The 13 best face sunscreens, including Korean and British brands

Applying SPF every day offers both anti-ageing and long-term health benefits. Indeed, a four-and-a-half-year randomised trial published in the National Library of Medicine found that people using daily broad-spectrum SPF had 24 per cent less skin ageing progression than occasional users. They also noticed reduced wrinkles and photoageing over time.

Another study looked at the health protection provided by daily application. A large randomised Australian trial following 1,621 adults found daily SPF 15+ sunscreen use significantly reduced squamous cell skin cancers compared with occasional sunscreen use after four-and-a-half years.

Here are some of the best SPF products to use this summer.

UK-made SPFs

SOS H2O Day Cream SPF 30, £17, Amazon

"A lightweight, nongreasy daily moisturiser that hydrates, protects against UVA/UVB rays, and supports anti-ageing with plant stem cells and hyaluronic acid. Includes low molecular weight hyaluronic acid locks in essential moisture for smooth, soft, healthy-looking skin."

SOS SPF 50, £17, Superdrug

"SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream contains mineral-based filters and uses an ultra-sheer form of Zinc Oxide for protection from UVA/UVB and blue light, plus contains antioxidant Vitamin E, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes and calms the skin. Soy Bean Stem Cell helps to reduce wrinkles and increase skin’s firmness, combined with Vitamin E to fight free radicals on the skin."

SOS Lip SPF 30, £16, Sosserum.co.uk

"SOS Lip is a deeply nourishing and mattifying lip balm with broad spectrum SPF 30, that helps to moisturise and protect lips against the harsh effects of the cold, wind and sun. A unique blend of botanical extracts, including Pisum Sativum (Pea Extract) & Viscum Album Leaf (Mistletoe Extract) deliver lasting hydration whilst helping to repair & soothe damaged skin."

Korean SPFs

Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream, £15, Boots

"Anua's Silky Moisture SPF 50 is a lightweight daily sunscreen designed to deliver effective broad-spectrum protection while soothing and caring for sensitive skin. Formulated with SPF 50 to defend against both UVA and UVB rays, this gentle yet effective formula helps calm visible redness and irritation, making it ideal for delicate or reactive skin types."

Anua K-Pop Demon Hunters Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen, £16, LookFantastic

"Arriving in a clear gel texture, the transparent formula glides onto the skin without a white cast. SPF 50 delivers powerful, chemical defence against broad-spectrum UV rays. Its soft matte finish also protects the skin against excess oils and shine levels, lending a skin-blurring finish."

Anua K-Pop Demon Hunters Glow Stick Invisible Glow Finish Sunscreen Stick, £14, LookFantastic

"Created with an ultra-fluid texture, the sun cream glides onto the skin with a comfortable, airy feeling. Enriched with zinc oxide, the mineral formula protects the skin against broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays and is suitable for sensitive skin types. A blend of ceramides and allantoin nourishes the skin's natural barrier, while panthenol cools and soothes. The result? Skin that feels soft and protected all day long."

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturising Finish Sunscreen, £18, Boots

"Striving to create the most effective skin care, Anua's formulas are carefully crafted to achieve the perfect balance of natural and active ingredients for optimal results. Built on the ethos that less is more, this Korean Beauty brand offers simple, yet effective blends made with gentle ingredients suitable for all skin types. The Zero-Cast Sunscreen SPF 50 (50ml) offers lightweight, hydration-rich, broad-spectrum sun protection with a moisturiser-like finish."

COSRX Airy-Light Invisible Sun Stick SPF 50+, £23.99, LookFantastic

"Your new K-beauty companion, COSRX's Airy light Invisible Sun Stick SPF 50+ provides UV protection with zero white cast and a powdery soft-matte finish. Airy and non-greasy in texture, the formula is designed for hybrid use on the face and body. It glides on easily to deliver a weightless veil of defence and works to minimise excess oil on the skin while it's at it. Lightly soothing in feel thanks to aloe, it also gently softens the appearance of fine lines and boosts a firm look. Perfect for on the go."

Dr Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen, £20.38, Superdrug

"This chemical sunscreen fitted with SPF 50+ PA++++ defends skin against harmful UV rays while boosting skin moisture. It’s formulated with bamboo water, sea grape extract and vegan seaweed-derived PDRN to hydrate skin and accelerate skin barrier repair. Also enriched with panthenol to soothe irritated skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin."

Dr Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen, £18, Amazon

"Shield skin against harmful UV rays with this lightweight chemical sunscreen fitted with SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection. It’s formulated with green tea leaf water and seven types of centella extract to reduce redness and leave skin feeling refreshed. Sodium DNA in the mix enhances skin barrier repair. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin."

European SPF

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Multi-Protection SPF20, £20.99, CultBeauty

"This milky moisturiser provides continuous hydration in a 7-in-1 multi-protective/multi-use formulation: moisturiser, make-up base, after-shave cream, UVA-UVB protection, blue light and infrared ray protection, anti-pollution shield and skin ageing prevention. It wraps the skin in an invisible satiny veil, ideal for daily protection."

Teoxane Urban Shield SPF30, £60, Teoxane.co.uk

"Urban Shield SPF30 is a daily sunscreen that protects skin from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and oxidative stress. Formulated by next-gen skin care science, antipollution actives and antioxidants, it helps prevent premature ageing and supports skin health in urban environments without compromising your skin barrier. Clinically proven to hydrate, protect, and perfect, its lightweight, flawless finish blends effortlessly with all skin tones."

Teoxane UVA Shield SPF 50, £55, FacetheFuture

"A very high UVA and UVB protection and the comfort of an invisible finish and lightweight formula to prevent the skin from premature ageing. Its specificity: a UVA ratio twice the regulation thanks to its UV filters combination, to prevent the apparition of dark spots."