19 Best Face Sunscreens 2024 UK; we tried and tested the best recommended SPF
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
APPLYING sunscreen to protect your skin from the ravages of the sun’s rays is crucial. Without it you risk premature ageing and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
While your normal sun cream will offer protection it’s worth considering adding a specialist face cream to your routine.
A facial sun cream has a lighter texture and is easier to wear year-round. It will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays as well as the harmful effects of blue light, which is emitted from laptop and phone screens.
The best products on the market won’t clog your pores, don’t leave a white residue and sink in fully, without making your skin sticky or greasy.
The good news is there are lots of facial sun creams out there, so you're sure to find one that’s perfectly suited to your skin type.
So without further ado, we've rounded up the best facial sunscreens that you'll want to wear whatever the weather.
Best face sunscreens at a glance:
- Best overall SPF for face:
- Best SPF 50:
- Best budget face sunscreen:
- Best SPF for under-make-up:
- Best face SPF for sensitive skin:
Bioré UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50
Bioré UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50, £10.65 from Superdrug
Pros: SPF 50, absorbs quickly, UVA and UVB protection, oil-free, lightweight, doesn't clog pores, no white cast, contains moisturising ingredients
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Bioré is the number one SPF brand in Japan and, with that in mind, I had high hopes for this watery SPF.
It's oil-free and doesn't clog your pores or feel greasy on the surface of your skin. I also found it to be lightweight and hydrating.
After testing this product for a week on oily skin, I had no new breakouts.
It behaves like a regular hydrating moisturiser, and the finish is sheer, leaving no white cast.
One of my pet peeves about facial sun creams is the way they disturb makeup application. However, this one is a pleasure to use under makeup. Plus, it's affordable and has a sun protection factor of 50.
SPF: 50, Finish: Sheer, Protection: UVA and UVB
La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream, £20 from Boots
Pros: High sun protection, moisturising, can be used on face and body
Cons: Not vegan
Rating: 5/5
If you ever suffered from acne as a teenager or adult then you'll know cult French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay. But did you know it has its own SPF50+ broad-spectrum sun cream?
If not, this is one to add to your basket. Unsurprisingly, as with so many of its products, this sun cream is of high quality: it's lightweight and non-greasy, protecting against your standard UVA and UVB rays as well as long UVA rays.
No need to worry about the longevity of this one because it's water, sweat and sand resistant and won't bring you up in spots. And it comes in the perfect size to carry around in your handbag so you can top up throughout the day.
SPF: 50, Finish: Sheer, Protection: UVA and UVB
Glow Hub Defend Yourself SPF30
Glow Hub Defend Yourself SPF30, £12 from ASOS
Pros: skincare ingredients, glowy finish, lightweight, UVA and UVB protection, no white cast, non-greasy, fragrance-free
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
This face sun cream is my go to for day-to-day use, whether I'm working from home, meeting mates for coffee or commuting into the city for a long day in the office.
The thing that sets it apart is that as well as protecting against UVA and UVB rays it acts as a powerful serum and leaves you with glowing skin — all for just £12.
I found this product worked perfectly under make up and while SPF 50 is ideal, dermatologists agree that SPF 30 will offer a good level of protection.
SPF: 30, Finish: Glowy, Protection: UVA and UVB
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SUQQU Protecting Day Cream SPF 50+
SUQQU Protecting Day Cream SPF 50+, £48 from Cult Beauty
Pros: Lightweight, SPF50, UVA and UVB protection, added skincare ingredients, glowy finish
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
There's no denying this product is pricey at nearly £50 for 30ml. However, I'd argue that it's one of the best face sun creams to wear under makeup. It's silky and astoundingly lightweight, making it feel like you have nothing on your skin at all.
Plus, it contains bilberry, olive leaf extract, green tea and horsetail plant extract to moisturise your skin and leave you glowing. I'd wear this as a step in my makeup routine even if it didn't contain sun protection.
It has SPF 50 and will protect you against UVA and UVB rays.
Because it's expensive, reserve this SPF for fancy days out when you need makeup to look flawless.
SPF: 50, Finish: Satin, Protection: UVA and UVB
ATHLETIA Skin Protection UV gel SPF30 and SPF50
ATHLETIA Skin Protection UV gel SPF30, £33 from Selfridges
Pros: Lightweight gel texture, non-greasy, hydrates skin, eco-conscious, reef-friendly
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Big fan of SUQQU's facial SPF? Say hello to ATHLETIA, SUQQU's Japanese sister brand. .
I was impressed with how quickly the lightweight gel sunk into my skin and I loved the pretty satin finish, which was an excellent base for makeup.
It's very moisturising without being greasy or tacky and contains hydrating ingredients like Athletia Energetic Complex (Ashitaba, Shiso, Rice extracts), uji green tea extracts and liquorice root extract to quench thirsty skin.
It also feels cool and soothing on the skin and has a refreshing smell (thanks to the added lemon, rosemary, grapefruit and cedarwood fragrance).
You're not harming the environment either, since it is coral reef safe and the packaging is recyclable and eco-conscious.
SPF: 30 or 50, Finish: Satin, Protection: UVA and UVB
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench SPF30
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench SPF30, £55 from Harvey Nichols
Pros: UVA and UVB protection, non-greasy, super hydrating,
Cons: SPF 30
Rating: 5/5
I'm a huge fan of the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench range, so I was thrilled to hear the news about this new addition.
The brand's Water Drench SPF 30 doesn't have the same bouncy gel-like consistency as its moisturiser, mask and eye cream, but it has the same weightless texture and invisible finish.
Besides shielding my skin against UVA and UVB rays, this product hydrated and plumped it intensely. It even prevents water loss while you're out in the sun.
As well as hydrating hyaluronic acid it contains pentavitin, which can deliver up to 72 hours of hydration to your skin.
This product looks like a dewy primer and makes for an excellent makeup base before concealer or foundation. All in all, it is an absolute dream.
SPF: 30; Finish: Dewy, Protection: UVA and UVB
Coola Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen SPF50
Coola Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen SPF 50, £45 from Cult Beauty
Pros: UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution protection, non-greasy
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
This SPF is the ultimate skincare and sun protection product in one. It has SPF 50 to protect you against UVA and UVB and is powered by the brand's plant-derived blue screen digital de-stress technology, which protects against blue light, infrared light and pollution.
It's intensely hydrating and I'd wear it if it had sun protection in it or not. Infused with hyaluronic acid and coconut water, the cream leaves your skin looking dewy, fresh nourished and feeling super soft.
Unlike a lot of SPF moisturisers, it isn't greasy, sticky or oily. It absorbs within seconds with very little effort. To top it all off, it's vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, contains ingredients that are 70%+ certified organic, and it's free from synthetic fragrance.
SPF: 50, Finish: Dewy, Protection: UVA and UVB
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50, £17.60 from Look Fantastic
Pros: SPF 50 PA+++, UVA and UVB protection, creamy and hydrating
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
South Korean beauty brand CosRX is hugely popular on the K Beauty scene and beyond for its simple packaging and use of unique ingredients like snail mucin.
This SPF contains aloe vera, which has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe sunburn and reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
I found this cream to be one of the most hydrating SPFs on the market.
This sun cream left my fair, normal (and slightly oily) skin with a dewy and healthy glow and absolutely no white cast, but the finish and colour will vary depending on your skin type and complexion.
Most importantly, it has UVA and UVB protection with a sun protection factor of 50 PA+++. Translation? It offers you pretty much the highest protection possible.
SPF: 50, Finish: Dewy, Protection: UVA and UVB
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50, £20 from Cult Beauty
Pros: SPF 50+, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight, sinks in quickly, hydrating hyaluronic acid, mistletoe extract stimulates cellular turnover
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Thank You Farmer is a Korean brand that uses natural, farm-grown ingredients to boost skin health, fight against environmental stresses and delay ageing over time.
This cream is fluid, and lightweight sinking into the skin effortlessly.
As well as SPF 50 it has high levels of hyaluronic acid to plump your skin and leave you with a dewy glow instantly.
I loved the finish and found that it wasn't greasy and didn't make my make up slip off.
As well as hydrating ingredients, it also contains mistletoe extract to stimulate cellular turnover. In short, this means it encourages your skin to repair and renew after being exposed to the sun and oxidative stress. This is also useful if you have a few stubborn breakouts, like me.
SPF: 50, Finish: Dewy, Protection: UVA and UVB
SVR Laboratorie Dermatologique Sun Secure Blur Soft-Focus Mousse SPF50+
Sun Secure Blur Soft-Focus Mousse SPF50+, £16 from Look Fantastic
Pros: SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
SVR Laboratorie Dermatologique is a French pharmacy brand that prides itself on making products that are gentle enough for even the most sensitive or problematic skin.
The standout feature of this product is that it has a magical mousse texture.
I was a little sceptical about this product, to begin with. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
I tried this on a day when my skin was irritated and breaking out and found that the blurring mousse helped to smooth over my spots and take down any redness.
Plus, it worked as an excellent primer for make up. Its summery apricot scent makes it enjoyable to use, too.
In terms of the actual sun protection, it'll protect you against UVA, UVB, blue light, and infrared and visible light, and has SPF 50.
SPF: 50, Finish: Matte, Protection: UVA, UVB and blue light.
Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50
Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50, £39 from Paula's Choice
Pros: SPF 30, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight, non-greasy
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Paula's Choice is a brand that I love for its exfoliants and serums, so it's no surprise that this SPF is a delight to use as well.
It works against both UVA and UVB rays, which means you're preventing sunburn, skin damage and premature signs of ageing.
This product doesn't seep into the deeper layers of your skin, where it could cause irritation, instead sitting on the skin to create a barrier against harmful rays.
Plus, it is non-greasy, leaves you with a dewy glow, and works as a primer alternative by allowing makeup to hold onto the skin's surface more easily. This one really does tick all of the boxes.
SPF: 50, Finish: Dewy and glowy, Protection: UVA and UVB
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, £32 from Space NK
Pros: Is for application over makeup, comes in a mini size, SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, skincare ingredients
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Ultra Violette is a sun care brand loved by every skincare obsessive, and its brand-new SPF 50 reapplication mist is a total game changer.
It's a lightweight mist that you spritz gently over your skin to top up your protection. As a plus it delivers a boost of soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C and E, and aloe vera.
There are not many SPF reapplication mists on the market, so this one is a game changer and super handy for summer.
As well as protecting my skin, this mist freshened up makeup and gave me a healthy glow when my skin started to look dull throughout the day. Plus, it's ideal for hot days when your makeup is starting to slip and slide and you need to cool down.
SPF: 50, Finish: Sheer, Protection: UVA and UVB
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen, £36 from Look Fantastic
Pros: Anti-ageing benefits, hydrating, no white cast, broad spectrum protection
Cons: Pricy, only SPF 30
Rating: 5/5
Skinceuticals is known for making high-quality skincare products and its brightening SPF follows that format.
Formulated specifically to prevent photo-ageing, it's broad-spectrum, protects against UVA and UVB rays, using state-of-the-art UV filters to leave your skin looking bright and fresh.
It feels weightless on the skin and absorbs to a sheer finish, making it perfect for a multitude of skin tones. Plus, it helps guard the skin against collagen loss and the formation of wrinkles that come with sun exposure.
I was impressed that the skin felt hydrated throughout the day and didn't look greasy. While it's a hefty price, mature skin types will love its skin-enhancing benefits and it can work as a primer between your skincare routine and makeup.
SPF: 30, Finish: Sheer, Protection: UVA and UVB
Skin Proud Serious Shade SPF50+ Sunscreen
Skin Proud Serious Shade SPF50+ Sunscreen, £16.95 from Skin Proud
Pros: sinks in easily, UVA and UVB protection, SPF50, skincare ingredients, smooth base for makeup, vegan, sustainable, cruelty-free, paraben-free
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Skin Proud is one of my favourite skincare brands because its products are as effective as they are affordable.
So, when the brand announced its foray into sun protection, I was excited. On top of the sleek, sunny packaging, the actual product ticks every box. It has factor 50 and protects against UVA and UVB rays while brightening and soothing your skin with unique skin-loving ingredients like acerola cherry extract and spirulina.
It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a greasy, sticky finish. It feels more like a hydrating serum, gives skin a silky appearance and acts as a smoothing primer.
It's a total joy to use and, it's cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable, and paraben free too. What more could you ask for?
SPF: 50, Finish: Silky, Protection: UVA and UVB
IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Sun Serum SPF 30 Untinted
IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Sun Serum SPF30 Tinted, £55 from IMAGE Skincare
Pros: SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight, non-greasy, tinted, no white cast
Cons: Doesn't come in other shades
Rating: 5/5
I'm a long-time user of IMAGE Skincare's Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, but I've never tried any of the brand's other products until now.
The fact that this is an SPF serum rather than a cream immediately appealed to me.
Outside of protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, it contains ingredients like squalane, ginger root extract, vitamin C, vitamin E and chamomile to moisturise, soothe and protect your skin against free radicals and environmental aggressors that lead to visible signs of ageing.
The serum also has a warm tint to it which adds a bit of colour and coverage.
If you're looking for a product that delivers skincare, sun protection and makeup (in the form of a very subtle glowy tint) all in one, this is a great option.
SPF: 30, Finish: Tinted, Protection: UVA and UVB
Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist
Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist, £25.60 from Face the Future
Pros: SPF 50, lightweight
Cons: Not moisturising
Rating: 4/5
Ultrasun's face and scalp mist is a great product for topping up your sun protection on the go.
The mist can simply be sprayed on the face and scalp to provide SPF 50 against UVA, UVB, infrared A and blue light.
It feels really light, cool and refreshing on the skin. It also sits on top of make up, which is great when reapplying through the day.
I really liked this product, which is great to throw in your bag for a day on the beach, but it's not moisturising so I would opt for a traditional cream SPF moisturiser in cooler months.
SPF: 50, Finish: Glowy, Protection: UVA, UVB, infared A and blue light.
Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream
Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream, £27.50 from Green People
Pros: Moisturising, good for sensitive skin
Cons: Quite heavy
Rating: 4/5
Green People's scent free facial cream has a mineral compound that forms a layer over the skin providing SPF 30 against UVA and UVB rays.
Being a mineral compound cream it was thicker than other products and I tested and it took a while to be absorbed by the skin, which isn't ideal if you're applying over make up.
Once absorbed it felt really moisturising and nourishing, thanks to the presence of cocoa butter, aloe vera and green tea. Best of all it wasn't at all greasy.
This is a really good product for those with sensitive skin as its scent free and made using organic and natural products.
SPF: 30, Protection: UVA and UVB
Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF30
Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF30, £29 from Evolve Organic Beauty
Pros: UVA and UVB protection, non-greasy, super hydrating, reef-friendly
Cons: SPF30 not SPF50, takes a while to sink in
Rating: 4/5
This is one of the richer and creamier sun lotions in the roundup meaning it takes a little longer to massage into the skin, but don't let that put you off.
This is because it's a mineral suncream that works by deflecting the UV rays away from the skin rather than absorbing them like chemical SPFs.
It contains lingonberry stem cells to protect against the damaging effects of sun radiation and free radicals, prickly pear cactus extract to hydrate and soothe, and hyaluronic acid to firm, plump, and hydrate.
This SPF improved the appearance and feel of my skin instantly.
Even if you've got dry skin, this cream is so hydrating that you may not even need to use a moisturiser, but it's possible to layer up underneath if you need to.
SPF: 30; Finish: Dewy, Protection: UVA and UVB
Clinique Moisture Surge SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator
Clinique Moisture Surge SPF25 Sheer Hydrator, £35.20 from Look Fantastic
Pros: UVA and UVB protection, hydrating, good under make-up
Cons: SPF 25, expensive
Rating: 4/5
Clinique's Moisture Surge is one of the brand's most popular products and this version of the product has SPF 25 to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Where the OG has a weightless gel-cream texture, this one feels a little heavier and cloud-like.
Containing an aloe bioferment and a HA complex, you'll notice that this moisturiser does plump your skin and give it a healthy glow. It also uses provitamin D to protect your skin's barrier function from environmental damage. Essentially, it's a recipe for healthy, hydrated skin.
SPF: 25, Finish: Invisible, Protection: UVA and UVB
How we tested these products
All sun creams have been tested by a member of The Sun's team. They were all worn for at least one day and the testers considered factors including the application of the cream or spray, the level of protection it offered, scent, feel and how often reapplication was required.
Where to buy sunscreen for faces in the UK
You can buy sunscreen for faces from a wide range of shops in the UK, from supermarkets and pharmacies to designated beauty stores including:
Should I be wearing sun cream every day?
We put this question to consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips, who said: "Using SPF is something many of us do not do every day. It's only thought of when going on holiday as the sun will be hotter and our skin is more likely to experience damage.
"However few know that UV rays affect our skin every day, even on rainy and cloudy days. Through a window at home or our car windscreen, these harmful rays damage our skin.
"UVA is present all year round. It penetrates the lower layers of our skin through to the dermis, mutating cells as they are being formed. UVA has now been seen to be a trigger and cause of skin cancer.
"UVB is present during the warmer months of the year and is responsible for sunburn and most skin cancer cases. Unlike UVA, it does not penetrate clouds or window glass."
What should I look for when buying sunscreen?
According to Dr Phillips: "Using SPF every day is a must, however, you must wear one containing broad-spectrum sun protection, as this protects you from UVA and UVB rays.
"As well as decreasing the risk of sunburn and premature ageing, wearing an SPF decreases your risk of developing skin cancer and massively reduces your melanoma risk and any damage to your body, including pigmentation and sunspots.
"SPFs are packed with an assortment of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to soften and care for the skin as it protects. So, while your SPF is working hard to protect against UVA and UVB rays, the antioxidants inside are also helping to defend against the free radicals and environmental aggressors that we are all exposed to daily."
How much do face sunscreens cost?
The price of an SPF sun cream for your face varies from brand to brand. But generally, you'll be able to get a decent facial sunscreen for around £15 to £40. There are more affordable options, like Glow Hub's £12 offering. Or, you can spend nearly £50 on a face SPF like SUQQU's. It all depends on preference and budget.
What SPF is best for faces?
Dermatologists recommend that everyone should wear at least SPF30, which allows around 3% of UVB rays into your skin.
To be extra safe, we recommend opting for SPF 50 and reapplying a few times a day.
What does SPF do for your face?
SPF stands for sun protection factor which is pretty self-explanatory.
However, not only does SPF protect from sun damage which can cause cancer, but it also helps to prevent signs of ageing like sagging, wrinkles and dark spots.
Is SPF 15 enough protection for your face?
For true protection, SPF 15 isn't enough. Dermatologists recommend using a minimum of SPF 30 but to be extra safe, opt for SPF 50.
The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 isn't as big as the numbers make it sound, but the change in the level of protection between SPF 30 and SPF 15 is significant.
How much SPF sun cream should I apply on my face?
Experts say that you should apply a teaspoon amount of SPF to your face, then reapply every two to three hours.