Applying one of the best face sunscreens should be as second nature as brushing your teeth, rather than the last, laborious step in your skincare routine. Yet many only save SPF for beach days and holidays, despite UV rays being present all year round in the UK.
“Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect skin against UV light produced by the sun,” says dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. “The two main types that impact skin are UVA and UVB, and together they are responsible for producing changes within the skin that can lead to sunburn and skin cancer, along with things like pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.” She adds that nearly 80 per cent of visible ageing is linked to UV exposure, even on cold or cloudy days.
How much sunscreen should I be applying to my face?
“The ‘two-finger’ rule is a good one to know,” advises Dr Granite. It’s simply a case of squeezing two strips of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers to get adequate coverage for your face, and remember to reapply every couple of hours if you're in the sun.
SPF moisturisers and foundations can help, but it’s rare for them to provide the amount of SPF protection listed on the bottle, unless applied generously. The good news is that modern facial sunscreens have come a long way and are far more pleasant to apply and wear than older formulas – especially if you grew up slapping on a thick, mud-like body sunscreens from top to toe in lieu of a dedicated formula for face.
After whittling down a long list of popular brands and products, I tested a wide range of cream, gel and lotion face SPFs to find the ones that sit well under make-up, feel comfortable all day and are genuinely easy to use every morning. These were my top picks.
Read more: Best face moisturisers with SPF, tested by a beauty writer
The best sunscreens for your face in 2026 are:
- Best overall – Heliocare 360 gel-oil free SPF50: £23, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Byoma ultralight face fluid SPF30: £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best serum – Kiehl’s better screen UV serum sunscreen: £33.60, Kiehls.co.uk
- Best for oily skin – Garnier BHA+niacinamide daily UV anti-blemish fluid SPF50: £15.94, Boots.com
- Best for combination skin – CeraVe invisible dry touch fluid sunscreen SPF50: £13.43, Lookfantastic.com
Read more: Best body sunscreens, tested by a beauty editor
Heliocare 360 gel oil-free SPF50
Best: overall face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Moisturising
- Non-greasy
The best face sunscreen I tested was the Heliocare 360 gel oil-free SPF50.
The brand is often recommended by the dermatologists I speak to – and for good reason. The brand’s face SPF is lightweight and oil-free, absorbing quickly and easily without leaving the skin feeling greasy.
It is initially sticky when applied, but that subsides quickly, and I found it to be lovely to layer under makeup. It won’t clog pores, making it a good choice for acne-prone skin types, and the formula is bolstered with antioxidant protection for added benefits. It also survived several sweaty workouts and didn’t cause my eyes to sting.
Key specifications:
Buy now £23, Amazon.co.uk
Byoma ultralight face fluid SPF30
Best: budget face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Supports skin barrier
If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend Byoma’s ultralight face fluid sunscreen. It’s ideal for all skin types, including oily and combination skin, and is available in both SPF30 and SPF50.
It’s bolstered with the brand’s signature barrier-boosting ingredients, including ceramides and niacinamide, and works to help support overall skin health while protecting against damaging UV rays. It blends effortlessly into the skin, and I found it to be a great, extremely affordable everyday sunscreen that’s easy to wear.
Key specifications:
Buy now £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
Kiehl’s better screen UV serum sunscreen
Best: serum face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Leaves a radiant finish
- Doesn't leave white cast
Take note
- Apply gradually as it can pill
- Quite a strong scent to begin with
As well as providing SPF 50, the Kiehl’s better screen UV serum sunscreen is packed with ingredients that work to correct the signs of existing sun damage such as texture, dullness and uneven tone.
The serum formula feels lightweight upon application and doesn’t leave a white cast, but take care to apply it gradually. On my first application I applied the recommended amount (two full lines along my index and middle fingers) in one go and experienced some pilling.
Under make-up, the Kiehl’s sunscreen acts as a radiant primer. On my combination skin, I prefer to wear it under a slightly more matte base to prevent shine peeking through later in the day.
IndyBest writer Helen Wilson-Beevers is in her 40s, so she was able to test how the sunscreen performed on mature skin. She said: “I have dry, sensitive skin and found the SPF to be smoothing without causing any irritation. There was no greasiness once applied, just a softening, hydrating effect.”
Key specifications:
Reviewed by Sabrina Sahota
Read our full Kiehl’s better screen UV serum sunscreen review
Buy now £33.6, kiehls.co.uk/
Dr PawPaw SPF50 day cream
Best: face sunscreen for extra hydration
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Absorbs into skin well
If you have dry skin, I found Dr PawPaw SPF50 day cream to be the best hydrating formula. It’s nourishing, thanks to the addition of papaya extract combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. I also loved the packaging and how easy it was to squeeze out the right amount.
On application, it’s beautifully lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly and easily, leaving a healthy-looking glow in its wake.
Key specifications:
Buy now £7.98, Amazon.co.uk
Garnier BHA+niacinamide daily UV anti-blemish fluid SPF50
Best: face sunscreen for oily skin
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
Take note
- Watery consistency
- Didn't mattify skin during testing
I have been through multiple tubes of this Garnier sunscreen. It’s incredibly lightweight yet effective. The combination of BHAs (known for their ability to reduce the appearance of blemishes and excess oil) and niacinamide (known to soften and smooth skin) work together to help prevent blemishes and breakouts while simultaneously protecting the skin. And it’s the SPF I’d recommend for oily skin.
The formula is incredibly watery, so take this as your warning, but don’t mistake that for a bad thing because I find that it blends and absorbs more quickly than most, and it’s virtually undetectable once it’s on, too.
One final thing to note is that this sunscreen does claim to mattify skin, but I didn’t really find that to be the case during testing.
Key specifications:
Buy now £15.94, Amazon.co.uk
CeraVe invisible dry touch fluid sunscreen SPF50
Best: face sunscreen for combination skin
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Shine-reducing
- Absorbs quickly
Take note
- Doesn’t completely mattify skin
CeraVe’s SPF is fuss-free and reliable. Formulated with normal to combination skin in mind (there’s another for normal to dry skin, plus a sun protection stick and body formulas), the lightweight fluid texture absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, natural finish that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy throughout the day – although it isn’t overly matte, if that’s something you’re looking for.
I particularly liked how well it layered with the rest of my skincare, sitting well underneath makeup without pilling. As with the rest of the brand’s formulas, it’s enriched with ceramides (to support the skin barrier) alongside niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for added hydration, making it a great everyday option that feels practical and hardworking.
Key specifications:
Buy now £13.43, Lookfantastic.com
Caudalie very high protection fluid SPF50
Best: face sunscreen for sensitive skin
Why we love it
- Vegan formula
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
If you’re looking for a gentle but effective sunscreen, this watery fluid formula from Caudalie is the one I’d recommend for sensitive skin. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula blends easily without leaving residue or any oiliness behind.
It’s comfortable on the skin and layers well with makeup. The formula is also said to help defend against blue light and infrared alongside both UVA and UVB rays, making it suitable for everyday use in the UK and while you’re on holiday.
Key specifications:
Buy now £14.4, Sephora.co.uk
Tatcha the milky sunscreen SPF50
Best: glow-boosting face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Radiant finish
- Doesn’t sting eyes
- Hydrating formula
Tatcha the milky sunscreen has a lotion-like formula. It’s incredibly lightweight and blends quickly and easily into skin, leaving a soft, healthy-looking glow in its wake that never feels greasy or overly rich.
The hydrating formula gave a subtle glow, and my skin remained comfortable throughout the day. It layered incredibly well under makeup and didn’t pill when applying moisturiser underneath, either. And, best of all, it didn’t sting my eyes.
Key specifications:
It’s packed with a blend of soothing and hydrating ingredients, including encapsulated ectoin and Japanese Okinawa aloe – a botanical ingredient with barrier-supporting benefits.
Buy now £49, Spacenk.com
Belif super drops sun serum SPF50+
Best: serum face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Featherweight formula
- Works well under makeup
- Barely-there texture
If you tend to prefer lightweight textures akin to skincare, I’d recommend a serum sunscreen – and Belif super drops sun serum SPF50+ is the one I’d reach for. The formula has fluid consistency and sinks into skin almost instantly, leaving a fresh, hydrated finish that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.
I found it layered seamlessly into my routine, and it worked especially well on days I wanted my sunscreen to feel more like skincare than sun protection.
It’s a great choice if you’re trying to be more consistent with daily SPF, as it works well under makeup and doesn’t pill when layered with other products.
Key specifications:
Buy now £22, Harrods.com
Sculpted by Aimee beauty base all in one moisturising primer SPF30
Best: face sunscreen for wearing under make-up
Why we love it
- Glow-giving
- Hydrating23
Take note
- Ensure you're using enough product to get proper protection
I’ve never met a Sculpted By Aimee product I’ve not liked, and this moisturising primer with added sunscreen is no exception.
A truly versatile product, it combines skincare, sun protection and makeup prep in one glow-giving product. It blends hyaluronic acid and peptides to help nourish and smooth the skin, and I love the radiant finish it delivers.
If you’re prone to oily skin, this may be a bit too much for you, but overall I found it to be a great ‘one-and-done’ product – just make sure to follow Dr Alexis Granite’s advice and apply enough for adequate protection.
Key specifications:
Buy now £23, Amazon.co.uk
Beauty of Joseon relief sun aqua-fresh rice + B5 SPF50+
Best: K-beauty face sunscreen
Why we love it
- Hydrating
- Invisible finish
- Easy to reapply
K-beauty sunscreens have a well-earned reputation for their elegant textures, and this one from Beauty of Joseon lived up to my (high) expectations. The silky formula absorbs quickly into skin and leaves no white cast, making it easy to wear every day and simple to reapply as and when needed.
I loved how fresh and hydrating it felt without tipping into greasiness, and the addition of rice seed water and panthenol helps support the skin barrier. In terms of effectiveness and affordability, it really is an excellent example of why Korean sunscreens continue to dominate.
Key specifications:
Buy now £11.98, Amazon.co.uk
Purifide daily moisturiser, SPF30
Best: face sunscreen for spot-prone skin
Why we love it
- Non-sticky
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for teenagers
Take note
- May not be hydrating enough if you have very dry skin
Ideal for teenagers and adults with acne-prone skin, this lightweight, non-greasy formula has SPF30 protection, and it helps hydrate skin without clogging pores. It sinks into the skin well and has a matte – but not too matte – finish, so it’s a great choice for anybody with oily or combination skin. That said, it might not be hydrating enough if you have very dry skin.
Like some of the other sunscreens I’ve tried, it contains a blend of soothing ingredients that work to help calm any irritation or redness, which I thought was a nice addition, plus it comes at a great price point and works well as a base underneath makeup.
Key specifications:
Read more: Best sunscreens for acne-prone skin
Buy now £10.04, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best sunscreen for your face?
In my tests, Heliocare’s 360 gel-oil free SPF50 was found to be the best facial sunscreen. It’s the perfect all-rounder, but you’ll never be disappointed by a Korean sunscreen, so either Belif or Beauty Of Joseon is a great choice. But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, choose Byoma’s ultralight face fluid SPF30.
How I tested face sunscreens
I incorporated these sunscreens into my daily routine for a few days at a time. The skincare paired with them remained the same each time – a hydrating serum, Byoma’s phyto mucin glow serum (£14.82, Amazon.co.uk) and an antioxidant, Tatcha’s the brightening serum (£86, Spacenk.com) – and I made sure each one was used underneath makeup to test if any formula piled when my foundation was applied on top.
When testing each one, I considered the following factors:
Why do you need separate sunscreens for body and face?
Just as you wouldn’t use the same skincare product for your face and body, it’s best to use sunscreens that are specially formulated for your face.
Unlike your body, facial skin is exposed to environmental factors, meaning it’s also where some of your most delicate bits of skin are found – for example, the area under your eyes. Facial sunscreens are formulated to the same standards as skincare products and are designed to be comfortable to wear on your face, as well as being more lightweight and easily absorbed than sunscreens for your body. They also aren’t perfumed, and you can invest in different formulations depending on your skin type – dry, oily or combination.
Should you apply facial SPF daily?
While it’s essential to apply facial SPF when it’s sunny, it’s also recommended to apply some sun protection daily, whether that’s a dedicated sunscreen product or a moisturiser or foundation with SPF. UVA rays can still penetrate despite clouds or even window glass, so it’s best to help protect your skin against any possible rays.
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
Wearing SPF doesn’t prevent tanning, as formulas aren’t able to protect your skin entirely from UVA. Factor 50 will protect you from 98 per cent of rays, while factor 30 shields you from 97 per cent of rays. This means it is still possible to get a tan while helping to protect your skin from sunburn.
Does sunscreen expire?
Sunscreen has a shelf-life of between two and three years, with most formulas remaining at their original strength for at least three years. However, once opened, sunscreen generally starts to lose its SPF efficacy after six to 12 months – make sure to read the label for clear guidance. So although you can use leftover sunscreens the following year, it’s best to purchase a new one. Unopened sunscreen will also have an expiration date, telling you when it’s no longer effective.
Meet the experts
Dr Alexis Granite: CeraVe consultant dermatologist
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, employs knowledgeable reviewers to test products as you would use them in your own home, to bring you an impartial list of the very best.
Lucy Partington is an established beauty editor who has worked in the cosmetics industry for more than 10 years. She’s written about everything from retinol creams and cleansing oils to aftersun lotions and body sunscreens. She’s garnered experience speaking to dermatologists and knows the ingredients to seek out (and avoid) to keep your skin safe from harsh UV rays, year-round.
Keep the rest of your skin protected from the sun, with IndyBest’s guide to the best SPFs for your body
