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Byoma, Mecca Cosmetica, La Roche-Posay, Thank You Farmer How We Test
After close inspection of the ingredients list, we consider the texture of each SPF. The best SPF is the one that you'll love wearing, so it's important that the sunscreen feels lightweight on oily and easily-congested complexion, doesn't go greasy by midday, yet offers enough hydration throughout the dry winter months. It should also go on completely invisible, does not cause breakouts and keeps you away from sunburns.
Best all-rounder
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF50
Now 20% Off
Credit: La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay is known for delivering effective sun protection in refined textures that are kind on oily and acne-prone skin types. UVAir takes it a step further as it feels completely invisible on skin (even when applied generously), yet it keeps the complexion feeling comfortable through rain and humidity. The Zero-Gram Feel Air Phase technology actually controls oil production, so you stay gently matte, all day long.
Product specifications
Texture: | Light cream |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Niacinamide, glycerin |
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Best for: | Everyday, combination to very oily skin, sensitive skin, under make-up |
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Best for active blemishes
Murad Superactive SPF40: Oil + Pore Control
Credit: Murad
Murad's latest range of sunscreens are one of its best launches yet. Each one feels like second skin, plays well with other skincare and make-up, and features active ingredients that target specific concern. Those with blemish-prone skin will appreciate this lightweight formula. It contains salicylic acid to keep spots at bay and control excess sebum while coconut derivatives maintains hydration so skin stays balanced.
Product specifications
Texture: | Light cream |
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SPF: | 40 |
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Added ingredients: | Salicylic acid, coconut alkanes |
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Best for: | Active acne, everyday, under make-up, combination to oily skin |
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Best for irritated skin
Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen
Credit: Dr Althea
This K-beauty brand is relatively new to the UK, but it's already impressing the ELLE beauty team through its elegant texture, caring ingredients and chic packaging design. This lightweight SPF goes on like a day cream, feels invisible even on oily skin and doesn't disrupt make-up. Plus, it's loaded with soothing ingredients such as cica extracts to ease redness and minimise acne-causing inflammation.
Product specifications
Texture: | Light cream |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Cica, tea leaf water |
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Best for: | Everyday wear, redness, sensitive skin, under make-up, K-beauty SPF |
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Best for brightening
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum
Credit: Mecca Cosmetica
This Australian suncare brand makes SPFs that are as luxurious to wear as they are effective. The serum texture sinks in quickly, making it ideal for hot weather, while the willow bark-infused formula promises to keep excess shine at bay. For those who are also prone to acne scarring and pigmentation, it also contains gluconolactone and niacinamide to brighten the complexion over time. There is a slight peach tint to help enliven tired skin, too.
Product specifications
Texture: | Serum-milk |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Niacinamide, willow bark, gluconolactone |
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Best for: | Sensitive skin, combination to oily, pigmentation, acne scarring |
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Best for...dermatologist-approved
Heliocare 360 Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
Now 25% Off
Credit: Heliocare The go-to SPF brand for dermatologists, Heliocare's airy-light texture feels instantly refreshing on skin that's prone to acne and redness. It feels completely invisible on skin, but imbues enough hydration to keep the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Product specifications
SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Amino acids, antioxidants |
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Best for: | Everyday, refreshing feel, very oily skin, combination skin |
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Best for value
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum
Now 33% Off
Credit: Garnier This particularly brilliant innovation from SPF stalwarts Garnier ticks so many boxes. Firstly, the serum texture feels as light as water, so those with oily skin won't recoil when massaging it over enlarged pores. Then, there's the barrier-boosting ceramides, which frankly are a stellar inclusion whatever your skin type. Finally, there's the way it doesn't pill under make-up – in fact, it acts as a smoothing primer for a liquid foundation. Sold? We should think so.
Product specifications
Texture: | Milky |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Ceramides, glycerin |
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Best for: | Under make-up, everyday wear, sensitive skin |
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Best for dry and acne-prone skin
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
Now 20% Off
Credit: Thank You FarmerLike an actual glass of water for your face, South Korean beauty brand Thank You Farmer's featherweight SPF 50+ provides ultra-high protection from sun damage whilst delivering hydrating hyaluronic acid to parched skin – because acne-prone skin needs moisture, too.
Product specifications
Texture: | Lightweight cream |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Aloe extract, centella extract |
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Best for: | Combination skin, redness-prone skin |
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Best for invisible finish
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
Supergoop! has something for every skin type. This one delivers completely invisible protection that's traceless under make-up and feels totally weightless. We're smitten.
Product specifications
Texture: | Gel |
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SPF: | 30 |
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Added ingredients: | Shea butter, meadow foam seed oil |
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Best for: | Make-up primer, invisible finish, all skin tones, combination to oily skin |
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Best for make-up free days
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30
Credit: The Inkey List
Packed with a hydrating blend of ingredients – including polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane – this broad spectrum sunscreen works to lock in moisture, giving skin a smooth, glowy finish. The dewy finish creates a healthy, lit-from-within effect on the skin, especially for make-up free days. It does have a tendency to pill when paired with certain products, so save this for when you're keeping things simple.
Product specifications
Texture: | Cream |
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SPF: | 30 |
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Added ingredients: | Polyglutamic acid, squalane |
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Best for: | Dry skin, make-up free days, dewy finish |
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Best for gel formula
Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30
Byoma's lightweight gel cream boasts a cooling, non-greasy SPF30 formula that absorbs in seconds without leaving a streaky white cast. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and super hydrating, it's a handy one to keep in your everyday stash.
Product specifications
Texture: | Gel-cream |
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SPF: | 30 |
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Added ingredients: | Ceramide, hyaluronic acid |
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Best for: | Everyday wear, sensitive skin |
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Best for skincare ingredients
Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
Credit: Dr. Sam's
A sunscreen developed by a skin expert is a good place to start when looking for 'the one'. On top of a soft-focus finish and calming sensation, this also includes a dose of niacinamide, a key ingredient for brightening skin and minimising pore appearance.
Product specifications
Texture: | Cream |
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SPF: | 50 |
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Added ingredients: | Niacinamide, lactic acid |
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Best for: | Mineral formula, sensitive skin, skincare ingredients |
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Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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