Science Matters: The Protection Edit
Sun’s out, protecting our skin is always in. And with these science-backed beauty picks in our toolkit, it’s never been easier - including the eye creams that boost our barriers and the best sunscreens for everyday. With dreams of sunshine on the horizon, there’s no better time than now to elevate your skincare routine. Just don’t blame us when you add all of this specially selected edit to your basket.
Which ingredients should I use to protect my skin?
When it comes to skin protection, nothing is more important than applying our SPF on the daily. Whatever comes before this crucial step in your routine can, however, boost sun protection. Enter star skincare ingredient, Vitamin C, which - when applied in the AM - gives our skin an extra boost.
Keeping our skin cool, calm and protected doesn’t just mean topping up our SPF, though. Our barrier health is *just* as important. For protecting ours, we always turn to Ceramide-rich, Probiotic and Prebiotic-rich formulas. We might find moisturisers featuring these ingredients in abundance, but we’ve also picked out some barrier-protecting products for every single step in your routine. We know, you’re welcome.
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Skinfix
Barrier+ Triple Lipid Boost 360' Eye
Best for: Under-eye repair
We can always trust Skinfix to come through with a product that puts our barrier first, and their new eye cream is no exception. Packed with the brand’s signature Lipid complex and powerful clinical actives, it helps us reduce puffiness and brighten - all while taking care of our delicate under-eye area. Simply tap on lightly before serums for the ultimate refresh. And if you’ve fallen in love? Try their cult Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream for full-face barrier protection.
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The INKEY List
Polyglutamic Dewy Sunscreen SPF30
Best for: Dewy daily protection
The SPF-moisturiser hybrid we never knew we needed, amp up your protection and simplify your morning routine in one with The INKEY List’s newest drop. Featuring Zinc for minimal irritation and its namesake Polyglutamic Acid, expect a radiant finish with every use. Our top tip? Use as your moisturiser, SPF and primer for that glass-skin effect you’ve been dreaming of. Just remember to wait 20 minutes before you follow with makeup to keep sun protection at its highest.
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BONDI SANDS
Spf 50+ Mineral Body Lotion
Best for: Sun protection everywhere
All complexions deserve to enjoy the sunshine. And when it comes to sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen is our most reliable friend. Yes, even for our bodies! Doing what Bondi Sands does best, this Zinc-packed lotion promises an invisible finish, lightweight feel, and minimal irritation. If you’re loving it, we recommend grabbing the matching Mineral Face Sunscreen - our best sunscreen for sensitive skin.
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SALTEE
City Serum SPF50
Best for: Days in the city
Created to help us tackle daily life feeling like our best selves, this SPF is one for the city slickers, the morning commutes, and everyone in-between. With the lightest finish of any SPF we’ve tried, expect natural ingredients like Nordic Pine Bark, and Black Ginger Extract to not only boost your sun protection, but counteract photodamage. The best sun cream for that barely-there look, apply alone for a glowy finish, or under foundation for added radiance.
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Ultrasun
Face Anti-Ageing Sun Protection High SPF30
Best for: Added skincare benefits
The ghost of sunscreen’s past doesn’t always come back to haunt us - at least not with Ultrasun. Combining SPF with a host of protective skincare ingredients like GSP-T - a powerful antioxidant - this lightweight lotion packs all the punch of a moisturiser and an SPF in one. All without the irritants, count on us when we say this is one of the best sunscreens for acne prone skin.
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SUPERGOOP!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
Best for: Oily complexions
For an SPF as unique as you are, we choose SUPERGOOP!’s Unseen Sunscreen. Rich in antioxidants and boasting a one-of-a-kind formula, it’s our primer and sunscreen all in one. The best part? Its oil-free and ultra lightweight feel make this our best sunscreen for oily skin. Just make sure to apply a light, gel-cream like this one from Byoma beforehand to keep shine at bay.
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Cetaphil
Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
Best for: Everyday cleansing
Barrier protection means one thing: an ultra gentle routine that doesn’t strip skin. Dermatologist recommended and loved by fans, Cetaphil’s daily cleanser does exactly that. Formulated with nourishing Glycerin, blemish battling Niacinamide and calming Panthenol, it cleans and feeds your skin the support it needs. Our top healthy skin tip? Use as your second cleanse after a creamy milk formula for super soft skin.
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Ole Henriksen
Truth Orange Ferment Barrier Booster Essence
Best for: Treating your skin
Proving there’s not one Ole Henriksen product we don’t love, this barrier boosting essence is one step in our routine we can’t quite live without. Starring Vitamin C and Probiotics to brighten, protect and plump, daily use of this unique essence not only boosts the power of your SPF, but neutralises damage from daily pollution. Along with its sunny sherbert scent, it’s one product that keeps us looking forward to our morning routine every time we wake up.
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CeraVe
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum All Skin Types
Best for: An extra barrier boost
If there’s one thing CeraVe does best, it’s Ceramides - and this hydrating serum is packed with a whole host of them. Offering skin protection from the more powerful actives in our routine, expect Hyaluronic Acid and the brand’s three Essential Ceramides to pull through with every application. Instantly plumping, we use alone for lightweight hydration, or layered with CeraVe’s bestselling Facial Mosturising Lotion for long-term barrier repair.
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La Roche Posay
Effaclar H+ Moisturising Cream for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
Soothing, hydrating and barrier supporting, La Roche Posay has our backs (and our barriers) when it comes to delivering dermatologist-approved, effective skincare that doesn’t break the bank. Enriched with Squalane, Glycerin, Prebiotics and Niacinamide, there’s a reason we keep turning to this moisturiser when all else fails. It might be simple, but it works - especially when doubled up with their universally loved Effaclar Serum.
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BIOSSANCE
Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Best for: Building up your barrier
Spring is in full swing, and with it the promise of sunnier days - plus a heightened risk of sun damage. And if there’s one thing sun damaged skin needs, it’s love. The best way to do it? Slather on a Ceramide, Lipid, Squalane and Omega Fatty Acid-enriched cream like BIOSSANCE’s gentle favourite for some serious repair.
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