Best Face Sun Creams, Sunscreens & SPFs
Whatever the season, SPF is always a crucial step in your skincare routine. Shielding your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays can reduce signs of damage, pigmentation and sun spots, but it can be difficult to find formulas that work with sensitive skin. We’ve selected the best face sunscreens for strength, hydration and weightlessness so you can keep your skin glowing and protected all year long.
Which sunscreen is best for your face?
Long gone are the days of slathering body suncream on your face - and the breakouts that go with it. Enter the new generation facial SPFs that fuse skincare with the ultimate sun protection. Stepping away from pore-clogging body formulas, the best sunscreen for everyday use will be packed with skincare ingredients like Niacinamide and Glycerin alongside their usual sun-protective elements.
By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 03 April 2024
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Best for a silky finish
When we talk about which brand of sunscreen is best, La Roche-Posay tops our list every time with a facial SPF that has gained cult status. Fast absorbing, non-greasy and perfume-free, this high protection sun cream is a saviour for sensitive skin. With an invisible finish that makes it perfect for under or over makeup, add this to your routine ASAP.
Tried and tested: “The best SPF… non-greasy, lightweight and super hydrating!! Doesn’t leave any white residue! Been using this for years!” - Riya, Customer Review
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Paula's Choice
Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50
Best for rejuvenating radiance
Skincare combined with suncare? Yes please. Mixing high UVA/UVB protection with soothing, plant-based antioxidants, this lotion protects your skin from all the elements. We can’t get enough of the soft matte finish which leaves skin smooth, hydrated and ready to take on the day.
Tried and tested: “For some years, I've been searching for the perfect sunscreen, and this one is the ONE: light and not blocking pores - perfect for skin that deals with breakouts from time to time.” - Katarina, Customer Review
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Bondi Sands
Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ Face
Best for nourishing skin
Enriched with Vitamin E and water-resistant up to four hours, this is one of the best face SPFs to soak up the sun with confidence. Free of fragrance and pore-blocking ingredients, keep sensitive skin happy, hydrated and healthy with this high-protection sunscreen. As one of the best sunblocks for skin, it comes recommended by dermatologists for extra nourishment.
Tried and tested: “This SPF is hydrating and great for my sensitive and dry skin! It doesn’t leave a white cast nor feels greasy when I apply it.” - Remy, Customer Review
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Fenty Skin
Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF30 Moisturizer
Best for all in one hydration
Where have you been all my life? The one product Rihanna can’t live without, we’re talking all-day hydration combined with SPF30 sun protection. With a trio of Kalahari Melon, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid to brighten, moisturise, and shield your complexion from the sun.
Tried and tested: “The only sunscreen I use from now on. Super hydrating and smells fantastic, the best-looking and most effective sunscreen I own.” - Gloria, Customer Review
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Ultrasun
Face Anti-Ageing Sun Protection Very High SPF50+
Best for reducing pigmentation
We never leave the house without this sunscreen. Protecting up to SPF50+ and reducing the appearance of pigmentation, it brightens the skin with every use. Stay safe and look radiant with this sensitive skin transforming sun cream.
Tried and tested: “So easy to apply and not at all sticky like other sun creams. Does not affect makeup either. A brilliant protection all day from the hottest sun.” - Julie, Customer Review
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Cetaphil
Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50+
Best for no frills protection
Recommended by dermatologists (and us), this SPF50 moisturiser makes it easy to keep skin protected all day, everyday, and is our choice whenever we need safe skincare that is just as effective. With all the hydration of Cetaphil’s internet-breaking creams combined with ingredients to nourish sensitive skin, what more could you want?
Tried and tested: “Have been using this for years, doesn’t block my pores, feel hydrated and does not give a grey tone with the SPF in it, great base for makeup, too.” - Nahida, Customer Review
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CeraVe
AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin
Best for your morning moisturiser
TikTok trending for a reason, this is our secret weapon for facial protection - and skin that’s super hydrated. With a high factor 50 and skin-loving ingredients like Ceramides, this safe skincare defends against sun damage and brings barriers back from the brink. The best sunscreen for sensitive skin we can think of, expect the Niacinamide-packed formula to keep breakouts at bay.
Tried and tested: “Best face moisturiser I have ever tried and I have tried many over the years.” - Tonio, Customer Review
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Ultra Violette
Daydream Screen Tinted Veil SPF 50
Best for secondary sunscreen
Ever wish your sunscreen would give you a flawless finish? Enter Daydream, which provides lightweight coverage for a radiant but real complexion. A great option for those with sensitive or oily skin, as it’s oil, silicone, and alcohol-free. Don’t panic if you lean toward more coverage, this SPF is effortlessly buildable to make your complexion daydreams a reality.
Tried and tested: “Absolutely LOVE this, when first applying the coverage is very light but the way it dries down is just brilliant and somehow the coverage increases and the finish is just gorgeous. I’m a big skincare and makeup fan and have tried so many similar products and this is a clear front runner. Obsessed.” - Freya, Customer Review
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SUPERGOOP!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
Best for an invisible finish
Unique in more ways than one, this cult sunscreen is one we never go without. Oil-free and Antioxidant-rich, this primer-SPF hybrid is famed for its invisible finish - just as the name suggests. Layering over our moisturiser as the last step before we head outside, it’s weightless, white cast-free and works like a dream under makeup. And if you’re in need of touch ups throughout the day, make sure you always keep their Glow Stick in your bag to stay protected on the glow.
Tried and tested: “This product is awesome. I thought it would go on greasy but it doesn't at all. It's handy to keep in your purse. I have some I keep by the front door so I can put it on before walking to dog each morning.” - Lucy, Customer Review
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