We found the best SPF sunscreens for your every need and desire

It’s always important to wear SPF. UVA rays will penetrate through even clouds and windows. But now that the weather is warming up – and for many of us lockdown regulations are slowly easing – we’ll be spending more time outside and it is vital you protect your skin from those damaging UV rays.

With a market saturated with choices, when every make-up and skincare brand is seemingly getting into the sunscreen game, it can be hard to know where to start. So we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the best options for your every need.

BEST FOR DAILY USE

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

This Heliocare SPF will protect you against the spectrum of daily environmental challenges our skin faces including UVA and UVB rays as well as visible light and Infrared‐A radiation. An oil-free sunscreen that leaves no residue it is great for all skin types but particularly suited to those with sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin.

Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50

An ultra-fine transparent mineral sunscreen, this SPF will protect your skin from UV rays and daily environmental aggressors as well and help smooth imperfections and even natural skin tone with it’s universal tint.

BEST FOR CITY LIVING

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Dermalogica's sheer, lightweight physical sunscreen features non-nano zinc oxide that protects against blue light, UV rays, and pollution. Great for all skin types including those with sensitive skin, this SPF is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Clinique Super City Block SPF 40

This daily SPF from Clinique is fragrance-free and oil-free and will protect you against the sun as well as grime, smoke, and general pollution.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN

Glossier Invisible Shield

Glossier’s SPF comes in the form of a very lightweight, transparent gel consistency which makes it ideal for those with oily for darker skin tones, as well as for use under make-up.

BEST FOR SPRAYING

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50

Sprays are great for topping up your SPF, particularly over make-up, throughout the day and Kate Somerville’s is one of the best. Not only will it protect you from harmful rays, it will set your make-up, reducing shine while hydrating the skin.

BEST FOR VEGANS

Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

Vegan and cruelty-free, this Body Shop SPF will protect you against UVA and UVB rays as well as indoor and outdoor pollution. A chemical sunscreen it absorbs and reflects the UV rays and will leave no sticky residue.

Medik8 Physical Sunscreen

This Meik8 SPF is a physical sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Fast-absorbing it is light enough for everyday use and will help shield you against environmental aggressors. Plus it’s vegan.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Zelens Daily Defence - Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This Zelens sunscreen is the result of years of intensive research by brand founder Dr Marko Lens, a specialist in the fields of skin ageing and skin cancer. It’s lightweight formula makes it perfect for daily wear and easy to wear under make-up.

BEST ON A BUDGET

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid in Factor 50

An all-time great plus extremely affordable, La Roche-Posay’s SPF 50 is lightweight, sweat-proof, and sand-proof offering high protection at a great price.

BEST SPLURGE

Skinceuticals Ultra Facial Defense

Offering high protection as well as hydration, this Skinceuticals SPF absorbs quickly leaving no residue and works great underneath make-up. A good option for those with oilier skin as it has a slightly mattifying finish.

BEST FOR DARKER SKIN TONES

Ecooking Sunscreen SPF30

This milky-textured SPF from Danish brand Ecooking is fast-absorbing and formulated with organic ingredients and natural oils, as well as chemical UVA and UVB filters, to protect the skin. It’s also vegan!

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

This mineral tinted sunscreen has been formulated to cover a range of skin tones without leaving a ghostly residue behind. Not sticky or oily, it will protect you from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated.

Ultrasun Face SPF50+ Anti-Pigmentation

This SPF from Ultrasun will protect your skin while repairing and protecting skin pigmentation. Suitable for sensitive skin, it has a matte finish and won’t leave any white residue.

BEST FOR THE SMELL

Sol de Janeiro My Sol Stick SPF50

This SPF stick from Sol Janeiro is perfect for bringing extra protection to those delicate spots like ears, lips and nose, as well as tattoos. Easy to throw in your bag, it also smells delicious and will transport you to the beaches of Brazil… metaphorically, that is.

BEST FOR THE BEACH

Biotherm Aqua Gelée Solaire

Keep your body and face protected and hydrated with Biotherm’s SPF sun gel. The weightless formula won’t leave any white marks and will feel fresh on your skin.

Avène Very High Protection Cleanance SPF 50+

Avène’s high protection SPF is non-greasy and non-sticky and comes in a range of options from creams to sprays. If you have oily, blemish prone skin the Cleanance SPF is a great option while the lotion for children is specifically formulated for this more sensitive skin.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water SPF 30

Vichy’s sunscreen range offers everything from lightweight sprays to hydrating gels, all with high protection to keep you safe from the sun.