15 best sunscreens for face, according to dermatologists and GLAMOUR editors
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Sunscreens for face are one of the few skincare products that I refuse to leave the house without – rain or shine. In fact, I consider my trusty SPF just as non-negotiable of an item as a basic white tee in my summer capsule wardrobe.
Be it in the form of a face serum, a stick, a spray or a moisturising lotion, any dermatologist would agree that applying sunscreen on a daily basis is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the long run, regardless of age or your skin type.
Dr Christine Hall, a GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, told me that 90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays. “The best skincare advice I can give to anyone is to use SPF every single day, all year around," she shares. "It needs to be a dedicated SPF that is broad spectrum and has a minimum sun protection factor of SPF30 or SPF50 is ideal.”
Enter, your definitive guide to the very best sunscreens for face – including broad-spectrum chemical, hybrid and mineral SPF iterations – that come recommended by some of the best dermatologists in the biz, as well as the GLAMOUR editors that use them on the daily. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Why do I need to wear sunscreen every single day? | Can I use a body SPF on my face? | What kind of ingredients should I look for in a sunscreen? | Which sunscreen won't leave a white cast? | Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better for your face? | What is the best face SPF? | How we tested.
Best sunscreens for face at a glance – our top picks:
- Best Face Sunscreen Overall: Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser with SPF 50+
- Best Face SPF, The Runner-Up: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Best Hydrating Face Sunscreen: Ultra Violette Super Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+
- Best SPF Spray: Sculpted By Aimee Sun Mist SPF 50 Spray
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Best Amazon Prime Day deals on sunscreens for face:
- L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical SPF 50+ Invisible UV Fluid, WAS £19.99 NOW £8.54
- Garnier BHA + Niacinamide Daily UV Anti Imperfection Fluid, WAS £12.99 NOW £7.78
- NIVEA Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 50 Cream, WAS £13.45 NOW £3.80
- Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30, WAS £31 NOW £14.99
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Protection Over Makeup Mist, WAS £13 NOW £5.48
How we test the best sunscreens for face:
Most members of the GLAMOUR team have been using a particular face SPF for years, and can vouch for the products' efficacy. Our favourites have been included in the edit below. Elsewhere, we've featured plenty of other formulas which also come in highly recommended. Each sunscreen for face has been tested on a variety of skin tones, textures and types to put every claim through its paces. We've evaluated each formulation based on scent, texture, how easily the product is absorbed, how makeup sits on top and whether it leaves a cast. Find out more about how we test here.
GLAMOUR's full edit of the best sunscreens for face for every skin type…
Best chemical face SPF
SPF level: 50+.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
Why we love it: Advanced Day Ultimate is Medik8's highest protection SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen, formulated with next-generation DNA repair enzymes and their most advanced 360° environmental shield to date. But not only does this broad-spectrum sunscreen shield your skin from the sun to prevent sun-induced premature signs of skin ageing, but it's also infused with nourishing squalane and hydrating multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deliver daily moisture to the complexion. The texture is lightweight and silky, makeup applies atop it like a dream and your complexion is left glowing. Apply it in the morning, after cleansing, application of a vitamin C serum and your trusty moisturiser.
After more from Medik8? Read our full Medik8 review.
Best face sunscreen for the beach
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical
Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
Why we love it: If you suffer from breakouts and find that wearing face SPFs tends to make matters worse, make a beeline for this bestseller product from La Roche-Posay. This 'invisible fluid' has been specially formulated for those with oily and acne-prone skin and mops up excess sebum for a mattifying effect, all while offering a super light feel and SPF50+ protection against the sun's rays.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Best hydrating sunscreen for face
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: It's hardly a coincidence that this Aussie brand is behind some of the best sun protection products on the market. This sunscreen in particular is one of their most popular sun creams, in part thanks to its great coverage and hydrating formula. Designed to combine the benefits of a moisturiser, primer and sunscreen all in one product, this face SPF is best suited for dry and combination skin. Plus, it's completely non-comedogenic and offers an impressive level of SPF50 protection. A win.
Best face SPF mist
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: At GLAMOUR, we looove a product that can help us reduce steps in our skincare routine. This innovative sunscreen mist from Sculpted by Aimee protects you from broad-spectrum rays while also hydrating your complexion and making your skin feel glowy and radiant, all the while offering you a chance to easily top it up throughout the day without ruining your whole makeup look.
Best sunscreen for a dewy glow
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Creamy.
Why we love it: If you're after a healthy-looking complexion with a dewy finish, you must check out the Glowscreen by Supergoop. Offering an optimal level of SPF30 protection, this sunscreen is ideal for dry and combination skin types, thanks to the included skin-loving ingredients and an extra-nourishing feel.
Best mineral face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This high-SPF mineral sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from potential damage by shielding it from everything, starting from UVA/UVB rays and infrared radiation, all the way down to pollution and blue light. It can be worn alone or layered under makeup. The best part is that since it's fragrance-free and gentle on all skin types, it's also a great option for those of us who have sensitive skin and are looking to steer away from chemical formulas.
Best soothing face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This moisturiser is a great fit for breakout-prone skin and mature skin, thanks to its youth-boosting formula. Thanks to the included sun protection of SPF 50, this product will keep your face nice and shielded from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight formula also packs a punch, thanks to its soothing, plant-based antioxidants that are well-equipped to deal with most skin concerns. Plus, there's no need to worry about your skin looking too shiny as this moisturiser has a soft matte finish.
Best affordable face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50+.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight milk.
Why we love it: Dermatologists recommend you apply a vitamin C serum underneath your sunscreen as the added layer of antioxidants boost its protection and help to brighten blemishes as well as patches of existing sun damage. Now the clever folks at L'Oreal have made that extra step in the morning redundant by incorporating this powerhouse active, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, into one fast-absorbing formula.
Best moisturiser with SPF
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
Why we love it: Looking for an affordable drugstore sunscreen that can protect you against any incoming sun damage without breaking the bank? This moisturising lotion from CeraVe is widely available at most pharmacies and provides up to 24 hours of hydration – perfectly convenient for those of us with normal to dry skin. It also comes with a non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula powered by hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides.
Best sunscreen stick for face
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Balm.
Why we love it: Enriched with a blend of skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane, this handy little sunscreen SPF stick from Glow Recipe makes reapplication an absolute treat. It glides on effortlessly and leaves behind a radiant, sheer glow.
Best face SPF that doesn't leave a white cast
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This lotion SPF doubles up as both an excellent daily moisturiser and a hard-working sun protector. It's great if you suffer from skin sensitivity because it's oil-free and fragrance-free. Plus, if you've got dark skin, you'll be glad to hear that it doesn't leave any chalky residue.
Best daily face SPF
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This lightweight, non-pilling sunscreen with Polyglutamic Acid gives you a protected, primed, and dewy base, ideal for whether you're planning to wear makeup or not. Plus, thanks to the included blends of skin-loving ingredients, this handy face SPF will also look after your skin all day without sinking into your fine lines and leaving behind a white cast. Wins all around.
Best sunscreen for sensitive skin
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: At GLAMOUR, we live for anything that successfully combines everything we love about makeup and skincare into one handy product. This water-resistant tinted face SPF comes with an ultralight formula that's supported by a roster of powerful antioxidants that keep your complexion in tip-top shape. Plus, it adds just a hint of long-lasting colour and coverage that's suitable for sensitive skin and promises not to clog up your pores. Oh, and it's vegan too.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF when you use these Sephora discount codes.
Best face SPF for oily skin
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: This formula includes tranexamic acid and niacinamide, the ingredient of the moment, which targets and regulates oil secretion, making it very useful for oily and combination skin types. Thanks to these active ingredients, this face SPF doesn't feature free radicals and works really hard to protect you from potential skin damage while keeping oiliness at bay and preventing and reducing discolouration.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Best K-beauty face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Filled to the brim with gentle yet effective ingredients like rice extract and probiotics, this K-beauty skincare product is practically a godsend to those of us with sensitive or dehydrated skin. Designed to restore your natural skin barrier to its former glory, it keeps moisture sealed in and can even make your go-to moisturiser even more effective. The best part is that it's so lightweight, it's an absolute pleasure when it comes to reapplying.
Which sunscreen won't leave a white cast?
If you're trying to steer clear of sunscreens that might give you a white cast, you might want to look into chemical sunscreens. Luckily, unlike old-fashioned formulas, new broad spectrum SPF 50 formulas are an absolute joy to wear for both light and darker skin tones. Unlike their mineral counterparts, they're known to absorb quicker without leaving a white cast.
Looking for more sun care products? Once you’ve invested in a facial sunscreen lotion, check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. Oh, and don't forget about makeup primers too.
Can I use a body SPF on my face?
No, you really shouldn't substitute an SPF that's been expertly formulated for your face with your go-to body sun cream (however tempting that may be). According to most dermatologists, it's almost as big of a skincare sin as using body moisturiser instead of a face moisturiser.
First of all, body sun creams generally tend to have a much thicker consistency compared to face sunscreens and face SPFs, so applying them to your face can block your pores and even potentially lead to unwanted breakouts.
“The skin in the face is much thinner and more delicate than the skin in other parts of the body. Products formulated for the body tend to be stronger and thicker than those that are formulated for the face," shares Dr Christine hall.
"The face is also an oilier area meaning that the skin on our bodies tend to be drier - hence body products will be heavier in terms of ingredients like oils and butters which would be too much for the face. So whilst it is OK to use face products on the body, you run the risk of inflamed and greasy skin if by using body products on the face.”
Why do I need to wear sunscreen every single day?
For starters, UVB and UVA rays are known culprits behind sunburns, pigmentation, accelerated wrinkle formation and premature ageing of your skin cells. Not to mention, prolonged, consistent and unprotected exposure to the harmful UV rays doesn't come without an increased risk of skin cancer.
Plus, some face SPFs have been expertly formulated to counteract other stressors, including pollution and the blue light emitted from screens on electronic devices. And much like other skincare products, the main difference lies with the added ingredients, which can vary depending on your skin's needs and personal preferences.
So not only do sunscreens for face (or face SPFs) prevent long-term damage, but they also help our skin maintain its ability to produce collagen and elastin, both of which are essential when it comes to keeping you looking plumped and youthful.
What kind of ingredients should I look for in a sunscreen?
When reading the ingredients list, you may often spot components like avobenzone,
octinoxate, octocrylene, oxybenzone and homosalate (popular in chemical sunscreens), as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalane, green tea extract, aloe vera (which is also often seen in after sun products). Otherwise, mineral sunscreens also tend to include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which help create a protective barrier on your skin that will reflect the harmful UV rays all the while avoiding irritating sensitive skin.
With the soothing and repairing ingredients you'd typically expect in your moisturisers and facial serums, today's face SPFs are generally long-lasting, hypoallergenic and some tinted versions are good enough to wear under – or even in lieu of – foundation. Non-comedogenic (in other words non-clogging), mineral SPFs are not just for the beach, but for every day. And so are SPF lip balms, by the way (not to be skipped).
Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better for your face?
According to both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation while SPF 50 blocks about 98% and SPF 100 blocks about 99%. So technically speaking, SPF 50 is the best facial SPF... but only marginally.
What is the best face SPF?
We've tried and tested all the best sunscreens for face in a range of textures and protection levels – from SPF 15 to SPF 40 and above – all coming from some of the best brands in the biz, including La Roche Posay, Ultra Violette, Eucerin, Medik8 and, of course, Garnier (and yes, we're talking about the iconic Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Spray).
As used by Rihanna herself (unsurprisingly – it's part of her own brand) is the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Available for £34 from Boots, it's a lightweight oil-free SPF/moisturiser-hybrid that provides a balancing dose of hydration with broad-spectrum protection. It brightens skin, reduces discolouration and dark spots and comes pink-tinted to ensure it applies invisibly on all skin tones. We’re talking zero chalkiness.
Shiseido’s Expert Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion with SPF50+ is totally dreamy. It has the ability to moisturise pores while shielding the surface of your skin. And it’s great if you’re going to be swimming, sweating or rained on, because thanks to SynchroShield™ technology, the lotion becomes even stronger when met with water, sweat, or heat from the sun, keeping your skin truly safe in every eventuality.
There’s also Dermalogica’s Pure Light SPF50 which provides hydration and a shield of SPF50 while also exfoliating your surface skin cells to diminish dark spots and brighten the skin. Or Soleil Toujours golden 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF 30 formula, which alongside eco-friendly broad spectrum mineral protection, adds a beautiful dose of glow to all skin tones.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.