The Top 10 SPF Saviours

Understanding SPF

It’s very easy to get carried away buying expensive skin tools or booking high-tech facials, but if you’re not wearing SPF every day, you’re overlooking one of the most effective, proven, youth-preserving products the skincare world has to offer. Beyond the retinoids, exfoliating acids and sculpting gadgets that are – admittedly – far more exciting, dermatologists agree that sunscreen provides the ultimate anti-ageing support. And, of course, its most important job is protecting your skin from UV damage that can ultimately lead to skin cancer.

The key is finding a formula you love. One that feels like a moisturiser, sits beautifully under makeup and doesn’t clog your pores or trigger breakouts. If it ticks those boxes, you’re far more likely to wear it consistently, which is what really matters. Luckily for us, sunscreen has come a long way. Gone are the days of thick, greasy formulas that left a white cast or felt heavy on the skin – the new generation are lightweight, hydrating and often indistinguishable from one’s favourite daily moisturiser.

Before I delve into the formulas I really rate, there are a few things worth knowing. First, always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it protects against both UVA rays (the ones responsible for premature ageing) and UVB rays (those that burn the skin). Choose SPF 30 as an absolute minimum, but ideally SPF 50 for everyday wear. Make sure you’re applying enough; most of us aren’t. As a guide, you need around a quarter of a teaspoon – or the equivalent of two finger lengths of product – for your face alone. Don’t forget your ears, neck and chest too.

And finally, please ignore the growing wave of misinformation online suggesting we shouldn't wear sunscreen because it blocks vitamin D. It doesn't stand up to the evidence, and it's dangerous advice. You can still maintain healthy vitamin D levels while wearing sunscreen, and the benefits of protecting your skin from sun damage and reducing your risk of skin cancer far outweigh the myths circulating on social media. Wear it every day – not just for better skin, but for healthier skin too.

Hannah’s Tried & Tested Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect

I wax lyrical about this sublime sunscreen to anyone who will listen – it is moisturising without feeling greasy, doesn’t pill under makeup and offers SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, blue and infrared light and pollution. It’s also packed with skincare ingredients, from hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane to antioxidant-rich blueberry seed oil and carnosine. You’re guaranteed to actively want to wear it every day.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Correct

You can't go wrong with any of La Roche-Posay’s sunscreens. They're high factor, offer broad-spectrum protection, are brilliantly tolerated by even sensitive skin and – considering the science behind each formula – are exceptionally good value. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, look to Anthelios Oil Correct. It combines salicylic acid, niacinamide and zinc to help decongest pores, keep excess oil in check and improve the overall appearance of skin over time, while leaving behind a soft, matte finish.

I also love the Anthelios Invisible Face Mist for topping up your SPF throughout the day. Reapplying cream sunscreen over a full face of makeup isn't exactly appealing, but a few mists of this make it quick, easy and far more realistic to keep your protection topped up without having to start your makeup all over again.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice

I was initially sceptical about Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+. It went viral on TikTok, so I assumed it was just another Gen Z obsession. Having used it, I now understand the hype. It’s incredibly lightweight – you barely realise it’s there – and full of soothing, skin-loving ingredients that help calm stressed or sensitive complexions. Better still, it comes in at just over £15, making it an absolute steal.

Caudalie Very High Protection Sun Water

While we're not really talking about body sunscreen today, I just had to give Caudalie's Very High Protection Sun Water a shout-out. It’s brilliant. The bi-phase water-and-oil formula is designed to be shaken before use, then misted over the skin, leaving limbs with the most beautiful nourished, dewy finish without feeling heavy or greasy. I was also really impressed by how well it stayed put in the water. The fact that it’s suitable for sensitive skin – and even babies – is another huge tick in my book.

Tatcha Milky Sunscreen

One of the newest launches on my radar, Tatcha’s Milky Silk Sunscreen SPF50 is a great option if you're concerned about dark spots, redness or the early signs of ageing. The brand's clinical testing found that skin looked visibly improved after just two weeks of use. Silky in texture, it soothes stressed skin, moisturises and doesn’t clog pores. A luxurious and effective all-rounder.

Klira Dayscript

If your morning routine involves layering countless serums, moisturisers and then sunscreen, Klira’s Dayscript could save you a fair bit of time. This clever 7-in-1 formula does just about everything: it protects against UVA and UVB rays as well as environmental aggressors, supports the skin's natural repair processes, delivers lasting hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and helps calm inflammation. It’s a hardworking formula, made even more impressive by its encapsulation technology, which gradually releases UV filters throughout the day to provide up to eight hours of protection.

Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid

The packaging may not be the most glamorous, but don't let that put you off – Heliocare's sunscreens are consistently excellent. If your skin is particularly sensitive or you often find SPFs leave it feeling irritated, this mineral formula is well worth a look. Alongside broad-spectrum protection, it’s packed with antioxidants, including ferulic acid and vitamin C, to help defend against environmental damage. Better still, it’s free from alcohol, parabens, fragrance and octocrylene, making it a great choice for reactive complexions that require a simpler ingredient list.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunrise

For luminous, dewy skin – no foundation required – look no further than Supergoop!’s Glowscreen Sunrise, which imparts a beautiful tinted glow. Infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B3, it’s light as air but completely transforms the complexion on application. The perfect sunscreen for makeup-free days when you want to give your skin a lift with next to no effort, it is worth noting that it’s SPF 30 rather than 50. If you prefer the highest level of everyday protection, you may want to opt for one of the higher-factor formulas on this list.

Airyday Bronze Glow Dreamscreen

The new SPF brand on the block, Airyday has recently launched in the UK – and there’s a lot to choose from in this excellent Aussie-founded line. I’m particularly taken by Bronze Glow Dreamscreen SPF50+, a sunscreen-meets-liquid-bronzer that gives skin the warmth and glow I’m after, without any of the risks that come with chasing a tan in the sun. It’s also packed with skincare ingredients, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and vitamins C, E and F to help boost hydration, support elasticity and keep skin looking healthy. I’m a big fan.

Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen

Suncare doesn’t get much more luxurious than Augustinus Bader’s The Sunscreen SPF50. It contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex alongside a host of antioxidants to help support the skin’s natural defences against environmental stressors and UV exposure. It works to nourish, renew and rejuvenate the skin over time while delivering broad-spectrum protection. If you’re already devoted to The Cream, you’ll love this too.