Summer skincare in 2025 is smarter, more inclusive, and more functional than ever. With rates of skin cancer continuing to rise – melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, daily sun protection isn’t just a cosmetic choice, it’s a health essential. According to Cancer Research UK, around 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable, largely through regular use of sunscreen and other protective behaviours. With modern SPFs offering not just sun protection but also hydration, anti-aging benefits, and even skin tone correction, your sunscreen is now one of the most important products in your routine.

We’ve done the work of testing and analysing this year’s most buzzworthy and dermatologist-recommended formulas. From serum-like tints to skin-repairing balms, here are the standout SPFs that you’ll want in your bag, bathroom, and travel kit all season long.

Each product on this list has been selected for its unique strengths, from texture and active ingredients to wearability and skin compatibility. With SPFs now formulated to act as serums, primers, and treatments, sun protection no longer has to feel like a chor, it can enhance your skin’s health and look.

To help you find the perfect formula, we analysed each product based on:

• Skin type suitability
• Functional format
• Active ingredients
• Texture & wearability
• Fragrance & sensitivity
• Special benefits

1. Best for Normal to Dry Skin: Ultra Violette Big Queen Energy SPF 50+

This SPF is perfect if you’re looking to simplify your routine. It hydrates, primes, and protects all in one, making it an ideal pick for busy mornings or low-maintenance beauty lovers.

• Skin Type suitability: Ideal for normal to dry skin
• Functional format: Serum-like SPF/primer hybrid
• Active ingredients: Vitamins B, C, E, F, Pentavitin
• Texture & wearability: Lightweight, silky, dewy finish
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Rose scent—avoid if sensitive to fragrance
• Special benefits: Glowy finish, doubles as a makeup base

Where to buy: ultraviolette.co.uk – £39

2. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

With strong sun protection and a barely-there finish, this product is a staple whether you’re makeup-free or layering it under your daily glam. It’s also one of the few SPFs consistently praised across skin types.

• Skin type suitability: All skin types, including oily and sensitive
• Functional format: Ultra-light fluid
• Active ingredients: Mexoryl 400 + antioxidants
• Texture & wearability: Watery, fast-absorbing, no white cast
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free
• Special benefits: Superior UVA protection, makeup-friendly

Where to buy: boots.com – £19.90

3. Best Korean Skincare SPF: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+

It’s not just protective—this sunscreen feels like a gentle treatment on the skin, making it especially great for those exploring Korean skincare or wanting to soothe inflammation while staying shielded.

• Skin type suitability: All skin types, including sensitive
• Functional format: Lightweight cream
• Active ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide, probiotics
• Texture & wearability: Velvety soft, no white cast
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free
• Special benefits: Soothing, nourishing, brightens skin tone 

Where to buy: stylevana.com – £13.49

4. Best for hyperpigmentation: ISISPHARMA Neotone Radiance SPF 50+

If pigmentation is a key concern, this product brings extra value by addressing both prevention and correction. A true multitasker for those dealing with stubborn dark spots or melasma.

• Skin type suitability: Great for pigmentation-prone, uneven skin
• Functional format: Moisturizing cream with SPF
• Active ingredients: UV filters, brightening complex (diacetyl boldine, niacinamide)
• Texture & wearability: Lightweight cream, blends well
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Low fragrance, generally tolerated well
• Special benefits: Helps fade dark spots while preventing new ones

Where to buy: easyparapharmacie.co.uk – £18.49

5. Best powder SPF: Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-on Shield SPF 50

Perfect for tossing in your bag, this powder SPF makes reapplication effortless, especially if you wear foundation or tend to get oily during the day. An underrated hero for SPF top-ups.

• Skin type suitability: Oily, combination, acne-prone
• Functional format: Tinted mineral powder with brush applicator
• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, antioxidants
• Texture & wearability: Lightweight powder, sets makeup
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free
• Special benefits: Reapplies easily over makeup, great for midday touch-ups

Where to buy: skinstore.com – £52

6. Best Fragrance-Free for Sensitive skin: CeraVe AM facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50

If your skin gets fussy with new products, this one’s a safe bet. It’s backed by dermatologists, and the formula supports long-term skin barrier health while offering dependable protection.

• Skin type suitability: Sensitive, dry, normal
• Functional format: Daily moisturiser with SPF
• Active ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Texture & wearability: Lightweight lotion, slightly dewy
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested
• Special benefits: Affordable, skin barrier support

Where to buy: boots.com – £15.50

7. Best for Compromised or Irritated Skin: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF 50

This is the sunscreen you’ll reach for when your skin is feeling vulnerable. Whether you’re healing from a breakout or post-treatment, it protects while calming the skin back to balance.

• Skin type suitability: Irritated, damaged, or post-procedure skin
• Functional format: Balm with SPF
• Active ingredients: Panthenol, zinc, Madecassoside
• Texture & wearability: Thick balm, occlusive
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free
• Special benefits: Calms, heals, and protects compromised skin

Where to buy: lookfantastic.com – £13.45

8. Best for Skin Repair: Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+

Though it’s on the pricier side, the skincare science behind this SPF is worth the investment—especially if you’re tackling early signs of aging or live in a city with high pollution.

• Skin type suitability: Normal, dry, mature skin
• Functional format: Advanced anti-aging SPF moisturiser
• Active ingredients: DNA repair enzymes, squalane, antioxidants
• Texture & wearability: Creamy but lightweight, glowy finish
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Fragrance-free
• Special benefits: Repairs DNA, protects against blue light & pollution

Where to buy: medik8.com – £59

9. Best tinted SPF: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40

Whether you want to skip foundation or just crave that soft-filter finish, Glowscreen delivers a radiant look with serious sun protection. It’s your no-makeup makeup staple.

• Skin type suitability: Normal to dry, dull skin
• Functional format: Tinted SPF + primer
• Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, sea lavender
• Texture & wearability: Dewy, radiant finish
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Light scent, usually well tolerated
• Special benefits: Adds glow + slight tint, no-makeup alternative

Where to buy: cultbeauty.co.uk – £36

10. Best Under Makeup: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+

If your foundation tends to separate or pill with SPF, this is the solution. It hydrates like a dream and gives your base a smooth, even canvas to work with.

• Skin type suitability: All skin types
• Functional format: Hydrating cream/primer
• Active ingredients: Kakadu plum, pentavitin, SPF filters
• Texture & wearability: Hydrating, smooth finish
• Fragrance & sensitivity: Subtle scent
• Special benefits: Acts as a smoothing primer under foundation

Where to buy: ultraviolette.co.uk – £34

Sunscreen FAQs: Everything You Should Know for Summer 2025

How much sunscreen should I apply to my face?

You should apply about a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face, which translates to roughly two full fingers’ worth. This amount ensures you’re getting the level of protection listed on the bottle. Applying too little dramatically reduces the effectiveness of even high-SPF products.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Even water-resistant sunscreens wear off over time. If you’re wearing makeup, consider using a setting spray or powder SPF for easy top-ups without disrupting your look.

Can I skip sunscreen on cloudy days?

No, UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin even when it’s overcast. Up to 80% of UV radiation can get through on grey days, so daily application is essential regardless of weather.

Is SPF 50 better than SPF 30?

Yes, though only slightly. SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. The real game-changer is how thoroughly and frequently you apply it. Even the best SPF won’t protect you well if applied sparingly or just once a day.

Can sunscreen replace my moisturiser or primer?

Some modern SPFs are hybrid products, offering hydration and even a smoothing base for makeup. However, if you have specific skincare concerns like dryness or oil control, layering a targeted moisturiser underneath your SPF is still a good idea. Always apply sunscreen as your final skincare step before makeup.

Do I still need SPF if my makeup has it?

Absolutely. Most people don’t apply makeup in sufficient quantity or coverage to match the SPF protection claimed. Foundation or BB cream with SPF is a great bonus, but not a replacement for a standalone sunscreen. Always apply a separate SPF product underneath your makeup for reliable protection throughout the day.

When it comes to skincare, sunscreen is without a doubt, the single most powerful product you can use to preserve skin health, prevent premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer.