23 Of The Best SPFs For Face In 2025, Tested By Our British Vogue Editors

It’s advice you’ve heard many times before, but finding the best SPF for your face is the key to maintaining healthy skin. As any skin expert and dermatologist will tell you, SPF helps block the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which wreak havoc on the health of our skin and its cells. In fact, we can prevent 80 per cent of skin ageing, just by using an SPF daily. Not using an SPF every day can result in decreased collagen and elasticity, fine lines, pigmentation, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

Historically, SPF formulations haven’t been the nicest to use. Thick, sticky, quick to clog pores and often leaving a white or ashy cast, especially on darker skin tones, old fashioned formulas left a lot lacking. Happily, modern SPFs have come a long way and are now made using some of the most innovative technology in the beauty industry. Far from feeling like a chore, applying an SPF now is a pleasure, with many possessing luxurious textures that melt in leaving no trace, instead priming your skin perfectly for make-up.

To ensure you’re getting the most protection available, look for formulas that have both UVA and UVB protection (find out more about sun protection here) a minimum of SPF 30, and added ingredients that suit your skin’s specific needs.

To help you on your quest, below we’ve curated a edit of some of the best SPF formulas, along with your most frequently asked questions, which we put to the experts.

• Best SPF stick: Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF 50, £11.90
• Best hydrating SPF: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, £35
• Best affordable SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune Invisible Fluid SPF50 Suncream, £20
• Best SPF for oily skin: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Suncare Emulsion SPF 30, £36
• Best SPF for sensitive skin: La Mer The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid, £95
• Best SPF for dark skin : Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturiser, £35
• Best SPF for skin rejuvenation: Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50, £105

In this article:

• How we tested the best SPFs
• What's the difference between a chemical and mineral SPF?
• What's a common SPF myth?
• Does everyone need to wear SPF?
• Is SPF50 better than 30 for the face?
• Should I wear SPF every day?
• Can you still get sun damage on your face even if you're wearing SPF?
• What is the healthiest SPF for your face?

To bring you SPFs that you’ll actually want to wear this summer, we got hands-on with countless products. Reviewing the gamut of SPF moisturisers, stick sunscreens and sprays on the market, we rated each for their convenience, consistency and skin benefits. We also sought expert advice to find products that come dermatologist-approved and are eco-friendly.