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

• Type: light cream
• Texture: Mid-weight moisturiser
• Sun Protection Factor: 50+
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, blueberry seed oil, carnosine
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: Consider this your ultimate all-bases-covered SPF formula. A standout SPF for all skin types, Medik8’s offering is brilliant for those with mature skin because it’s incredibly nourishing. Offering the highest levels of protection against UVA and UVB rays, it also fends off blue light, infrared radiation, air pollution and glycation, all of which can compromise our all-important collagen and elastin stores. Invisible and hydrating, it also boasts a light-activated DNA repair enzyme known as photolyase that supports the skin’s natural repair mechanisms to restore and revitalise skin after UV exposure. A brilliant addition to any skincare routine.
• “This is a great, reliable and effective sunscreen for all skin types. As with all Medik8 formulas, you know there’s science behind it you can trust, and I love the protective and reparative nature of this product with the addition of phytolyase. The formula itself is lightweight and non-greasy, so it’s easy and effortless to apply every day under my make-up, which is what I look for in the best face SPFs,” – Jess Diner, Vogue global wellness and beauty director

• Type: Lotion
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This Beauty of Joseon formula recently went viral – and quite rightly. This K Beauty product is an airy emulsion of rice water and calming extracts that you can apply over the eyes, with zero stinging or white cast – the perfect sun protection for sensitive skin types. Light and hydrating, it absorbs quickly and dries down to a glowy satin finish, so it is also essential for anyone on the quest for glass skin.

• Type: mist
• Sun Protection Factor: 50+
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: How to top up your sun protection without disturbing a pristine beat is the dilemma facing those of us who favour a full face of glam. Happily, Naked Sundays has made things simple with a fast-drying mist that hydrates and protects the complexion without greasing up your make-up. “This super fine and even mist has become my go-to formula for all-day sun protection,” says Tracy Achonwa, Vogue beauty writer. “Not only does it save you from slathering on SPF throughout the day, but it works much like a setting spray: it protects make-up with a seamless finish, eliminates dry patches and removes the cakey look that comes from too much powder. To top it all off, it has a lingering scent that draws compliments every time I’ve applied it – think creamy coconut with light marine notes that conjure being under the breeze of a palm tree. I won’t go anywhere without it in my handbag.”

• Type: light moisturiser
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This SPF isn’t just under £15, but it holds its own against some of the more expensive heavyweights, offering high UVA and UVB sun protection while also imparting a dewy glow to the skin. The formula contains niacinamide and a trademarked ingredient called Gluta-Amino, which works to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots, while fending off the sun’s rays too. “I’ve been so impressed by this SPF, which really outperforms its low price point,” says contributing beauty editor, Hannah Coates. “It’s brilliant under make-up and makes skin look luminous when worn alone.”

• Type: light fluid/serum
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Texture: Ultra-light lotion
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, thermal spring water, silica
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: Hate wearing SPF but know it’s a must? La Roche-Posay’s new Anthelios UVAir is the formula for you. You can’t go wrong with any of La Roche-Posay’s cult line of ultra-efficacious SPFs – and this is the latest launch from the brand. Incredibly lightweight, it contains UVAir technology and a next-gen UV filter that targets the ultra-long UVA rays that are responsible for deep skin ageing, which helps fend off oiliness (for up to 16 hours) and hydrates, thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. “My new favourite SPF (and my husband’s too), this formula couldn’t be more comfortable to use – make-up sits well over the top of it, and while it’s not the cheapest on the market, it without a doubt offers the best technology for the affordable price,” says contributing beauty editor, Hannah Coates. “There’s a reason why dermatologists all recommend this brand.” Sweat-resistant and easy to apply, it’s also fragrance-free and suits even the most sensitive of skin types.

• Type: stick sunscreen
• Sun Protection Factor: 30
• Mineral/chemical: Chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This new formula from Dr Jart+ doesn’t just defend against UVA and UVB, but it’s also packed with skincare benefits too. Hyaluronic acid in the formula delivers all-day hydration, plus it also helps blur pores and primes the skin for ensuing make-up. “My favourite bit about this formula is that you can roll it on, wherever you are,” says contributing beauty editor, Hannah Coates. “It’s great for touch-ups throughout the day, plus I also like to use it on my lips and ears – it’s less messy than most.”

• Type: lip balm
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: A lot of people neglect their mouth when it comes to applying SPF, but with this formula, you won’t want to. As if cosseting lips in a blend of cocoa butter, SPF50 and moisture-sealing oils wasn’t enough, Ultra Violette’s balm imparts a rosy pink, glossy finish. Protecting your pout from sunburn and premature ageing as you top up your tan is a simple swipe-on job, and looking good while doing it? Even easier. An SPF we can get behind.

• Type: milk-like lotion
• Sun Protection Factor: 30
• Mineral/chemical: mineral
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This lightweight mineral sunscreen glides over skin like a serum, delivering SPF protection and other skincare benefits. Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and soothing chamomile, the reef-friendly formula helps shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. It also blends in beautifully with all skin tones for a natural-looking finish. “I love that this sunscreen feels like a part of my make-up routine; it delivers a gorgeous, silky texture that’s a bit like a primer, and glides on to the skin. The tint is subtle but welcome, meaning my skin still looks fresh and presentable even if I don’t follow with make-up afterwards,” Georgia Day, contributing beauty editor.

• Type: serum cream primer
• Sun Protection Factor: 25++
• Mineral/chemical: hybrid

• Why it’s Vogue approved:

Host to a plethora of skin-perfecting ingredients, Shiseido’s primer isn’t merely a great make-up companion. With mineral and chemical sun protection and a silky skin feel, it’s an SPF worthy of your routine whatever product follows it. Its melting formula of niacinamide and Japanese rice ferment absorbs quickly to impart an instant glassy finish on the skin, then work over time to refine texture and build a healthy microbiome. What’s more, it can be worn alone and totally transforms your foundation, concealer and blusher, giving dewy grip with zero caking or pilling underneath.

• Type: lightweight cream
• Sun Protection Factor: 30
• Mineral/chemical: mineral
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: For all their virtues, mineral sunscreens have long made ghostly masks of the faces of those with deeper skin tones. In typical Fenty fashion, Rihanna’s managed to make things inclusive for people of every shade: her UVA/UVB sunscreen is powered by a zinc oxide formula that’s non-chalky, non-shiny and sheer. Plus, it also features a skin-refining blend of ingredients for a brightened visage over time, with niacinamide, aloe vera and nourishing Kalahari melon to soothe and hydrate with a gorgeous tropical scent.

• Type: lotion
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical

• Why it’s Vogue approved:

Packed with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth complex, this SPF50 UV Protecting Fluid offers high levels of protection while allowing for quick absorption and no discolouration. Helping to defend your skin from everyday exposure to UV rays, its lightweight formula wards against future sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

• Type: Lotion
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: Both
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: A hybrid sunscreen formula, this dermatologist-backed powerhouse from CeraVe contains both chemical and mineral sun filters to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Added ceramides keep the skin moisturised while niacinamide and vitamin E work to restore the skin barrier and balance complexion.

• Type: tinted serum
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: mineral
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This clever formula actively combats pigmentation, thanks to alpha-arbutin and niacinamide in the formula. It’s the gold standard for those who want their SPF to go the extra mile and help with other issues beyond just sun protection. Clinically proven to fade dark spots in 28 days, add this to your routine if you’re suffering from any form of uneven tone. It is also tinted, so it doubles up as a brilliant base for make-up.

• Type: Serum
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: mineral
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: This clever new formula contains palmitoyl tripeptide-1, a peptide that works to strengthen the skin and repair visible damage on it, so as well as UV defence, you’re also improving skin health – from tone to texture – over time. A delight to use, the serum texture feels light and refreshing in the hotter months, plus it has an incredibly gentle shimmer that lifts the complexion slightly.

• Type: Stick
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: Chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved: Swoosh this incredibly handy sun care stick over your skin for excellent UV protection and an array of nourishing skin ingredients, including organic cocoa extract, argan oil and aloe vera, to soothe and moisturise. A great formula to have on hand in your beach bag, it couldn’t be easier to use, plus bonus points for the chic packaging.

• Type: cream
• Sun Protection Factor: 50
• Mineral/chemical: chemical
• Why it’s Vogue-approved:

Avid Bader fans will have eagerly awaited this SPF and can rejoice that it’s as good as expected. The formula itself is loaded with UVA and UVB protection, and it also contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, a blend of natural amino acids, vitamins and peptides, which repairs and protects skin and encourages swifter cell renewal, especially post sun exposure. In addition to a potent formula, the featherlight cream melts into skin, leaving it with a subtle dewy sheen that makes make-up application a doddle.

• Type: Hair mist
• Sun Protection Factor: N/A – heat protection up to 230C
• Mineral/chemical: Chemical

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Because hair gets damaged by the sun too, this Darling Milky Hair Screen is a great everyday essential. Shielding strands from UV rays while nourishing with vitamin E and rice proteins, it smells great and offers a veil of protection against dryness, breakage and colour fade in one chic bottle.