We all know that a quality SPF is one of the most important skincare products you can own, and that applying one is one is an essential step in any skincare routine. SPF not only protects the skin from short and long term damage, it also helps prevent premature aging. The problem is, as crucial as SPF is, slapping any old SPF on your face isn't always the answer.
As with face masks, serums, and face creams, we need to ensure we're using the right SPF based on our skin type or skin concerns. Below is a selection of great SPFs that should (hopefully) tick somebody's skincare box.
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 | The Mattifier
Those with oily and acne-prone skin need to get acquainted with the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 (£30 feelunique.com). Before I get into its skin benefits, I have to mention this SPF's environmental ones. The cap is 100% recycled and the tube is made from 50% recycled plastic. It is also free of both oxybenzone and octinoxate, two filters that have been found by researchers to harm coral reefs. Anyway - back to its benefits. The REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 is formulated with 22% non-nano naturally derived Zinc Oxide which protects skin from both UVA and UVB damage. Passion Fruit Extract, a powerful natural antioxidant, is included to protect skin against pollution and potential irritation flare-ups. Rice Starch is also included to soothe irritation, absorb oil, control shine, and minimise the appearance of pores.
Priori Tetra fx250 SPF45 | The Saviour
Designed for all skin types, Prior's Tetra is an SPF that provides four levels of protection - it is a true skin saviour. This mineral sunscreen protects from multiple forms of sun radiation, environmental damage, environmental pollution, and free radicals. It has a medium consistency and a white colour that fades as it absorbs into the skin, enabling you to make sure you've covered (and protected) all areas of your face. It fully absorbs within a minute, leaving nothing but invisible protection behind. Containing an impressive SPF45, the Tetra fx250 (£75 skincity.co.uk) enables you to be out in direct sunlight for a very long time before needing to reapply.
Bioderma Cicabio 50+ | The Repairer
Cicabio is a 2-in-1 treatment that both repairs and protects damaged and weakened skin, limiting the risk of hyperpigmentation. Its texture falls somewhere between a lotion and balm. As a result, the treatment creates a film that Bioderma refers to as the 'dressing effect'. Featuring a combination of Hyaluronic Acid and moisturising agents, this 'film' acts as a breathable layer of product for optimum skin comfort and protection. Though on the thicker side, Cicabio (£10 lookfantastic.com) applies easily and evenly, soothing the skin the second it absorbs. It does an amazing job at healing damaged skin, to a point where I use it all year round, regardless of whether I need sun protection or not.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield SPF25 | The Hydrator
This water-based SPF is, without doubt, one of the best SPFs I have ever used and is most definitely the best drugstore SPF I've ever used. What makes it so impressive is how it feels on the skin. In addition to blasting the skin with hydration, that seems to last for hours after application, the Hydro Boost City Shield SPF25 (£12.99 amazon.co.uk) feels nothing like an SPF on the skin. No heaviness, stickiness, or chalkiness, just the perfect feeling of nothingness. It applies perfectly, absorbs fully within seconds, and sits well under makeup. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, this SPF is perfect for those with dehydrated skin. It also works well with sensitive and acne-prone skin, as it is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Teoxane Advanced Perfecting Shield SPF30 | The Anti-Ager
Teoxane Advanced Perfecting Shield SPF30 is perfect for those with normal, dry, or dehydrated skin, that are looking for protection against premature ageing. Formulated with Teoxane’s patented Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA), which nourishes and plumps the skin at a deep level, the Advanced Perfecting Shield SPF30 (£46 skincity.co.uk) also contains a range of powerful compounds to provide skin with reinforced antioxidant protection, anti-glycation benefits, and high-strength UV defense. Matrixyl 3000, a collagen-boosting peptide, also works alongside a blend of amino acids to restructure the skin’s lower layers, making it less likely to wrinkle and crease with everyday movement. The Teoxane Advanced Perfecting Shield SPF 30 also features tinted light-reflective pigments that enhance the complexion and add radiance.
Avène B-Protect SPF50+ | The Soother
Designed for sensitive and very fair skin types, Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF 50+ (£13 Boots) provides maximum sun protection, filtering UVA and UVB rays. The hydrating face cream also provides anti-pollution with the help of two powerful antioxidants, a Vitamin E precursor and an amino-acid precursor.
As with most Avène products, Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF 50+ is formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water which is rich in minerals and nutrients to hydrate and nourish the skin. It also features a slight tint that releases microencapsulated pigments to create a glowing complexion, leaving a flawless, nude-skin finish.
Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF30 | The Primer
Now Murad is celebrated for being one of the leaders in skincare innovation and the Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF30 (£65 feelunique.com) really helps to showcase that. It is a multi-benefit serum that instantly blurs skin imperfections, whilst protecting the skin with invisible SPF technology. The Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum's formula features Shitake Mushroom and Mucor Miehei Peptides that stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A Soft Focus Complex is also included to blur, soften, and prime skin for a flawless complexion and perfect makeup base. It also contains Barley, Sunflower, and Cucumber extracts to mimic the skin’s membrane structure, enhancing its ability to attract and retain moisture.