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The 21 best sunscreens for the face – tried, tested and reviewed
Keep your skin safe from am to pm...
Whether it's daily defence or your summer beach protection, it's so important to keep your skin safe with the best sunscreen. Yup, finding the right facial SPF will ensure your skin is guarded against premature lines and pigmentation. But even when you've found your sunscreen soulmate, there are still loads of SPF myths out there that can confuse even the best of us. That's why we hit up Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe and Dr Sophie Shotter, to help de-bunk some of the most common misconceptions...
"My foundation already contains SPF so I don't need one"
Incorrect, and the same goes for your moisturiser. You need to apply a dedicated broad spectrum (as in, it fights UVA and UVB rays) as the final step in your skincare routine.
"I can ditch SPF during winter"
Wrong again. You need to protect your face all year round with a factor 30 minimum, even on grey days. Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe recommends applying at least a 20-pence-piece-sized blob during winter months, and a 10-pence-piece during summer.
"Sunscreen causes breakouts"
“There are sunscreens designed specifically to control sebum production,” explains Dr Sophie Shotter. “Just look for a product labelled ‘oil-free’ and ‘non-comedogenic’", which means it won’t clog pores and cause further eruptions. Check out Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50, if you need somewhere to start.
"Deeper skin tones don't need SPF"
"Darker skin like mine already has a natural built-in SPF of around 12,” explains Ukeleghe. “But I still protect my skin from ageing UV rays.” (And why wouldn’t she? They’re responsible for a terrifying 90% of ageing). “It’s especially important if you use ingredients known to sensitise the skin, such as retinol.”
Ok, so now we've sorted the facts from the fiction, here are the sunscreens we're stocking up on this summer all year round...
Best face SPFs
As a chemical sunscreen (identified by the octocrylene in its ingredients list), this SPF is supposed to feel lightweight on the skin and not leave a white cast – and thankfully, it does both... and more!
So, if you're after a protective SPF that sits under makeup without trace, this is the all-rounder to know.
Welcome to a new era of SPF application; Enter, Naked Sundays' Hydrating Glow Mist. Easy to apply, fast to absorb and above all, broad spectrum protection with zero white cast, the light spritz is as top-tier as it sounds.
We all know that reapplying SPF can be a laborious task (especially when in the sweltering sun) and something that many of us may forget to do... guilty. However, it need not be a chore anymore because trust me, you'll want to reach for this refreshing boost of hydration. Plus, it smells delicious and that's always an added bonus!
Those with rosacea are often told to opt for mineral sunscreens above all others (thanks to their anti-redness skills) but I must confess, I hate them. I'm as white as paper and they still somehow leave a white cast on me, so those with darker skin tones will find it impossible. However, this silky SPF50 from Tatcha is one of the only ones I've found that not only doesn't leave my skin looking grey but the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid-rich formula also does a great job at minimizing pores and texture irregularities.
It's lightweight, glowy and doesn't leave my skin feeling like there's a cast over it (IYKYK). Did I mention it's also reef-safe? Talk about ideal.
VICHY Idéal Soleil Anti-Ageing Sun Lotion
When it comes to sunscreen, Vichy knows exactly what they're doing... Case in point: this anti-ageing facial SPF. Containing a mixture of Black Tea, Vitamin C and the brand’s signature Mineralising Thermal Water, it helps soothe and protect the skin, all while defending against both UVA and UVB.
Vitamin C's antioxidant properties help fight against free radical damage, so it makes total sense to combine it with your SPF. In fact, the superstar ingredient will actually amplify your sunscreen's effectiveness. So, technically – according to girl math – this is a two-in-one. Plus, this adds some serious glow to skin too.
Niacinamide? In a face SPF? Yes, please! We’re not only protecting our skin from the sun, but treating fine lines and texture with a mattifying effect, too. Pores, be gone!
P.S. You know a product is good when it wins a Cosmo Beauty Award... and this won 'best mattifying SPF' of summer 2024!
Sun Bum SPF50 Face Lotion
This SPF has endless benefits and I'm here to reel them off to you – you're welcome. Not only does it have a high factor of 50 but it's cruelty-free, lightweight, does not leave a white cast and absorbs into the skin in seconds.
Oh, and for those sensitive (skin) folks among us, this is fragrance-free.
The light, gel-like formula of this SPF absorbs into the skin almost instantly, making it the perfect base layer for under makeup.
Loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, it leaves skin supple and glowy, while the broad spectrum SPF30 protects against UVA and UVB.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Moisturiser
Ok, I know it's a bit on the pricey side, but hear me out... This is one of the best sunscreens I've ever tried, not only does it offer broad spectrum SPF50 and leave no greasy or chalky residue, but it also contains a powerhouse of skincare ingredients, including niacinamide (which helps decongest and brighten the skin).
Fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, this protect +prime combo uses natural reflective pigments to deliver a lit-from-within glow, while making sure your skin is protected from any true sun-kisses.
Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel Cream SPF 50+
As a greasy b*tch, I understand how difficult it can be to control oily skin – let alone in the summer heat. Alas, fear not for Eucerin's Oil Control Sun Gel Cream is here to help! (And be your best friend!)
Not only does this cream dry down matte but it's dermatologically-approved ingredients make for a non-comedogenic formula. Aka, it won't break you out or clog pores. An all-round winner.
A cult product for beauty industry insiders, this face SPF is well worth considering if you avoid sunscreen because you’re prone to breakouts. The mattifying gel leaves a glowy (not greasy) finish, whilst protecting against UVA and UVB.
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50 Super UV Over Makeup Mist for Face
There's nothing worse than having a full face of makeup on while the sun is beaming its UV rays down upon you... first-world problems, ey?
But here to save our soul skin is Garnier with their ultra fine SPF50 mist that can be applied over the top of makeup. Protect your skin and refresh your face while you're at it! Innovation at its finest.
If you're on the hunt for a mineral SPF, this hydrating moisturiser will tick every box.
The SPF50 is enriched with Vitamin E, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract and Zinc Oxide, offering UVA and UVB protection. It has a slight tint giving a sheer, glowy coverage.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30
Not only are we huge fans of this SPF (and of Fenty Skin in general, tbh), but it also won the seal of approval from Dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk when she reviewed celebrity skincare lines for us.
"I adore this," she told us, whilst also shouting out the inkey list which includes niacinamide, glycerine and hyaluronic acid.
Plus, it's non-comedogenic so suitable for acne-prone skin. Hurray!
Supergoop! has an entire SPF wardrobe for you to choose from but if you are on the more active side (or just a heavy sweater) this is the one we would recommend.
As the name suggests, Play is designed to keep you protected no matter what you're doing. That means it's completely invisible, water and sweat-resistant and won't run into your eyes when you're mid-tennis game.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Clinical SPF50+ Invisible Fluid
Protecting your face from sun damage (and signs of ageing) shouldn't have to cost you a fortune. This not only leaves skin dewy and plumed, sans any greasiness, but it's also under a tenner. For a factor 50, that is.
It's so good, we actually wrote a whole love letter dedicated to this silky SPF which you can read all about here.
This little pocket-friendly wonder is so handy. Perfect for face, lips, hands and anywhere that needs frequent SPF top-ups. One quick swipe delivers high protection in a non-greasy disappearing formula.
P.S. You know a product is good when it wins a Cosmo Beauty Award... and this won 'best on-the-go SPF' of summer 2024!
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Skinscreen
Ultra Violette offers multiple SPF formulations to try depending on your skin type, so you're bound to find the sunscreen for you.
Their Hydrating Facial Skinscreen is by far our favourite for dry skin types as it means you can skip moisturiser altogether, but it doesn't leave that greasy feeling associated with other sunscreens.
It's true, we've never met a Beauty Pie product we didn't like, but this SPF has to be one of our top ten picks.
It gives you an impressive factor 50 protection and feels weightless on the skin. It features UVA and UVB protection, is non-comedogenic and is packed with fancy Tomato Stem Cell Extract and peptides to hydrate and protect skin. Did we mention it's a great primer for makeup too? Gold stars all round.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
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