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5 expert-recommended SPF products for healthy summer skin protection

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Your summer sun protection starts with SPF

SPF should be an essential part of your skincare routine, especially when the sun is at its strongest during the summer months.

Protect your skin from damage with our top SPF picks. We’ve selected products to suit different skin types, lifestyles, and summer plans. From sunscreens designed for sensitive skin to splash-proof formulas, discover the SPF products that provide UV protection while being kind to your skin.

Published: May 2025

Next review: May 2028

Mother and daughter on holiday

Like any other aspect of your wellbeing, your skin health matters. That’s why using SPF products during the daytime is so important. It protects against UV rays on bright days as well as when it’s foggy or overcast.

The protective barrier SPF forms on your skin can prevent long-term damage, premature ageing and cancer. It’s a simple and effective way of maintaining the appearance and, more importantly, the health of your skin.

Now more than ever before, there are SPF products that suit a range of skin concerns. You don’t need to apply sticky, heavy or greasy creams to get coverage against sun damage. You can avoid white-cast, get formulations for sensitive skin and child-friendly formulations that make using sun protection less of a hassle.

Our round-up at a glance

Whatever sunscreen you choose, using enough of it will make sure you get the protection you need. The British Skin Foundation suggests that roughly 67% of people don’t apply the right amount of sun protection throughout the day. You need at least half a teaspoon of any SPF product you use on your face and between 6 and 8 teaspoons of suncream for your entire body.

Facial SPFs for all skin types

When shopping for SPFs, knowing that not all formulations are made equal or work for all skin concerns.

To help you find the right sun protection for you, our pharmacists have highlighted some of their favourite products that not only offer high UV protection for your skin but also address a variety of skin types. Take a look at our top picks.

Dehydrated, sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aqua Gel SPF 30

Perfectly hydrated skin is just an application away with La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5 Aqua Gel SPF 30. Pairing deeply moisturising and reparative ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 with SPF, you can get protection from the sun while maintaining radiant skin. With consistent use, you can get plumper skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and texture. It is lightweight and water-resistant, making it perfect for when you are on the go.

Suitable for:

  • Dehydrated or sensitive skin
  • Beach holidays and city breaks

£34.00

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aqua Gel SPF 30

Dry and mature skin: Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Daily Fluid SPF 50

Offering up to 72 hours of hydration, Vichy’s moisture-boosting formulation is a cult-classic for a reason. Combining Vichy Volcanic Water Mineral, vitamin B3 & E and squalane and hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, it’s an SPF 50+ and moisturiser all rolled into one. It’s a great option for anyone looking a sun protection that’s safe for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended, it’s a smart choice for people with a range of skin concerns.

Suitable for:

  • Dry or mature skin
  • Outdoor activities
  • High sun exposure days

£20.00

Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Daily Fluid SPF 50

Acne-prone skin: Purifide Daily Moisturiser SPF 30

If you have acne, choosing an SPF that doesn’t cause breakouts or skin irritation can be a challenge. While creamy suncreams were the norm in the past, there are more non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) formulas available today.

This ultra-nourishing SPF 30 moisturising cream is perfect for younger, acne-prone skin. Its non-greasy mineral formulation provides a smooth and hydrating base to your skincare and makeup routine. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like zinc and glycerrhetinic acid to calm your skin throughout the day. And it doesn’t leave a white cast, so it’s suitable for a broad range of skin

Suitable for:

  • Teenagers
  • Adults with acne
  • Oily skin
  • Everyday use

£14.99

Purifide Daily Moisturiser SPF 30

Sun allergy-safe protection: Eucerin Sun Allergy Protection Cream-Gel SPF 50

Sun allergies can cause itchy, red rashes on the back of your neck, arms, legs and hands. Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to combat it.

Eucerin’s Sun Allergy Protection Cream- Gel relies on advanced spectral technology and the active ingredient, alpha-glycosylrutin, to help prevent the symptoms of sun allergy. Fragrance-free and formulated with liquorice root extract, licochalcone A, to neutralise free radicals, it’s designed with sensitive skin in mind.

Suitable for:

  • People prone to sun allergies or prickly heat
  • Beach holidays

£20.00

Eucerin Sun Allergy Protection Cream-Gel SPF 50

Family-friendly sun protection: Calypso Sun Lotion SPF 50

Formulated to an Australian standard, this vegan SPF is suitable for your whole family and a must-have for your next holiday. It can help maintain your skin's moisture levels by replenishing natural oils lost from days spent in the sun, wind or by the water. It’s light and non-greasy, but leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.

Suitable for:

  • Children aged 6 months and above
  • Outdoor sports
  • Beach holidays

£5.99

Calypso Sun Lotion SPF 50

Your questions about SPF answered

Why does daily SPF matter for your skin health?

SPF doesn’t just stop sunburn while you are on your holiday; it can support your skin health all summer long, no matter where you are. It works by shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun.1

UV rays can cause harm to your skin, such as premature skin ageing, precancerous skin damage and skin cancer.1

How often should I apply SPF?

To minimise the risk of skin damage, apply sun cream daily, particularly on sunny days. Use the cream 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours.

For prolonged sun exposure, such as when sunbathing at the beach, put on the cream 30 minutes before going out and once again right before heading outdoors. This will provide optimal SPF protection.2

Can SPF be used on babies and young children?

Sunscreen is suitable for everyone over the age of 6 months. Babies under 6 months old have skin that is too sensitive for sun cream. To keep them protected, they should avoid the sun where possible, wear sun-protective clothing and stay in the shade.1

How do you choose the right SPF for your skin?

There are some key points to consider when buying the right sun cream for your skin, including:

Level of protection

For the best defence, use a sun cream with both UVA and UVB protection. You can find this by checking:

  • The SPF number. This indicates the strength of UVB protection from SPF 2 to 50+. The number signifies the amount of time it would take for your skin to burn using the sun cream. So, an SPF of 30 means it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you went without sun cream.1
  • The star rating. This shows the level of UVA protection. The star rating goes from 1 to 5 and shows the amount of UVA protection you get from your sun cream. A rating of 3 stars or higher meets EU safety standards.,sup>

Water-resistant sun creams

Although all sun cream will eventually wash off your skin, water-resistant cream can last up to 40 minutes in water before it needs to be reapplied. Some creams labelled as “very water resistant” can last for up to 80 minutes. These formulations are best for beach holidays where being in and out of the water is likely.1

Sun protection for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Mineral suncream is best for sensitive or acne-prone skin. This is because it contains minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are gentler formulations than chemical sunscreens. They are less likely to clog your pores and are suitable for people who have oily skin.3

Mineral sun cream works as soon as it is applied by creating a protective barrier that reflects UV rays. Mineral sun cream can leave a pale residue or white cast on your skin.3

References
  1. Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
  2. Sunscreen and sun safety. nhs.uk. January 18, 2022. Accessed April 5, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
  3. Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which Is Better? Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mineral-vs-chemical-sunscreen
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