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Some of the best face sunscreens for holiday season
Written byEmily Coates
Reviewed byDr Justine Hextall
SPFs that work hard while you play hard. Discover the best sunscreen to keep your face protected, glowing and holiday-ready from sunrise to sunset – with expert advice from a consultant dermatologist
Our top picks
Lightweight hydration
Tocobo
TOCOBO Cica Calming Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml
£17.00
K-beauty favourite
ROUND LAB
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml
£19.00
Tinted SPF
Heliocare
Heliocare Gel Cream Colour Light SPF 50 50ml
£28.00
Planning to jet off to balmier climates this year? Beyond your passport and clean pants, arguably the most important item in your suitcase is a reliable sunscreen, especially for your face. Most of us know that slathering on a daily layer of SPF is a non-negotiable for protecting skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.1 Today’s formulas do much more than just shield skin – the latest SPF face cream textures are designed to hydrate, brighten and sit beautifully under makeup too.
“Extended UV exposure to the skin can result in premature ageing,” clarifies consultant dermatologist Justine Hextall.¹ “So if you want to protect your skin from photodamage like wrinkles, dyspigmentation, loss of firmness and textural change, then an SPF with both UVA and UVB protection is essential.”2
Whether you’re heading abroad, enjoying a UK heatwave or simply upgrading your everyday skincare routine, if you’re in the market for a really good facial sunscreen to wear all year round, we’ve got you covered. Our pick of the best skincare-first formulas hydrate, brighten and balance, all while helping keep skin protected.
Our favourite face SPFs for holiday season
If thick, sticky sunscreens are enough to put you off SPF altogether, this silky Korean sunscreen could be the one that changes your mind. TOCOBO’s viral sun serum feels more like a hydrating skincare step than traditional sunscreen, sinking in quickly with a fresh, dewy finish that layers beautifully under makeup.
Powered by soothing centella asiatica and aloe vera, it’s designed to calm the look of redness while helping skin feel comfortable in the heat. There’s also a cocktail of 10 types of hyaluronic acid to help keep skin feeling bouncy and hydrated from poolside mornings to sunset dinners. Non-sticky, non-comedogenic and vegan-certified, it’s the kind of face SPF you’ll actually look forward to applying every morning.
Best for: lightweight hydration and delicate skin.
If you prefer your SPF face cream with a velvety, shine-free finish, PURITO’s cult Korean sunscreen delivers exactly that. The lightweight cream absorbs quickly with a natural matte finish that works brilliantly under makeup, especially on humid holiday days when your skin needs a little extra balance. Formulated with five types of ceramides and tocopherol, it helps support the skin barrier while locking in hydration throughout the day.
“It’s a great option for blemish-prone skin,” says Dr Hextall, particularly if you’re looking for a non-greasy sunscreen that feels comfortable in warmer weather. Delicate skin types will also appreciate the addition of calming centella asiatica extract, while the fragrance-free formula leaves zero white cast behind.
Best for: oily or combination skin.
If glass skin-in-a-tube sounds like your vibe, allow us to introduce ROUND LAB’s internet-famous Birch Juice Sun Cream. This award-winning Korean SPF has become a beauty-editor favourite thanks to its juicy, moisturiser-like texture and radiant finish.
Designed to hydrate as it protects, the creamy formula helps leave skin looking plump, fresh and luminous while shielding against UVA, UVB and even blue light exposure. It’s the kind of sunscreen for face wear that makes skin look instantly healthier – no makeup required.
“This daily SPF is a smart pick for dry, delicate skin,” says Dr Hextall. “Humectants help attract and hold water in the skin, keeping it comfortably hydrated throughout the day.”
Best for: dry, dehydrated or glow-seeking skin.
If you want your sunscreen to feel practically undetectable, NUMBUZIN’s lightweight sun essence is well worth adding to your skincare shelf.
The airy formula melts into skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue, making it ideal for everyday wear – especially during sticky city heatwaves or long travel days. Alongside broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection, it contains soothing heartleaf, cica and liquorice root extracts to help comfort stressed-out skin.
Added niacinamide gives skin a fresh, radiant-looking finish too. “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that’s good for helping to reduce dyspigmentation,” explains Dr Hextall, making this one a dream for no-makeup-makeup days.
Best for: lightweight everyday wear.
Long days exploring new cities? This ultra-fluid sunscreen was practically made for it. Bioderma’s invisible SPF is designed to help protect skin not only from UV rays, but also environmental aggressors like pollution and visible light exposure too.
Research suggests that urban pollution may contribute to premature skin ageing, making daily SPF even more important if you spend lots of time in busy cities.3-4 “Ingredients that help protect against both UV exposure and environmental aggressors can be really beneficial for skin,” shares Dr Hextall.
The barely-there texture dries down quickly with an ultra-dry touch finish that feels breathable even in soaring temperatures. It also doubles beautifully as a makeup base, making it ideal for long sightseeing days when you want your skincare to work overtime.
Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and formulated without silicones or microplastics, it’s a seriously modern take on daily face SPF. Bioderma also notes the formula delivers eight-hour hydration alongside an all-day matte sensation, helping skin feel comfortable while on the go.5-7
Best for: city holidays and pollution protection.
Foundation or sunscreen? With Heliocare’s tinted SPF, you don’t really have to choose. This lightweight gel-cream combines broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection with sheer complexion coverage for those days when you want your skin to look naturally fresh and even without piling on makeup. The fluid texture blends easily and leaves behind a soft matte finish that feels comfortable in warm weather.
Perfect for holiday mornings when you want to streamline your beauty routine before heading out the door.
Best for: lightweight coverage and glow.
Mineral sunscreens have come a long way – and dussl’s sleek SPF50 lotion proves it. Unlike older mineral formulas that could feel thick or chalky, this one blends effortlessly into skin with no heavy residue or obvious white cast. Powered by non-nano zinc oxide, aloe vera, cacao butter and provitamin B5, it’s designed to hydrate and soothe while delivering broad-spectrum protection for both face and body. The subtle cacao scent also gives it a more elevated feel than your average beach sunscreen.
“This zinc oxide-based SPF can be used on all skin types,” explains Dr Hextall. “Richly moisturising ingredients can also help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss during warmer weather.”
Sweatproof, vegan and dermatologically tested, this is the kind of sunscreen you’ll happily throw into every beach bag.
Best for: delicate skin and mineral SPF lovers.
Lips are often the most forgotten part of our sun protection routine – but they’re just as vulnerable to dryness and UV damage as the rest of your skin.
Ultrasun’s SPF50 lip balm helps shield delicate lips against UVA and UVB rays while keeping them feeling soft, smooth and comfortable throughout the day. The lightweight texture glides on easily without feeling sticky, making it easy to reapply between iced coffees, beach dips and holiday cocktails. Small enough to slip into every handbag, pocket and airport tray.
Best for: daily lip SPF protection.
FAQs about SPF for your face
The best sunscreen for face use depends on your skin type and lifestyle. Lightweight fluid or gel SPFs are often preferred for oily skin, while richer SPF face creams may suit dry or dehydrated skin better. The most important thing is choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 that you’ll wear consistently every day.
Your face is one of the most exposed areas of skin, so daily face SPF is essential. However, any exposed skin – including your neck, chest, ears and hands – should also be protected with sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
The 3-finger rule is a simple way to measure enough sunscreen for adequate protection. Apply sunscreen along the length of three fingers before spreading it evenly across your face and neck. Using too little SPF can reduce the level of protection your skin receives.
Yes. UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days, and daily exposure can contribute to premature skin ageing and pigmentation. Wearing sunscreen for face protection every day helps keep skin healthier and better protected over time.
The final say
Finding the best sunscreen for face protection is about more than just SPF numbers – it’s about discovering formulas you genuinely want to wear every day. From dewy Korean sunscreens to handbag-friendly SPF mists and glow-giving tinted formulas, the newest generation of face SPF makes daily protection feel effortless.
And while holidays are the perfect reminder to stock up, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen for face protection every single day of the year – even when the weather looks less than tropical. Catch more sun-ready skincare inspiration with the best moisturisers with SPF for everyday skin protection or nail your holiday checklist with these beauty travel essentials.
Disclaimer –
This article provides informational advice and is not intended to replace medical advice. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Tang X, Yang T, Yu D, Xiong H, Zhang S. Current insights and future perspectives of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure: Friends and foes to the skin and beyond the skin. Environment International. 2024.
2. Chavda VP, Acharya DR, Hala V, et al. Sunscreens: A comprehensive review with the application of nanotechnology. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. 2023.
3. Schikowski T, Hüls A. Air pollution and skin aging. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2020;7(1):58-64. doi:10.1007/s40572-020-00262-9.
4. Parrado C, Mercado-Saenz S, Perez-Davo A, Gilaberte Y, González S, Juarranz Á. Environmental stressors on skin aging. Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol. 2019;10:759. doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00759.
5. Bioderma. Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+ product information.
6. Ex vivo evaluation of DNA damage by thymine dimers measurement with Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+ on skin explant exposed to UV rays, visible light and infrared light versus untreated irradiated control, France 2024.
7. In vitro evaluation of gene expression of Metallothionein 1-G with Detox Science active ingredient on normal human keratinocytes versus untreated, France 2024.
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