How we tested the best SPFs
To bring you SPFs that you’ll actually want to wear this summer, we got hands-on with countless products. Reviewing the gamut of SPF moisturisers, stick sunscreens and sprays on the market, we rated each for their convenience, consistency and skin benefits. We also sought expert advice to find products that come dermatologist-approved and are eco-friendly.
Testing them for a white cast, greasiness and how well they work over skincare and make-up, only the finest formulas made our shortlist. Whatever your skin type, every SPF here has been vetted to give you comfortable sun protection – take your pick below.
FAQs
What’s the difference betweena chemicaland mineral sunscreen?
If you’re confused about terminology when it comes to sunscreen, don’t be. Although chemical and mineral sunscreens are talked about and debated, the difference comes down to how they actually work to protect your skin. “Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are highly effective,”; explains CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite. “Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and they work by physically blocking the sun’s rays. Common chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate.” Dr Hiva Fassihi, consultant dermatologist and La Roche-Posay brand expert continues, “Chemical sunscreens ingredients are very effective in absorbing UVR and are cosmetically much more acceptable. These filters either target UVB or UVA. Mineral (or physical) sunscreen ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, were previously thought to reflect and scatter UVR and visible light, but more recently, data has demonstrated that mineral sunscreens also absorb UVR. They are safe and chemically inert, and often found in children’s sunscreen formulations. The problem with mineral sunscreens is that they leave a white residue on the skin and often feel greasy. More recently, nanosizing of these mineral blockers has made them less white on the skin and more cosmetically acceptable, however, this process results in mineral sunscreens changing their properties, they become good at protecting against UVB but they lose their ability to block visible light. Overall, it’s best to use sunscreen containing a mixture of chemical filters blocking either UVA or UVB, and minerals blocks which protect against UVR and visible light.”
What’s the most common sunscreen myth?
“I encourage my patients to wear their sunscreen every day, regardless of how bright and sunny it appears outside,” says Dr Fassihi. “It is important to remember that UVA, the main cause of skin ageing, is present all year round, even on dull days. With the broad range of textures and formulations now available, it has never been easier to incorporate a sunscreen into your daily skincare routine.I am always surprised when patients come to see me about skin ageing, and they have bought many over the counter creams often at great expense but they are not using a sunscreen as part of their daily routine. Sunscreens are so important for skin health and are the ‘best anti-ageing’ product you’ll use.”
Does everyone need to wear sunscreen on their face?
“Everyone can experience sun damage, regardless of skin type,” says Dr Granite. “Sun damage shows up on the skin in a variety of ways including pigmentation such as freckles and sun spots, skin dryness and roughness, loss of elasticity (enlarged pores and sagging) and fine lines and wrinkles. Sun damage in its most extreme form can lead to skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.” But it’s not just the damage you can see on the skin that’s the problem, if you don’t wear sunscreen then the UV damage can be significant. “UV exposure causes damage to skin cell DNA and accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres within the skin. You can improve the signs of visible ageing and treat precancerous and cancerous skin lesions that arise from this DNA damage with treatments such as topical retinoids and photodynamic therapy. But it is unlikely all of the deep cellular damage associated with long term sun exposure can be entirely reversed. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” says Dr Granite.
Is SPF50 better than 30 for the face?
The age-old question: SPF 30 or 50? “I am profoundly for SPF50. UV light is a known entity that not only causes premature ageing but also cancer, and they are both proven without a shadow of a doubt. Both of those things are highly preventable,” dermatologist Dr Bunting says. Not only does SPF50 offer 95 per cent protection from UV as opposed to SPF30’s 93 per cent (a two per cent difference which, over time, stacks up), but Dr Bunting also points out that we are not perfect – meaning many of us under-apply our SPF. “I’d much rather people were under-applying an SPF50 than a 30.”
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Should I wear SPF every day?
By now, the myth that SPF is only necessary during the sunny season has been well and truly debunked. For those not in the know: a common misconception is that SPF protects against sunlight, but it’s actually invisible, skin-damaging UVA rays from the sun that it shields your face from. These harmful UVA rays radiate all year round, can penetrate clouds on an overcast day, and even pass through glass windows you’re sat by indoors to reach your skin. Sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine whatever the weather – consider it your daily defence.
Can you still get sun damage on your face even if you’re wearing SPF?
“Yes, it’s possible to experience sun damage even when wearing SPF,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch. “Most SPFs will not block visible light which can cause pigmentation and none will completely prevent UV radiation from affecting the skin. Other factors include inadequate application, missing spots, or not reapplying sunscreen after sweating or swimming.”
What is the healthiest sunscreen for your face?
To protect skin against both UVA and UVB light – both of which cause damage to the skin –broad spectrum SPF is a must. “What’s really crucial when we’re talking about a good skincare routine is blocking the daily UVA rays which are present all year round,” explains Dr Bunting. “They can come through glass and actually form the bulk (95 per cent) of UV light that reaches the earth.”
While UVB is the UV light responsible for the (more visible) burn – and tends to be the one we focus on more because the damage is seen quickly – it’s really important to ensure your SPF protects against UVA too. UVA damage leads to fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture, big pores, coarsening of the skin and loss of collagen – all the bad stuff. “Beach holidays aren’t so much the problem. It’s the everyday, half an hour out walking at lunchtime that builds up over the years.” A broad spectrum SPF offers a significant level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and should be worn by all skin tones.
Another factor to consider in your sunscreen selection is its effect on the environment. While the science around exactly how damaging sunscreen is to our oceans is inconclusive, what ingredients should we be looking out for to make the best choice possible? We speak to marine biologist Professor Cinzia Corinaldesi from the Università Politecnica delle Marche and Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin55, for a five-step guide.
1. Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate
The main chemicals to watch out for are oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are commonly used in sunscreen to absorb UV light. “We [have] demonstrated that oxybenzone, octinoxate and enzacamene caused complete coral bleaching even at very low concentrations,” says Professor Corinaldesi. Octocrylene is another chemical that’s potentially harmful to marine life, with the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory compiling a handy list of the ingredients we should try to avoid.
“Certain organic filters have been identified in water sources worldwide and there seems to be a suggestion that they are not easily removed by common wastewater techniques,” adds Dr Mahto. “Many of the filters have also been found in various species of fish worldwide – the impact of this is uncertain on the food chain.”
2. Opt for a mineral sunscreen instead
Mineral sunscreens, which typically contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are thought to be less harmful to coral reefs in comparison to their chemical counterparts. “Mineral sunscreens rely on inorganic filters, which form a physical barrier on the skin surface,” explains Dr Mahto.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF30 Sunscreen Moisturiser
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen
It’s worth remembering, though, that some research suggests zinc oxide can also pose a danger to marine life. “Our studies indicate that zinc oxide nanoparticles are very harmful to marine organisms,” says Professor Corinaldesi, but adds that titanium dioxide with surface coatings – as found in Green People’s scent-free SPF 30 – “has a much lower impact on coral reefs”.
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3. Look for non-nanoparticles
Particle size matters, too. While nanoparticles can be absorbed by coral reefs, research suggests that larger non-nanoparticles (a label you’ll see on lotions) are better for the environment. Ren’s Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 uses non-nano zinc oxide, while Stream2Sea’s sunscreens contain non-nano titanium oxide. “Consumers should look out for sunscreens that use non-nanoparticles because nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are expected to be more harmful to marine organisms than non-nanoparticles,” explains Professor Corinaldesi.
4. Read beyond the “reef-safe” or “ocean-safe” labels
The increase in demand for eco-friendly sunscreens means that a lot of brands are now marketing their products as “reef-safe” or “ocean-safe”. This usually means they don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate – the two chemicals banned in sunscreen by countries such as Hawaii – but they could still contain other chemicals on the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory list that are potentially harmful to the environment. “Consumers should check the ingredients on the label of the products,” Professor Corinaldesi comments.
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5. Don’t forget the packaging
Beyond the ingredients in sunscreen, it’s important to consider the packaging,with discarded sunscreen bottles contributing, in part, to the 8m tonnes of plastic that end up in our oceans every year. Brands such as Green People are using recyclable plant-based packaging made from sugar cane; a much more eco-friendly option compared to traditional plastic containers.
