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We are bad at engaging with sun protection unless there’s a heatwave, or we’re venturing on holiday – and the gunky, greasy, spot-causing sunscreens of yore, which stained clothes and couldn’t be shifted, are partly to blame. TikTok misinformation and scaremongering (unsupported by significant clinical data) around rising cancer diagnoses on protected skin don’t help either. The dermatology community is united: high protection, broad spectrum SPF is the most important product you’ll use and the key defence against skin cancers and premature ageing of the skin.
The most important aspect of sun care is that people use it. The elegance of a modern sunscreen formula, the texture on fingertips and the comfort on skin, the smell, the packaging, the price, the finish and its ability to play nicely with other skincare and makeup products – these are, in my view, often the difference between someone’s decision to protect themselves or not. What follows are 57 user-friendly sunscreens I’ve enjoyed trying in recent years, all of which have proved popular with those to whom I’ve recommended them and none of which make sun protection a bind. I would gladly use any of them on my own family.
The best sunscreens you can buy in 2025
The best body sunscreens
Best overall:
Vichy Capital Soleil hydrating solar protective water
£17.20 at Look Fantastic
£19.49 at Superdrug
Extremely easy, comfortable SPF spray with an attractive (and subtle) golden tone. Everyone I offer it to loves it.
Size: 200ml
SPF: 50
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: from £8.60
Also consider:
Bondi Sands sunscreen lotion
£7.32 at Superdrug
£7.32 at Amazon
A terrific, fast-absorbing, everyday body lotion that leaves limbs gleaming and protected. Affordable enough to be appropriately lavish in application.
Size: 150ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £4.88
Sun Bum Original sunscreen lotion
£12.59 at Cult Beauty
£16.79 at Look Fantastic
Don’t be fooled by the delicious smell and cartoon branding … this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A top-notch lotion that even kids enjoy.
Size: 237ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £5.31
Shiseido Expert sun protector lotion
£15.20 at Look Fantastic
£20 at Space NK
If money were no object, this (or Ultra Violette’s Extreme Screen) would be my weapon of choice. It’s like the most luxuriant, rich, fragrant body cream, only armed with hi-tech Japanese sun protection. Works as well on the face.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £30.40
Saltee Body Sea & Sun lotion
£28 at Face the Future
£35 at Space NK
I love everything about this sunscreen – the packaging, the gel-creme texture, the fast drying. But the addictive summery smell takes it to the next level.
Size: 150ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £18.67
The best face sunscreens for balanced to dry skin
Best overall:
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face brightening sun serum
My sunscreen of the year and on my face almost non-stop. Moisturises my dry skin without being greasy (I can skip the day cream) and leaves a glowy but non-oily sheen. 10/10, I have no notes, awards must be given.
Size: 50ml
SPF: 50+
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £76
Also consider:
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV anti-dryness protection cream
£6.49 at Superdrug
£7.50 at Amazon
My favourite bargain sunscreen ever. Super-moisturising, non-stinging and makeup priming. Excellent.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £12.98
Vichy Mineral 89 72H moisture-boosting daily fluid
£20.40 at Look Fantastic
£25.50 at Escentual
For dehydrated skins, from balanced to dry, which hate the heaviness and sweatiness of rich sunscreens. Elegant and fresh.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £40.80
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift clinical vitamin C UV fluid
In truth, this works for everyone, but I’ve popped it here because dry skins won’t believe something so thin and light could feel so comfortable. Gives noticeable glow, too.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £19.98
The Inkey List polyglutamic acid dewy sunscreen
£12 at Look Fantastic
£10.50 at Amazon
Polyglutamic acid has skin scientists excited for its ability to hold plumping water in the skin. This makes great use of it in an affordable, makeup-friendly sunscreen.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £21
The best face sunscreens for oily skin
Best overall:
Bioré UV Watery Essence sunscreen
£14.99 at Superdrug
£14.83 at Amazon
Japanese skincare formulas are famous for their fine, weightless textures, and this one is a classic case in point. Fresh, watery, hydrating and transparent, it’s an ideal choice for gym-goers, sufferers of hot flashes, oily types and humid city dwellers. Terrific value.
Size: 50ml
SPF: 30
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: from £29.66
Also consider:
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face matt sun serum
My love for this Australian brand deepens. A new and very successful take on my beloved SPF50 serum, this has been tweaked to mattify oily skins without any chalky dryness, so now everyone can enjoy.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £76
Heliocare 360° oil-free gel
£23.25 at Boots
£25.50 at Amazon
One of the most popular oil-free sunscreens among hardcore beauty fans, and with good reason. A cult classic.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £46.50
Nivea UV face shine control
£8.50 at Boots
£9.99 at Superdrug
This skincare brand has bottomless pockets for research and development and, consequently, some of the best formulas on the high street. This is one of my favourites.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17
Eucerin dry touch, oil control, gel cream
£14.25 at Look Fantastic
£16 at Boots
One of my go-to recommendations when friends ask for a budget sunscreen for their spot-prone teens, who love the fresh gel texture, gentle feel and matt finish.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £28.50
Evy daily defense face mousse
£25.60 at Cult Beauty
£32 at Amazon
This airy mousse sunscreen dispenses high, lasting protection under and over makeup, at any time, leaving an imperceptible finish.
Size: 75ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £34.13
The best sunscreens for kids
Best overall:
Altruist sunscreen
£5.25 at Victoria Health
£11.50 for two at Amazon
A great-quality, affordable and doctor-founded sun care brand with philanthropy at its heart: 10p from each tube sold goes to charities supporting children with albinism in Africa.
Size: 100ml
SPF: 50
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £5.25
Also consider:
Sainsbury’s sun protect moisturising spray
Sainsbury’s own-brand sun care is excellent and considerately priced. My favourite of the supermarket ranges.
Size: 200ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £2.88
La Roche-Posay Anthelios dermo-pediatrics invisible spray
£20.40 at Look Fantastic
£25.50 at Boots
Ask a beauty editor or dermatologist which sunscreen brand they use on their own children, and there’s a very good chance they’ll say Anthelios.
Size: 200ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £10.20
Ultrasun extreme
£19.20 at Look Fantastic
£19.20 at Amazon
My for ever first choice for children with eczema and extreme sun sensitivity.
Size: 100ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £19.20
Sun Bum Original moisturising sun cream spray
£13.43 at Face the Future
£15.99 at Boots
This sunscreen meets the most rigorous standards, smells delicious, and can be aimed and fired efficiently at wriggly children.
Size: 200ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £6.72
The best mineral sunscreens
Best overall:
Beauty Pie Traceless mineral sunscreen + primer
Beauty Pie smashed this one out of the park. A mineral face-and-neck protector with minimal white cast (the nature of zinc and titanium means you’ll never be able to avoid one altogether) that feels light on the skin and stays smooth and grippy under makeup. Outstanding effort.
Size: 50ml
SPF: 30
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £60
Also consider:
Ultra Violette future fluid
£30.40 at SpaceNK
£38 at Cult Beauty
This new release is probably my favourite mineral sunscreen ever for drier skin types. Almost invisible, even on deeper skin tones, its squalane-rich zinc formula will be sufficiently moisturising for most skins to wear without an additional layer of day cream. I find I can apply it all around the eye area without any stinging or streaming, too.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £60.80
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops sunscreen
£28.80 at Cult Beauty
£36 at Space NK
A light, elegant screen, much-loved by oily and combination types (drier skins will feel parched).
Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £57.60
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen
£29.20 at Sephora
£29.20 at Cult Beauty
This sinks in faster and has the faintest white cast of any commercially available mineral sunscreen I’ve tried. Even the deepest skin tones should have a clear finish about five minutes after application. Spreads on easily, feels nongreasy.
Size: 45ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £68.49
Kinship self reflect probiotic moisturising sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens are zinc or titanium dioxide and cannot be transparent, but some cleverly added glow particles can mitigate the white cast on more skin tones. This does a great job of that on dry skins (oily skins, avoid).
Size: 50g; SPF: 32; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £32.40
InnBeauty mineral glow
Owing to outdated FDA regulations in the US (where sunscreen is treated as a drug rather than a cosmetic), American synthetic sunscreens are notoriously inelegant in their formulation. But a modern approach to mineral sunscreens using old-fashioned zinc or titanium dioxide is where US cosmetic brands focus their efforts. This is a gorgeous cream available in two shades (light/medium and medium/dark) that goes on lightly and sinks in fast. Makeup lies obediently on top. Suitable for all skin types, it’s currently only available expensively as a US import, but hitting the UK soon, so do keep an eye out. It’s brilliant.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 43; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £180.74
The best tinted sunscreens
Best overall:
Ultra Violette daydream screen
£27.11 at Sephora
£30.40 at SpaceNK
Tinted sunscreens are a great way of adding additional protection, but are insufficient alone. It’s not that the SPF is in any way inferior to that of a dedicated sunscreen (all have to meet the same stringent cosmetic regulations), but it’s simply not possible to apply a sufficient amount of tinted sunscreen without looking caked in makeup. This tinted SPF from Ultra Violette is the most versatile and easy-to-use tinted SPF, with enough long-lasting coverage to skip foundation altogether. The shade range is good, and the formula is fluid and pleasing to all skin types.
Size: 50ml
SPF: 50
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £54.22
Also consider:
Ilia Super serum skin tint
The best way to wear mineral protection is to tint it, but this is one of the few brands that does it comprehensively rather than banging out an “American Tan” and calling it a day. In summer, I layer this over my chemical sunscreen, and it works as a foundation with benefits. Everyone but those with oily skin should love it.
Size: 30ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £140
Supergoop! Glowscreen
£29.20 at Cult Beauty
£36.50 at Boots
after newsletter promotion
This is ideal if you’re looking for a sheer glow rather than a makeup substitute. Four flattering, radiant tints that add subtle pearlescence rather than glitter.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £58.40
Dr Sam’s flawless gossamer tint
This tinted mineral screen, ideal for sensitive skins and stingy eyes, now comes in four shades plus the untinted original. Gives a satiny look.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £70
Elf Suntouchable Whoa Glow
£13.99 at Superdrug
From £8.99 at Amazon
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane give this peachy-tinted formula even more bang for your buck. Easy for even makeup haters to wear.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.98
The best sunscreens for top-ups and over makeup
Best overall:
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV over makeup mist
£6.49 at Superdrug
£8.67 at Amazon
An accessible and reasonably priced milky mist that becomes invisible over makeup, allowing for the recommended two-hourly top-ups of high-factor SPF. Makeup is undisturbed, and the aluminium canister keeps the sunscreen pleasantly cool. Top marks.
Size: 75ml
SPF: 50+
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £8.65
Also consider:
Ultra Violette mini preen screen
I could have included at least half a dozen products from this feted Aussie brand, but this is my most-used, personally. A fine mist that makes diligent sun care a pleasure.
Size: 30ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £40
La Roche-Posay Anthelios face mist
£18.50 at Boots
£13.24 at Amazon
Very sensitive and rosacea skins can be sensitive to even fingertips during a flare-up. This gentle mist tops up the protection without poking the bear.
Size: 75ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.65
Elf Suntouchable mist
£13.99 at Superdrug
£14 at Boots
There’s frankly not much Elf isn’t good at – this mist for midday sunscreen top-ups is just the latest in the gold run.
Size: 60ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £23.32
Sculpted by Aimee sun mist
£19 at John Lewis
£19 at Amazon
The newest SPF mist on the block. Cooling, refreshing and glow giving.
Size: 70ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £27.14
The best solid sunscreens
Best overall:
Shiseido clear suncare stick
£32 at SpaceNK
£23.98 at Amazon
I carry this everywhere in summer so I’ll never be caught short. Transparent, glide-on protection that’s (unusually) good on any skin type – there’s zero grease or fuss.
Size: 20g
SPF: 50
UVA: yes
Price per 100g: £119.90
Also consider:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios stick
The ever-dependable, sensitive skin- and family-friendly Anthelios SPF in a Pritt-Stick-style delivery. Chuck it in a pram, nappy bag or glove compartment so it’s always handy.
Size: 9g; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £155.56
Supergoop! Glow stick
There’s much love in the beauty community for this, which simultaneously offers high protection and the glazey glow of a highlighter. Oily skins should swerve it.
Size: 20g; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £99
Clarins invisible sun care stick
£25 at John Lewis
£25 at Sephora
Clarins sun care is reliably terrific across the range. This solid SPF is invisible and unsticky, smells great and doesn’t sting my eyes.
Size: 17g; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £147.06
Thank You, Farmer silky calming sun stick
£18.40 at Boots
£18.40 at Amazon
A characteristically fine-textured, elegantly formulated balm from South Korea. No grease or white residue.
Size: 14g; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £131.43
The best transparent sunscreens
Best overall:
Naked Sundays CabanaClear water gel serum
Outstanding. An almost weightless, smooth and fairly hydrating gel (oily skins may be happy to skip moisturiser) that primes skin for makeup. Can also be reapplied over it in the afternoon with minimal disruption.
Size: 30ml
SPF: 50
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £75
Also consider:
Glossier Invisible Shield
£25.60 at SpaceNK
£32 at Glossier
Clear, gel-textured sunscreen with a weightless feel. To my eye, the original SPF30 is a tad shinier than the newer, more blurry SPF50 version, so be governed by your preferred finish.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £51.20
Murad multi-vitamin clear coat
£33.60 at Look Fantastic
£42 at John Lewis
The new wholly transparent sunscreen from the all-around impressive (and pricey) Murad. Gives a skin-blurring primer-like finish and sits comfortably and nicely under makeup.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £67.20
Garnier Ambre Solaire vitamin C daily UV fluid
£8.60 at Look Fantastic
£8.63 at Amazon
Garnier Ambre Solaire is, in my view, leagues ahead in high-street sun care. This clear version leaves a good glow without any pore-clogging grease.
Size: 40ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £21.50
Black Girl moisturising sunscreen lotion
I wanted to include this because most transparent sunscreens are geared towards oilier skins. This (despite looking opaque at first) is clear while being full of oils to moisturise dry skin.
Size: 89ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.96
The best luxury face sunscreens
Best overall:
Medik8 advanced day ultimate protect
£47.20 at Look Fantastic
£47.20 at Cult Beauty
I would not change a thing: I truly believe this to be the perfect SPF moisturiser for all skin types but oily. Practical packaging, high UVA and UVB protection, a highly moisturising but nongreasy cream that absorbs quickly and behaves immaculately around the eyes and under makeup. Only superlatives will do.
Size: 50ml
SPF: 50+
UVA: yes
Price per 100ml: £94.40
Also consider:
Cle de Peau Beauté UV protective cream
£77.60 at Cult Beauty
£78.40 at Look Fantastic
Outrageously expensive and utterly exquisite Japanese moisturiser that feels nothing like a sunscreen but gives high-level protection all the same. Like taking your face to the opera.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £155.20
SkinCeuticals advanced brightening sunscreen
£41.60 at Look Fantastic
£52 at SkinCeuticals
There’s a reason why this hi-tech, evidence-driven brand is so loved by dermatologists and aestheticians. I love all of its sunscreens, but this one, containing skin-soothing niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help fade discoloration, is the star.
Size: 40ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £104
Lancôme UV expert supra screen
£30.75 at Debenhams
£34.85 at Boots
The brand practically snuck out this beautiful and elegant product that I think is worth shouting about. Vitamin E, niacinamide, a fresh, nongreasy, hydrating texture and invisible finish make it a good all-rounder for anyone but the very dry.
Size: 40ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £76.88
Institut Esthederm Into Repair face care
£66 at John Lewis
£66 at SpaceNK
Sensitive skins miss out on many of the more luxurious creams and instead have to shop the pharmaceutical aisle. This protective day cream bucks the trend. Gentle but decadent.
Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £132
The best hair protectants
Best overall:
Kérastase Soleil crème sublime
£34.05 at Sephora
£29.25 at Amazon
Well, I couldn’t not say Kérastase, since I never summer holiday without it. It softens sun-scorched hair without making it greasy or fluffy, protects the scalp, aids a smooth bun or topknot on the beach, and smells like paradise. I will love it for ever.
Size: 150ml
UVA: no
Price per 100ml: £19.50
Also consider:
Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze sea spray
£26 at SpaceNK
£26 at Cult Beauty
For anyone looking for sexy tousles with their sun protection. It’s the only salt spray I’ve used that doesn’t make my hair feel dirty. Smells so good you could skip your perfume.
Size: 150ml; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.33
Aveda sun care protective hair veil
Aveda is the gold standard in more sustainable beauty practices. This vegan-friendly mist adds natural fragrance, UV protection and moisturising glycerine to parched hair.
Size: 100ml; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £32
Charles Worthington sunshine UV protect leave-in spray
UV protectants for hair are invariably pricey. This one works just as well for under a fiver. Softens scorched hair without adding gunk.
Size: 50ml; UVA: no; price per 100ml: £6.98
Wella Professional Invigo sun protection spray
£18.75 at Look Fantastic
£18.75 at Amazon
Adds welcome shine and moisture while protecting the integrity of your dye job.
Size: 150ml; UVA: no; price per 100ml: £12.50
What you need to know
How much sunscreen do you need to apply?
You should be applying about half a teaspoon (or two adult finger lengths) of product to your face and neck each morning, regardless of whether you’ll spend time outdoors (skin-ageing UVA comes through closed windows). Synthetic filters need 15-20 minutes to absorb before exposure, while mineral filters (which use zinc and/or titanium and usually leave a slight white cast) are effective upon application (which looks best done in two thin layers).
Protection of either kind should then be reapplied every couple of hours, which few people do in everyday life, which is why I’ve included some SPF top-up sprays (such as the Garnier Ambre Solaire mist) to make this more practical.
The article was originally published on 26 June 2024. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor’s discretion. The date of an article’s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 13 June 2025; three new products were added, and prices and retailers were updated throughout.
English (US)