Best Water Face Sunscreens of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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Water face sunscreens are an essential skincare product for those who are looking for a lightweight and non-greasy formula to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. These sunscreens are specifically designed to be water-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming and sports. They are also suitable for those with sensitive skin as they are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating. With a variety of SPF levels and formulations available, there is a water face sunscreen to suit every skin type and lifestyle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 Cover #TOP 1
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 30 Cover #TOP 2
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 30
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+ for Daily Protection Cover #TOP 3
Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+ for Daily Protection
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Water Face Sunscreens

#TOP 1

Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50

White
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 Cover
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 50ml

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen offers exceptional UV protection while doubling as a lightweight moisturiser. You can enjoy its instant absorption on all skin tones, which means no more waiting around for your sunscreen to dry. Additionally, you won't have to worry about a white cast, making it perfect for daily use. If you have sensitive skin, this formula is suitable for you, allowing for a comfortable, irritation-free experience.

What We Like
Top SPF brand in Japan
Weightless moisturiser
No white cast
Suitable for sensitive skin
Great under makeup
#TOP 2

Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 30

White
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 30 Cover
Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 30 50ml

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen is a top choice for those seeking effective sun protection. As Japan's #1 SPF brand, it combines UV defence with a light moisturiser that feels weightless on your skin. You will appreciate how it absorbs instantly, making it suitable for all skin tones without leaving a white cast. This product is also gentle enough for sensitive skin, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its benefits. Plus, it works wonderfully under makeup, making it a convenient addition to your daily routine.

What We Like
No white cast
Suitable for sensitive skin
Absorbs instantly
Works well under makeup
Lightweight moisturiser

Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+ for Daily Protection

1496-30156
Multicolor
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+ for Daily Protection Cover
Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+ 50ml / Sun Cream For Face/Daily UVA, UVB Visible light and infrared-A Anti-Ageing Sunscreen Protection/Dry and Normal Skin Types/Hydrating

The Heliocare 360° Water Gel offers high-level protection against premature skin ageing with SPF50+ and PA++++, safeguarding your skin from UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared-A damage. Its unique Fernblock antioxidant promotes skin health by repairing and protecting skin cell DNA. You will appreciate its intensely hydrating formula, delivering long-lasting moisture while leaving a matte finish. The product is dermatologically tested, ensuring it is suitable for sensitive skin and not likely to clog pores.

What We Like
High-level sun protection
Hydrating and lightweight formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Non-comedogenic and vegan
Convenient travel-size packaging
#TOP 4

ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF50 Facial Sun Cream

8470001748577
17.27
50 ml (Pack of 1)
ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF50 Facial Sun Cream Cover
ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF50 50ml | Daily facial sun cream | Ultra-light texture (Pack of 1)

ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF50 offers intense hydration and immediate absorption, making it ideal for daily use. This sunscreen is particularly beneficial for those with atopic skin, as it is oil-free and gentle. With its Safe-Eye Tech, you can apply it worry-free, as it does not sting the eyes. The ultralight texture ensures optimal tolerance for all skin types, leaving no residue. You can even apply it on wet skin, making it effective after swimming or sweating.

What We Like
Intense hydration
Does not sting eyes
Ultralight texture
Effective on wet skin
#TOP 5

ISDIN Fusion Water Colour SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen

690023150
Light
50 ml (Pack of 1)
ISDIN Fusion Water Colour SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Cover
ISDIN Fusion Water Color SPF 50 (Light) 50ml, Tinted daily facial sun cream, Ultra-light texture

The ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen is a revolutionary tinted facial sun cream with an ultra-light, oil-in-water base that absorbs quickly into your skin, making daily application a breeze. With very high protection of SPF 50 against both UVA and UVB rays, it ensures your skin is well-protected. Its safe-eye Tech formula means you can apply it without worrying about stinging your eyes. Additionally, this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and can be applied even on wet skin, making it perfect for those active days at the beach or after a workout.

What We Like
Ultra-light, non-greasy texture
Very high SPF 50 protection
Safe for sensitive eyes
Effective on wet skin
Suitable for all skin types

Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

BON179
White
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ Cover
Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Gentle Formula Moisturises + Provides Broad-Spectrum Protection, Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, Cruelty Free | 75 mL/2.53 Oz

The Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50+, shielding you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its gentle, fast-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types, ensuring an invisible finish that won't irritate your skin. With up to 72 hours of hydration, enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, it keeps your skin feeling moisturised. You can wear it alone or under makeup, making it a versatile addition to your daily routine.

What We Like
Water resistant and fast absorbing
Provides 72 hours of hydration
Fragrance-free and gentle formula
Suits all skin types
Cruelty-free product

Coco & Eve Hydrating Daily Water Gel SPF 50+

60 ml (Pack of 1)
Coco & Eve Hydrating Daily Water Gel SPF 50+ Cover
Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+ Sunscreen - Sun Face Protection Against UVA UVB | Australian Made, Hydrating, Lightweight Facial Suncream | Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Glycerin for Smooth Finish

The Coco & Eve Daily Gel offers excellent sun protection with its SPF 50+, shielding you from 98% of UVB rays and providing very high UVA protection. Infused with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera, it helps to keep your skin moisturised and refreshed. Enjoy a lightweight, shine-free finish that absorbs quickly, making makeup application effortless. This sunscreen is also ultra-gentle on sensitive skin, soothing irritation while ensuring effective sun protection.

What We Like
Broad spectrum UV protection
Hydrating skin-loving ingredients
Lightweight and non-greasy
Suitable for sensitive skin
No fragrance or alcohol

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

Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Y302230100
Standard
1 ml (Pack of 50)
Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 30 Cover
Hawaiian Tropic | Hydrating Protection Face Sunscreen SPF 30 UVA + UVB Protection, 50 ml, 12-Hour Moisturisation, Make Up Compatible, Water Resistant, Vegan

The Hawaiian Tropic Face Sunscreen offers SPF 30, providing excellent protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent sun-induced skin ageing, ensuring your skin remains youthful and healthy. It is dermatologically tested, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities with confidence in its robust formula. With 12-hour moisturisation, this sunscreen features an innovative dual ribbon enriched with cocoa butter, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. Its delightful tropical scent adds a refreshing touch to your sun protection routine.

What We Like
High UVA/UVB protection
Long-lasting moisturisation
Dermatologically tested
Tropical scent
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 10

THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Water Cream SPF50+

50 ml (Pack of 1)
THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Water Cream SPF50+ Cover
THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml

The THANKYOU FARMER Water Sun Cream is a high-quality sunscreen designed to protect your skin. With an impressive SPF50+ and PA+++, it provides excellent defence against harmful UV rays. This lightweight formula ensures that you can apply it comfortably, leaving your skin feeling fresh without any greasy residue. The 50 ml size is convenient for everyday use, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Protect your skin effortlessly with this effective and pleasant-to-use sunscreen.

What We Like
High SPF protection
Lightweight formula
Non-greasy finish
Convenient 50 ml size
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is water sunscreen?

Sunscreens labeled as water-resistant have replaced those labeled as waterproof, in one of several changes in sun care product labeling that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently introduced. Year-round protection from the sun is the best way to lower the risk of skin cancer, experts say.

Editor's Notes

During our water face sunscreen research, we found 105 water face sunscreen products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 127,483 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water face sunscreens list. We found that most customers choose water face sunscreens with an average price of £17.87.

The water face sunscreens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water face sunscreens, including Biore, CANTABRIA LABS, ISDIN, Bondi Sands, Coco & Eve.

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.