How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type, plus tried and tested favourites
Sunscreen is not only a summer staple. When it comes to daily skincare, we all know that facial SPF is non-negotiable, and the sun's UV rays cause damage all year round. However, the UV index tends to be much higher in summer, so sun cream is more important than ever during the warmer season.
Wearing a daily SPF with a minimum of SPF30 is the best way to protect our skin, but it can be tricky to know where to start, particularly with so many formulas on the market. Just like moisturisers, serums and face washes, one size doesn't fit all.
It's important to find an SPF that's tailored to your skin type or specific concerns. Whether you have acne-prone, sensitive or oily skin, the latest formulas are made using innovative ingredients that don't clog the pores or leave a white cast over darker skin tones.
From Murad and La Roche Posay to Ultrasun and Garnier, we've rounded up the best tried and tested SPFs for various skin types below, as recommended by our team of beauty editors and experts.
How we tested
This is a collection of tests from several articles, but all of these products were tested on these different skin types for days at a time. We assessed how easy it was to apply each product, if it caused make-up to pill, and ultimately, whether or not it worked well with its given skin type.
Best sunscreen for your skin type
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The Independent
14 hours ago
- The Independent
This £12 K-beauty sunscreen uses rice to fight ageing – so I tested it for 9 months
If you're on the Korean skincare hype, then you'll likely have heard of Beauty of Joseon. Founded in 2016, the brand draws on the power of herbal ingredients; it's named for those used as medicine in the Joseon dynasty through the 14th to 19th centuries. This includes ginseng, green tea and – of course – rice. If you're sceptical about the anti-ageing benefits of Uncle Ben's, I spoke to dermatologists to find out if rice works, or if it's just marketing. Dr Simon Ourian, a dermatologist with clients including Kylie Jenner and Lady Gaga, says that rice has 'impressive anti-ageing benefits.' Dr Ourian explains that it 'delivers a natural plumping effect, making the skin appear more youthful and revitalised.' I also spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Sina Ghadiri, who agrees and says, 'Rice-derived products can be a beneficial complement to an anti-ageing skincare routine.' However, Dr Ghadiri qualifies that rice isn't an all-encompassing solution to the signs of ageing; he adds that '[rice] shouldn't replace cornerstone ingredients like topical retinoids, vitamin C, or peptides.' That said, he finds that rice extract 'gives a soothing barrier-protective formula, making it especially suitable for those seeking both sun protection and skin-nourishing benefits.' So it's no surprise that Beauty of Joseon's rice-packed sunscreen is doing the rounds on social media, and I first got my hands on the bestseller in September 2024 when reviewing the best Korean skincare brands. I loved it from the off, but you can only really tell if anti-ageing products are worth the money after prolonged use. Nine months later, I've found out if this rice-based SPF actually works. How I tested SPF is important whether the sky's looking overcast or crystal clear, so I've been using my Beauty of Joseon relief sun cream for more than nine months. This included days when my car windscreen was frosted over and, more recently, as temperatures have been nearing the thirties. Following Dr Marko Lens' advice on how much SPF to apply, I used around one teaspoon's worth of the formula across my face and neck, and noted its consistency and finish on the skin. I paid attention to how quickly the cream absorbed and how it wore throughout the day, recording its sticking power and any instances of sunburn. With ginseng, green tea, rice and niacinamide included in the formula, I closely reviewed any positive or negative changes to my complexion as a result of continued use. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lucy Smith joined the IndyBest team in July 2020 and, since then, has covered everything from SPF moisturisers to Supergoop's mattescreen SPF. She's spoken to expert dermatologists about a variety of suncreen topics and has tested many of the industry's best formulas, from Garnier to The Ordinary.
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Under $30: This omega-packed lotion firms skin in just FOUR weeks while boosting elasticity to leave you sculpted for summer
Flaunting a little skin during summer is one of the greatest joys of the season. There's nothing like relaxing by the pool in your favorite suit or wearing a gorgeous new dress. But a lack of confidence can really take away from that feeling. If you're ready to finally get a handle on your sagging skin, you could see an amazing improvement in just four weeks with the Nativa SPA Quinoa Firming Body Lotion. Nativa SPA Quinoa Firming Body Lotion Boost your confidence with the nourishing body lotion enriched with pure quinoa oil. The formula is loaded with omega 3, 6, and 9 to firm wobbly areas while giving you a dose of mega moisture at the same time. The light peony-vanilla scent is lovely and earns high praise from fans. Used for at least four weeks consistently, you can expect your skin to firm up nicely! $29 Shop Nativa SPA Quinoa Firming Body Lotion is enriched with quinoa oil to deeply hydrate skin while leaving it firmer Just $29, the product is generously sized at 13.5 ounces and formulated to deliver moisture, firming action, and comfort in a single application. The lotion contains a cocktail of nourishing ingredients, including quinoa oil. This golden miracle worker is truly incredible for the skin. It's loaded with omegas 3, 6, and 9, making it a powerhouse for establishing consistent smoothness and hydration. It's also enriched with antioxidants, which are vital for protecting your skin from harmful free radical damage that contributes to the visible signs of aging. By strengthening your skin's barrier, quinoa oil locks in moisture to leave it supple while also leaving it firmer. With regular use, it supports collagen production, which can lead to a visibly more youthful appearance. The beauty of Nativa SPA's formula is that it efficiently improves the look and feel of your skin while also imparting a gorgeous fragrance that actually lasts. Soft floral notes of peony coupled with soothing vanilla yields a lovely, light scent that smells absolutely decadent. It's a joy making this formula a part of your daily routine for the fragrance alone. Aromatherapy can be incredibly calming, soothing your spirit and helping ease stress. At the same time, it works overtime to really nurture your skin — and it's been shown to deliver serious results in as little as four weeks. In fact, you could experience that coveted firmer skin and improved elasticity in that time when you use it regularly. To take advantage of its many benefits, simply apply a generous amount of lotion and massage it gently into your skin. Pay a little extra attention to areas like sagging underarms or dimply thighs. 'When I started using this lotion I loved the smell. Used it on just my arms and chest, then gradually noticed an improvement in that area so I started to use it on my legs and thighs, where my skin is not as tight as it used to be,' shared one shopper. Another agreed, writing, 'Loving it so far. It smells amazing and I do already feel like I am seeing firmer skin after just about a week of use.' 'Absolutely wonderful lotion. I have been using this for a few weeks now. Have noticed more firmness in my stomach and thigh areas. The scent is lovely,' declared a third. Join the thousands who have experienced amazing results using Nativa SPA Quinoa Firming Body Lotion. It's perfect for giving your skin the added nourishment it needs!
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Sunscreens RANKED - from best buys to those to avoid at all costs... as consumer watchdog reveals one 'ineffective' £28 cream could pose safety risk
A £28 sunscreen, marketed as 'perfect for the whole family', has failed a safety test carried out by Which?—despite claiming to be 'especially suitable' for children. The revelation may have left consumers asking which sun creams they can actually trust. Consumer watchdog Which? tested 15 popular SPF50 and SPF30 products from high-street names and supermarkets, using strict international safety standards. Each was assessed for ultraviolet (UV) protection and SPF protection, and rated for ease of use by a panel of volunteers. Two were labelled 'Don't Buys' after failing key tests, while seven earned a 'Best Buy' status, scoring highest overall. Another two were also labelled 'great value' options, for offering people a cost-effective option to protect against the sun's UV rays. To trial the creams, scientists applied a small amount on volunteers' backs, before shining a lamp on the patch to simulate the sun's rays. The time it takes for the skin to become red was then measured. In another test, scientists took a sample of the cream and spread it onto a glass plate to measure the absorption of UV radiation directly. To pass, the sunscreen needed to provide at least one third of the claimed SPF. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will take 30 times longer to damage your skin compared to no protection at all. Here we reveal the full list of 2025 test results, ranked from most to least effective. Lidl Cien Sun Protect Spray SPF30 The bargain product was given the 'great value' seal of approval by the watchdog, after the panel found it passed both key tests, was easy to apply and 'smelled great'. They did, however, note it felt 'a bit greasy on skin' after application. £3.49 Shop Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30 Which? said the product offered 'excellent UVA and UVB protection'. UVA and UVB protection are both crucial in sunscreen because they address different types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can raise the risk of skin damage and cancer. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing premature aging and wrinkles. £5.50 Shop Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 The product passed both SPF and UVA tests. It's only downside, Which? said, was the cost. £8.65 Shop Sainsbury's SPF30 Moisturising Lotion The consumer watchdog had no major concerns with the product it said and provides exactly the level of sun protection that it claims. £5.75 Shop Superdrug Solait Sun Spray SPF30 Which? said the product 'delivers on SPF and UVA claims' and 'no major issues' at all. £5.50 Shop The factor 30's to avoid Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 Price: £3.75/200ml After testing the product twice, Morrisons sun spray failed to provide the 'claimed level of protection from UVB rays', Which? said. After informing Morrisons of its results, the supermarket giant told Which? it was looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing. Ultrasun Family SPF30 Price: £28/150ml Ultrasun's product passed the SPF test but didn't meet the minimum required UVA level for an SPF30 product in either the initial or repeat test. Responding to the findings, the company said: 'Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols. 'As an independent brand delivering very high UVB and UVA protection options for over 30 years, our detailed testing processes continue to not only meet but surpass industry standards. 'Our chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available, and our UVB and UVA filters are tested both in-vitro and in-vivo. 'We conclusively support the results of our independent tests which found the Ultrasun Family SPF30 reached a UVB-SPF in vivo of 31.4 and a UVA-PF in vitro of 13.1, which equates to a 92% UVA absorbance.' Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF50+ Garnier's SPF50 spray passed both tests and was 'easy to apply', the watchdog said. But it noted, the product—which is sold at the likes of Asda, Boots, Morrisons and Sainsbury's—was an expensive option. £8.00 Shop Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+ One of the most recognisable products on the market, Nivea's SPF50+ spray passed both SPF and UVA tests. It's only downside, Which? said, was the cost. £7.00 Shop Sainsbury's SPF50+ Moisturising Spray Lotion The watchdog said Sainsbury's spray provides the level of sun protection it claimed it does and there were no major downsides to the product at all. £5.75 Shop SPF50+ Children's Recommendations Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream Fragrance-Free Which? said the product offers 'excellent sun protection' and passed both key tests. The sunscreen, sold online on Amazon as well as in Boots, does 'feel a bit greasy', it noted. £12 Shop
