THE UK is hitting scorching temperatures, so regular sun cream application is crucial for keeping our skin protected.
Sunscreen has long evolved past strong smells and white casts, with plenty of options incorporating skincare into their formulas for added impact.
The heatwave isn’t going anywhere just yet, so the Sun Shopping team has put the best sun creams to the test.
We’ve found options for every skin type, including lightweight formulas and mineral options for sensitive skin.
Scroll on to read our honest thoughts…
Best sun creams at a glance
Best sun creams for 2026
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Fluid Sunscreen Age Shield SPF50
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Fluid Sunscreen Age Shield SPF50, £12.74 (was £16.99)
Pros: SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, quick absorption, lightweight, glowing skin, no offensive smell.
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I absolutely hate everything about normal sunscreen.
The tackiness on your skin, the awful coconut smell… The list goes on.
But this Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is quite the game changer.
The consistency is somewhere between a cream and a serum, meaning that tackiness that you usually feel on your skin after applying a sunscreen – gone.
The niacinamide gave my skin a glow so radiant, people might actually mistake me for being well-rested.
Best of all, my makeup didn’t slide off my face after a long day in London.
Coming in at an extremely sensible price, this is my top pick for the sunny season.
Type of Sunscreen: Fluid SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Vegan: Yes
47 Skin Daily SPF 30 Anti-Blemish Sunscreen
Daily SPF 30 Anti-Blemish Sunscreen, £24
Pros: Fast absorbing, hydrating, non-greasy
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
My favourite feature of the 47 Skin SPF is its lightweight texture and how easy it slots into my existing skincare routine.
Not only did it glide onto my skin without breaking me out (due to the non-comedogenic formula)– combined with my moisturiser, it also acted as a great base for my make-up.
It’s fast-absorbing, with the added bonus of protecting against environmental stressors such as pollution.
I also took it away on a weekend mini break as it’s travel size and fit neatly into my travel makeup bag, and even after several days of use, I struggled to find any negatives.
Type of Sunscreen: Liquid SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Silver Chitoderm (which works to kill 99.99% of the bacteria that cause blemishes,) hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera Vegan: No
Caudalie High Protection Glow Oil SPF50
Caudalie High Protection Glow Oil SPF50, £17.60 (was £22)
Pros: Affordable price, water resistant, for hair, body and face, strong protection, SPF UVB + UVA, non-comedogenic
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I love tanning with an oil, and the Caudalie High Protection Glow Oil SPF50 provides excellent protection with a formula that defends against both UVA and UVB rays.
The non-greasy, water-resistant oil offers protection on the face, skin, and even hair, sinking in almost instantly, leaving no oily residue.
After using the SPF in a 20 degree heat, I found it gave me a nice, even tan, and I didn’t burn at all.
The scent is extremely subtle and delicate, with notes of coconut water coming through the strongest, which enhances the feeling of being on holiday even if you’re stuck in the UK!
Type of Sunscreen: Oil SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 150ml Star ingredients: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (one of the strongest and most modern UV filters on the market) Vegan: Yes
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist
Garnier Over Makeup, £9.37 (was £13.99)
Pros: Cooling mist, lightweight, no white cast
Cons: Small bottle
Rating: 4/5
This sun cream from Garnier is perfect for wearing over make-up and topping up your SPF throughout the day.
Featuring SPF 50, you simply spray the sun cream before or after applying makeup to be protected against UV rays, free radicals in pollution and, with its infusion of vitamin E, even dehydration.
This lightweight spray looks transparent on the skin and has a non-greasy finish, making it perfect for applying without messing up any makeup.
For ultimate protection, Garnier recommends applying frequently, particularly after being in water or sweating. It’s got a fine mist that feels particularly refreshing in hot weather and after an eight-hour wear test, showed no signs of interfering with make-up.
While the tube is handy for carrying around in your bag, it is smaller in size and finishes fast if used often, so be sure to stock up on this essential.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 50 Water-resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 75ml Star ingredients: Vitamin E
Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Face Cream SPF50+ 50ml
Piz Buin Allegy Sun Sensitive Face Cream SPF50+ 50ml, £9.99
Pros: Affordable price, easily absorbed, often on sale, a little goes a long way
Cons: None
Rating: 4.5/5
For face and body, the factor 50 SPF has Triple Resistance technology, including advanced UVA/UVB filters for instant protection and reinforces the skin’s natural ability to face the challenges that come with exposure to the sun.
It’s intensely moisturising, non-greasy and also anti-allergy, making it the perfect choice for sun seekers who like minimal shade and maximum protection.
I have problem skin in parts and am very particular about what suncreams I use on my face, but this SPF has been developed in collaboration with dermatologists and has never broken me out.
Type of Sunscreen: Triple Resistance SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Calmanelle (strengthens the skin’s resilience against sun exposure) Vegan: No
Malibu Sun SPF 30 Lotion, High Protection
Malibu Sun Lotion SPF 30, £5.99
Pros: Cheap price, good sized bottle, moisturising, water-resistant
Cons: None
Rating: 4/5
This is another well-priced sunscreen, which is great because if you’re going abroad you certainly do get through lots of it.
The lotion applies well and sinks in without leaving a sticky feel afterwards with no white cast. The SPF rating is high and this sunscreen has a 4-star UVA rating providing all-rounded protection.
It’s water resistant – but no time limit is given. However, the bottle states you should reapply after swimming.
The lotion contains both vitamin E and aloe vera to boost moisturisation, which is a nice touch, and you get 200ml so it’s a good-sized bottle.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 100ml Star ingredients: Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Vegan: Yes
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, 8.25 (was £11)
Pros: Water-resistant for four hours, no white cast, easy to rub in, cheap price
Cons: 3-star UVA protection
Rating: 3.5/5
I was impressed at how quickly the lotion absorbed into my skin and there was no white cast afterwards. It’s light, like a body lotion and there’s none of the stickiness you often get with high-factor sun cream.
This one is also fragrance-free but it has a subtle coconut fragrance. It contains moisturising vitamin E so the skin feels hydrated throughout the day.
I love that it’s water-resistant for four hours so if you forget to reapply after swimming you’re still protected.
The lotion is also cruelty-free and reef-friendly. However, it only offers 3-star UVA protection.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 50 Water-resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 150ml Star ingredients: Vitamin E
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+, £47.20 (was £59.00)
Pros: Protection beyond sun damage Hybrid day cream/sunscreen, Great for mature skin
Cons: A hefty price tag
Rating: 4/5
Medik8’s skincare will always have a place in my bathroom – as will its SPF50+.
Protection goes beyond the sun with this product, with Medik8’s 360 environmental shield.
Blue-light blockers and anti-pollution properties make it ideal for use in the city as well as on a beach.
The formula is on the thicker side, but soon melts into the skin and leaves no trace of a white cast on darker skin tone.
Best suited for dry/normal skin, I do feel this product could be a bit too rich for those on the oily side – but the thick texture and anti-ageing properties makes it ideal for mature skin.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical, SPF Factor: 50+, Water-resistant: No, Sweat-resistant: No, Size: 50ml, Star Ingredients: Ecotin, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Blueberry Seed Oil, Vegan: Yes
Clarins Sun Care Cream 50+
Clarins Sun Care Cream 50+, £29
Pros: No white cast, hydrating, water and sweat-resistant
Cons: Strong fragrance, greasy, expensive
Rating: 3/5
This sun cream from Clarins has a UVB of 50+ and UVA protection which is high according to European standards (represented on the packaging as UVA in a circle).
It’s quite thick to apply and takes a bit of rubbing before it sinks in.
The coral reef-friendly formula leaves a rather greasy finish for a while afterwards.
The cream is hydrating and contains botanical extracts – Clarins Sun Plant Complex (aloe vera, pea, baobab, plane tree and senna) that help prevent the visible signs of sun-related ageing.
The scent is strong, but it’s not unpleasant. At £28, it’s expensive and the tube is only 150ml, but Clarins fans will love it.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: yes Size: 150ml Star ingredients: botanical extracts
How we tested
All sun cream product reviews in this guide have been tested by The Sun’s team of Shopping experts.
They were all worn for a few days, and our testers took many factors into account, such as application, level of protection, value for money, texture and packaging.
We also evaluated whether it was fragranced and how the product felt on our skin.
Need more SPF information? Read our review of the best sun protection for hair.
The Importance of SPF
WITH summer finally here, here’s everything you need to know about SPF.
1. Protects Against UV Radiation:
- SPF shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer:
- Regular use of SPF can significantly lower the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
3. Prevents Premature Aging:
- UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps maintain youthful skin by blocking these aging effects.
4. Maintains Even Skin Tone:
- Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Using SPF regularly can help prevent these issues, leading to a more even and radiant complexion.
5. Essential for All Skin Types:
- Regardless of skin type or tone, everyone is susceptible to UV damage. SPF is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin and prevent damage.
6. Everyday Necessity:
- UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily SPF application essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors.
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