The best face SPFs to wear every single day (2025)

When it comes to taking proper care of our skin, prevention is always better than cure – and this is especially true when it comes to sun damage.

While we all likely slather on a good suncream during a hot-weather holiday, many of us neglect to wear a facial SPF in our everyday lives, despite the fact that sun damage can occur as long as there's daylight (and even when sitting by the window) - no matter where you are. A recent Yougov survey found that 40 per cent of the UK only buy SPF when they're on holiday, and 55 per cent of us only wear it when the sun is out, highlighting that, when it comes to adopting a properly protective skincare regime, many of us are still not quite there.

"No matter the weather, the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays are ever present throughout the year, causing damage to the DNA in your skin cells that can result in premature ageing, skin cancer and a host of other skin-related issues," confirms Kimberley Medd, head of clinic at Face the Future. "Because of this, it’s important to wear your shield of UV protection every day to protect your skin against the likes of melanoma skin cancer."

Alongside the sunburn you can see (particularly if you like to sunbathe), the sun also damages your skin on a deeper level, with the effects – think lines and pigmentation – coming to the surface years later. And, it goes without saying, sunscreen is especially key in the fight against skin cancer.

Why a facial sunscreen is so important

Dr. Hiva Fassihi, La Roche-Posay consultant dermatologist, stresses the importance of wearing SPF on your face every day – even when the sky is cloudy. “It makes a difference, not only from the perspective of protecting against skin cancer, but also from an ageing point of view in the long-term,” she says.

The sun emits ultra-violet radiation, which is split into UVA and UVB rays. “UVB has a shorter wavelength and it’s a bit more damaging in that it can cause sunburn and is associated with causing skin cancers in future life. UVA is slightly different, though it can also cause skin cancers. It penetrates deeper in the skin and causes problems with photo-ageing, breaking down collagen and elastin. It’s important we use sunscreens that cover us against UVB and UVA, both for skin cancer prevention and for ageing.”

Thankfully, all good facial sunscreens now offer the necessary ‘broad-spectrum’ protection. What’s more, the best face SPFs on the market are a far cry from the thick, pore-clogging creams of old, offering lightweight textures, advanced skincare benefits and flattering dewy tints.

Face SPF: mineral or chemical?

Sun protection is split generally into two forms: chemical and physical (sometimes referred to as ‘mineral spf’). Chemical filters penetrate the skin's surface and absorb the UVA and UVB rays, while physical filters sit on the top, reflecting the rays back from the face. Some formulas offer a mixture of both.

As consultant dermatologist Justine Hextall explains, there are pros and cons to both. “Chemical blocks often rub in more easily and are felt to have better protection against UVA. However, they can sometimes cause irritation and allergic reactions." This is of particular concern for rosacea sufferers, as chemical filters emit a low level of heat energy when converting the rays, meaning they could contribute to a flare-up.

"Physical blocks usually contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and are better tolerated. The downside is that these thick white creams are often considered less cosmetically acceptable, particularly with darker skin tones,” adds Hextall. However, there are now some innovative new physical sunscreens that use ingredients such as clear zinc, or contain a flattering tint, meaning they’re appropriate for use on all skin tones.

How to make facial SPF work with make-up

It's true that SPF doesn't always play well with make-up – especially when you're required to top up the sunscreen every few hours.

Many brands will have you believe that the solution to this is simply to wear a foundation containing SPF, but this is not enough. As dermatologist Dr Hiba Injibar explains, no foundation can be trusted to act as your sole sun protection. "If your foundation contains SPF, don't necessarily rely on it for the most effective level of protection. Make-up isn't always evenly applied and it wears off easily throughout the day," she says.

The solution actually lies in strategic layering. "After applying your SPF, wait for a few minutes to allow your suncream to set. Be generous with the application. If you're continuously in the sun, make sure you're reapplying your sunscreen every three-to-four hours. I know it's hard but, if you have the time, try to take off all of your make-up and reapply, because ideally SPF should go directly onto skin," Injibar explains. "This is obviously not realistic in every situation, so if you don't have the time, use a loose powder that contains SPF to top yourself up. Just make sure that first application is thorough and directly onto the skin."

From the SPF moisturisers that protect your skin properly to brightening tints, clear sunscreens and and spritz-on mists for topping up throughout the day, these are the very best face SPFs that promise not to ruin your make-up, clog your pores, or make your skin feel hot and bothered.

The best face SPFs to wear all year round

If you're going to invest in a luxe sunscreen, Dior's Solar line is undoubtedly the one. The cream texture is rich and comforting – even on the most sensitive of skin types – and the exotic monoi scent will transport you straight to the coastline of St Tropez (even if, in reality, you're traversing the humid city streets).

Don't let the moussey texture put you off; this mineral sunscreen blends out to a smooth finish and leaves behind a delicate blurred effect. It works best on oilier complexions and is ideal for no-foundation days as it has a gentle tint.

For those who don't like to layer multiple products in the morning, Medik8's moisturiser with SPF is a perfect choice. It contains high-factor chemical filters alongside hyaluronic acid and antioxidant moringa, meaning your every skin need is satisfied in one fell swoop.

Many tinted face sunscreens come in a disappointing array of shades, but not this hero from beloved Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette. Available in 11 flattering tints, this SPF 50 formula delivers surprisingly effective coverage alongside protection you can really trust. Wear it in lieu of foundation for a radiant, unified complexion.

Shiseido's Expert Sun Protector may steal the spotlight (and rightly so, the formula is unmatched when it comes to water resistance and outdoor wear) but don't sleep on this oil-free version if you're prone to shine or spots. It protects without clogging the pores and causing breakouts, and keeps oily complexions feeling fresh all day long.

This is a real crowd-pleaser. L'Oreal's latest sunscreen innovation is a light lotion that sinks into skin with a mattifying (but not completely moisture-sapping) effect – ideal for anyone who doesn't want added shine. Boosted with antioxidants, it's an especially strong choice for those with pigmentation.

A gel-textured sunscreen, Glossier's new Invisible Shield will satisfy those who want a completely clear sunscreen that'll mattify pores and prevent shine. It's fragrance free, feels as weightless as it looks, and works brilliantly as a smoothing make-up primer, too.

If it wasn't for the SPF 50, you'd think this was simply a nourishing, glow-boosting face cream given how comforting it feels on the skin and how quickly it absorbs. It plays well underneath make-up and doesn't sting sensitive eyes. The delicious scent of subtle citrus is a bonus.

This hydrating and antioxidant-rich shield is designed specifically for city wear. It works to protect your skin against the damage caused by free radicals (the pollutants in the air that can cause premature ageing), by providing a physical yet invisible block against UV rays and pollution.