11 of the best SPFs that your face will thank you for in 2024
It’s the no.1 product that beauty experts and celebs swear by to ensure your skin stays protected from harmful damage caused by rays.
But what makes SPF such a vital component of your skincare routine? We sat down with renowned skin and aesthetics expert, Nina Prisk, who runs Update Aesthetic, to uncover the truth behind this essential step.
“Sun protection in the form of a medical grade broad spectrum SPF should be the cornerstone of everyone’s skincare regime,” Nina emphasised.
“It’s not just about vanity; it’s about health. UV radiation doesn’t discriminate, and its effects on our skin can be both insidious and devastating.
“From DNA damage to the breakdown of elastin, the consequences of unprotected sun exposure are far-reaching.
“Skipping SPF plays a huge part in contributing to early damaged skin and premature ageing.”
Here’s our pick of some of the best sunscreens for your face in 2024.
Dr Paw Paw SPF 50, £21.60
Dr Paw Paw’s SPF 50 day cream is like a shield of protection for your skin, with its fragrance-free, vegan formula.
But it’s not just about blocking those harmful UV rays; it’s about nourishing your skin too.
Packed with moisturising ingredients and hyaluronic acids, this cream hydrates your skin from the inside out, leaving it soft and supple. And the best part? No white cast, so you can slather it on and go about your day with confidence.
Biome Protection & Moisturising SPF50, £12
Introducing the ultimate multitasker for your skin: a weightless sunscreen moisturising cream infused with a unique postbiotic active, fermented Northern Cloudberry, and Wild Raspberry extracts.
This triple-action formula doesn’t just protect your skin from UV rays – it goes above and beyond to support your skin’s microbiome. By increasing resistance to external aggressors like pollution and UV, while enhancing radiance and regeneration, it ensures your skin stays healthy and glowing naturally.
Plus, with UVA and UVB filters, your skin gets the ‘secure shield’ it deserves against sun damage, while low and high weight hyaluronic acid keep fine lines at bay.
Embryolisse Lait Crème Multi-Protection, £20.99
A cult French pharmacy favourite, Embryolisse brings some highly prized je ne sais quoi to your skin care collection with this protectant version of its sell-out moisturiser.
Combining the iconic milky cream to help rescue parched skin, and with texture-smoothing shea butter and blue light defense, this 7-in-1 multi-acting SPF is a must-have for your skincare regime.
We love its lightweight yet nourishing formula, the perfect prep for your makeup routine.
Skinstitut Age Defence SPF 50+, £40
Suitable for the most sensitive of skin types, this antioxidant-packed cream combines advanced chemical and physical hybrid sunscreen for a powerful skin protectant.
Featuring UV-protective compounds Tinosorb S & M, this sunscreen offers superior defense against harmful UV rays by absorbing, reflecting, and scattering them.
Plus, with the added antioxidant Vitamin B3, it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier function, boosts its immune response, and inhibits melanin transfer to minimize UV-triggered pigmentation.
Evolve Climate Defence SPF 30, £29
When it comes to sun protection, why settle for anything less than perfection?
Evolve’s Climate Defence Facial Cream is your ticket to flawless skin, with its untinted SPF 30 formula. But it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too.
With ingredients like lingonberry stem cells and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and soothes your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. And did we mention it’s reef-friendly? So you can protect your skin and the planet at the same time. Talk about a win-win!
COSRX Aloe Soothing SPF50, £22
With its aloe-infused formula, this lightweight formula not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also delivers a burst of hydration that will help soothe your complexion.
It also absorbs quickly, leaving behind no greasy residue, so you can go about your day feeling fresh and fabulous.
The perfect SPF for sensitive skin types in need of a bit of extra TLC.
Teoxane Advanced SPF 30, £52
This medical-grade sunscreen is skincare powerhouse in a bottle.
With its patented Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA), it’s like a hydration boost for your skin, leaving it feeling plump and firm.
But that’s not all – a blend of amino acids and collagen-boosting peptides works their magic at a cellular level, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
Plus, the addition of tinted, light-reflecting pigments gives you that coveted radiant glow, whether you wear it alone or as a makeup base.
SOS SPF50, £17
This little powerhouse is packed with mineral-based filters, offering you top-notch defense against not just UVA/UVB rays but also pesky blue light. And that’s not all – thanks to its ultra-sheer form of Zinc Oxide, it leaves no white cast.
And let’s not forget about the magic of Soy Bean Stem Cell, working tirelessly to reduce wrinkles and amp up your skin’s firmness. A great all rounder for protection all day.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal SPF 50+, £10
This TikTok viral sensation isn’t just your average sunscreen – it’s a daily dose of protection and radiance in one sleek bottle.
Infused with brightening Vitamin C and spot-busting Niacinamide, it not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays with its SPF 50 protection but also brightens and evens out your complexion for that coveted lit-from-within glow.
Plus, its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving behind no greasy residue – perfect for those on-the-go moments.
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Sunscreen, £28
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more multi-tasking sunscreen than this slightly tinted formula by popular brand Naked Sundays.
Not only does it spread effortlessly to a translucent yet slightly glowy finish, it also acts as the perfect primer for under makeup and minimises the appearance of pores.
Harnessing the power of exclusive Vegan Collagen, it also works wonders to smooth fine lines and amp up moisture levels. Our favourite out of the lot.
Ella & Jo Plump and Protect SPF 30 Day Cream, £36
For those looking for a day cream and sunscreen in one, this nourishing product is your ticket to hydrated, radiant skin with a side of protection.
Formulated with UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution defense, it’s like wrapping your skin in a protective shield against the elements. Also working to plump and hydrate your skin, this dreamy formula helps to tackle dehydrated skin in one instant sweep.
