10 of the best SPF sunscreens for the face and for every skin type

For the ultimate protection for your skin, invest in one of these top SPFs for your face, that includes options for all skin types and needs

Whether we like it or not, wearing an SPF sunscreen for the face is and should be a daily essential for all skin types – even if you’re indoors, and even during the winter months

A quality SPF will protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, which can cause a reduction in collagen and elasticity, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer.

The good news? Face sunscreens are no longer thick, sticky and greasy and there are now plenty of great formulas that won’t clog pores or leave you looking like a ghost. It’s important to check that your sunscreen is suitable for your skin type and offers a minimum of SPF 30.

Nowadays you can find them in all different forms, from complexion-boosting tinted CC creams, hydrating moisturisers with SPF, and antioxidant-rich lotions for extra wrinkle-proofing powers.

How to choose a sunscreen for your face

Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30

This lightweight SPF 30 formula protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution and high energy visible light, especially now that the sun has come out to play.

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Best face sunscreens for 2022

We’ve rounded up the top sunscreens for your face below, including formulas for every skin type.

1. Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30

Best for dehydrated skin

Although it’s ideal to wear SPF all year round, this lightweight SPF 30 formula protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution and high energy visible light, especially now that the sun has come out to play.

The creamy, non-greasy formula contains Elemis Enviro-Age Complex, a triple defense system that helps combat the visible effects of environmental ageing, that’s also perfect when used as a base for makeup.

The clinically proven sunscreen is infused with coconut and jojoba oils to deliver a boost of hydration and leave the skin feeling nourished, soft and supple.

Buy now from Elemis (£46.00).

2. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Best for Black skin

This 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturiser is lightweight, oil free, and truly invisible on all skin tones, making the perfect sunscreen for melanated skin tones.

It won’t clog your pores and is known to clap back at dehydration, discoloration, dark spots, and it’s also makeup-friendly too. Best of all the container is refillable.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF50+ Sun Cream Gel

Best for acne-prone skin

La Roche-Posay are well known for offering gentle, nourishing formulas that are perfect for those who are prone to blemishes. The Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel is a non-comedogenic, light-as-air gel cream that offers SPF 50 protection and leaves a matte finish.

The water-resistant formula is suitable for all skin types but is specially designed for sensitive, intolerant and combination to oily skin.

4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Best for uneven skin

This best-selling moisturiser boasts an oil-free formula, is noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is non-greasy – making it a great choice for all skin types.

With natural light diffusers, it’s designed to leave you with a more even skin tone and improved texture for a radiant glow.

5. REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen 50ml

Best for sensitive skin

This silicone-free sunscreen is designed to protect the skin against all forms of light, plus it’s non-comedogenic formula won’t leave you looking pale as a sheet.

Easily absorbed, the lightweight product is created with clean ingredients that make it suitable for even the most sensitive complexions.

It contains yellow passionfruit seed extract and soothing rice extract to diminish red skin and leaves you with a shine-free finish.

6. Supergoop! GlowScreen SPF 30

Best to wear under makeup

Supergoop’s Glowscreen gives your skin an enviably dewy and luminous glow, not to mention the protection of SPF 30. It also sits well under makeup without making your skin look shiny or greasy.

The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and cocoa peptides to hydrate to the skin, while niacinamide helps to reduce excess sebum. Count us in!

7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+

Best for combination skin

Keep your complexion nourished and protected with La Roche-Posay’s best-selling sun cream.

The lightweight fluid applies effortlessly to the skin without leaving the look and feel of greasy, heavy product residue.

It creates a powerful barrier against the harsh rays of the sun, reducing the risk of burning and irritation.

8. Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Moisturiser SPF 30

Best hydrating face sunscreen

This vegan facial sunscreen offers a great boost of hydration, while green coffee bean and peony extract help to brighten up dull complexions.

A mineral-based SPF 30 gives protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent future signs of ageing.

9. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50

Best for oily skin

This Kiehl’s product gives you both a High factor SPF and a non-greasy formula that oily skin types will appreciate.

Not only is it light enough for daily use, but will also help to reduce visible signs of ageing. We’re sold!

10. Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF50

Best for all skin types

This oil-free mineral sunscreen is designed with all skin types in mind.

It contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for protection against UV rays, plus the invisible finish makes it great for every skin tone.

Need some tips for dealing with sunburn? Have a go at these tricks and treatments to relieve blisters, redness and peeling.

We’ve also rounded up the 10 best aftersun lotions and creams for soothing and hydrating sunburnt skin.