7 best sun creams for 2025 tried and tested to stay safe in the sunshine
THE weather is glorious in the UK right now. Yay!
But as the sun's rays get ever stronger, we need to protect our skin against UV damage - in this article, we've picked out the best sun creams, all tried and tested.
Applying a good sun cream or sun lotion will not only stop you burning, but it will help prevent dryness, wrinkles and age spots - all of which are caused by too much sun exposure.
More seriously, sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and other related health issues that come from too much time, unprotected, in the sun.
But with a lot of different choices on the market, which is the best sun cream to choose?
The we apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) between March and October, however other skincare experts advise using sun cream year round.
Read more on skincare
And this goes for children too. There's plenty of sunscreens for kids out there so the one you go for again comes down to personal preference.
Best sun creams at a glance:
- Best overall sun cream:
- Best budget sun cream:
- Best non-greasy sunscreen:
- Best SPF 30 sunscreen:
- Best for family:
How we tested these products
All sun creams have been tested by a member of The Sun's Shopping team.
They were all worn for at least one day and our testers took many factors into account when rating the products.
These included how easy the cream or spray was to apply, the level of protection it offered, the fragrance and feel on the skin, and how often they needed to reapply the product.
Best sun creams for 2025
Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 30
Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 30, £6 from Superdrug
Pros: Affordable price, 5-star UVA protection, easily absorbed, large size, eco-friendly
Cons: None
Rating: 4.5/5
Altruist sun cream is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection and is amazing value.
Altruist was developed by a skin cancer surgeon and consultant dermatologist, so it has impeccable credentials.
The texture is light and the cream absorbs quickly into the skin. Initially, it felt slightly sticky, but that quickly wore off and our skin was left feeling soft with no white cast.
While the product is supposed to be fragrance-free, I could detect a subtle scent that was reminiscent of sunshine and holidays, but in a subtle way.
It’s also water-resistant, although it doesn’t specify for how long. I love that it’s cruelty-free, vegan and even coral-friendly. You can also use it on children over two years old. This is one I'll be using again.
Type of Sunscreen: Mineral & Chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 200ml Star ingredients: Tinosorb A2B (advanced sunscreen) Vegan: Yes
Review by Lisa Burn
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist
Garnier Over Makeup, £8.71 (was £13) from Lookfantastic
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
Review by Natalie Chui
Malibu Sun SPF 30 Lotion, High Protection Sun Cream SPF 30
Malibu Sun Lotion SPF 30, £6.27 from Amazon
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
Review by Lisa Burn
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+, £8.79 (was £10.99) from Lookfantastic
Pros: Lightweight and non-sticky, absorbs easily, no white cast, water-resistant
Cons: 3-star UVA protection
Rating: 3.5/5
If you like to spend your holidays in the pool or sea, then the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect is perfect as it’s water resistant for up to four hours (Bondi recommends you reapply after two hours when swimming). It also contains ethically sourced algae to keep your skin hydrated.
I found the lotion absorbed into the skin easily and it didn’t leave a white cast. It feels light and there’s no stickiness, which is a bonus when you’re under the hot sun.
It’s fragrance-free so suitable for sensitive skin, and it contains no parabens or sulphates. It’s also cruelty-free and reef-friendly, but I was a little disappointed to see that it only offers 3-star UVA protection.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 150ml Star ingredients: Ethically Sourced Algae
Review by Lisa Burn
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, £10.99 from Boots
Pros: Water-resistant for four hours, no white cast, easy to rub in, cheap price
Cons: 3-star UVA protection
Rating: 3.5/5
Bondi Sands is a big name in self-tan and its sunscreen also gets lots of positive reviews.
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
Review by Lisa Burn
Clinique Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream SPF 30
Clinique Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream SPF 30, £29 from Boots
Pros: Good level of SPF, moisturises
Cons: Sticky, difficult to rub in, leaves a white cast
Rating: 3/5
If you're like me and enjoy using a moisturiser with SPF, this one from Clinique offers good levels of protection from the sun with SPF 30.
The fragrance is pleasant, not overpowering, and the texture of the cream is quite light.
However, when I applied it, it felt like a suncream, rather than a moisturiser and left a faint white cast.
It absorbed pretty quickly, but 20 minutes later I could still feel the product on my face and it felt slightly sticky.
This face cream is best for holidays, but not as a day-to-day summer moisturiser at home.
Type of Sunscreen: Mineral & Chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: No Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Antioxidants and Sunscreens Star ingredients: Tinosorb A2B (advanced sunscreen) Vegan: Yes
Review by Lisa Burn
Clarins Sun Care Cream 50+
Clarins Sun Care Cream 50+, £29 from Boots
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
Review by Lisa Burn
Best sun creams FAQs
(Click the links below to navigate)
- Which is the best sun cream?
- What is the best sun cream for the face?
- Is SPF 30 or 50 better for daily use?
- What is the best sun cream for older skin?
- Should I wear face sunscreen every day?
How long does sunscreen last?
In answer to the question does sun cream go out of date, the short answer is yes.
Depending on the product, sunscreen lasts between six months and two years once opened.
You'll need to check the packaging of each product for precise longevity, as it varies between brands.
Unopened sun creams, lotions and sprays will last up to three years and may have an expiration date on the bottle.
Once a sunscreen has passed its expiration date its efficacy reduces, so using it will leave you vulnerable to sun damage.
Use common sense also to check if an opened bottle of sunscreen is still okay.
If the consistency has changed, it smells off, feels different or the colour has changed then bin it.
What does sun cream factor (SPF) mean
The SPF or skin protection factor of a sun cream protects against UVB rays. These cause reddening, burning, inflammation and skin ageing.
The number relates to how long you can stay in the sun without burning.
So in theory, if you can stay in the sun 10 minutes before you start to burn, an SPF of 30 would protect you for 30 times longer than that, so 300 minutes.
However protection also depends on how much of the product you apply and how often you reapply it.
The , which seems like a lot and many of us don’t apply anywhere near this amount.
As a rule of thumb, choose a high SPF to block more UVB rays and optimise your protection if you’re going to be in the sun a while.
When it comes to protection from UVA rays, look for the words 'UVA' in a circle, which signifies the product meets European standards.
The level of UVA protection is also displayed by the number of stars on the product - you're looking for at least four stars, but five stars is better.
This type of ray penetrates the skin deeper than UVB, causing long-term damage such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and premature ageing.
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
Which is the best sun cream?
In our best sun cream roundup the came out on top thanks to its 5-star UVA protection, great absorption and eco-friendly credentials.
But the best sunscreen for you will depend on your skin type and the level of protection you want.
For example, if you're swimming or sitting in a pool on holiday, you will need a waterproof sun cream.
If your skin is sensitive then a fragrance-free product might suit you.
If you're likely to forget to reapply sunscreen it makes sense to go for an SPF 50, but you will still need to reapply it throughout the day.
Most people do not use enough sun cream, so make sure to apply lots of it regularly.
Check whether the texture is right for you. Some mineral sunscreens leave a white cast and are difficult to rub into your skin, but chemical-based products may be too drying.
What is the best sun cream for the face?
The best facial sun cream will protect against UVA and UVB rays, it will be easy to apply and absorb into your skin and won't block your pores.
Consider including a sun cream in your skincare regime, either with a moisturiser or primer that is designed to go under make-up.
or as an extra layer to protect your face and neck, sun creams like the are suitable for applying on top of make-up and can be easily reapplied during the day.
Some anti-ageing moisturisers contain SPF and are often lighter in texture like the we tested in this roundup.
They usually contain other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid (which locks moisture into the skin), niacinamide for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, or vitamin C, which helps protect against sun damage and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
In our best facial sunscreens feature our reviewers liked:
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Is SPF 30 or 50 better for daily use?
SPF 30 is the minimum sunscreen factor you should use daily, but many people opt for even more protection with an SPF 50 product.
The difference between the two is not much - factor 50 blocks out 98% of rays and factor 30 blocks out 97%.
That said, if you have fair skin, work outdoors or spend most of your days in the sun, cream with an SPF of 50 or higher is an obvious choice.
Whether you go for SPF 30 or SPF 50 you should apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside then reapply it every two hours, more if you’re swimming.
Always use an SPF50 sunscreen with at least four-star UVA protection on children.
What is the best sun cream for older skin?
As we get older our skin naturally becomes more lined - often the result of too much sun exposure when we were younger.
The key is to prevent any further damage and protect our skin the way it is now.
Bearing that in mind look for products that include added ingredients when choosing the best sun cream for older skin.
Vitamin C has a protective effect on the skin and can enhance the performance of sun cream.
It helps even out skin tone and can lessen the appearance of age spots; vitamin C is also an antioxidant so it helps protect skin from premature ageing.
Antioxidant vitamin E has a protective effect, while hyaluronic acid is celebrated for its ability to hold moisture in the skin.
Other ingredients to look out for in sun cream include niacinamide to calm and protect the skin, glycerine to moisturise, peptides and ceramides to support collagen production and strengthen the skin.
Should I wear face sunscreen every day?
Not so long ago in the UK many Brits would only use sunscreen during the summer months.
However, opinions and habits are changing and many sun cream brands recommend wearing UVA and UVB protection daily, year-round.
This is because it doesn't need to be sunny for rays to damage your skin - even on cloudy days your skin could be affected.
Over the years this can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer.
Both the and recommend wearing sunscreen from mid-March to mid-October.
Read More on The Sun
But when it comes to your face, which is exposed to the elements more than other parts of your body, it makes sense to use sun cream every day.
You could opt for a moisturiser containing an SPF, a primer or a sunscreen designed to be sprayed over your make-up.
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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