Sun protection for every concern: These are the sunscreens our editor recommends

No matter your age, ethnicity, gender, skin type or skin concern – sunscreen is arguably the most crucial product in your skincare regime. Not only is it essential in preventing sunburn and skin cancer, but it also helps prevent skin damage at a DNA level, premature ageing and sun-induced hyperpigmentation.

There are so many high-quality formulations on the market, and sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming to select just one.

This summer, our editor tested a wide range of sun protection products to determine the best—and loveliest to use—sunscreens for all skin concerns. Here are some of her favourites that made the cut.

Body sunscreens

When your sunscreen is easily absorbed, smells great and does not leave a white, oily or sticky residue on your skin, it makes it so much easier to convince the whole family to use it. We simply adore these summer body essentials:

Vitality Aloe Vera Gel – a fantastic moisturiser, it works wonders on hot or irritable skin, plus it’s a great soother post sun exposure.

Bioderma Photoderm Invisible Mist SPF50+ – a great product for the whole body, we love how light it feels on the skin and the non-sticky finish.

SKIN functional SUN functional UV Derm – this lightweight hydrating body lotion deeply hydrates and soothes skin after sun exposure, plus it helps restore and protect the skin’s barrier function.

Darling Screen-Me Spray SPF 30 – this luxurious formula smells incredible, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin oily or sticky. Plus, how pretty is the pink packaging?

Hada Labo Tokyo Super Moisturizer Sun Lotion SPF 50 – this hardworking skin protector contains the brand’s signature Super Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate skin while offering broad spectrum protection.

Best-found newbies

Technology is advancing all the time, and skincare brands are utilising the latest technologies to continuously improve their offering. These are a few of the newest releases we tried – and loved:

The Laser Beautique Sun Ray SPF 50 – a broad-spectrum light lotion, it has a velvety formula that feels invisible on the skin.

Demelan Optimal Sun Protection SPF50 – non-greasy, non-irritant and water resistant, this is a great everyday option that fits seamlessly into your established regime.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 – new to the fantastic Hydro Boost range, this SPF has a water gel texture and is infused with the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5 and 2% niacinamide.

SKIN functional SUN functional Sunscreen Stick SPF50 – this is such a handy little stick to keep in your pocket, and it applies like a dream. No pulling or tugging at skin – just a quick swipe offers broad-spectrum protection without a thick or waxy feel.

SKIN functional SUN functional Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF50 – our editor has been using this product every day and absolutely loves the texture and marzipan-esque scent! It feels light on the skin and works as a lovely primer for foundation.

Sensitive skin

Do you battle with sensitive skin? Then you’ll know the importance of using a sun protection product free from fragrances and harsh ingredients. We adore:

Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide SPF50+ for Sensitive Skin, which is a lightweight liquid free from fragrances and potential irritants. Perfect for sensitive or intolerant skins, it offers broad-spectrum protection while preventing build-up and shine.

Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF50+ offers high daily protection against UVA, UVB and HEVL (high energy visible light) to help prevent photo ageing. It has an ultra-light texture and universal shade that evens out the complexion and gives that bare skin finish we all love. Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

The icons we keep going back to

Looking for an editor-approved sun protection product that’s standing the test of time? Here are three classics we love and will continue using for as long as they’re around:

Institut Estherderm Bronz Repair Face Cream Strong Sun is just what you need if you spend plenty of time outdoors and love getting a bit of a tan. Its unique technology encourages a long-lasting tan while training skin to repair itself, in order to preserve the skin’s youthfulness and health.

SKNLogic Protect SPF40 offers broad-spectrum protection, including protection against blue light, infrared and pollution. It has a lovely non-whitening formula and is free from potentially harmful ingredients and synthetic fragrances and colourants.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50 encapsulates the benefits of the iconic Eight Hour Cream in a sunscreen. Lightweight and oil-free, it offers hydration for up to eight hours and is suitable for all skin types.

Oily and breakout-prone skin

If you struggle with oily skin or regular breakouts, you’ll know how tricky it can be to find a facial sunscreen that doesn’t give you an ultra-shiny complexion. These are the lightweight formulas that have a beautiful mattifying or dry touch finish, perfect for oily skins:

Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Sun Gel-Cream SPF50+ is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It offers very high broad-spectrum protection with sebum-regulating Oil Control Technology. It feels invisible on the skin and the non-greasy, dry touch finish has a long-lasting anti-shine effect.

Fundamentals Skincare Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 is a perfect choice for oily skin types. The mineral formula leaves minimal to no white cast and has an instant mattifying effect on the complexion. It’s infused with Kalahari melon oil, vitamin E and ascorbic acid to nourish skin while protecting against UVA and UVB rays.

Hada Labo Tokyo Light Hydrator Sun Face Cream SPF50 is just up your alley if you’re looking for a lightweight sunscreen that offers skin hydration without making it oily. It contains the brand’s signature Super Hyaluronic Acid (3 types of HA that provides multi-layer hydration), glycerin and panthenol for impressive moistursing, regenerating and anti-ageing benefits.

Dark spot control

Did you know that the sun is one of the biggest contributors to the formation of unwanted dark marks? Sun protection is absolutely key, and some sunscreen products are specifically formulated with sun-induced hyperpigmentation in mind. We love:

Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse Brightening Protective Anti-Dark Spots Face Care helps prevent and minimise dark marks. It brightens skin, reduces pigmentation, evens out the complexion thanks to Photo Reverse Technology and strengthens the skin’s natural defences against the sun. It has a lovely texture and consistency, making it a pleasure to use.

Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF50+ offers high protection against UVA, UVB, HEVL, infrared and pollution. It has shown clinically proven efficacy when it comes to reducing signs of photoageing, making it the ideal choice for anyone battling age spots. The light, dry touch gel-cream formula feels invisible on the skin and it also offers up to eight hours of hydration.