29 best sunscreens for face that won't result in breakouts or a white cast
Applying SPF is the one skincare step that makes the biggest difference in the long run, which makes the process of choosing the best sunscreens for face that much more important. And before you say it: yes, you should be using one all year round, as opposed to only remembering to slather it on while sunbathing on a beachside holiday.
The biggest SPF-related myth? According to Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, the "most common and most worrying” misconception is that you could probably get away with using a moisturiser with some form of SPF instead of a dedicated sunscreen.
“We know that 90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays - and so the best anti-aging advice I can give to anyone is to use SPF even single day, all year around," she explains.
This also applies to the times when when the skies are grey, since UVA rays are actually known to penetrate through clouds, causing sun damage in the long-term (albeit not of the same scale as it would be during the summer). "It needs to be a dedicated SPF that is broad spectrum and has a minimum protection factor of SPF30 or SPF50 is ideal,” Dr Christine adds.
“Moisturisers are formulated to be absorbed into the skin with hydration being the key, whilst SPFs are formulated to sit on the skins surface as a protective film with UV protection in mind. So, my advice is, to get the best results of both, use separate formulations,” she advises.
Long story short, you'd do well to remind yourself to regularly apply and (if necessary) top up a quality broad-spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) as the last step of your usual skincare regimen. If you’re already using one, bravo. If not, it's never too late to start. Behold, your definitive guide to the very best sunscreens for face – from SPF 15 to SPF 40 and above – that our beauty editors swear by.
Best sunscreens for face and face SPFs of 2024 – our top picks:
- Best sunscreen for face overall: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect™ Age-Defying Moisturiser with SPF 50+
- Best face SPF, the runner-up: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
- Best SPF30 sunscreen: Advanced Day Total Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser SPF 30
- Best face SPF for dry skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
- Best face SPF for oily skin: Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50
- Best face SPF for sensitive skin: Ultrasun Tinted Anti-Ageing Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin SPF30
SKIP TO: Why do I need to wear sunscreen every single day? | Can I use a body SPF on my face? | What kind of ingredients should I look for in a sunscreen? | Which sunscreen won't leave a white cast? | Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better for your face? | What is the best face SPF? | How we tested
Which sunscreen won't leave a white cast?
If you're trying to steer clear of sunscreens that might give you a white cast, you might want to look into chemical sunscreens. Luckily, unlike old-fashioned formulas, new broad spectrum SPF 50 formulas are an absolute joy to wear for both light and darker skin tones. Unlike their mineral counterparts, they're known to absorb quicker without leaving a white cast.
Scroll for GLAMOUR's full edit of the best sunscreens for face to wear all year round…
Best face SPF overall
SPF level: 50+.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
Why we love it: Advanced Day Ultimate is Medik8's highest protection SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen, formulated with next-generation DNA repair enzymes and their most advanced 360° environmental shield to date. But not only does this broad-spectrum sunscreen shield your skin from the sun to prevent sun-induced premature signs of skin ageing, but it's also infused with nourishing squalane and hydrating multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deliver daily moisture to the complexion. The texture is lightweight and silky, makeup applies atop it like a dream and your complexion is left glowing. Apply it in the morning, after cleansing and after application of a vitamin C serum.
After more from Medik8? Read our full Medik8 review.
Best hydrating sunscreen for face
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: It's hardly a coincidence that this Aussie brand is behind some of the best sun protection products on the market. This sunscreen in particular is one of their most popular sun creams, in part thanks to its hydrating formula. Designed to give you that dewy and luminous complexion, this formula is suitable for all skin types, completely non-comedogenic and offers an amazing level of SPF50 protection. A win.
Best face SPF for a more even skin tone
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Looking to protect your skin from sun damage and other environmental aggressors while also evening out your skin tone? Tatcha's got you covered. This mineral sun cream uses a gentle, reef-safe formula made with zinc oxide to protect and hydrate your complexion. Suitable for all skin types.
Best sunscreen for glowy skin
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Creamy.
Why we love it: If you're after a healthy-looking complexion with a dewy finish, you must check out the Glowscreen by Supergoop. Offering an optimal level of SPF30 protection, this sunscreen is ideal for dry and combination skin types, thanks to the included skin-loving ingredients and an extra-nourishing feel.
Best water-based face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Water-based gel-cream.
Why we love it: With a formula that boasts hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E, this moisturising water-based face SPF has the silkiest texture of all the products on this list. Not only does it deliver a healthy boost of hydration, but it also leaves your skin looking nice and radiant.
GLAMOUR-approved: “I find hunting for face sunscreen one of the hardest beauty tasks: it needs to protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays with factor 50, needs to sit nicely underneath my makeup and needs to feel lightweight. Amongst many other criteria. And Coco & Eve's new Water Gel SPF delivers. It's mostly thanks to the water-gel formula which absorbs quickly, doesn't leave marks on the skin and feels lightweight when applied between a daily moisturiser and your makeup. I love the packaging, love the fact that it's fragrance-free and love the fact that it has anti-inflammatory, cell growth and wound healing properties to soothe aggravated skin.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's European Commerce Editor.
Best sunscreen for face SPF30
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: The perfect daily cream (it has an invisible finish on the skin and no white-cast) this lightweight face SPF not only protects against sun damage, pollution and blue light, but it works to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Key ingredients? Think: antioxidant theobroma cacao seed extract which mitigates the negative effects of blue light emitted from the sun, Carnosine – a multi-tasking dipeptide which protects from both glycation and infrared light – and moringa extract which provides an exceptional anti-pollution defence.
Best fluid face sun cream
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical
Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
Why we love it: If you suffer from acne or breakouts and you find wearing face SPFs to simply make matters worse, make a beeline for this bestseller product from La Roche-Posay. This 'invisible fluid' has been specially formulated for those with oily skin and mops up excess sebum for a mattifying effect, all while still offering SPF50+ protection and a super light feel.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Best brightening face SPF for hyperpigmentation
SPF level: SPF 50+.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight milk.
Why we love it: Dermatologists recommend you apply a vitamin C serum underneath your sunscreen as the added layer of antioxidants boost its protection and help to brighten patches of existing sun damage. Now the clever folks at L'Oreal have made that extra step in the morning redundant by incorporating this powerhouse active, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, into one fast-absorbing formula. Genius.
Best face SPF that doesn't leave a white cast
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This face SPF doubles up as both an excellent daily moisturiser and a hard-working sun protector. It's great if you suffer from skin sensitivity because it's oil-free and fragrance-free. Plus, if you've got dark skin, you'll be glad to hear that it doesn't leave any chalky residue.
Best face SPF to wear under makeup
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: A face SPF that's formulated with reef-safe, environmentally-friendly ingredients that protect your skin and don't clog pores? It sounds too good to be true, but we promise you it's not. This face SPF contains red algae, meadowfoam seed and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated, protected from the sun and breakout-free. Hands down, one of the best face sun lotions around.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF with these Cult Beauty discount codes
Best daily face SPF
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This lightweight, non-pilling sunscreen with Polyglutamic Acid gives you a protected, primed, and dewy base, ideal for whether you're planning to wear makeup or not. Plus, thanks to the included blends of skin-loving ingredients, this handy face SPF will also look after your skin all day. Wins all around.
Best moisturiser with SPF
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
Why we love it: Not only does this affordable sunscreen provide reliable protection against sun damage, it also provides up to 24 hours of hydrating, making it perfect for anyone with normal to dry skin. It has a non-greasy feel as well as a non-comedogenic formula that's supported by hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide for an added hydrating boost.
Best sunscreen for sensitive skin
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: It's not the sexiest packaging but the product is fiiiiiine. This ultralight formula contains powerful antioxidants , adds a hint of colour and coverage, lasts for yonks, AND is vegan too. Top notch, particularly for sensitive skin.
Save when you shop for the best face SPF when you use these Sephora discount codes.
Best face SPF for oily skin
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lotion.
Why we love it: This formula includes tranexamic acid and niacinamide, the ingredient of the moment, which regulates oil secretion making it very useful for oily and combination skin types. Thanks to these active ingredients, this face SPF doesn't feature free radicals and works really hard to protect your skin from the sun while keeping oiliness at bay and preventing and reducing discolouration. They're onto a winner.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Best face SPF spray
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Spray.
Why we love it: Applying sunscreen on the beach can often end up in a sand-based exfoliation while you try to guess if you've left streaks of white all over your face. Not with this, though. A light mist over your chops gives high protection with zero colour. Plus, it can be used on even the most sensitive of skins.
Best face SPF for mature skin
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This moisturiser is a great fit for breakout-prone skin and mature skin, thanks to its youth-boosting formula. Thanks to the included sun protection of SPF 50, this product will keep your face nice and shielded from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight formula also packs a punch, thanks to its soothing, plant-based antioxidants. Plus, there's no need to worry about your skin looking too shiny as this moisturiser has a soft matte finish.
Best affordable face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Affordable? Check. Lightweight formula? Check. Long-lasting mattifying effect? Aaand check. For this price point, there's not much this face SPF can't do. In addition to protecting your skin against UVA/UVB-induced skin damage, this sunscreen SPF cream absorbs excess oils to give you a light and non-greasy finish. Without a doubt, the best high-street (or drugstore) sunscreens we've seen.
Save while you shop for the best face SPF with these Boots discount codes.
Best premium face SPF drops
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight serum.
Why we love it: Featuring ingredients such as cassia extract, vitamin E, beta-glucan and purslane, this gentle face SPF has an incredibly lightweight feel, unlike most other products. Not only does it provide great protection against the sun, but it's designed to help calm the skin and reduce visible signs of aging and irritation. Leaves skin feeling light as air.
Best tinted face SPF
SPF level: SPF 46.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Tinted cream.
Why we love it: Nobody – and I mean nobody – wants a tinted sunscreen that feels cakey. And yes, that means people with more sensitive or acne-prone skin too. Thankfully, this product is extremely lightweight and can be worn underneath makeup or entirely on its own. Plus, did we mention that it's fragrance-free and oil-free too?
Best fragrance-free face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This affordable, fragrance-free face SPF shields your skin from UVA and UVB damage. It's enriched with vitamin E and features antioxidant protection to keep your skin safe from environmental aggressors such as pollution. The best part? It's water-resistant for up to 4 hours too, which saves you the trouble of reapplying it too often.
Best waterproof face SPF
SPF level: SPF 30.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Face lotion.
Why we love it: Truly a skin- and environment-loving product. Made without the use of parabens, gluten or sulphites, this cruelty-free and reef-safe product is exactly what you need, if you care about keeping our oceans safe. Aaand… just like any standard sun cream, it also excels at protecting your skin too.
Best face sunscreen with an ultra-light feel
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Water-based lotion.
Why we love it: This water-based product has an incredibly lightweight feel to it that absorbs into your skin almost instantly without leaving behind a white cast. It's suitable for all skin types, gentle enough for your undereye area and is even formulated to be safe for the oceans and sealife.
Best fast-absorbing face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Powered by Caudalie's signature grapevine-sourced antioxidant polyphenols, this lightweight SPF cream shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays as well as environmental aggressors such as pollution. It applies virtually invisibly on all skin tones too, leaving behind no greasy residue.
Best K-beauty face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Infused with a healthy helping of rice extract and probiotics, this Korean skincare product is specially designed to help nourish and protect sensitive and dehydrated skin. Plus, it can also help restore your natural skin barrier and work in tandem with your moisturiser to keep moisture sealed in for longer.
Best sunscreen stick for face
SPF level: SPF 30+.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: This organic coconut-scented sunscreen stick is the peak of convenience. Not only is it incredibly easy and convenient to use and carry with you at all times, but it's also rich in antioxidants to help nourish and protect your skin. Perfect for pool and beach days when topping up is essential.
Best makeup setting spray with SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Chemical.
Consistency: Face spray.
Why we love it: When it comes to skincare, it's all about cutting down on extra steps and making the process more efficient. After all, who wants to spend hours getting ready for work? This makeup setting spray is perfect just for that – not only does it help set your look in place and reduce unwanted shine, but it also provides broad-spectrum protection from harmful sun rays.
Best soothing face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Mineral.
Consistency: Cream.
Why we love it: Infused with aloe vera, this soothing sun cream is designed to help your skin retain its moisture while also keeping it feeling smooth and replenished even in the hottest of days. Suitable for all skin types and doesn't leave behind a sticky residue.
Best hydrating face SPF
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: This moisturiser/sun cream hybrid is infused with bamboo water to help keep your skin soothed and hydrated throughout the day. Not only does it provides a pleasant dewy finish, but it also contains a wide range of skin-loving ingredients that promote cell repair and protect your complexion from sun damage.
Best face SPF with vitamin C
SPF level: SPF 50.
Chemical or mineral: Both.
Consistency: Lightweight cream.
Why we love it: Designed as a lightweight fluid that absorbs into your skin with ease, this affordable face SPF should be at the top of your holiday shopping list. It features a healthy dose of vitamin C, which helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark spots while also helping protect your skin from environmental aggressors.
#SunPoverty is the non-profit initiative you need to know about…
Most members of the GLAMOUR team have been using a particular brand of face SPF for years, and can vouch for the products' efficacy. Our favourites have been included in the edit below. Elsewhere, we've featured plenty of other formulas which also come in highly recommended. Each sunscreen for face has been tested on a variety of skin tones, textures and types to put every claim through its paces. We've evaluated each formulation based on scent, texture, how easily the product is absorbed, how makeup sits on top and whether it leaves a cast.
Looking for more sun care products? Once you’ve invested in a facial sunscreen lotion, check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. Oh, and don't forget about makeup primers too.
Can I use a body SPF on my face?
No, you really shouldn't substitute an SPF that's been expertly formulated for your face with your go-to body sun cream (however tempting that may be). According to most dermatologists, it's almost as big of a skincare sin as using body moisturiser instead of a face moisturiser.
First of all, body sun creams generally tend to have a much thicker consistency compared to face sunscreens and face SPFs, so applying them to your face can block your pores and even potentially lead to unwanted breakouts.
“The skin in the face is much thinner and more delicate than the skin in other parts of the body. Products formulated for the body tend to be stronger and thicker than those that are formulated for the face," shares Dr Christine hall.
"The face is also an oilier area meaning that the skin on our bodies tend to be drier - hence body products will be heavier in terms of ingredients like oils and butters which would be too much for the face. So whilst it is OK to use face products on the body, you run the risk of inflamed and greasy skin if by using body products on the face.”
Why do I need to wear sunscreen every single day?
For starters, UVB and UVA rays are known culprits behind sunburns, pigmentation, accelerated wrinkle formation and premature ageing of your skin cells. Not to mention, prolonged, consistent and unprotected exposure to the harmful UV rays doesn't come without an increased risk of skin cancer.
Plus, some face SPFs have been expertly formulated to counteract other stressors, including pollution and the blue light emitted from screens on electronic devices. And much like other skincare products, the main difference lies with the added ingredients, which can vary depending on your skin's needs and personal preferences.
So not only do sunscreens for face (or face SPFs) prevent long-term damage, but they also help our skin maintain its ability to produce collagen and elastin, both of which are essential when it comes to keeping you looking plumped and youthful.
What kind of ingredients should I look for in a sunscreen?
When reading the ingredients list, you may often spot components like avobenzone,
octinoxate, octocrylene, oxybenzone and homosalate (popular in chemical sunscreens), as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalane, green tea extract, aloe vera (which is also often seen in after sun products). Otherwise, mineral sunscreens also tend to include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which help create a protective barrier on your skin that will reflect the harmful UV rays all the while avoiding irritating sensitive skin.
With the soothing and repairing ingredients you'd typically expect in your moisturisers and facial serums, today's face SPFs are generally long-lasting, hypoallergenic and some tinted versions are good enough to wear under – or even in lieu of – foundation. Non-comedogenic (in other words non-clogging), mineral SPFs are not just for the beach, but for every day. And so are SPF lip balms, by the way (not to be skipped).
Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better for your face?
According to both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation while SPF 50 blocks about 98% and SPF 100 blocks about 99%. So technically speaking, SPF 50 is the best facial SPF... but only marginally.
What is the best face SPF?
We've tried and tested all the best sunscreens for face in a range of textures and protection levels – from SPF 15 to SPF 40 and above – all coming from some of the best brands in the biz, including La Roche Posay, Ultra Violette, Eucerin, Medik8 and, of course, Garnier (and yes, we're talking about the iconic Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Spray).
As used by Rihanna herself (unsurprisingly – it's part of her own brand) is the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Available for £34 from Boots, it's a lightweight oil-free SPF/moisturiser-hybrid that provides a balancing dose of hydration with broad-spectrum protection. It brightens skin, reduces discolouration and dark spots and comes pink-tinted to ensure it applies invisibly on all skin tones. We’re talking zero chalkiness.
Shiseido’s Expert Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion with SPF50+ is totally dreamy. It has the ability to moisturise pores while shielding the surface of your skin. And it’s great if you’re going to be swimming, sweating or rained on, because thanks to SynchroShield™ technology, the lotion becomes even stronger when met with water, sweat, or heat from the sun, keeping your skin truly safe in every eventuality.
There’s also Dermalogica’s Pure Light SPF50 which provides hydration and a shield of SPF50 while also exfoliating your surface skin cells to diminish dark spots and brighten the skin. Or Soleil Toujours golden 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF 30 formula, which alongside eco-friendly broad spectrum mineral protection, adds a beautiful dose of glow to all skin tones.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
