Best Face Sunscreen Creams of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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Face sunscreen creams are essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause long-term damage such as premature ageing, sunburn, and even skin cancer. These creams come in various forms, including lotions, gels, and sprays, and are designed to be applied directly to the face. They are typically formulated with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings that provide varying levels of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is recommended to use a face sunscreen cream with at least SPF 30 for daily use and higher for extended periods of sun exposure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 Face Cream Cover #TOP 1
Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 Face Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream Cover #TOP 2
NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Malibu Sun SPF 50 Face Cream and Lip Balm Cover #TOP 3
Malibu Sun SPF 50 Face Cream and Lip Balm
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Face Sunscreen Creams

Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 Face Cream

50 g (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 Face Cream Cover
Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 Face Cream, Mineral Sun Cream, Fragrance Free and Non-Comedogenic, 50g

The Cetaphil SPF 50 Cream offers advanced sun protection with its new Micronized Zinc Oxide technology, ensuring you are shielded from harmful UV rays. With broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection, it helps guard against sunburn and long-term skin damage. This cream is also gentle on sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for those who require a soothing formula. Additionally, its water-resistant feature allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about reapplication for up to 120 minutes.

What We Like
High-level sun protection
Gentle for sensitive skin
Water-resistant up to 120 minutes
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream

80460-04500-21
1 count (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream Cover
NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream (50ml), Sunscreen Protects Against UVA/UVB Rays and Premature Skin Ageing, Sun Cream for Sensitive Facial Skin

NIVEA Sun Sensitive Cream offers exceptional protection for delicate facial skin with its SPF 50 formula. It guards against harmful UVA/UVB rays, helping to prevent premature skin ageing. The lightweight and non-greasy texture ensures it won't clog your pores, making it ideal for daily use. Additionally, this cream is ophthalmologically approved, ensuring it is gentle on the eyes while providing reliable sun protection. You can confidently apply it before sun exposure and easily reapply it during the day.

What We Like
Highly effective sun protection
Lightweight and non-greasy formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Ophthalmologically approved

Malibu Sun SPF 50 Face Cream and Lip Balm

EM902BLI
Other
40 ml (Pack of 1)
Malibu Sun SPF 50 Face Cream and Lip Balm Cover
Malibu Sun SPF 50 Face Cream and SPF 30 Lip Balm Duo, High Protection Sun Cream, Water Resistant, Vitamin Enriched, 2 pack

The Malibu Sun Duo offers high protection with SPF 50 face cream and SPF 30 lip balm, shielding you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its clinically proven formula is kind to your skin, ensuring you can enjoy the sun without worry. The water-resistant feature allows the sun care to last longer, whether you're at the beach or in the pool. With an easy squeeze bottle, applying the product becomes hassle-free, helping you reach those tricky areas with ease.

What We Like
High SPF protection
Water resistant formula
Kind to skin
Easy to apply

Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50+ for Sensitive Skin

CPB00750
cream
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50+ for Sensitive Skin Cover
Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Face Cream SPF50+, 50ml

The Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream offers exceptional protection for sun-sensitive skin. Developed with dermatologists, this cream ensures hours of moisturisation, keeping your delicate facial skin soft and hydrated. It features Calmanelle, a unique anti-irritant shield complex that helps enhance your skin's resilience to the sun, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, with powerful antioxidants like Feverfew PFE, it boosts your skin cells' tolerance to sun exposure, providing you with peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors.

What We Like
High SPF 50+ protection
Moisturises sensitive skin
Water and sweat resistant
Contains soothing antioxidants

E45 SPF50+ Sensitive Sun Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

E45
50 ml (Pack of 1)
E45 SPF50+ Sensitive Sun Cream with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
E45 SPF50+ Sensitive Sun Cream for Face with Hyaluronic Acid - UVA and UVB Protection - Fragrance-Free and Dermatologically Tested Sunscreen - Suitable For Dry, Sensitive and Eczema Prone Skin (50ml)

The E45 Sensitive Sun Cream offers excellent protection for your face, particularly if you have dry or eczema-prone skin. With SPF 50+ and a lightweight, non-greasy formula, it absorbs quickly while providing intense hydration. The addition of Hyaluronic Acid ensures your skin stays moisturised throughout the day. Notably, this cream protects against harmful UV damage, making it perfect for sunny days or holiday adventures. Its water-resistant properties ensure lasting coverage, giving you peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors.

What We Like
100% tolerability on sensitive skin
Non-greasy and fast absorbing
High UVA and UVB protection
Contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid
Dermatologically tested and fragrance-free

Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Serum Moisturiser

986287682
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Serum Moisturiser Cover
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Invisible Serum Moisturiser for Face, High Protection Against UVA & UVB, Sun Cream for all Skin Types, With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Ceramides, Vegan, 30ml

The Garnier SPF 50+ Serum offers very high protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, making it ideal for daily use on your sensitive facial skin. Its formula is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ceramides, providing instant protection for your skin barrier. The lightweight and invisible fluid texture ensures comfortable wear throughout the day, seamlessly blending with all skin tones. Additionally, this vegan formula is crafted without animal-derived ingredients and comes in a bottle made of 40% recycled glass, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

What We Like
Very high SPF 50+ protection
Immediate skin barrier support
Lightweight and invisible texture
Vegan and eco-friendly formula

Altruist Anti Redness SPF50 Tinted Cream

Altruist
Anti Redness
Tinted
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Altruist Anti Redness SPF50 Tinted Cream Cover
Altruist Dermatologist Anti Redness and Pigmentation SPF50 Tinted Face Cream, Unscented, 30 ml (Pack of 1)

The Altruist Tinted Face Cream is a clinically proven moisturiser that helps reduce redness and even out skin pigmentation. With its special pigments, it provides an instant concealing effect, making your skin appear more even-toned. The cream contains a unique phytocomplex that calms sensitive red skin and promotes healing over eight weeks. Additionally, it offers broad spectrum protection with SPF50, shielding you from harmful UV rays and blue light, which is essential for preventing further irritation.

What We Like
Reduces redness effectively
Instant concealing effect
Calms sensitive skin
High SPF and blue light protection
Vegan and fragrance-free
#TOP 8

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sun Defense Cream

EIGN10046
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sun Defense Cream Cover
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense Face Cream SPF50 PA+++, 50ml, High SPF Factor, Broad Spectrum UVA UVB Sunscreen for Face and Body

The Elizabeth Arden Sun Defense Cream is designed to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to sunburn and premature ageing. This cream hydrates your skin for up to eight hours, ensuring that you remain moisturised throughout the day. Its lightweight, oil-free formula makes it suitable for all skin types, providing a non-greasy feel. Additionally, it is PABA-free, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin. With this cream, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin healthy and protected.

What We Like
High SPF protection
Long-lasting hydration
Lightweight and oil-free
Suitable for all skin types
PABA-free formula

Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Face Cream SPF50

C6520900
Anti-Age
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Face Cream SPF50 Cover
Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-age, Face Protection Cream SPF50, Super UV, 50ml

The Garnier Anti-Age Face Cream offers advanced protection with an SPF50, making it suitable for all skin tones. This cream visibly reduces wrinkles by up to 22%, giving you a more youthful appearance. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, ensuring your skin stays hydrated, smooth, and firmer. Additionally, the product is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, providing peace of mind for sensitive skin users. Enjoy the benefits of high protection and anti-ageing in one convenient product.

What We Like
Reduces wrinkles effectively
Provides high sun protection
Hydrates and firms skin
Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
Cruelty-free certified
#TOP 10

Calypso SPF30 Facial Sun Protection Cream

CALZ08
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Calypso SPF30 Facial Sun Protection Cream Cover
Calypso Facial Sun Protection Cream SPF30

The Calypso Facial Sun Cream offers excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin stays safe from harmful sun exposure. Its anti-ageing properties help maintain a youthful appearance, combating the signs of ageing effectively. This cream is suitable for sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those who often experience irritation. Additionally, its non-greasy formula allows for easy application under makeup, providing convenience without compromising on protection.

What We Like
Effective UV protection
Anti-ageing benefits
Suitable for sensitive skin
Non-greasy formula
Works well under makeup
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of sunscreen is best for face daily?

How we chose the best face sunscreens. Best Overall: EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46.Best Value: Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55.Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.Best Allergy Tested: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

2. Can we apply sunscreen cream on face?

Wearing sunscreen with makeup is recommended because most makeup products—yes, even those that advertise SPF— do not contain a high enough level of SPF to provide sufficient protection. Our paraben-free sunscreens provide invisible yet strong protection, so you can wear them over your makeup or on a bare face.

3. Is there a difference between sunscreen and face sunscreen?

Depending on the sensitivity of an individual's skin, body sunscreen that is scented may be a problem for the face. Facial sunscreen is specifically designed for the face. Because the face can breakout or develop acne, facial sunscreen is not nearly as oily as body sunscreen.

Editor's Notes

During our face sunscreen cream research, we found 215 face sunscreen cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 186,845 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face sunscreen creams list. We found that most customers choose face sunscreen creams with an average price of £7.01.

The face sunscreen creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face sunscreen creams, including Cetaphil, Nivea Sun, Malibu, Piz Buin, E45.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.