With so many of the big brands launching SPFs and the textures dramatically improving, the level of skincare ingredients being added—not to mention the added technology—is so exciting as we enter a new era of serum sunscreens that feel like skincare, act like your favourite serum, but give the best protection. As well as texture, more and more brands are providing long UVA ray protection in their formulas. These are rays that penetrate the skin deeper and are known for causing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, sun sensitivity, and premature ageing. I have highlighted which of these SPFs include long UVA protection, as we are exposed to long UVA rays all year round, and they make up 75% of UV radiation. The saying is true: the best SPF is the one you enjoy applying, and in my opinion as a skincare expert, these are the best SPFs you will find. All of these SPFs don’t include Octocrylene—the filter that is known to sting the eyes.
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 SPF50+ Invisible Fluid
This formula combines the latest technology and innovation in an ultra-lightweight texture. With sweat and sand resistance, this sunscreen also delivers high protection and doesn’t sting the eyes. Mexoryl 400 is a new exclusive filter that protects against long UVA. All Anthelios sunscreens have a high PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) factor, so if you struggle with pigmentation, this SPF is key.
UVA, Long UVA, UVB, SPF50+, fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and suitable for holidays and prolonged periods of sun exposure, including time on the beach.
BUY HERE - BOOTS
BUY HERE - LOOK FANTASTIC
Ultra Violette SPF50+ Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen
This is the most beautiful hydrating and moisturising sunscreen. Its soft, creamy texture makes it a joy to use as a daily SPF. Depending on how dry and thirsty your skin is, you could, in the summer, just wear this alone as it provides enough moisture and antioxidants, thanks to the squalane, vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum extract, and pentavitin. It absorbs rapidly and leaves a satin finish with a delicate tint that suits all skin tones and no white cast.
UVA + UVB Broad Spectrum, includes fragrance, suitable for holidays and prolonged periods of sun exposure, including time on the beach.
BUY HERE - SPACENK
NEUTROGENA® Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
This is incredible - it was love at first sweep! It's lightweight, doesn’t sting the eyes, and provides the perfect amount of moisture. It absorbs instantly and leaves the skin feeling somewhere between moisturised and matte, with the most beautiful texture. It's just as lightweight as the others, but its ability to leave a veil of hydration with no greasy residue makes it a stand out. The texture is most similar to Vichy Mineral 89 and absorbs beautifully into the skin. The combination of hyaluronic acid, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), and niacinamide is a dream trio for hydration and supporting the skin barrier.
UVA, Long UVA, UVB, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free
BUY HERE - Look Fantastic
BUY HERE - Boots
Lancôme UV Expert Supra Screen Invisible UV Serum SPF50+
This layers beautifully, absorbs effortlessly and leaves the skin really moisturised. If you have dry skin, you will love this over your moisturiser, and if you have oily/combination skin, layer this over your serum and skip the moisturiser stage. It has a gorgeous, lightweight texture with an invisible finish that leaves the skin glowing and protected. Skincare ingredients include niacinamide, vitamin E, and green tech dandelion, giving the skin an extra level of protection from pollution and harmful aggressors. It’s also worth mentioning that this Lancôme sunscreen contains the most water-loving filters, which is likely why it absorbs so quickly and doesn’t leave that oily, greasy finish like many UV filters do.
UVA, Long UVA, UVB, SPF50+, PA++++, includes fragrance
BUY HERE - Look Fantastic
BUY HERE - Sephora
Isntree Hyaluronic acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+
I thought I couldn’t love sunscreen any more than I do—until I found Isntree! If you haven’t heard of Isntree before, they are a Korean skincare brand that has created the most incredible sunscreen, leaving no white cast. First, the texture—it feels like your favourite lightweight moisturiser, leaving the skin feeling silky and incredibly hydrated, thanks to the eight different weights of hyaluronic acid. I would say this is the lightest of them all, even slightly lighter than Lancôme UV Expert mentioned above (if that’s possible!). If you have oily/combination skin and love a barely-there texture, this will be perfect for you.
SPF50+, PA++++, Fragrance-free, UVA, UVB, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, thanks to the inclusion of Centella Asiatica (aka Cica), known for its soothing properties.
BUY HERE - Boots
BUY HERE - Amazon
Vichy Mineral 89 72H Hyaluronic Acid Daily Fluid SPF50+
A stunning SPF that is moisturising in a lightweight formula. In terms of texture, this is on par with Lancôme but not as light as Isntree. Created after the huge success of Mineral 89 Daily Booster Hydrating Serum, this SPF is packed with hyaluronic acid and the famous Vichy Volcanic Mineral Water, found in all Vichy products. It’s clear to see how they claim to boost hydration levels for up to 72 hours. The texture of this formula is stunning, with vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin E, and squalane delivering moisture and ensuring hydration is retained while supporting the skin barrier.
Fragrance-free, SPF50+, UVA, UVB, non-comedogenic
BUY HERE - Boots
BUY HERE - Look Fantastic
Altruist Primer SPF50
A gorgeous, moisturising sunscreen created by two gentlemen, one of whom is a Consultant Dermatologist. Their passion and drive were to make great sunscreens at an affordable price. This is a moisturising SPF with a lightweight texture. In terms of texture, it's on par with Lancôme and Vichy; however, I would say this is more moisturising, making it perfect for drier skin. This sunscreen is also water-resistant, making it a great option for holidays. The texture, the price, and how well it layers with the rest of your skincare are perfect.
Fragrance-free, SPF50, UVA, UVB, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: SPF50+ PA++++ Rice + Probiotics
One of my favourites, simply due to the texture and the gorgeous amount of moisture it provides. It’s perfect for summer—wear it over your serum, and it delivers the ideal level of hydration. In autumn and winter, it layers beautifully when you want to increase moisture. It is lightweight, sits wonderfully under makeup, and the rice extract is rich in vitamins B, C, and E, amino acids, and minerals, leaving the skin protected and glowing.
Fragrance-free, SPF50+, UVA, UVB, PA++++
BUY HERE - Boots
L’Oreal Revitalift Clinical Anti–UV Fluid SPF50+
This is a beautifully moisturising formula that feels lightweight yet has the power to hydrate and nourish the skin. It was probably my most purchased SPF of 2024—until I discovered La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 SPF50+ Invisible Fluid—due to its texture and the way it layers beautifully.
In terms of texture, it has a slightly richer consistency than Lancôme UV Expert Supra Screen. It combines advanced high protection with peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin E, along with patented Netlock technology, which makes the filters highly resistant to sweat and high humidity. Created to provide high protection from UV radiation and pollution, it also helps protect the skin from UV-induced wrinkles and dark spots. It feels like a lightweight veil of moisture enveloping the skin with no white cast.
Fragrance-free, SPF50+, UVA, UVB, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
BUY HERE - Sephora
Ultrasun Anti-Pigmentation Face Fluid 50+SPF
Last but certainly not least, Ultrasun are the sun protection experts, and their formulas contain the highest percentage of UVA protection. As you can tell, I love lightweight fluid textures when it comes to sunscreens, so I was thrilled when Ultrasun created a fluid version of their anti-pigmentation face cream.
If every time you step into the sunshine, your pigmentation waves back at you, then an SPF with anti-pigmentation technology is key to supporting your skincare routine. This formula is gorgeously lightweight, absorbs beautifully, and leaves the skin hydrated and protected while helping to keep pigmentation at bay.
UVA, UVB, SPF50+, fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and suitable for holidays and prolonged periods of sun exposure, including time on the beach.
BUY HERE - Marks & Spencers
BUY HERE - Boots
For the best minerals sunscreens click here The Top Mineral Sunscreens From An Expert — Fiona Brackenbury
I hope you found this review helpful! As a small independent business, using these links helps me keep my website running and continue to provide these blogs for you. I’m often asked how you can thank me for my skincare advice - using these links is very much appreciated. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey with me!
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
Stay tuned for more blogs and follow me on social media for the latest launches and more Skin School blogs!
Bye for now,
Fiona x
Links may be affiliated links which means that if you make a purchase though one of our links we receive a small commission which helps support and run this website.