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The ultimate SPF edit: our best sunscreen and aftersun picks

Emily Coate smiling at camera

Written byEmily Coates

Heeral Tomlinson smiling at the camera

Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson

Selection of after sun products on a yellow background
With moisturising sun creams, long-lasting SPF sprays and cooling aftersun lotions, discover our best sunscreen picks for protected, hydrated, holiday-ready skin all summer long

Our top picks

Everyday high-factor SPF

Holland & Barrett Sunscreen SPF 50 150ml
4.17

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Sunscreen SPF 50 150ml

Buy 1 Get 1 Free

£15.00

K-beauty favourite

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml
4.25

BEAUTY OF JOSEON

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

End of Summer Sale

£13.18

£15.50

Lightweight daily SPF

Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 50ml
3.7

Altruist

Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 50ml

£8.65

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Whether you’re heading abroad, planning a UK staycation or simply making the most of the sun, SPF matters far beyond beach days and heatwaves. Even on a cloudy day, daily sunscreen helps protect skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which the NHS warns can contribute to sunburn, premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.1

From lightweight Korean sunscreen and invisible body sprays to gentle mineral SPFs and cooling aftersun lotions, the newest generation of sun care is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday life – no sticky finishes required. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite sunscreen and aftersun picks to help keep skin protected, hydrated and comfortable all summer long.

Our favourite sunscreen picks

Holland & Barrett Sunscreen SPF 50 150ml

Everyday SPF 50

Holland & Barrett

£15.00

£10.00/100 ml

The easy, everyday sunscreen

Looking for a sunscreen that keeps things simple? Holland & Barrett’s SPF50 Sunscreen delivers high-protection daily coverage with a lightweight, easy-to-wear finish that works for everything from beach days to everyday errands.

Formulated with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB filters, the fast-absorbing spray helps protect skin against sun exposure while moisturising at the same time. Marula, raspberry and rosehip oils help leave skin feeling soft, nourished and comfortable while the lightweight texture absorbs easily with no white cast left behind.
 
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

K-beauty favourite

BEAUTY OF JOSEON

£15.50

£13.18

£26.36/100 ml

The viral Korean sunscreen

One of the most talked-about SPFs in K-beauty, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun feels more like a lightweight moisturiser than traditional sunscreen. The silky cream texture absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast while rice extract, probiotics and niacinamide help leave skin looking hydrated and fresh. Broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays.2-3
 
Altruist Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 50ml

5-star UVA protection

Altruist

£8.65

£17.30/100 ml

The lightweight dermatologist favourite

If you prefer your sunscreen to feel virtually invisible on skin, Altruist’s Face Fluid is one of the best sunscreen picks for lightweight daily protection. The silky fluid texture absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy, making it ideal for layering under makeup or wearing comfortably during warmer weather.

Formulated with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and a 5-star ultra-UVA rating, it’s designed to help defend skin against sun damage and premature skin ageing while added vitamin E provides antioxidant support.4
 
Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray Spf 50+ 200ml

Invisible body spray

Heliocare

£28.99

£14.50/100 ml

The premium holiday SPF

For fuss-free body protection, Heliocare’s invisible SPF spray makes topping up sunscreen feel quick and effortless. The lightweight aerosol mist absorbs fast with a non-oily, invisible finish, making it ideal for beach days, holidays and outdoor workouts. Designed for all-over body use, the broad-spectrum SPF50+ and PA++++ formula helps protect against UVA and UVB rays. The water-resistant formula is perfect for poolside days, though reapplying sunscreen regularly is always recommended for continued protection.
 
Holland & Barrett Sunscreen SPF 30 150ml

Lightweight everyday SPF

Holland & Barrett

£15.00

£10.00/100 ml

The grab-and-go daily sunscreen

If you’re after reliable everyday sun protection, this lightweight SPF30 spray is an easy warm-weather staple. Holland & Barrett’s fast-absorbing sunscreen helps protect against UVA and UVB rays while feeling comfortable and breathable on skin – ideal for park days, staycations and everyday wear.

Enriched with marula, raspberry and rosehip oils, the moisturising formula helps leave skin feeling soft and hydrated with no heavy or greasy finish. The easy spray format also makes quick top-ups simple when you’re out and about.
 
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Pump 500ml

Family-size SPF

Bondi Sands

£19.99

£4.00/100 ml

The beach-day essential

Bringing serious holiday energy, Bondi Sands’ fragrance-free sunscreen is made for long, sun-soaked days. The lightweight lotion absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish while broad-spectrum SPF50+ helps protect skin against UVA and UVB rays. Gentle enough for delicate skin and designed in a generous 500ml pump bottle, it’s ideal for family holidays, beach bags and keeping everyone topped up throughout the day.
 
Sun Bum Original Spf30 Lotion 237ml

Beach-day favourite

Sun Bum

£21.99

£9.28/100 ml

The laidback holiday classic

Sun Bum’s Original SPF30 Lotion brings serious beach holiday energy to your sunscreen routine. Lightweight, moisturising and fast-absorbing, the bestselling formula helps protect skin against UVA and UVB rays while feeling comfortable enough for everyday wear. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s designed for everything from pool days to long afternoons in the sun while the iconic tropical scent gives it that instantly recognisable ‘smells like summer’ feeling.
 
Badger Baby SPF30 Sunscreen 87ml

Zinc oxide sunscreen

Badger

£21.99

£2.53/10 ml

Loved by little ones

Created with delicate skin in mind, Badger’s baby sunscreen uses mineral zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF30 protection in a simple, skin-friendly formula. Made with just seven ingredients including soothing calendula and calming chamomile, it helps keep skin feeling comfortable while protecting against the sun’s harmful rays.

The creamy texture is powered by a sunflower oil base for easier application while the family-friendly formula makes it a great option for beach days, holidays and adventures. Always follow instructions for use carefully when using SPF.
 
Heliocare 360 Pediatric Mineral Spf 50+ 50ml

Children’s mineral SPF

Heliocare

£31.00

£62.00/100 ml

Factor 50 family sunscreen

Designed for delicate skin, Heliocare’s pediatric mineral sunscreen combines high-level SPF50+ and PA++++ protection with a lightweight, hydrating texture that feels comfortable on the face and body. The mineral-only formula applies easily without leaving behind a heavy white residue, making it ideal for everyday family use. Suitable for delicate skin, it’s enriched with niacinamide to help support the skin barrier and is suitable for babies and children.
 

Our favourite aftersun picks

dussl Calming After Sun Gel

Cooling aftersun lotion

dussl

RRP £21.00

£16.80

£1.68/10 ml

The soothing aftersun gel

After a long day in the sun, this lightweight aftersun gel is designed to cool, comfort and hydrate skin. The fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula helps soothe the feeling of heat while supporting the skin barrier with calming ingredients including aloe vera leaf juice. Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types, it’s made to slot easily into your post-sun routine – whether you’re treating sun-exposed skin or simply layering on lightweight hydration before bed.
 
Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Spray 200ml

Cooling aftersun spray

Sun Bum

£17.99

£9.00/100 ml

The refreshing post-sun mist

After a long day in the sun, this cooling aftersun spray helps refresh and rehydrate heat-exposed skin. Enriched with soothing aloe vera and vitamin E, Sun Bum’s lightweight formula absorbs quickly to help restore moisture without leaving behind a sticky or greasy feel.

The easy spray format makes full-body application effortless after beach days, pool swims and holidays in the heat while the fresh, cooling finish leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and comforted.
 
Ultrasun Aftersun 150ml

Soothing aftersun gel

Ultrasun

£22.00

£14.67/100 ml

The hydrating post-sun gel

After a day spent in the sun, this lightweight aftersun gel helps cool, soothe and replenish sun-exposed skin. Formulated with aloe vera, glycerin and panthenol, it works to deliver lasting hydration while helping to ease feelings of dryness and tightness.

The fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture glides on effortlessly, leaving skin feeling calm, comfortable and refreshed. Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types, it’s an easy addition to your evening skincare routine after holidays, beach days or time spent outdoors.
 

FAQs about sunscreen and aftersun

What SPF should I use every day?

Dermatologists generally recommend using at least SPF30 daily, even on cloudy days. Higher SPFs, such as SPF50+, provide increased protection against UVB rays when applied correctly and reapplied regularly.1,5
 

What’s the difference between sunscreen and sun cream?

There’s no major difference – sunscreen and sun cream are often used interchangeably to describe products that help protect skin from UV rays. Some formulas may feel lighter or more fluid while creams can feel richer and more moisturising.
 

Is Korean sunscreen good?

Korean sunscreen formulas are known for their lightweight textures and skincare-first ingredients. Many are designed to feel comfortable under makeup while delivering high UVA and UVB protection.
 

What is zinc oxide sunscreen?

Zinc oxide sunscreen uses mineral UV filters that sit on top of the skin to help reflect harmful rays. These formulas are often popular with people looking for mineral SPF or sunscreen for delicate skin.5
 

What does aftersun lotion do?

Aftersun lotion helps hydrate and soothe skin after sun exposure. Many formulas contain ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to help cool skin and support moisture levels.
 

The final say

The best sunscreen is ultimately the one you’ll actually want to wear every day – whether that’s a lightweight Korean sunscreen, a family-friendly body spray or a gentle mineral SPF for delicate skin. And once the sun goes down, a hydrating aftersun lotion can help keep skin feeling calm, comfortable and moisturised after long days outdoors.

Looking to upgrade your facial SPF routine too? Discover our edit of the best sunscreens for face protection or get holiday-ready with our essential beauty packing list for sunny escapes. 

Remember to always read label and follow instructions carefully when using SPF and suncare products.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. 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.

Sources

1. NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 May 27]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
2. Beauty of Joseon. Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ product information [Internet]. Beauty of Joseon; [cited 2026 May 27].
3. Chavda VP, Acharya DR, Hala V, et al. Sunscreens: A comprehensive review with the application of nanotechnology. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2023;84:104744.
4. Altruist. Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 product information [Internet]. Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen; [cited 2026 May 27]. Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunscreen explained [Internet].
5. Skin Cancer Foundation; [cited 2026 May 27]. Available from: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
 
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