Daily face sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, but it’s a product many of us are guilty of skipping unless there’s a heatwave or holiday on the horizon. The thing is, UV damage doesn’t disappear with the sunshine.
As dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite tells me: “Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect skin against UV light produced by the sun. The two main types that impact skin are UVA and UVB, and together they are responsible for producing changes within the skin that can lead to sunburn and skin cancer, along with things like pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.”
Dr Granite adds that nearly 80 per cent of the visible signs of ageing are due to UV exposure, which – importantly – can occur even on cold and cloudy days.
How much sunscreen should I be applying to my face?
“The ‘two-finger’ rule is a good one to know,” advises Dr Granite. It’s simply a case of squeezing two strips of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers to get adequate coverage for your face, and remember to reapply every couple of hours if you’re in the sun.
While SPF moisturisers and foundations have become increasingly popular, they’re not always enough on their own. As Dr Granite points out, you’d need to apply far more product than most people realistically use to achieve the level of protection stated on the packaging.
Thankfully, both body sunscreens and face SPFs have improved dramatically in recent years, and you can now nab a lightweight, glow-giving formula that sits comfortably under make-up rather than pilling or feeling greasy. To narrow down the best, I tested a range of everyday creams, fluids and gels, honing in on the most comfortable textures, invisible finishes and formulas that effortlessly fit into my everyday routine. Here are my top picks.
Read more: The best face moisturisers with SPF, tested by a beauty writer
The best sunscreens for your face in 2026 are:
- Best overall – Heliocare 360 gel-oil free SPF50: £23, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Byoma ultralight face fluid SPF30: £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for oily skin – Garnier BHA+niacinamide daily UV anti-blemish fluid SPF50: £9.33, Boots.com
- Best for combination skin – CeraVe invisible dry touch fluid sunscreen SPF50: £14.32, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Read more: The best body sunscreens, tested by a beauty editor