Tried and tested: These are the sunscreens our team loved this summer

Ask any beauty editor, and she’ll likely tell you that sunscreen is her number one product. No longer an “extra” in your regimen or a product reserved for beach days, sunscreen is an everyday essential that all of us – regardless of our age, ethnicity or gender – should be applying 365 days per year.

While the sun’s UVB rays may burn the skin during summer, we also need to protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for cellular damage at a DNA level, all year round. Not only do UVA rays age our skin faster, but they’re also responsible for hyperpigmentation and the breakdown of collagen (hello, wrinkles and sagging!).

There are plenty of sun protection products available, some good, and some great. Our editorial team tested as many as they could get their hands on this summer, and have discovered a few new favourites.

Here are the BeautySouthAfrica team’s favourite sunscreens of summer 2026. You’ll notice that every product on our list is an SPF50 – because as beauty editors, we always choose the highest protection factor.

For face

Vitaderm Photo Defence Tinted SPF50 (R485.00)

“A first of its kind, this sunscreen is unique because it has a tinted mineral formula (meaning it sits on top of the skin to physically protect it from the sun, rather than using chemical filters that are absorbed by the body). Most tinted sunscreens have chemical formulas, because it is so difficult to tint a mineral formulation. Available in three adaptive tints, this sunscreen offers sheer, even cover and gives the skin a gorgeous, dewy glow. Lightweight and breathable, it is suitable for all skin types. I love how light it feels on my skin and that it offers just the right amount of cover for a natural finish.”

SKIN functional Sunscreen Stick SPF50 (R150.00)

“I’ve never been a stick sunscreen type of person, because the handful that I’ve tried were awfully thick and sticky. Imagine my delight when I tried this little gem from SKIN functional and loved the formula. No oiliness and no stickiness! It glides on easily and absorbs rapidly, so it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing sunscreen. It’s small and light, making it the perfect addition to your handbag, gym bag or beach bag. I found it particularly handy when I needed a sunscreen top-up, but had dirty hands (you won’t catch me applying anything to my face if I didn’t wash my hands first). So easy to use and so effective – I love it.”

Eau Thermale Avène SPF50+ Mineral Cream (R379.99)

“Suitable for sensitive and intolerant skins, this sunscreen has a mineral formula and is completely free from chemical filters. Enriched with Avène’s deeply nourishing and soothing thermal water, the formula is free from parabens and fragrances, and offers optimal skin tolerance. The consistency is a bit on the thicker side, but it absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a white cast or oily residue on the surface of the skin. It feels very moisturising on the skin, and is even suitable for young children. It’s a lovely choice for the whole family, and I love that you can apply this product even if you have reactive skin.”

Darling Glowy Screen SPF50+ Face Sunscreen (R1100.00)

“This is one of the most luxurious sun protection products I’ve tried, and it truly delivers on its promise of glowy skin. The formula contains next-gen UV filters, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, allantoin and vitamin E. Rich in antioxidants, it offers effective sun protection while soothing skin and promoting radiance. It has a lovely fresh scent, and the lightweight texture melts into skin. It offers invisible protection (no white cast!) and a luminous finish, making it a lovely base for foundation. I love the pump action of the tube as you have complete control over how much product comes out and you don’t end up wasting. Made in Italy, it embodies that quintessential Italian elegance.”

Bioderma Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+ Tinted (R365.00)

“A tinted sunscreen is such a great product, as I really couldn’t be bothered to wear foundation at the beach or gym. Boasting a patented formula, this broad-spectrum SPF protects against UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared and pollution. It is Bioderma’s first detoxifying sunscreen, offering comprehensive protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation and pollution. It has an ultra-fluid consistency, and you can wear it on its own for subtle cover, or under makeup (it makes a great foundation base). I love that the formula is eco-conscious, free from silicones and micro-plastics. It’s available in four tinted shades, as well as a non-tinted, neutral version.”

SKIN functional Chemical & Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 (R260.00)

“The newest member of the SUN functional family, this lightweight liquid lotion is formulated with a carefully balanced blend of chemical and mineral UV filters, offering the very best in sun protection while treating the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. The formula contains antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals, hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients for skin resilience, and broad-spectrum protection against UV rays. It has a lovely light texture with a skin-like finish – no white cast, no oiliness and no sunscreen feeling. It’s a fantastic everyday product.”

For body

NUXE Sun Huile Solaire Or Sun Oil SPF50 (R995.00)

“A golden glow from your sunscreen? Yes please! This sun protection oil is infused with an iridescent gold shimmer, which gives the skin a subtle glow. It protects from UVA, UVB and blue light and can be applied to the face and body. The illuminating texture contains 100% natural mother-of-pearl, enhancing all skin tones and leaving skin soft and moisturised. Like all NUXE products, it has a beautiful scent and is infused with notes of sweet orange, tiare flower and vanilla. NUXE always takes sensoriality into account , and this product is such a pleasure to use.”

Hada Labo Tokyo Super Moisturizer Sun Lotion SPF50 (R400.00)

“Sun exposure can have a drying effect on the skin, which is why a hydrating sunscreen formulation is a must during summer. This light lotion is infused with Hada Labo Tokyo’s Super Hyaluronic Acid™, a powerful blend of three types of hyaluronic acid designed to penetrate all the levels of the skin. It delivers multi-layer, long-lasting hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection. The non-greasy formula is easily absorbed and suitable for all skin types.”

Eau Thermale Avène Sun Care Spray SPF50 (R509.95)

“If you’re looking for very high protection in a formulation that’s ultra-gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, this is a great option. It is completely invisible on the skin and has a dry touch, so it doesn’t even feel like you have sunscreen on. I love that the formula is reef-friendly and contains only four sun filters for optimal skin tolerance. Its unique antioxidant complex offers complete cellular protection against oxidative stress and it contains Avène’s renowned Thermal Spring Water for its soothing, softening and anti-irritation properties. The spray functionality is so handy, especially at the beach.”