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SUN-KISSED

17 best sun creams for keeping you safe in the sunshine 2024 UK

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Sun cream is the ultimate summer essential. It keeps you and your family safe as you enjoy the sunshine, protecting your skin from damage.

While truly tropical days may be rare in the UK, Cancer Research UK stresses that the sun is frequently strong enough to cause damage to skin between mid-March and mid-October, even if it feels chilly or cloudy.

A good SPF sun cream will help prevent sunburn and signs of ageing, protecting you from UV and UVB rays.

There are many sun creams on the market and a lot of factors to consider when selecting the right one to keep you and your loved ones protected.

These include whether to opt for a chemical or mineral sun cream, what sun protection factor (SPF) is suitable – and whether you'd prefer to opt for a natural product without parabens, artificial perfumes and other synthetic chemicals.

You also need to consider if you might need extra protections or a sun cream particularly suited to your skin type.

There are a number of products on the market for sensitive skin, dry skin and oily skin as well as products that will offer specialised protections for face, and scalp.

Also remember that the same sun cream may not be best for every member of your family.   

To help make life easier, we've put a wide variety of creams to the test, including high SPF options and formulas for sensitive skin.

Read on for our tried-and-tested reviews of the best sun creams out there.

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Best sun creams at a glance:

  • Best overall sun cream:
  • Best budget sun cream:
  • Best all-day sunscreen:
  • Best non-greasy sunscreen:
  • Best SPF 30 sunscreen:
  • Best for family:

Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray SPF30 and SPF50

Pros: SPF 30 or 50, UVA and UVB protection, pollution protection packed with moisturising ingredients, non-sticky, fast-absorbing, reef safe, recyclable packaging, vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, water and sweat resistant

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

Coola's sunscreen spray is hands down the most pleasurable, luxurious sunscreen out there. I've been using this brand's products for at least four years, and it's my go-to for everything from beach holidays to pub garden days.

This product comes in SPF30 and SPF50 and a range of scents, and I tried both the SPF30 in Pina Colada and the SPF50 in Guava Mango.

Right off the bat, I can confirm that these sprays smell exactly how you'd expect them to based on their names. They're sweet, and tropical, and will remind you of holiday – even if you're just sunning yourself in your back garden.

Plus, I love that the scents surprisingly linger on your skin like perfume. The spray also sinks in quickly and leaves no white cast whatsoever.

This is the ultimate SPF for lazy people since the spray comes out so fine that there's no need to rub it in with your hands and get mucky. All you need to do is mist it on your skin from four to six inches away. However, if you're applying it to your face, you'll need to spray it into your hands first before rubbing it on.

I tested both of these out on a weekend seaside break during the UK heatwave and can confirm that, even though it feels as if you're wearing nothing on your skin, this SPF spray really will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and pollution damage for hours on end. Just make sure you're applying liberally and reapplying every couple of hours (or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily).

Unlike many spray SPFs, this one isn't full of drying alcohol. It contains a host of moisturising and nourishing ingredients like safflower extract, meadowfoam seed oil, buriti, vitamin A and vitamin E.

Another great thing about Coola? The products are kind to the environment. They're made using 70% organically sourced ingredients, they're cruelty-free, and the packaging is made from 100% recyclable sugar-cane resin. Also, they're reef-compliant because the products don't contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 30 or 50; Water-Resistant: Yes; Size: 177ml; Star ingredients: safflower extract, meadowfoam seed oil, buriti and vitamin A and E; Vegan: Yes

Review by Isabel Deibe.

Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30

Pros: SPF 30, UVA and UVB protection, packed with antioxidants, non-sticky, water and sweat-resistant

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

If it's a regular moisturising sun lotion you're after, you can't go wrong with this one from Piz Buin.

At under £7 for 200ml, it's affordable and ticks all of the boxes. UVA and UVB protection? Check, Packed with antioxidants like FEVERFEW PFE™ to prevent premature skin ageing? Yep, Non-sticky and fast-absorbing? Got that too.

This SPF goes above just UV protection, it has triple resistance. This means it protects your skin against aggressors like chlorine and sea and salt water, too. It's also sweat and water-resistant, which means you're less likely to be reapplying constantly.

I tested this product out when sunbathing on a sunny day in the garden and found it to be effective and incredibly moisturising on my skin (thanks to the added glycerin).

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 30+; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 200ml; Star ingredients: FEVERFEW PFE and glycerin ; Vegan: No

Review by Isabel Deibe

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Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50

Pros: SPF 30, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight, non-greasy, dewy glow, hydrating, no white cast, holds your makeup in place

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

Paula's Choice is a brand loved for its exfoliants and serums, and this brand-new SPF is bound to be a hit.

It protects you against both UVA and UVB rays but has larger molecules than regular SPFs so doesn't seep through to the deeper layers of your skin. The benefit of this? You're far less likely to have a sensitised response or breakout as a result of using this sun cream on your face.

The finish is dewy and non-greasy, making it ideal for wearing under makeup or alone.

It contains skin-boosting emollients that hydrate and balance your complexion and leave it feeling soft and healthy. And, it's also packed with antioxidants to protect against free radicals (usually caused by sunlight and pollution) and therefore prevent signs of ageing and irritation.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 60ml; Star ingredients: Tinosorb A2B (advanced sunscreen) Vegan: Yes

Review by Isabel Deibe

Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 30

Pros: Affordable price, 5-star UVA protection, easily absorbed, large size, eco-friendly

Cons: None 

Rating: 4.5/5

This sun cream 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. Altruist is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, offering both UVA and UVB protection. 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

Bioré UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50

Pros: SPF 50, doesn't pill, absorbs fast, UVA and UVB protection, oil-free, lightweight, doesn't clog pores, no white cast, contains moisturising ingredients

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

Bioré is probably most famous in the UK for its blackhead pore strips, but the Japanese brand is the number 1 SPF brand in its founding country.

I used this on super oily skin and was relieved to see that this SPF is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Oily skin or not, everyone needs to stay hydrated and protected against the sun's harmful rays, and it can be hard to find a product that does both of these things without leaving a greasy film. However, this product does.

Thanks to the added hyaluronic acid, I could ditch my regular serums and moisturisers and go straight in with this cream. So, the skin didn't feel overburdened by-products and I wasn't met with any new breakouts by the end of the day.

It didn't disturb makeup application either.

Above all, it's important to note that this SPF is factor 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 30; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 50ml; Star ingredients: Glycerin; Vegan: No

Review by Isabel Deibe

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist

Pros: Is for application over makeup, comes in a mini size, SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, skincare ingredients

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

Ultra Violette is one of the trendiest suncare brands on the market, and its brand-new SPF50 reapplication mist is a total hit online and in my books.

The truth is, most of us think we're protecting our skin all day when we apply our SPF lotion on our faces in the morning. However, that's not accurate. You might not want to hear it, but SPF will only protect you for around two to six hours (depending on sun exposure and sweat), so you need to reapply throughout the day. However, you won't be doing that if you're wearing makeup. So, that's where this genius product comes into it.

It's a lightweight mist that you spray over your makeup to top up your SPF and treat your cells with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C and E, and aloe vera.

Since I first got my hands on this product, it's been on my desk or in my cross-body bag at all times. I found that it triples up as sun protection, setting spray and toner, and it's great for cooling down on a hot day.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 75ml; Star ingredients: Niacinamide, aloe vera and bisabolol Vegan: Yes

Review by Isabel Deibe

Skin Proud Serious Shade SPF50+ Sunscreen

Pros: sinks in easily, UVA and UVB protection, SPF50, skincare ingredients, smooth base for makeup, vegan, sustainable, cruelty-free, paraben-free

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

If you're into skincare that is reasonably priced, simply packaged and still super effective, Skin Proud will be right up your street. The brand started out with just cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, moisturisers, treatments and masks, but has since expanded into SPF (and launched and , which are pretty self-explanatory).

This cute yellow bottle might only contain 40ml of SPF, but its small size is exactly what makes it the perfect SPF to carry around.

It's a treat to use because it sinks in quickly, doesn't leave a greasy finish, and actually makes your skin look silky smooth. I'd even go as far as to say that it blurred breakouts and made me feel more confident about going makeup-free.

In terms of actual sun protection, it has a factor of 50+ and protects against UVA and UVB rays. And besides that, it contains a whole host of ingredients — like acerola cherry extract and spirulina — to brighten and soothe your skin. It's cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable, and paraben-free too.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50+; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 40ml; Star ingredients: Acerola cherry extract and spirulina; Vegan: Yes

Review by Isabel Deibe

Lacura Moisturising Sun Spray SPF15. 30 and 50

Pros: Available in factors 15, 30 and 50, absorbs fast, fine mist, UVA and UVB protection, lightweight, no white cast, affordable, rubs in easily, kids version is coloured to make the application more thorough 

Cons: None

Rating: 5/5

Summer holidays are expensive, whether you're jetting off on an exotic beach trip or entertaining the kids at home, and staying stocked up on SPF is just another expense. Suncream is vital, but you don't need to spend a fortune on it. Luckily, Aldi is offering 200ml bottles of suncream for just £3.49. And it's effective, too.

I used the SPF30 bottle of the brand's Moisturising Sun Spray during a sweltering 31°C day in a pub garden at the weekend, and our skin stayed protected for hours at a time. Reapplying on the exposed areas (shoulders, arms, neck, and legs) every couple of hours was no problem with this SPF because it's a spray, so it's not too messy, leaves no white cast, and the application process cooled us down.

Each bottle contains about six full applications for an average adult, so even though you'd need to buy a fair few bottles to last you throughout the summer, it's still pretty cheap. Aldi sells this product in SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50, and also make a kid-friendly version that is SPF50+ and is slightly grey tinted to show you where it has been applied and ensure full coverage.

Both the adult and kids versions of this spray contain the humectant glycerin, meaning they all have hydrating and moisturising properties too.

Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 15, 30 or 50; Water-Resistant: Yes; Size: 200ml; Star ingredients: Glycerin; Vegan: No

Review by Isabel Deibe

Organii SPF 30 Sun Lotion

Pros: Absorbs easily, moisturising

Cons: Slightly greasy

Score: 4/5

Organii’s SPF 30 sun lotion is great for those with delicate or sensitive skin.

The lotion absorbs very quickly, has a lovely, fresh fragrance and is very gentle.

It will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with the non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide formula sitting on top of the skin, reflecting the sun’s rays.

Organii’s formula is enriched with organic aloe vera, green tea leaf extract and coconut oil, which left my skin feeling really moisturised even after a day in the sunshine. However, if you have oily skin this might not be the most suitable choice.

The organic brand says it is water resistant, but reapplication is recommended after swimming.

This is a really nice product that feels great for adults and kids alike.  

Type of Sunscreen: Mineral SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 100ml Star ingredients: jojoba oil, karanja oil, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil

Type of Sunscreen: Mineral SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 100ml Star ingredients: jojoba oil, karanja oil, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil

Review by Emma Lake

Ultrasun Family SPF30

Pros: Kind to skin, PA+++ rating

Cons: Slightly sticky immediately after application  

Score: 4/5

This family formula from Ultrasun is a good option if you’re looking for a sun cream that will suit everyone in your household.

It offers protection against UVA, UVB and Infared-A and has a PA+++ rating, indicating high UVA protection.

Ultrasun’s lotion has a hypoallergenic formulation recommended by dermatologists, making it a good choice if you or anyone in your family has sensitive skin.

This means it’s free of perfume, although it does have a slight scent.

I found that it was really easy to apply although did feel slightly sticky for the first five minutes until fully absorbed.

It felt moisturising, but not greasy, and stopped my skin from drying out in the sun.

While the bottle tested was SPF 30, Ultrasun also has SPF 50 products that are also suited to those with sensitive skin.

Type of Sunscreen: Mineraland chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Size: 150ml

Garnier Over Makeup

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

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ 

Pros: Inexpensive for the quality, good for sensitive skin, barely-there coverage

Cons: Doesn’t feel overly nourishing

Rating: 4/5

Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a hydrating cream that offers superior protection from the sun's harmful rays.

It has a mineral formula that forms a SPF 50+, PA+++ barrier on the skin against UVA and UVB rays.

It feels thin like a daytime moisturiser and absorbs quickly into the skin, drying down semi-matte.

Once absorbed it provides barely their coverage and I found a little cream goes a long way.

It's very hydrating and the aloe vera soothes red, dry and irritated skin, although it's not as moisturising as others tested.

Type of sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: SPF 50+ PA+++; Size: 50ml; Star ingredients: Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Glycerin; Vegan: Yes

Review by Emma Lake

Malibu Sun Lotion SPF 30

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+

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+

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 receives 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’s got a subtle coconut fragrance. It contains moisturising vitamin E so the skin feels hydrated throughout the day. I loved 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

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 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 it did leave a faint white cast.

It absorbed pretty quickly but 20 minutes or so later, I could still feel the product on my face and it felt slightly sticky. This is a face cream that's 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+ 

Pros: No white cast, hydrating, water and sweat-resistant

Cons: Strong fragrance, greasy, expensive

Rating: 3/5

This sun cream from Clarins has a high UVB of 50+ and UVA protection 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. Coral reef friendly, it 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

How we tested these products

All sun creams have been tested by a member of The Sun's team. They were all worn for at least one day and the testers considered factors including the application of the cream or spray, the level of protection it offered, scent, feel and how often reapplication was required.

Where to buy sun creams in the UK?

Sun creams are easy to find and you can find most products on the high street or online. Most major shops will have general sun creams available, but if you're after specific sun creams for tanning or for sensitive skin, beauty shops will have more niche products that can tailor to your needs. In addition, most shops will stock travel-sized versions which is perfect if you need one for your cabin bag. Here's a list of some of the best online shops.

How much do sunscreens cost?

Sun creams can range from about £5 up to around £30 but you can find plenty under £20.

Some of the cheapest sunscreen brands include Altruist, Malibu and Bondi Sands, which have plenty of formulations under £10.

The cheaper sunscreens will include active ingredients that provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and will be enough to keep your skin shielded from the sun.

More expensive sunscreens will have formulations that include higher-end ingredients to deliver additional benefits to the skin such as Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and other antioxidants.

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