9 best face sunscreens for 2026, reviewed by derms & editors
Face sunscreens are a year-round essential, obviously. But with spring and summer months upon us, and the sunshine finally making an appearance, it feels like a natural time to speak about my favourites. So, my fellow Glamour editors and I have been busy testing the very best face SPF formulas out there for this refreshed and updated guide.
Ask any dermatologist, or expert what the most important skincare step is, and chances are, they’ll say applying face sunscreen – regardless of your age or skin type. Why? Dr Christine Hall, a GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, told me that 90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays. “The best skincare advice I can give to anyone is to use SPF every single day, all year around," she shares. "It needs to be a dedicated SPF that is broad spectrum, and has a minimum sun protection factor of SPF 30 or SPF 50.”
- Our full reviews
- How we tested sunscreens
- Why you can trust me
- Do I need a separate sunscreen for my body and face?
- Do I need to wear a face SPF every day?
- Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
- Does sunscreen expire?
- Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better?
- How do I choose the right sunscreen for my face?
- Are there any key ingredients to look out for?
Luckily, there are plenty of face sunscreens out there on the market to protect your skin – from broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens to sunscreens for sensitive skin, tinted sunscreens and mineral SPFs. So, take this as your guide to the very best face sunscreens for your skin type – recommended by experts and Glamour editors who swear by them on a daily basis.
Meet our expert:
- Dr Christine Hall, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
How I tested the best face sunscreens:
I take the testing of all beauty products seriously – but face sunscreens are the category I really don't want to mess up in. Sun protection is so important, so I want to help you find SPF products you'll actually want to wear every day. If it feels greasy, pills under makeup, leaves a white cast or starts stinging my eyes, it’s not making the cut.
To build this edit, I spoke to dermatologists and skincare experts, using their recommendations as a starting point. I then had different members of the Glamour team test the formulas, to ensure we were testing across a range of skin types, tones and textures. Not just mine. As such, in this guide, you'll see videos from my colleagues Georgia Trodd, Sophie Cockett, Denise Primbet, Elle Turner, Robyn Eugene, Mayola Fernandes and Sophie Donovan. They're all experienced product testers with decades worth of experience combined.
We tested each face sunscreen for a minimum of three to six weeks to give it a proper trial run, wearing them in real-life situations – from long office days and gym classes to dinner dates and nights out. We looked at everything: protection grade, texture, how lightweight or greasy each formula felt, whether it left a white cast, how it sat under makeup, if it clogged pores and how easy it was to reapply. Some of these sunscreens have held places in the guide for much longer than that six week period; for those, we endeavour to test and retest, to see whether our opinions change. You can find more about how we test here, and shop other face sunscreens we're currently testing at the very bottom of the guide.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for six years now – five at The Mirror and the past year at Glamour – so, testing skincare, makeup and haircare has long been part of my day job. Sunscreen is one category I’ve become especially invested in over the past few years, after speaking to dermatologists, attending skincare seminars and, honestly, learning the hard way just how important daily SPF really is. I’ve burnt my face before from not being careful enough, and ever since, I’ve been pretty strict about wearing it every single day.
I’m very loyal to an SPF when I find a good one, but it takes a lot for a formula to win me over. I nearly always go for SPF 50, and I’m instantly put off by anything that feels heavy, turns greasy by midday, doesn’t sit properly under makeup or leaves a white cast. I’ve tried loads over the years, and not all of them have been winners. Every sunscreen in this guide has been properly tested, either by me or by the Glamour team, so it’s not just based on first impressions or a quick one-day wear.
Ahead, Glamour's full edit of the best sunscreens for face for every skin type.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser with SPF 50+
- Best for: Repairing, and lessening the look of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
- SPF Level: SPF 50+.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: The DNA repair enzyme photolyase, multi-weight hyaluronic acid, squalane.
- Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: "Advanced Day Ultimate is Medik8's highest protection sunscreen, formulated with next-generation DNA repair enzymes and their most advanced 360° environmental shield to date. But not only does this broad-spectrum sunscreen shield your skin from the sun to prevent sun-induced signs of ageing, but it's also infused with nourishing squalane and hydrating multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deliver daily moisture to the complexion.
"The texture is lightweight and silky, makeup applies atop it like a dream and your complexion is left glowing. Apply it in the morning after cleansing, and after application of a vitamin C serum and your moisturiser.
“Topline? I've used this SPF for a whole year now and it's genuinely one of the most convenient, effective and hydrating formulas around. The consistency is non-greasy, it doesn't leave a white cast and it works very well underneath makeup – a win.”
After more from Medik8? Read our full Medik8 review.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+
- Best for: Smooth, non-greasy wear.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Mexoryl 400, an exclusive UV filter that protects against ultra long UVA.
- Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
- Tester: Georgia Trod, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: "If you suffer from breakouts and find that wearing face SPFs tends to make matters worse, make a beeline for this bestseller product from La Roche-Posay. This 'invisible fluid' has been specially formulated for those with oily and acne-prone skin and mops up excess sebum for a mattifying effect, all while offering a super light feel and SPF50+ protection against the sun's rays.
“I've used this sunscreen daily ever since it launched for two key reasons. The science behind the formula is seriously impressive as it protects against damage from the longest UVA rays, and at a purse-friendly price, too. The invisible, non-greasy finish is also really pleasing and means you'll actually enjoy reapplying it.”
We've got Sephora discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Glow Hub Defend Yourself Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- Best for: A dewy finish and primer under makeup.
- SPF Level: SPF 30.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Marigold, vitamin E, and green tea.
- Consistency: Lightweight and non-greasy.
- Tester: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: "I actually hadn't tried very much from Glow Hub at all before this product landed on my desk. I perhaps naively assumed the brand is targeted at Gen-Z and Gen-Z only – and while the bright packaging and fun branding definitely cements that to be true, the formulation of this face sunscreen totally makes it suitable (and recommended!) for people of all ages. I'm almost 30, and I have been very impressed.
"It's fragrance-free, which I really like in a face sunscreen product, and I found it to feel really lightweight on my skin. I like a sunscreen to deliver a welcome injection of glow, which this definitely did – you could see the glow beneath my foundation, too – and I found it sat nicely under my makeup. As for the formulation, note that it contains vitamin e, antioxidant-rich marigold, and green tea give – which all work to give that extra layer of protection against environmental damage.
"I haven't reached for it quite as much as some other staples in my routine for the simple reason that protection isn't SPF50, but if that bothers you less, I think this is a really great and affordable buy – that feels attainable for regular top-ups. Please do note: my testing falls short around whether it leaves a white cast (I don't have dark skin, and need to get a fellow Glamour editor with darker skin to test it, too)."
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50 30ml
- Best for: Moisturising, repairing, and protecting.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: TFC8®, also known as Trigger Factor Complex TFC™, which shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays while supporting skin renewal.
- Consistency: Cream.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Freelancer.
Why we love it: "Powered by TFC8® technology, this rich-but-lightweight formula helps calm redness, soothe irritation, and support skin repair from daily environmental stressors – all without feeling heavy on the skin. It’s packed with restorative botanicals: cotton seed and microalgae extracts help strengthen and balance, while a potent antioxidant blend – featuring pomegranate flower, perilla leaf, and Kakadu plum – works to protect your skin.”
While I haven’t tested this product on my own skin, Augustinus Bader is a brand I know, love and trust - coming from a beauty writer who tried almost every skincare brand out there. I’m a huge fan of The Rich Cream, which is powered by the same TFC8® technology. For me, that’s a big part of the appeal as it’s a multi-tasking sunscreen that goes beyond UV protection, with a formula designed to hydrate, support skin repair and defend against daily environmental stressors all at once. According to multiple online reviews, it sinks beautifully, doesn’t pill, and sits well under makeup, which is exactly what I’d want from a luxurious everyday SPF.
That said, because I haven’t personally put it through its paces, I can’t fully speak to how it performs on different skin types, whether it stings sensitive eyes, or if it leaves a white cast on deeper skin tones. The price point will also be a potential downside for some, especially if you’re serious about regular SPF top-ups. But, if you’re already a fan of Augustinus Bader skincare and want a hard-working SPF 50 with added skincare benefits, this sounds like a the perfect option.
We've got LookFantastic discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF50 50ml
- Best for: Preventing dark spots.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C and chia seed oil.
- Consistency: Clear moisturiser.
- Tester: Elle Turner, Senior Beauty Editor.
Why we love it: “This isn’t just SPF – it’s an SPF treatment. Murad’s Vitamin Clear Coat formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while boosting ceramide production to strengthen your skin barrier. The moisturising formula plays nicely with almost anything you wear on top. It's completely clear so it doesn't leave a cast behind, and it's packed with vitamins C, D, E, and F, bio-fermented clary sage, and omega-rich chia seed oil, which soothes and nourishes skin beautifully.”
This is a great option for anyone who wants their sunscreen to do a bit more heavy lifting, particularly if dark spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation or uneven tone are already on your radar. As Elle says, it feels much more like an SPF treatment than a basic sunscreen, with a skincare-first formula that combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a cocktail of nourishing vitamins and barrier-supporting ingredients. The clear moisturiser texture is a huge plus too, especially if you’re after something that layers easily into your routine, sits well under makeup and won’t leave behind that dreaded chalky cast.
That said, if you’re very oily or prefer an ultra-light, invisible fluid, the moisturising finish may feel a touch richer than you’d want, particularly in warmer weather or when layering multiple products underneath.
We've got Space NK discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops 50ml
- Best for: High protection without any white cast.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Mineral.
- Key ingredients: 24.5% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide provides strong protection with no white cast, enhanced by sheer mineral pigments.
- Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer & Shani Cohen, Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: "This illuminating SPF is infused with sheer mineral pigments that blend into the skin like a dream, leaving you with a sheer glow, all while delivering high protection so you can rest assured that your skin will be protected. It’s a staple in my beauty bag and I never leave the house without it."
Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer Shani Cohen is also a huge fan of this sunscreen, and introduced it into her skincare routine around 6 months ago. She said: "The dropper applicator makes it feel a bit more like skincare than sunscreen, and I love how flexible it is - you can wear it alone, mix it into your moisturiser, or even blend a few drops into your foundation for a more glowy, protected base. It gives a really fresh, luminous finish on the skin (definitely more dewy than matte), and because it’s so lightweight, it never feels heavy or overly “sunscreen-y,” which I think makes it especially good for everyday wear.
It also gets extra points from me for including ectoin, which is one of my favourite ingredients for helping to support the skin barrier and protect against environmental stress — especially if your skin leans sensitive or reactive (like mine)."
SUPERGOOP! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF50
- Best for: A lightweight skin tint.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Ectoin, hyaluronic acid-infused clay.
- Consistency: Lightweight fluid.
- Tester: Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: “If you have dry skin like me, you might hesitate to try an SPF tint – but this lightweight number might just change your mind. It has become my go-to, replacing foundation most days. It offers light to medium coverage and SPF 50 protection, so I feel covered in more ways than one. Plus, the shade range is pretty solid.”
As Sophie says in her review, it’s the kind of multi-tasking formula that can replace heavier foundations, or skin tints - which is ideal for those with no makeup makeup days. As well as providing decent coverage and SPF 50 protection, it’s also packed with hydrating ingredients like ectoin and hyaluronic acid-infused clay helping to lock in moisture and keep skin feeling comfortable all day long.
That said, if you prefer fuller coverage or a matte finish - this isn’t the one for you. It may be worth looking into the best BB creams with SPF for that one. However, if you have a dry skin type, like Sophie - this is a great option.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50
- Best for: Hydrating, strengthening, balancing.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Mineral.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, silk extract.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Freelancer.
Why we love it: “Silk is a cornerstone of Tatcha formulas, as it comes with a wealth of benefits, including helping to support the skin’s barrier function, hydration, and protection against pollutants. It's also primer-like in that it assists in your makeup lasting longer. In addition to silk extract, this reef-safe SPF also features niacinamide to even skin tone and texture, and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture.”
Shani Cohen, Glamour’s beauty commerce writer, is also a huge fan of this sunscreen and has been using it for years. As Denise says, it has that primer consistency, which is a big part of why I’ve always loved it. The texture is silky and lightly creamy, so it feels hydrating on my dry skin and gives a smooth base for makeup without feeling too heavy. The mix of silk extract, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid makes it feel like more than just an SPF too, helping to keep skin hydrated, balanced and looking a bit more even.
That said, while I still love The Silk Sunscreen, I’ve recently switched to Tatcha’s newest SPF formula, The Milky Sunscreen, which just feels better suited to the warmer spring/summer months. The biggest difference for me is texture: The Milky Sunscreen is super lightweight, almost watery, and glides on really easily, whereas The Silk has a slightly creamier, tackier feel that makes it especially good under makeup. The ingredients are different too - The Milky features ectoin, vitamin E and Okinawa aloe, which is great for soothing dryness and sensitivity, so it’s been a really nice fit for my sensitive skin. I still think The Silk is lovely when I want something a bit more smoothing, but The Milky has definitely become my current go-to.
Elf Suntouchable Invisistick SPF50
- Best for: Easy application on-the-go.
- SPF Level: SPF 50.
- Mineral or chemical? Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Moisturising sunflower seed oil and soothing bisabolol.
- Consistency: Non-greasy balm.
- Tester: Robyn Eugene, Social Media Manager.
Why we love it: “This is a great portable option to swipe across skin if you hate getting goopy sunscreen all over your hands. The stick-to-balm formula blends easily into skin without feeling greasy, looks invisible on skin and is water-resistant.
I love the size of this product and the fact it fits perfectly into my pocket, or handbag - so I can take it with me on-the-go. It’s also nice that it has a couple of skincare extras in there too, with sunflower seed oil helping to keep skin soft and bisabolol adding a soothing element. Because it goes on clear, it’s easy to reapply throughout the day without worrying about it leaving a white cast, or messing up your makeup too much.
The only thing to note is that you do need to be quite generous with application (which can be easy to forget with a stick), and if you’re layering multiple swipes, it can feel slightly balmy/tacky on the skin - think a grippy primer, rather than an SPF. It’s also fragrance-free too - so ideal for sensitive skin types."
We've got Amazon discount codes to use before you buy the best face SPFs.
Your face SPF questions, answered:
Do I need a separate sunscreen for my body and face?
Yep, you really shouldn't substitute an SPF that's been expertly formulated for your face with your go-to body sun cream (however tempting that may be). According to most dermatologists, it's almost as big of a skincare sin as using body moisturiser instead of a face moisturiser.
First of all, body sun creams generally tend to have a much thicker consistency compared to face sunscreens and face SPFs, so applying them to your face can block your pores and even potentially lead to unwanted breakouts.
“The skin in the face is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of the body. Products formulated for the body tend to be stronger and thicker than those that are formulated for the face," shares Dr Christine.
"The face is also an oilier area, meaning that the skin on our bodies tend to be drier - hence body products will be heavier in terms of ingredients like oils and butters which would be too much for the face. So whilst it is OK to use face products on the body, you run the risk of inflamed and greasy skin if by using body products on the face.”
Do I need to wear a face sunscreen everyday?
You certainly do! UVB and UVA rays are known culprits behind sunburn, pigmentation, wrinkle formation and premature ageing of your skin cells. Not to mention, prolonged, consistent and unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays doesn't come without an increased risk of skin cancer.
Plus, some face SPFs have been expertly formulated to counteract other stressors, including pollution and the blue light emitted from screens on electronic devices. And much like other skincare products, the main difference lies with the added ingredients, which can vary depending on your skin's needs and personal preferences.
So not only do face SPFs prevent long-term damage, but they also help our skin maintain its ability to produce collagen and elastin, both of which are essential when it comes to keeping you looking radiant and youthful.
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
In short — no. No SPF is able to protect your skin entirely from UV rays. Some rays will still penetrate your skin — especially if you're exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time.
But it's important to remember that there's no such thing as a “safe tan” — so if you want to look bronzed, forgo lying out in the sun in favour of picking up a bottle of trusty fake tan.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes! Most sunscreens will have a printed expiration date somewhere on the bottle. Also, once you've opened a bottle of sunscreen, its efficacy will begin to deplete over time — so you'll likely need to replace an open bottle after around six months.
Is SPF 30 or SPF 50 better?
According to both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. So technically speaking, SPF 50 is the best facial SPF... but only marginally.
How do I choose the right sunscreen for my face?
Okay, so we know it's best to choose a SPF 50 (although don't fret if your favourite formula is a SPF 30).
We then need to check that your SPF is broad-spectrum, meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays - and don't worry, you don't need to study the INCI list - brands tend to advertise this on their packaging if it's broad-spectrum.
Next, consider your skin type. Dry skin will benefit from formulas with hyaluronic acid and humectants (like glycerin) and emollients (like squalane). If you're on the oily side or blemish-prone, there's plenty of oil-free formulas on the market, like the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Suncare Emulsion SPF 30. Feeling sensitive? Always, but if your skin needs a little TLC, choose an SPF with a simple formula with fewer ingredients, and no fragrance.
Are there any key ingredients to look out for?
You may often spot components like avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, oxybenzone and homosalate, which are popular in chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens tend to include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which help create a protective barrier on your skin that will reflect harmful UV rays.
Keep a beady eye on kind-to-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalane, green tea extract, and aloe vera, too (which is also often seen in after sun products).
What is the best face SPF?
We've tried and tested all the best sunscreens for face in a range of textures and protection levels – from SPF 15 to SPF 40 and above – all coming from some of the best brands in the biz, including La Roche Posay, Ultra Violette, Medik8 and Tatcha.
As used by Rihanna herself (unsurprisingly – it's part of her own brand) is the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Available for £34 from Boots, it's a lightweight oil-free SPF/moisturiser-hybrid that provides a balancing dose of hydration with broad-spectrum protection. It brightens skin, reduces discolouration and dark spots and comes pink-tinted to ensure it applies invisibly on all skin tones. We’re talking zero chalkiness.
There’s also Dermalogica’s Pure Light SPF50 which provides hydration and a shield of SPF50 while also exfoliating your surface skin cells to diminish dark spots and brighten the skin. Or Soleil Toujours golden 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF 30 formula, which alongside eco-friendly broad spectrum mineral protection, adds a beautiful dose of glow to all skin tones.
More face sunscreens we are in the process of testing:
.jpg)
.png)
