We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
#SkinSchool: The 15 best face SPFs and why it's important to stay protected all year round
Plus, the difference between chemical and mineral formulas along with expert tips on how to maximise their protective benefits
When it comes to caring for our skin, prevention is always better than cure – and this is especially true of sun damage.
While it's likely we all diligently apply a good suncream during a hot-weather holiday, many of us neglect to wear a facial SPF in our everyday lives, despite the fact that sun damage can occur as long as there's daylight (and even when sitting by a window), no matter where you are. This time last year, a Yougov survey found that 40 per cent of people in the UK only buy SPF when they're on holiday, and 55 per cent of us only wear it when the sun is out highlighting that, when it comes to adopting a properly protective skincare regime, many of us are still not quite there.
The best sunscreens for face, at a glance
"No matter the weather, the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays are ever-present throughout the year, causing damage to the DNA in your skin cells that can result in premature ageing, skin cancer and a host of other skin-related issues," confirms Kimberley Medd, head of clinic at Face the Future. "Because of this, it’s important to wear your shield of UV protection every day to protect your skin against the likes of melanoma skin cancer."
Alongside the sunburn you can see (particularly if you like to sunbathe), the sun also damages your skin on a deeper level, with the effects – think fine lines and pigmentation – coming to the surface years later. And, it goes without saying, sunscreen is especially key in the fight against skin cancer, which is on the rise in younger people.
Why a facial sunscreen is so important
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Hiva Fassihi stresses the importance of wearing SPF on your face every day – even when the sky is cloudy. “It makes a difference, not only from the perspective of protecting against skin cancer, but also from an ageing point of view in the long-term,” she says.
The sun emits ultra-violet radiation, which is split into UVA and UVB rays. “UVB has a shorter wavelength and it’s a bit more damaging in that it can cause sunburn and is associated with causing skin cancers in future life," continues Dr Fassihi. "UVA is slightly different, though it can also cause skin cancers. It penetrates deeper into the skin and causes problems with photo-ageing, and breaking down collagen and elastin. It’s important we use sunscreens that cover us against UVB and UVA, both for skin cancer prevention and for ageing.”
Thankfully, all good facial sunscreens now offer the necessary ‘broad-spectrum’ protection. What’s more, the best face SPFs on the market are a far cry from the thick, pore-clogging creams of old, offering lightweight textures, advanced skincare benefits and flattering dewy tints.
Face SPF: mineral or chemical?
Sun protection is split generally into two forms: chemical and physical (the latter sometimes referred to as ‘mineral spf’). Chemical filters penetrate the skin's surface (which is why they can take time to activate) and absorb the UVA and UVB rays, while physical filters sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays back from the face. Some formulas offer a mixture of both.
As consultant dermatologist Justine Hextall explains, there are pros and cons to each. “Chemical blocks often rub in more easily and are felt to have better protection against UVA. However, they can sometimes cause irritation and allergic reactions," she says. This is of particular concern for rosacea sufferers, as chemical filters emit a low level of heat energy when converting the rays, meaning they could contribute to a flare-up.
"Physical blocks usually contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and are better tolerated [on sensitive skin]," continues Dr Hextall. "The downside is that these thick white creams are often considered less cosmetically acceptable, particularly with darker skin tones. However, there are now some innovative new physical sunscreens that use ingredients such as clear or nano zinc, or contain a flattering tint, meaning they’re appropriate for use on all skin tones.
How to make facial SPF work with make-up
It's true that SPF doesn't always play well with make-up – especially when you're required to top up the sunscreen every few hours.
Many brands will have you believe that the solution to this is simply to wear a base containing SPF, but this is not enough; the amount of SPF we need to apply would equate to extremely heavy foundation. As dermatologist Dr Hiba Injibar explains, no foundation can be trusted to act as your sole sun protection. "If your foundation contains SPF, don't necessarily rely on it for the most effective level of protection. Make-up isn't always evenly applied and it wears off easily throughout the day," she says.
The solution actually lies in strategic layering. "After applying your SPF, wait for a few minutes to allow your suncream to set. Be generous with the application. If you're continuously in the sun, make sure you're reapplying your sunscreen every three-to-four hours. I know it's hard but, if you have the time, try to take off all of your make-up and reapply, because ideally SPF should go directly onto skin," Dr Injibar explains. "This is obviously not realistic in every situation, so if you don't have the time, use a loose powder that contains SPF to top yourself up. Just make sure that first application is thorough and directly onto the skin." Editor's note: a milky or creamy texture is less likely to cause foundation pilling compared to clear gel SPFs, and SPF sprays can be great for over-make-up top-ups.
From the SPF moisturisers that protect your skin properly to brightening tints, clear sunscreens and and spritz-on mists for topping up throughout the day, these are the very best face SPFs that promise not to ruin your make-up, clog your pores, or make your skin feel hot and bothered.
The best face SPFs to wear all year round
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50
La Roche-Posay has long been a go-to for reliable facial SPFs (as well as great body suncreams) and there's something in the line-up to keep everyone happy.
A true feat of formulation, the Anthelios Uvmune 400 lotion feels as light as air (and looks genuinely invisible on skin), yet delivers SPF 50 protection. The real draw here is the brand's innovative Mexoryl 400 filter, which protects not just from the usual UVA and UVB, but the longer wavelength rays that prompt collagen breakdown, too. Used as well as (not instead of) the brand's core filters, this is one facial protector that packs a serious punch. Everyone should give it a try.
- Texture: Silky
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: All skin types
There's been a glaring gap in 111 Skin's much-loved line-up for some time: but fans of the brand's NAC-based Repair range can now finally bolster its rejuvenating effects with the corresponding facial sunscreen.
Five years in the making, Repair Sunscreen is not your basic face SPF. Just like the line-up's cult serum and face cream, this advanced formula contains a trademarked NAC Y² active that inhibits inflammation, kicking the skin's repair processes into action. It feels just like the matching moisturiser, and melts into a completely invisible texture with a satiny finish. Worth the wait? Absolutely.
- Texture: Cream
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Mature skin
Mineral SPFs are notoriously difficult to formulate as they tend to feel heavier and leave a grey cast on the complexion, but Kate Somerville's new silky texture uses sheer, non-nano zinc oxide (your skin doesn't need to absorb it) so it feels comfortable on even oilier types. Given the nature of mineral sunscreens, it does take a few seconds to massage in the product completely, but once blended, it has a traceless finish. Slightly pearlescent particles help enliven tired complexions, too.
- Texture: Silky
- Finish: Natural, soft glow
- Formula: Mineral
- Best for: Sensitive, combination to oily skin
If you're going to invest in a luxe sunscreen, Dior's Solar line is undoubtedly the one. The cream texture is rich and comforting and the exotic monoi scent will transport you straight to the coastline of St Tropez (even if, in reality, you're traversing the humid city streets).
- Texture: Cream
- Finish: Dewy
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Dry skin
For those who don't like to layer multiple products in the morning, Medik8's moisturiser with SPF is a perfect choice. It contains high-factor chemical filters alongside hyaluronic acid and antioxidant moringa, meaning your every skin need is satisfied in one fell swoop.
- Texture: Cream
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Dry and mature skin
Many tinted sunscreens come in a disappointing array of shades, but not this hero from beloved Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette. Available in 11 flattering tints, this oil-free, SPF 50 formula delivers surprisingly effective coverage alongside protection you can really trust. Wear it in lieu of foundation for a radiant, unified complexion.
- Texture: Silky
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Combination and oily skin types
Shiseido's Expert Sun Protector may steal the spotlight (and rightly so, the formula is unmatched when it comes to water resistance and outdoor wear) but don't sleep on this oil-free version if you're prone to shine or spots. It protects without clogging the pores and causing breakouts, and keeps oily complexions feeling fresh all day long.
- Texture: Silky emulsion
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Mineral and chemical
- Best for: Oily skin, skin reactive to pollution
Heliocare's high-protection sunscreens are trusted by so many dermatologists. Ideal for combination and breakout-prone skin, this SPF feels like an ultra-lightweight moisturiser as it keeps the complexion feeling comfortable all year round without clogging pores. The pleasant water-gel texture sinks in quickly without a trace and wears nicely under make-up as it doesn't add an extra heavy layer.
- Texture: Water-gel cream
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Combination to oily , blemish-prone, sensitive
Vichy has really raised the bar with this facial sunscreen, which offers multiple benefits while feeling truly as light as water. The milky fluid contains chemical broad-spectrum SPF50 alongside pore-balancing niacinamide, firming peptides and biome-protecting probiotics. A trustworthy everyday sunscreen that's easily portable.
- Texture: Milky
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: All skin types
This is a light lotion that sinks into skin with a mattifying (but not completely moisture-sapping) effect – ideal for anyone who doesn't want added shine. Boosted with vitamin C to brighten and vitamin E to protect the complexion, it's an especially strong choice for those with pigmentation.
- Texture: Milky
- Finish: Natural
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: All skin types
A gel-textured sunscreen, Glossier's transparent Invisible Shield will satisfy those who want a completely clear sunscreen that'll mattify pores and prevent shine. It's fragrance-free, features aloe vera to soothe redness, feels as weightless as it looks, and works brilliantly as a smoothing make-up primer, too.
- Texture: Gel
- Finish: Soft-matte
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: All skin types including sensitive
A tinted SPF is a great way to forego the foundation in warmer months, combining protection and a light veil of coverage in one easy product. The Bazaar beauty team rely on Dr Sam Bunting for efficacious formulas that are kind on delicate skin. This lightly tinted option evens out skin tone and skims over blemishes without feeling heavy or cake-like. It's completely mineral-based and suitable for those with very sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
- Texture: Silky
- Finish: Soft-matte
- Formula: Mineral
- Best for: All skin types including sensitive
While we (and the experts) will always recommend using a separate SPF on a daily basis, an SPF mist is a useful addition to your for top-ups throughout the day. This one by Givenchy not only protects the complexion, it also doubles as a setting spray to extend the life of your make-up without making it feel dry or tight. If you've overdone it with the face powder, this will help bring back the freshness, too.
- Texture: Mist
- Finish: Fresh, dewy
- Formula: Chemical
- Best for: Dry to combination
An SPF powder is a useful thing to keep in your bag on sunny days: while it won't replace your sunscreen entirely, it's helpful to reduce shine and keep your protection topped up. Colorescience's offering is ultra-fine, avaiable in four shades, and sets foundation before that midday shine has a chance to appear.
- Texture: Powder
- Finish: Matte
- Formula: Mineral
- Best for: All skin types including extra sensitive/post-procedure skin
When we first tried this formula here on the Bazaar beauty desk, we couldn't quite believe it was a mineral (it is). Creamy yet lightweight, the fluid sinks into the skin leaving no trace or piling under make-up. As if that wasn't enough, it helps even skin tone, reduce pore visibility, and plump the skin in that signature juicy Tatcha way.
- Texture: Fluid
- Finish: Fresh, natural
- Formula: Mineral
- Best for: All skin types
