Suncare is a bit like flossing your teeth; you know it’s bad to skip it, but sometimes you just can’t be bothered. Even when you're using the very best sun cream it can feel like a chore. Now that the sun is shining again and things are starting to heat up, making sure you're applying SPF every single day (and topping up every few hours) is more important than ever.
We are here to tell you: never skip sun cream. Sun damage is not to be messed with—which is why finding a good facial sunscreen is important.
We say that because according to Cancer Research UK every year around 16,744 new melanoma (the fifth most common cancer in the UK) cases are recorded in the UK.
"There is a misconception in the UK that we don’t need to wear sunscreen as the sun isn’t as strong," says Consultant Dermatologist at OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy and Eudelo Dr Hiva Fassihi, who specialises in sun-sensitive disorders.
"The UV index measures the strength of sun-burning UV rays outside, ranging from one to a very high 11. When it reaches three you need to apply sunscreen. In the UK, the UV index can hit six or seven in summer, so broad-spectrum sun cream is essential."
The good news is, nowadays there are plenty of sun creams that actually feel really nice to apply. In fact, they feel so nice that even the most stubborn SPF-haters out there will find themselves looking forward to slapping them on every day.
Having said that, we know that there are plenty of duds out there when it comes to sun cream. Luckily, in a bid to save you time, energy and annoyance, we have dedicated our entire careers to testing every formula out there to draw up a definitive list of the best sun cream. While you're here, we've also curated edits of the best SPF to apply over make-up and the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin. You're welcome.
Our testing criteria for the best sun cream
Each of these sun creams has been tested by someone on the Marie Claire UK beauty team against the below criteria. If the sun cream reveals a 'yes' answer to the below, it's made it on the our edit of the best.
- Is the UVA and UVB protection high enough/efficient?
- Is the formula easy to apply?
- Does the formula leave apply clear, rather than leaving a white cast?
- Is the formula comfortable to wear, rather than greasy?
- Is the sun cream enjoyable enough to use that you'll want to apply it every day?
So here goes, the best sun cream money can buy in 2023, whatever your preference.
Best sunscreens for face
Much like skincare, when it comes to sun creams, it's important to use a different product for your face and your body. Keep on scrolling for the best facial sunscreens to shop now.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Dermatologist-loved brand La Roche-Posay goes hand in hand with excellent suncare products. This is its latest (and arguably greatest) sun cream. The rest of the Anthelios range is broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB) but new research conducted by the brand has found that long UVA rays – which make up 30 per cent of the UV spectrum – are able to penetrate deeper than both UVB and shorter UVA rays, causing more significant damage. The results of this are wrinkles, pigmentation, slack skin and, in extreme cases, skin cancer. This is why this sun cream features the new filter - Mexoryl 400 - which is the most efficient UV filter against the most penetrative of UV rays. Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor says, "Its non-oily, lightweight texture sinks into skin in seconds, making it the perfect sunscreen for all skin types and ages."
2. REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad-Spectrum Face Sunscreen
For a mineral sunscreen to not leave behind an intense chalky finish is nothing short of a miracle. If that wasn't juicy enough, REN has also made sure its sun cream plays nicely with oily skin (thanks to mattifying rice starch) and is fully recyclable. "This facial sun cream is great for those sensitive but oily skin. It's worth noting that it does leave a white cast at first, you just have to wait a couple of minutes for things to return to normal," says Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor.
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30
Weightless, scentless and utterly undetectable—exactly what you want from a facial sunscreen. Plus, it doubles up as a primer and deflects UV rays without suffocating your pores. "I really love this product—I consider it to be one of the best sunscreens out there. It applies more like a make-up primer and leave skin feeling unbelievably smooth," says Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor. Having said that, it is worth noting it has high silicone content, so if you don't like the feeling of silky silicones on your skin, it likely won't be for you.
4. The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++
You get a lot of bang for your buck with this sunscreen as red algae extract and antioxidant vitamin C also shield against the urban cocktail of pollution and UV. Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor says, "When it comes to facial sunscreen, it doesn't get much better than this. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear. Plus, for lazy girls like me it's a dream—all of the skincare ingredients mean I can forgo other serums and creams in the morning."
5. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
There are really no excuses for not keeping on top of your sun protection with this handy little stick. So small it will fit into even the smallest of handbags, it's ideal for on-the-go top-ups, as it's clear and glides on easily to areas that most need it - like shoulders, the chest and the face. Remember: it's unlikely you'll get adequate sun protection from using a stick alone. Start with your sun cream in the morning, and then use this handy stick for midday top-ups.
6. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
There are few sunscreens out there that deliver such excellent results for an affordable price. While £12 on a sunscreen from Garnier might seem expensive, we promise you won't regret a penny of this purchase. The formula is light and skincare-like and it contains super-high protection to help prevent dark spots. You can leave your day cream on the shelf thanks to this sun cream formula.
7. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C UV Fluid SPF 50+ Moisturiser
