The best sun cream? It’s complicated. Of course, the shelves are stacked high with endless bottles of SPF lotions (clear, biodegradable and now even SPF haircare names just a few of the emerging categories), but ensuring you’re sufficiently protected from the the sun’s rays takes a little more tactic than slathering on the first cream you see. In fact, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the suncream you’ll trust to protect your skin, whether you're after an spf for your face, body, or both.
What does SPF really mean?
First, there’s the often-misunderstood SPF. An abbreviation of ‘sun protection factor’, this number actually denotes the amount of time your skin will be protected from the sun for.
"If your skin type allows you to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, then most commonly, wearing SPF50 will indicate that your skin will be protected for 50 times longer, so 500 minutes," explains consultant dermatologist Dr Maria Roest. "This of course is dependent on your skin and specific level of sensitivity. It's also important to remember to avoid spending too much time in the sun when it is at its hottest, between 11am and 3pm."
Generally speaking SPF 50 will deliver 98 per cent protection from rays, while SPF 30 offers 95 per cent.
Of course, these numbers should be taken with a large pinch of salt, as they don’t consider interference from factors such as sweat and swimming. The safe solution? Stick to SPF 30 and above, regardless of your skin type and tone, and reapply diligently.
UVA vs UVB: what's the difference?
Moreover, there's plenty of confusion surrounding UVA and UVB rays, which both come from the sun, yet don't pose the same threat to your skin. UVA rays have a longer wavelength, meaning they penetrate further into the skin's dermis, leading to premature ageing. UVB rays, with a shorter wavelength, hit the surface of the skin and can cause burning. To be amply protected in the sun, you need a broad-spectrum suncream, which will shield from both wavelengths.
Another factor to consider is that UVA rays can travel through glass, so it's important to wear SPF when you're sat near a window during the day.
How much sun cream is enough?
Guidelines do very when it comes to the amount of sunscreen to apply, and of course the size of your body will be a factor. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using the equivalent of one full shot glass to cover an adult body from head to toe.
If you're only applying to your face, use a dessert spoon's worth of SPF to keep you protected from the tops of your ears to the base of your neck.
Do we really need to wear sun cream in the UK?
It probably won't surprise you to hear the answer to this one is yes. "The sun's rays can be damaging anywhere," confirms Dr Roest. You can also develop sun-related skin damage at any time of the year. "We receive about 10 per cent of our total yearly UV exposure during the winter months, so the harmful effects of the sun are much reduced during this period, but it is still important to protect your skin.
What if I tan easily, and don't burn?
As Roest is keen to stress, "there is no such thing as a safe suntan." In fact, having a tan suggests injury has occurred, and the skin has taken measures to try and protect itself from future damage." Just because you tan at the sight of the sun doesn't mean that you shouldn't be protecting your skin. Aside from the cancer risks associated with sun damage, harmful rays can also cause premature ageing and pigmentation – even more reason to be wearing sunscreen," she adds.
Is any sun cream really water-resistant?
"A water-resistant sunscreen will keep working to protect your skin while you are in the water," says Roest. "This is essential as the water surface reflects UV radiation from the sun, increasing your chances of burning."
However, water-resistant does not mean waterproof. "No sun cream is 100 per cent waterproof and some will get washed away when you are in the water," says Dr Roest. "It is always recommended that to maintain maximum protection, sun cream is re-applied after swimming. Even sunscreens that say they only need to be applied once a day should be re-applied after swimming."
Mineral vs chemical sun cream
Sun creams generally fall into one of two categories: mineral and chemical.
These two types of filter work in different ways to shield the skin from UV rays, as skin expert Dr Sophie Shotter explains. "Chemical filters absorb the rays. Think of these filters as little sponges that collect the rays, stopping them from entering your skin and damaging it. Mineral filters, often referred to as ‘physical filters’, deflect the rays. Think of them as a bat, hitting them away before they can enter the skin."
Chemical sun filters, such as the commonly used oxybenzone and octinoxate, are absorbed by the skin. This means that many chemical sunscreens deliver an impressive user experience, leaving no chalky texture or white cast behind. However, they can be irritating for especially sensitive skin. Mineral filters, such as zinc and titanium oxides, remain on the surface of the skin and are generally better tolerated by sensitive types.
Which sun creams are ocean-safe?
Much has been made of traditional suncream ingredients in recent years, with studies finding worrying levels of oxybenzone and octinoxate (the two most widely used chemical filters in suncream) washing into our oceans each year, resulting in coral bleaching and damage to marine life. Hawaii was the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, and several others have since followed suit.
Thankfully, brands are quickly rising to the challenge and providing a host of biodegradable sunscreens that are ideal for your next far-flung getaway.
The best sun creams to trust now
Considering all this, it’s easy to see why so many of us are puzzled by sun-protection. To make matters easier, we’ve rounded up our 15 favourite suncreams for face and body below. Every one features trustworthy protection from both UVA and UVB rays. That’s summer sorted, then.
Best hydrating sun cream
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50
Blending Vichy's signature mineral-rich water with hyaluronic acid, this deeply hydrating SPF spray soothes and refreshes while providing substantial sun protection. With a shine-free, transfer-proof finish, this lightweight mist ranks in our top tier of effortless sunscreens.
Acclaimed for her celebrity clientele and chic, minimalist formulations, Dr. Barbara Sturm is a reigning name in the beauty hall of fame. This rich sun cream is no exception, infused with cranberry fruit extract for free radical protection, tannins to revitalise sun-stressed skin and sunflower sprout to energise your natural barrier.
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Known for its vibrant hue and resilient formulas, Lancaster's non-greasy body SPF has quickly become a regular in our summer beauty bags. This sensorial milky texture melts into skin momentarily, leaving a veil of lightweight protection behind.
This plush vitamin E-infused formula is ideal for topping up your protection throughout the day. More than just another SPF mist, it provides a layer of nourishing hydration signed and sealed with a water-resistant, grease-free promise.
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Suitable for all skin tones, this non-greasy, transparent mist is ideal for maintaining a streak-free glow in the sun. With water and sand-resistant properties, you can rely on this lightweight SPF to keep you protected whether you're sweating, swimming or towelling down.
This multi-tasking SPF targets tired aching muscles as well as protecting against harmful UV beams. Looking for a lightweight, velvety milk to accompany your summer sporting activities? This is the one.
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As you likely expect from a name as prestige as Sisley, this sun cream feels more like a luxury body treatment than an SPF. The camellia and mango extracts create an ultra-rich texture, while geranium and lavender essential oils deliver a light, fresh scent.
Best glowy sun cream
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen
There's a sublime finish to Ultra Violette's first sun cream for the body: it's dewy and gleaming, but not overtly sparkly. In fact, it makes legs look so good, even the most sunscreen-averse will be slathering it on every single morning.
Not just a good-looking brand, Ultra Violette is a leading Australian sunscreen player: and if you can satisfy the regulators in the world's strictest SPF country, you're excelling everywhere else, too.
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This indulgent golden oil boasts a silky texture and the most beautiful scent, so is ideal for anyone truly reluctant to slather on the SPF. It might feel just like a luxe body oil, but we can report it keeps skin truly well-protected.
When it comes to facial sunscreen, it pays to choose a thoughtfully formulated option – especially when your complexion is sensitive. Recommended by legions of dermatologists, La Roche-Posay's entire Anthelios line is a fail-safe choice.
The latest iteration (there's plenty to choose from) is watery in texture and leaves behind a very subtle dewy glow. It contains advanced, broad-spectrum UV filters to ensure your skin stays completely protected, even in the hottest of temperatures.
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Best mineral SPF for face
Summer Friday ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
A mineral face SPF is a wise choice for anyone with especially sensitive skin, but it's true that many formulas feel thick and leave an unattractive white cast over your complexion. A brilliant new launch, Summer Fridays' silky sunscreen is created with chemical-free UV shields, leaves skin balanced, not oily, and layers perfectly beneath make-up.
Best sun cream for applying over make-up
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50
Now 33% Off
Sun cream reapplication can be tricky for the everyday make-up wearer. How do you top-up your essential sun protection without disrupting the base beneath? This clear hyaluronic acid spritz makes short work of that concern, misting over make-up for a dewy SPF 50 shield.
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Best sun cream for the whole family
Ultrasun Super Sensitive High SPF30 Family Formula
If claggy suncreams tend to break you out in pricky heat, try Ultrasun's extra-gentle formula. It's suitable for children and adults, free from synthetic fragrances, and resists water (although that doesn't release you from reapplying regularly).
An untraceable, non-sticky finish is essential looking for making an SPF appealing to reapply, which is why this oil-free sunscreen milk has us topping-up like clockwork. Armed with a coral friendly soft-silk texture, it absorbs effortlessly for a comfortable factor 50 sun shield.
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BEST SUN CREAM FOR FACE AND BODY
Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 50+
If you're travelling light, or simply want to save space on your bathroom shelf, a face and body sunscreen is a wise move. This one from Shiseido strikes just the right balance: it's light enough not to feel suffocating on skin, yet delivers SPF 30 protection.
Sun Bum has been the sunscreen brand of choice in California for the past decade, and is now available on our shores. This original vegan-friendly lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and made with reef-friendly filters.
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This barely there sun cream mist pairs moisturising safflower extract with vitamins A and E for a silky boost of sun protection. With natural guava mango aromas, not only does this user-friendly spray absorb into skin instantly, it also benches the dreaded traditional sunscreen scent.
Formulated with sport in mind, this clear sunscreen is actually a great choice for anyone spending all day out in the sun – children included. The clear spray is light and watery, so sinks in quickly without leaving a white residue or yellow marks on clothing. It's free from fragrance and water-resistant, too.