37 best sunscreens for face to see you through the heatwave
If you're not already incorporating one of the best sunscreens for face in your daily routine, you might need to re-consider your skincare ritual – after all, dermatology experts insist that it's the single most important step that should not be skipped. And thanks to the sudden heatwave that's graced us this week, applying (and re-applying) a high-quality formula that will protect your skin from all types of harmful UV rays is that much more important. That's right, with the temperatures expected to remain well over 30 celsius all throughout the weekend, you'd do well by equipping yourself with a broad-spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) product as soon as possible.
Why, you ask? UVB and UVA rays are known culprits behind sunburns, pigmentation, accelerate wrinkle formation and prematurely age your skin cells – not to mention the increased risk of getting skin cancer. Needless to say, sunscreens have become a crucial factor which helps not only prevent long-term damage but also help your skin maintain its ability to produce collagen and elastin, both of which are essential when it comes to keeping it plump and youthful.
But regardless of the scorching hot weather, you shouldn't forget that using an SPF should not depend on how warm/cold it gets throughout the year. After all, UVA rays are known to penetrate through clouds on grey days and still wreak havoc on our skin in the long-term.
Best face SPFs and sunscreens for face at a glance – our top picks:
- Best sunscreen for face overall: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect™ Age-Defying Moisturiser with SPF 50+, £59, Medik8
- Best face SPF, the runner-up: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50+, £20.90, LookFantastic
- Best for youth-boosting: Advanced Day Total Protect™ Age-Defying Moisturiser SPF 30, £57, Medik8
- Best face SPF for dry skin: Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF50+, WAS £22 NOW £16.50, Boots
- Best face SPF for oily skin: Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50, £50, LookFantastic
- Best face SPF for sensitive skin: Ultrasun Tinted Anti-Ageing Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin SPF30, WAS £28 NOW £20.80, Sephora
Some face SPFs even counteract other stressors, including pollution and the blue light emitted from screens on electronic devices. But similar to other skincare products, the key difference lies with the added ingredients, which can vary depending on your needs and preferences. Some formulations include hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalane, green tea extract, aloe vera (often seen in after sun products) and more. Otherwise, mineral sunscreens also often include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can aid create a protective barrier on your skin that will reflect the harmful UV rays, all the while avoid irritating sensitive skin.
While applying your favourite body sun cream may seem tempting and a much easier route than picking a whole separate product just for your face, we strong advise against falling into that trap. According to most dermatologists, it's almost as big of a skincare sin as using body moisturiser instead of a face moisturiser.
You see, 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. Trust us: you'll be much better off using a specially-designed, lightweight formula that suits your face's delicate skin.
Luckily, unlike old-fashioned formulas, new broad spectrum SPF 50 formulas are an absolute joy to wear for both light and darker skin tones. 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 good enough to wear under – or even in lieu of – foundation. Sheer and 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).
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). If you’re already using one, bravo. If not, it's never too late to start.
How we tested:
Most members of the GLAMOUR team have been using a particular brand of 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 scored each face SPF based on scent, texture, how easily the product is absorbed, how makeup sits on top and whether it leaves a 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.
Scroll for GLAMOUR's full edit of the best sunscreens for face to wear all year round.
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 protection cream shield your skin from the sun to prevent sun-induced premature signs of skin ageing, it's 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 and after application of a vitamin C serum.
After more from Medik8? Read our full Medik8 review.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Water-based gel.
Why we love it: With a formula that boasts hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E, this moisturising water-based face SPF has the silkiest texture of all the products on this list. Not only does it deliver a healthy boost of hydration, but it also leaves your skin looking nice and radiant.
GLAMOUR-approved: “I find hunting for face sunscreen one of the hardest beauty tasks: it needs to protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays with factor 50, needs to sit nicely underneath my makeup and needs to feel lightweight. Amongst many other criteria. And Coco & Eve's new Water Gel SPF delivers. It's mostly thanks to the water-gel formula which absorbs quickly, doesn't leave marks on the skin and feels lightweight when applied between a daily moisturiser and your makeup. I love the packaging, love the fact that it's fragrance-free and love the fact that it has anti-inflammatory, cell growth and wound healing properties to soothe aggravated skin.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's European Commerce Editor.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: The perfect daily cream (it has an invisible finish on the skin and no white-cast) this lightweight face SPF not only protects against sun damage, pollution and blue light, but it works to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Key ingredients? Think: antioxidant theobroma cacao seed extract which mitigates the negative effects of blue light emitted from the sun, Carnosine – a multi-tasking dipeptide which protects from both glycation and infrared light – and moringa extract which provides an exceptional anti-pollution defence.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemifcal or mineral: Chemical
Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
Why we love it: If you suffer from acne or breakouts and you find wearing face SPFs to simply make matters worse, make a beeline for this product from La Roche-Posay. This 'invisible fluid' has been specially formulated for those with oily skin and mops up excess sebum for a mattifying effect, all while still offering SPF50+ protection and a super light feel.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This face 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.
Save while you shop for the best face SPF with these Boots discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: Enriched with good-for-skin ingredients, this product has the ability to moisturise the pores while shielding the surface of your skin. It feels lovely and weightless on application, and 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.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: A face SPF that's formulated with reef-safe, environmentally-friendly ingredients that protect your skin and don't clog pores? It sounds too good to be true, but we promise you it's not. This face SPF contains red algae, meadowfoam seed and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated, protected from the sun and breakout-free. Hands down, one of the best face sun lotions around.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Rihanna has expanded her beauty empire to incorporate beauty, starting with her three essentials: cleanser, serum and, of course, SPF. Her Hydra Vizor is a lightweight oil-free SPF/moisturiser hybrid that provides a balancing dose of hydration with broad spectrum protection.
Save while you shop for the best face SPF with these Boots discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Spray.
Why we love it: With Vitamin E, peptides complex, 2% niacinamide, and Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water and Probiotic Fractions, this high-protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen goes beyond the call of duty to care for and nourish your skin.
Save while you shop for the best face SPF with these Boots discount codes.
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.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Water-based lotion.
Why we love it: You can wave UV rays, blue light, pollutants and infrared radiation goodbye – this powerful sun lotion makes them all a thing of the past. It has a watery texture that stays water- and sweat-proof for up to 40 minutes while providing a gentle cooling effect that's super-useful for the hottest of days.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
Why we love it: Not only does this affordable sunscreen provide reliable protection against sun damage, it also provides up to 24 hours of hydrating, making it perfect for anyone with normal to dry skin. It has a non-greasy feel as well as a non-comedogenic formula that's supported by hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide for an added hydrating boost.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: It's not the sexiest packaging but the product is fiiiiiine. This product contains powerful antioxidants , adds a hint of colour and coverage, lasts for yonks, AND is vegan too. Top notch, particularly for sensitive skin.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF when you use these Sephora discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 25.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight milk-like.
Why we love it: Like a sunscreen, moisturiser and primer all-in-one, this milk-like SPF is about to be your new bestie. Loaded with liquorice, lecithic and hyaluronic acid, you could easily consider this as part of your summertime skincare routine.
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 regulates oil secretion making it very useful for oily and combination skin types. Thanks to these active ingredients, this face SPF works really hard to protect your skin from the sun while keeping oiliness at bay and preventing and reducing discolouration. They're onto a winner.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: If you've been guilty of too much sun in the past and now have to deal with the dark spots of hyperpigmentation as well as protecting your skin from further damage, you can kill two birds with one stone by using this hardworking treatment. While providing hydration and a shield of SPF50, it also exfoliates surface skin cells to diminish dark spots and brighten the skin. Bonus!
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Gel-cream.
Why we love it: It's perfect for city dwellers. Not only is the delicate veil of SPF a draw but so is the satisfying hydrating (read: not greasy) effect. Adding to the list of pros is a special complex at the heart of the formula that includes blue ginger and Tahitian gardenia extracts to boost your skin's natural defences against UV rays and pollution.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Spray.
Why we love it: Applying sunscreen on the beach can often end up in a sand-based exfoliation while you try to guess if you've left streaks of white all over your face. Not with this, though. A light mist over your chops gives high protection with zero colour. Plus, it can be used on even the most sensitive of skins.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Kinda a foundation, kinda a face cream, very much a sunscreen. There's only one shade, but it blends to suit many a skin tone. The best part? It's hypoallergenic, enriched with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water and suitable for sensitive skin.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF when you use these Sephora discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This product took the surgeon-led brand 5 years to perfect, but perfect it they did. Upgraded with an advanced UV Defence System, the SPF is designed for daily use to both protect and fortify your skin. So good it's endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF when you use these LookFantastic discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 45
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight serum.
Why we love it: This super-lightweight, invisible formula boasts protection from UVA/UVB as well as infrared radiation and blue light. Plus, it also contains hyaluronic acid to quench skin's thirst as well as vitamin C to help brighten and protect your complexion.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: We first became interested in this natural face SPF when we learnt that it offsets free radical damage from the environment (thanks to potent antioxidants grape juice, sunflower shoot extract and astaxanthin). Then, we tried it, and fell in love harder. This physical sunscreen is sheer, lightweight and works to prolong your youthful-looking complexion by forming a skin barrier that protects you from the sun's rays. One of the best mineral sunscreens out there.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
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. Plus, there's no need to worry about your skin looking too shiny as this moisturiser has a soft matte finish.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Those who experience rosacea will know that sun exposure can aggravate symptoms, but at the same time, it can be tricky to find a sun cream that doesn't irritate your sensitive skin either. This one comes highly recommended by Victoria Health's Shabir Daya who says it “contains microfine zinc oxide as a physical barrier coupled with a chemical sunscreen, octinoxate, which happens to be one of the few chemical sunscreens that does not irritate the skin.”
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Affordable? Check. Lightweight formula? Check. Long-lasting mattifying effect? Aaand check. For this price point, there's not much this face SPF can't do. In addition to protecting your skin against UVA/UVB-induced skin damage, this cream absorbs excess oils to give you a light and non-greasy finish. Without a doubt, the best high-street (or drugstore) sunscreens we've seen.
Save while you shop for the best face SPF with these Boots discount codes.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight serum.
Why we love it: Featuring ingredients such as cassia extract, vitamin E, beta-glucan and purslane, this gentle face SPF has an incredibly lightweight feel, unlike most other products. Not only does it provide great protection against the sun, but it's designed to help calm the skin and reduce visible signs of aging and irritation. Leaves skin feeling light as air.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Non-greasy? Check. Silky smooth texture? Check. Matte finish and broad spectrum protection? Check aaand check. Made to be suitable for all skin types, this face SPF from Paula's Choice contains avobenzone, homosalate and vitamin E, which provide UVA and UVB protection while keeping your skin moisturised.
SPF level: SPF 46.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Tinted cream.
Why we love it: Nobody – and I mean nobody – wants a tinted sunscreen that feels cakey. And yes, that means people with more sensitive or acne-prone skin too. Thankfully, this product is extremely lightweight and can be worn underneath makeup or entirely on its own. Plus, did we mention that it's fragrance-free and oil-free too?
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: This water-resistant sunscreen can be used in place of your daily moisturiser to keep your face both hydrated and well-protected against the sun. It absorbs quickly into the skin, provides a range of youth-boosting effects to prevent premature aging and provides plenty of antioxidant goodness.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This affordable, fragrance-free face SPF shields your skin from UVA and UVB damage. It's enriched with vitamin E and features antioxidant protection to keep your skin safe from environmental aggressors such as pollution. The best part? It's water-resistant for up to 4 hours too, which saves you the trouble of reapplying it too often.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: Truly a skin- and environment-loving product. Made without the use of parabens, gluten or sulphites, this cruelty-free and reef-safe product is exactly what you need, if you care about keeping our oceans safe. Aaand… just like any standard sun cream, it also excels at protecting your skin too.
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Lightweight milk.
Why we love it: An effective, ocean-friendly face SPF that gives your skin a healthy tint and radiant glow from within? Yes please. This mineral SPF milk blends into virtually any skin tone and gives it a nice hydrating boost, thanks to ingredients such as squalane and vitamin E.
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 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. Genius.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Lightweight milk.
Why we love it: Re-applying your sunscreen is a must throughout the day. Fine if you're on the beach but that logic poses a problem when you already have a full face face of makeup on. This lightweight mist can be applied under or over makeup and contains a soothing cocktail of niacinamide, aloe vera and vitamin E to avoid messy midday touch-ups and take the heat out of your skin. Bonus points for how it makes our makeup look fresher as it means we'll be religiously re-applying.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Ideal for normal and dry skin, this daily moisturising face SPF contains a blend of five UV filters that help keep your skin safe even in the sunniest of days. Hydrates and rebalances your skin's moisture levels well.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Water-based lotion.
Why we love it: This water-based product has an incredibly lightweight feel to it that absorbs into your skin almost instantly without leaving behind a white cast. It's suitable for all skin types, gentle enough for your undereye area and is even formulated to be safe for the oceans and sealife.
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
Why we love it: This chemical sunscreen moisturiser from Trinny London offers broad-spectrum protection and is specially designed to help counter the aging effects of harmful UVA rays as well as the damaging effects of UVB rays. The best part is that it has a weightless and silky texture that absorbs quickly – you'll forget it's there at all.
#SunPoverty is the non-profit initiative you need to know about…
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?
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.
