invisible.
They’ve also included CBD in the formula which naturally soothes all types of skin irritation.
So, while the SPF is working to protect you from the sun, you’re also getting nice, healthy, glowing skin.
34. Glow Hub Defend Yourself Sun Silk SPF 30
Best lightweight
Meet your new BFF, defend yourself sunscreen, our sun silk SPF 30! Broad spectrum protection to keep skin safe from sun, UVA (the rays that age you) + UVB (the ones that do the burning).
Called sun silk for a reason, lightweight & silky, this serum like SPF gives skin a visible glow, sinking in fast without clogging pores, feeling greasy or leaving a white cast on the skin.
Vitamin e, antioxidant_rich marigold + green tea give an extra layer of protection against environmental damage (think pollution & free radicals.)
A daily skin_care essential to shield skin from harmful rays, SPF protects skin from burning, helps prevent pigmentation & keeps your moisture barrier strong + skin healthy, meaning future signs of ageing = prevented.
Get ultimate protection from the sun, & be good to glow whatever the weather…
Buy now from Glow Hub (£12.00)
35. Derma Series SPF 30 Protecting Face Cream
Best for fast absorption
DermaSeries is an all-new skincare brand which sits under the Dove umbrella, developed with dermatologists to support the skin barrier and provide everyday care for sensitive or dryness prone skin types.
Sun exposure can be a trigger to those that suffer with skin conditions so SPF is crucial, however many on the market can be harsh on sensitive skin types.
The lightweight and fast absorbing formula is enriched with DermaSeries’ unique Ceramide Activation System which works with your skin to stimulate ceramide production from within, supporting the skin barrier more effectively than when just applied topically.
Expect no funny business with this fast absorbing, SPF30 face cream – that helps provide protection and long-lasting hydration.
How to choose a sunscreen for your face
- Go for SPF 30 or greater: Your face sunscreen needs to have a minimum of SPF 30. Paula Oliver, a dermatology nurse consultant, says: “Ideally, you should regularly apply at least SPF 50 to skin. Avoid rubbing it in as this can sometimes trigger itchiness, but instead apply it in smooth downwards strokes.”
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Look for UVA and UVB protection: Most dermatologists recommend going for formulas that provide both UVA and UVB protection. UVA are the sun rays that cause skin aging and UVB rays are the sun rays that lead to burning.
- Check the formula: If your skin is acne-prone, choose a noncomedogenic face sunscreen that’s free from heavy oils and is designed to not clog your pores. Those with dry skin should go for hydrating formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, while oily skin types are more suited to sunscreens that offer a matte finish.
Have you tried any of these SPF creams before? Or fancy giving one a go? Let us know which product you’re most excited about trying in the comments section below.
