We all know we should be wearing sun protection, everyday 365, but that’s all the more important during the warmer months when the UV index is higher. Today I want to share with you some of the best facial sunscreen for all budgets in a range of formulas, textures, finishes and filters. So let’s dive in and find you your new favourite daily sun protection. Because the best SPF is the one that you wear daily.
AD info: This post contains press samples and affiliate links, marked with *. Please see my disclaimer page for more information.
Best Facial Sunscreen To Suit Any Budget – The Details
When shopping for sunscreen it’s important to always look for “broad screen UVA/UVB protection”. UVA = filters that protect against ageing rays. UVB = filters that protect against burning rays. We know how important it is to protect our skin for health reasons and the benefits of protecting it against premature photoaging are evident too.
The choice of chemical (also known as ‘organic’) or mineral (also known as ‘inorganic’) filters is a personal one. Some people prefer to avoid chemical filters (sidebar: I hate the term ‘chemical’ as it has been demonised heavily, let’s remember that even water is a chemical…), whereas others prefer them due to texture preferences or the fact that mineral filters can cause a ‘white cast’ that can make them unsuitable for all skin tones. Of course, choices can be made due to sensitivities or allergies also.
To make this as easy as possible you’ll find a list for each sunscreen stating which filters are used for each product and which skin type it best suits. The facial sunscreens are also listed in price order from the most budget-friendly to the most spendy!
IMHO the best sunscreen is the one you will wear every day and therefore it is the one that is comfortable and suits your skin and its needs and your lifestyle requirements.
I’m posting application videos and reviews over on my socials so do keep an eye out on my Instagram and TikTok to see the textures in action! I’ll be linking them in this post as they go live!
Any discount codes I have I’ve linked next to the product. I have a discount code for LookFantastic also, which is:
20% discount: LFTFAMYSCHAPTER
DELPH SPF 50+ and SPF 30 – from £4.99
Finish: natural
Feels like: cream
Suitable for: All Skin Types, even sensitive
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
Family-friendly Delph Sun Cream has a range of sun protection to suit all. Their products have a 4* UVA and UVB protection.
Delph Sun Cream is listed on the UK drug tariff allowing GPs to prescribe Delph products.
Their products are dermatologically tested to medical standards, are suitable for all and are water-resistant and non-greasy.
Delph Sunscreen is available here*
Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Fluid – £7.99
Finish: luminous, dries down to non-tacky
Feels like: lightweight fluid
Suitable for: All Skin Types, particularly oily skins
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
Bondi Sands has a great selection of facial SPFs at affordable prices. This is a fragrance-free fluid that comes in tinted and non-tinted versions. With broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50 protection, formulated with ethically sourced algae to provide hydration. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones, however, the lightweight fluid consistency will appeal to those with normal to oily skin types.
The tint is best suited to fair skin tones, the non-tinted version works on all skin tones.
It is noncomedogenic and a great choice as a sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Fluid – £7.99 is available here*
SOS SPF 50 – £17
Finish: luminous
Feels like: moisturising
Suitable for: All Skin Types, particularly suited to those looking for hydration
Filters: Mineral/inorganic filters
This is a handy sunscreen for anyone who suffers from skin sensitivity. It is fragrance-free, non-sensitising and non-greasy while providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50 protection with mineral filters.
SOS is moisturising and soothing using vitamin E and active plant stem cells to care for the skin and fight daily free radical damage.
It feels more like a comfortable moisturiser than a sunscreen.
Fragrance-free & Coral-reef safe.
SOS SPF 50 – £17 is available here*
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow SPF50+ – £12.99
Finish: glowing, shimmery, glow boosting
Feels like: lightweight fluid
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
The viral SPF from Garnier had to make my list! This sunscreen is available in a few versions now: original, matte, glow. This is the glow version and it has a tint to it.
It is a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50, in a lightweight lotion that gives a glowy, shimmery finish.
The sunscreen has vitamin C in it so it helps to boost brightness and radiance at the same time.
The tint is slightly too dark for my pale skin unfortunately but blends once my whole neck is covered. I have seen the tint work well on medium and deep skin tones.
The consistency is a wonderfully lightweight fluid that doesn’t feel like sun protection.
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow SPF50+ – is available here*
ELF Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 £14
Finish: glowing, hydrated, slight pearl
Feels like: hydrating, nourishing
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
This is a glowy sunscreen-primer hybrid from ELF. Whoa Gloa gives SPF 30 protection while priming skin with a radiant glow.
It is lightweight, absorbs quickly & has a non-greasy texture.
I’m a fan of the subtle glow, it is enhancing!
The product is formulated with aloe to soothe, Hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration. At £14 this is a great high street option, especially given the fact that it doubles up as a makeup product too.
It has broad-screen UVA/UVB protection.
Available in 3 shades: sheer peach shimmer, sheer champagne shimmer and sheer bronze shimmer.
Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free
ELF Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 £14 is available here*
NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Triple Protect Ultra-Light Sun Fluid SPF 50+ NIVEA SPF 50 Fluid – £14.50
Finish: natural, luminous, non-greasy
Feels like: weightless
Suitable for: normal, combination and sensitive skin. Particularly suited to oilier skins
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
This uber-lightweight fluid is perfect for anyone who dislikes heavy sunscreen. It’s broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50 protection, with pollution and Blue Light protection also targeting premature ageing. Designed to work well for acne-prone skin, the formula is non-comedogenic and therefore won’t clog pores.
It feels feather-light and has a quick dry downtime. I feel this will appeal to those with normal-oily skin types in particular or anyone looking for a ‘barely-there’ fluid.
It has the traditional Nivea sunscreen scent that takes you back to holidays – whether you like that or not will be an individual choice.
It is sweat-resistant making it great for outdoor activities.
Free of UV filters Octinoxate, Oxy-benzone & Octocrylene and free of Micro-plastic.
Dermatica SPF 50 – £15.95
Finish: natural and hydrated, nourishing
Feels like: weightless
Suitable for: All Skin Types, particularly normal-dry
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
The weightless formula absorbs quickly — helping to protect your skin from photoaging, pigmentation and sun damage.
Dermatica is a skincare prescription brand that offers this SPF 50 sunscreen. It’s a weightless cream that absorbs well and has broad-screen UVA/UVB protection.
It hydrates with glycerin, panthenol and vitamin E and leaves no white residue.
This daily facial sunscreen pairs well in a routine with actives, where using a daily SPF is essential.
Dermatica SPF 50 – £15.95 is available here
AMYSCHAPTER for 10% off your entire purchase at Dermatica!
DR Pawpaw 50 PA++++ Day Cream – £18
Finish: natural and hydrated
Feels like: a hydrating day cream
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
This SPF has PA++++ SPF 50 protection while truly caring for your skin, as can be expected from the Australian brand, Dr Pawpaw.
Their hero ingredient PAPAYALURONIC(™) utilises the soothing effects of the papaya extract which hydrates alongside Hyaluronic acid.
Your Gorgeous Skin truly feels like a moisturiser first, sunscreen second. It is enjoyable to wear and feels caring for the skin. This will appeal to those who look for added hydration and nourishment in their sun protection most and may feel a little heavy for those with oiler skins.
DR Pawpaw 50 PA++++ Day Cream – £18 is available here*
20% discount: LFTFAMYSCHAPTER
Hello Sunday The Everyday One SPF 50 £18
Finish: very glowy (without shimmer), natural and hydrated
Feels like: super hydrated
Suitable for: All Skin Types, particularly normal-dry
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
Looking for an easy-to-wear, hydrating daily SPF moisturiser? Then say Hello to The Everyday One!
The Everyday One has you covered with your broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50 protection. As a bonus it also helps protect against blue light and pollution due to a hero ingredient algae extract, Dunaliella Salina.
It is lightweight but nourishing and contains Hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters, panthenol, Vitamin C and Vitamin B5; so particularly suited to those who enjoy hydration in their skincare.
Hello Sunday The Everyday One SPF 50 £18 is available here*
Hello Sunday The Retouch One SPF £20
Finish: natural and hydrated
Feels like: barely there
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
This is a perfect SPF for on-the-go! Sunscreen should be topped up every 2 hours to remain effective.
The Retouch One is a hydrating mist and SPF in one. It feels invisible and is great for topping up your UV protection throughout the day. It works on bare skin and over makeup too. The protection is broad-spectrum and also covers blue light, infrared, and pollution.
The skin is given a boost with added Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.
Hello Sunday The Retouch One SPF £20 is available here*
The Matte One Sebum Control Face Moisturiser with CBD Extract – £22
Finish: matte with radiance (not flat matte)
Feels like: comfortable, non-greasy
Suitable for: oily skin or anyone who wishes for a matte finish
Filters: Chemical filters
The Matte One is a perfect facial sunscreen for oily skin! Those who dread applying SPF for fear of the extra layers of oils will appreciate the non-greasy and lightweight nature while enjoying the mattifying finish.
This doesn’t mean it skimps on hydration however, the formula still cares for the skin whilst regulating oil production with CBD extract and Silica. The Matte One provides SPF50 UVA + UVB protection and you’re covered with protection against blue light, infrared and pollution too.
Being an oily/combo gal myself this one gets a gold star.
Hello Sunday The Matte One is available here*
No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF50 £24.95
Finish: natural
Feels like: lightweight, hydrated
Suitable for: works for all skin types, best suited to normal-dry
Filters: Chemical/organic filters
The newest addition to the Future Renew range and it’s a corker! This broad-spectrum SOF 50 sunscreen is a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly, it is hydrating and has the same “age-defying peptide technology” that No7 uses in the rest of this range (read about this here!) which is exciting stuff!
This is quite a hydrating SPF, I love it as a first application but topping up throughout the day can feel a tad heavy on my oily/combination skin. I therefore think it’s most suited to normal-dry skin types.
No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF50 £24.95 is available here
Tan Organic Daily Defence Tinted Facial SPF 50ML – £26.00
Finish: dewy, tinted
Feels like: hydrated, primer-like finish
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Mineral filters
This physical sun cream utilises mineral filters and is perfect for those who love being outdoors as it has 40 minutes of water resistance and an SPF50.
Tan organic uses non-nano zinc oxide and has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
It has been formulated to ensure it is non-comedogenic and non-greasy.
The sun cream has a light tint to it that helps to avoid any white cast or residue. I’d love to see this in a deeper tint to cater to deeper skin tones also.
Tan Organic Daily Defence doesn’t feel heavy to wear at all, it hydrates and feels comfortable on the skin. It dries to a natural, dewy finish which looks lovely.
100% Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free, reef safe.
Tan Organic Daily DefenceTinted Facial SPF50 £26 is available here
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector £28
Finish: hydrated, primer like
Feels like: silky soft
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: a mix of Chemical/organic filters and mineral/non-organic filters
City Block by Clinique is a weightless SPF 50 that works to protect and prime the skin. It is sheer and does a good job of absorbing quickly.
The formula is oil-free, which will appeal to those in the oily skin category and it has hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, so you’re getting skincare benefits as well as broadpectrum UV protection.
It creates a lovely finish to prime skin for makeup.
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector £28 is available here
NUDESTIX Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF30 – £28-31 (£34)
Finish: Radiant
Feels like: nourishing
Suitable for: all skin types, most suited to normal to dry skin types as it feels nourishing
Filters: mineral (non nano zinc oxides)
This daily hydrating veil protects with SPF30 while nourishing skin and targeting the damaging effects of blue light and pollution.
It is available in a range of tints to give skin a healthy finish and prep for makeup. The tints ensure that white cast is avoided across all skin tones when formulating with mineral filters.
Green Algae, PassionFlower and Purple Tea help create a powerhouse of antioxidants in this daily treatment.
Vegan, reef safe.
Available in 5 tints: Cool, Hot, Nude, TN, Warm
NUDESTIX Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF30 – £28-31 (£34) is available here*
Paula’s Choice Essential SPF 30 £29.75
Finish: Glowy
Feels like: hydrating, creamy
Suitable for: all skin types, however, best suited to normal-dry
Filters: mineral
This one brings the glow! Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 is a lightweight day cream with a gorgeous glow. It is formulated with an ‘Anti Pollution Factor blend’ that helps to neutralise the damaging effects of environmental pollutants and blue light.
The moisturiser uses liquorice and resveratrol to brighten while protecting against UV.
As this uses mineral filters it does take a few minutes to settle the ‘white cast’ on my skin. This does disappear, as I’m fair, however as Paula’s Choice offer a range of facial sunscreen, I’d recommend checking others in the range out if you’re a medium-deep skin tone.
Paula’s Choice Essential SPF 30 £29.75 is available here*
Inde Wild 12% Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+ – £32
Finish: radiant
Feels like: silky, non greasy
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: mineral
These broad spectrum SPF 50 Glow Drops protect skin while being formulated to work well with acne prone skin, hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin and being a non-clogging formula.
Niacinamide, Centella, and Liquorice Root help to keep pores healthy, soothe skin and fight free radical damage.
Glow drops have PA++++ rating and help to brighten the complexion.
I have been pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the glow drops are and that they don’t feel particularly heavy at all.
Inde Wild 12% Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+ – £32 is available here
Evolve Beauty Climate Defence Face Cream SPF 30 – £32
Finish: Radiant
Feels like: silky, nourishing
Suitable for: all skin types, oily skins may find this heavy
Filters: mineral
This non-nano Zinc Oxide-based SPF 30 face cream provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection boosted with antioxidants from Lingonberry stem cells to fight free radical damage.
It hydrates with Prickly pear cactus extract and Hyaluronic acid and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Evolve Beauty Climate Defence Face Cream SPF 30 – £32 is available here
Alpha H Dawn to Dusk SPF50 -£36.99
Finish: luminous
Feels like: silky, very lightweight serum
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: chemical/organic
If lightweight texture is what you look for then this serum-like SPF may grab your attention. Alpha H created Dawn to Dusk, a silky lightweight SPF with skincare benefits to nourish the complexion.
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filters alongside
Niacinamide, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera target skin’s texture & barrier strength while keeping it hydrated and nourished with a luminous finish.
The added nourishing ingredients make this particularly suited to normal-dry skin types.
Alpha H Dawn to Dusk SPF50 -£36.99 is available here
ARK skincare skin protector SPF 30 £38
Finish: luminous
Feels like: silky, very lightweight
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: chemical/organic
What a surprise the ARK skincare skin protector is! This has a beautifully silky feel to it and absorbs quickly into the skin making it easy to apply makeup on top. Hailed as a multitasking 5-in-1 skin essential it works as your moisturiser, SPF, primer, illuminator and antioxidant protection.
The formula is non-greasy with a velvety finish while hydrating skin with Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Hydracire (a blend of Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower), and Hyaluronic Acid Booster.
It is a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30, I’d love to see a SPF50 option at some point too.
ARK Skincare has kindly given me a discount code to share with you! AMY15 will give you 15% discount.
ARK skincare skin protector SPF 30 £38 is available here*
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless UV Primer SPF50 £40
Finish: luminous, soft focus
Feels like: velvety
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: chemical/organic
Flawless UV is Charlotte Tilbury’s sunscreen offering. A skincare-SPF primer hybrid that has SPF50 PA++++ broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
It has a weightless, satin feel that absorbs easily leaving a glowing, soft focus finish.
Pollution concerns are addressed with antioxidants, while skin is hydrated with Hyaluronic acid and soothed with aloe Vera.
This SPF is particularly suited to those who enjoy the Charlotte Tilbury glow!
Charlotte tilbury Flawless UV Primer SPF50 £40 is available here*
15% discount for new customers: amyhFA0NZ
Allies of skin The One SPF 50 – £43
Finish: natural, soft focus
Feels like: velvety, comfortable, lightweight
Suitable for: all skin types (perhaps a little heavy for reapplication on oily skin – my experience)
Filters: chemical/organic
The One, a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 sunscreen, is completely invisible- so no unsightly white streaks to be found making it perfect for all skin tones; while being a weightless gel texture with a skincare-packed formula.
The One has ablend of sunscreen filters to target UV ageing prevention & an “Aloe membrane complex” which helps the sunscreen dry down as well as gives an uber lightweight feeling.
It doesn’t feel like sunscreen & has a velvety finish to it. It provides 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance, in a lightweight & weightless formula with antioxidant protection and Niacinamide to even texture and strengthen skin’s barrier.
I find reapplication a tad heavy on my oily skin, but it’s beautiful as a first application. I think this is due to the hydrating nature of the formula, therefore normal-dry skins will thoroughly enjoy.
RRP: £43
Allies of skin The One SPF 50 – £43 is available here*
Temple Spa Life Defence SPF 50 – £44
Finish: Radiant
Feels like: velvety, comfortable
Suitable for: all skin types
Filters: chemical/organic
Life Defence from Temple Spa offers a lightweight moisture consistency with UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection SPF 50.
It is a lovely option for your UV protection. It applies and sinks into the skin with ease and offers an antioxidant complex of rocket, ginseng root, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
This helps to care for skin as it is exposed to free radicals throughout the day including pollution and blue light.
It isn’t heavy to wear.
To match, the Life Defence lip balm has a SPF 30, which is perfect as this delicate area of skin needs just as much attention when it comes to suncare.
Temple Spa Life Defence SPF 50 – £44 is available here
Temple Spa Life Defence Lip Balm – £12
Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 £10.95
Finish: normal
Feels like: hydrated
Suitable for: dry, sensitive skin
Filters: chemical/organic
Altruist is an excellent affordable suncare brand by Dr Andrew Birnie – British dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon.
This is a moisturising antioxidant facial sunscreen with 5 star ultra UVA rating (PPD 52), and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Vitamin E helps protect against free radical damage and the formula is coral-friendly.
designed for sensitive skins
Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 £10.95 is available here*
Dr Sam Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
Finish: glowing natural and hydrated
Feels like: silky, velvety, light lotion
Suitable for: All Skin Types
Filters: Chemical/organic filters +mineral/inorganic filters
Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 is a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen that feels silky & has a primer-like finish, prepping your skin for makeup or a makeup-free day.
It is a smoothing formula that doesn’t clog pores & actively works to clear them thanks to 5% Niacinamide. The finish is a gorgeous glow with a soft focus. The Zinc oxide causes a very slight white cast at first (when the correct amount is applied) however this disappears as it settles over 5-10mins.
Dr Sam Bunting offers two sunscreens, Flawless Daily & Gossamer, in her range. This one is my preferred of the two for my oily/combination skin. Gossamer, comes in a range of tints (as well as non-tinted) & has a beautiful finish. Personally, I find it best suited to normal-dry skins as it’s wonderfully hydrating & I find it a little heavy.
Non-comedogenic and Fragrance Free.
Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
- 11.8% Zinc Oxide and 7% Octinoxate
£31
Dr Sam Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 is available here*
10% new customer discount: AMY_CHAPTER
Best Facial Sunscreen To Suit All Budgets
I have been very busy trying out facial sunscreens behind the scenes and I hope it has been of some help!
Thankfully gone are the days of thick, claggy sunscreams, now we really do have some elegant formulas that feel a treat to wear.
The best SPF is the one that we reach for daily so remember to choose with your skin type and skin concerns in mind.
Remember to keep your sunscreen topped up now that the British sunshine has finally decided to show itself, enjoy!
