With SPF a major part of any good skincare routine, we’ve rounded up the best face sun creams and sunscreens to make 2022 your year for flawless skin. Every dermatologist will tell you that wearing sun cream is *the* number one thing you can do for healthy, youthful skin and these formulas provide all the facial protection you need. So, stave off the sun burn and protect against sun-induced skin damage including pigmentation, sagging and wrinkles.
Basically, if you haven’t already, it’s time to add SPF to your AM routine. Choose from non-greasy, fast absorbing sun creams, ones to wear under makeup, water resistant lotions and more. This is just a snapshot of what we’ve got, you can scroll our digital shelves for more right here.
1 March 2022
How we choose the best sun cream for you
If you’re looking for something to wear under makeup, you’ll need a lightweight formula that massages completely into skin or opt for a sun cream with extra skin smoothing benefits for a perfectly primed canvas. There are even options for sensitive skin, granting full protection against UVA and UVB rays without any tingling or nasty redness. Combination to oily skin is covered too, look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sun cream that won’t aggravate your pores.
After something more double-duty? Our edit of the best sun creams for your face and body covers all bases - literally.
How we select the best face sun creams
Looking for the best face sun tan lotions to prevent burning and nourish your complexion, we look for formulas that grant broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays that won’t clog up your pores. With the help from beauty experts, customer reviews and looking out for a range of prices, this lineup is full of 5 star formulas for every whim - water resistant, ultra-hydrating, anti-ageing the list goes on. If you have sensitive skin there are fragrance-free, gentle options too.
Anti-Ageing Sun Protection High SPF30
Best for: Anti-ageing
You can swap out your normal moisturiser for this one. Boasting SPF 30, UVB protection and absorbing 90% of UVA rays, sweep this across your complexion in the morning to put a hold on the ageing effects of sun damage and flood your skin with moisture. The formula also uses Ectoin and the antioxidant complex GSP-T to de-stress your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It will sink effortlessly into your face for a barely-there feel and the best bit, it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
The hype:
“I’m so glad I spent that little bit more. This literally melts into your face instantly. I can easily wear it with no other products (foundation or powder) and don't look a slimy mess. Could not recommend more, I've been wearing it daily and I don't feel like it's blocking up my pores at all.” - Jennifer, customer review
Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Face Mist SPF 50+
Best for: Over and under makeup
This might be the most fuss-free face cream there is. Mist over your complexion, bare face or with makeup on and full-coverage SPF 50 protection is yours. The spray on formula makes it super easy to top up during the day and there’s no sticky residue. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly and has a refreshing cooling effect. Non-greasy there’s no shine either, just a dry invisible finish. In other words, it’s the best SPF to have if you’re after quick application and don’t want to compromise your makeup.
The hype:
“Myself and my fiancé love this! We use it daily and I love that it’s invisible as it doesn’t alter our darker complexions! I won’t buy another product for us to use as this is the best!” - Rhiane, customer review
Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF50
Best for: Oily skin
Oily skin has met its match with this face sun cream - lightweight, fast absorbing and ready to fend off any greasiness, it’ll keep you shine-free, even when it’s humid. It’s non-comedogenic too, so breakouts are not happening here. With advanced UVA and UVB protection plus defense against pollution, this formula filters out harmful rays and skin-damaging free radicals so your complexion is protected from every angle.
The hype:
“I was recommended this product due to the humidity resistance and the high factor. I have quite fair skin so need to have a good sunscreen and I can say hands down that this is one of the best ones I’ve ever used.” - Ellie, customer review
Face Sunscreen SPF50
Best for: Maximum sun protection Can’t get enough of the sun? Massage this into your face, neck, top of your ears, everywhere before you step outside and factor 50 UVA and UVB sun protection will keep your complexion burn free as you soak up those rays. This formula ticks all the boxes for a good face sun cream, it's non-greasy, water resistant and doesn’t leave any white residue. Packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E it also acts as moisturiser, keeping skin smooth, hydrated and free from sun spots and pigmentation. Oh and it’s vegan-friendly too. The hype: “This is the best face sunscreen EVER! I’ve tried a few. Not only does this rub in with ease, but it feels moisturising and not greasy. It has a pleasant smell - not too overpowering. It’s great alone or under make-up. In fact, I’ve found my makeup sits a lot better now. An absolute gem of a find.” - Maggie, customer review
Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream SPF 30
Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles
This velvety cream protects against sun damage that can cause fine lines, plus it actually helps to reduce any wrinkles you might already have.The potent formula called SolarSmart+ combines antioxidants, barrier repair and sunscreen to grant these age-defying results, including Glycerin and Caffeine which wake up skin for a firmer more youthful complexion full of moisture. Fast-absorbing, kind to sensitive skin and with SPF 15 that filters out UVA and UVB it’s a no brainer really.
The hype:
“I purchased this to wear with my moisturiser but thought it may make my skin feel sticky having the 2 products on together. I found this cream really soft and soaked in well not leaving my skin feeling sticky at all. Great product at a reasonable price too.” - Joanne, customer review
Anthelios Facial Ultra Light Fluid SPF30
Best for: Sensitive skin
Sweat, sand and water resistant, this feather-light fluid glides over skin to impart gold-standard UV protection. Thanks to a patented formula, this smart SPF leaves no white marks and absorbs at a rapid rate for seamless sunshine defence. Impressively non-greasy, its sensational stay-put properties mean zero eye irritation, so more sensitive types can rest easy. In short, this one ticks every box.
The hype:
"Probably one of the best European chemical sunscreens on the market. Very easy to apply and spread over the face and neck. Doesn’t pill like every other sunscreen I've tried. Doesn't break me out or sting my eyes. I use this everyday and would recommend it to anyone, but particularly combination, acne-prone skin people like myself." - Charlotte, customer review
Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Fluid Dry Touch SPF30
Best for: Minimising shine
If you have oily skin, you’ll know those days when your finished look ends up more grease than glow. While oily skin certainly has its up-sides (fewer wrinkles, anyone?), the shine that comes with the territory doesn’t always sit pretty with sunscreen. Luckily, this matte-effect face fluid will ensure the only thing shining is the sun. With Mexoryl-based photostable UV protection, the mattifying formula protects against both unwanted shine and the sun’s rays, leaving you fresh-faced and safe from sun damage.
The hype:
"Beautiful face SPF which doesn’t exacerbate my oily skin. Creates a matte surface for my makeup application." - Joanne, customer review
Photoderm Face Protection SPF50+
Best for: Paraben free
Perfume and paraben free, this high-protection face sun cream is suitable for all skin types - even those who skew more sensitive. Its creamy texture makes it a life-saver for dry skin, melting into the face and neck for a hydrating, non-greasy finish. Water resistant and with zero white traces, the colourless formula activates your skin’s natural defences, protecting skin cells and staving off premature ageing. Re-apply every two hours to top up its sun-defending effects.
The hype:
"Really like this SPF. It’s very moisturising and I have definitely seen an improvement in my skin since using it!" - Lydia, customer review