Summer may be drawing to a close, but sunscreen is a non-negotiable skincare step all year round. As Baz Luhrman’s 1999 spoken word track Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) proclaimed: ‘If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.’ In 2024, it’s a sentiment taken as gospel, reflected in the ever-evolving roster of sun care products now available. So finding an SPF you truly love involves a degree of trial and error – particularly when it comes to those designed for the face.
Some SPFs can cause sensitive skin to break out, or be unsuitable for your skin tone, while others might ‘pill’ when mixed with certain make-up products. There’s also a choice to be made between physical (mineral) or chemical sunscreen. The former sits on the surface of the skin, creating a ‘shield’ that stops harmful UV rays from penetrating, whereas the latter absorbs them. In addition, compliance regulations – rules by medical or governing bodies written to ensure SPF products are created with safety and efficacy – vary from country to country. Dermatologists usually recommend an SPF rating of 30 or above, however, for maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays. UVA is responsible for ageing, whilst UVB causes burning, so opting for a ‘broad spectrum’ SPF ensures you get the best protection from both.
Here, beauty editor Hannah Tindle and contributing editor Mary Cleary have whittled down a definitive list of facial sunscreens with the Wallpaper* stamp of approval. From a luxuriously tinted balm by Hermès to sustainable protection from Haeckels – plus quintessential French and Korean formulations from La Roche-Posay and Beauty of Joseon – if you’re in the market for a new SPF, this article is the place to start looking.
The best sunscreens for your face, selected by the Wallpaper* beauty editors
Beauty of Joseon
When it comes to sunscreen, Korean beauty brands are always one step ahead of the game, creating SPFs with a thinner and more absorbent consistency than most. Korean manufacturers often use up-to-the-moment technology before it becomes unavailable elsewhere in the world. (K-beauty pioneers were the first to develop the BB cream and the CC cream, which infuse lightweight and natural-looking make-up with skincare and high-level SPF protection). ‘Relief Sun Rice + Probiotic SPF 50+ PA++++’ by Beauty of Joseon is ideal for sensitive skin types. Containing probiotics, fermenting lysate and rice extract, it soothes, calms and protects.
Emma Lewisham
Emma Lewisham’s ‘Skin Shield SPF 30’ is a mineral sunscreen that has been formulated with ingredients such as zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, mallow extract, pink algae, jojoba seed oil and lemon balm extract. We’re already fans of the natural skincare brand, which was founded in 2019 (including products such as ‘The Skin Reset’ and ‘The Supernatural Vitale Skin Elixir’). And its SPF – which comes in a refillable jar – doesn’t disappoint either, with a deeply hydrating and nourishing formula.
RéVive
‘Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 PA++++’ by RéVive is a lightweight yet moisturising texture, that absorbs quickly into the skin. It’s a dream to wear alone or under make-up, with zero white cast or pilling. As with all of RéVive’s products, it uses ‘Bio-Renewal Technology’, a peptide engineered to mimic the skin’s natural renewal process. So it not only offers broad spectrum and high factor protection, but plumps and moisturises too. (Bonus points are given for it’s satisfyingly streamlined packaging).
Hermès
Hermès Beauty’s ‘Plein Air Complexion Balm’ is a lightweight, tinted make-up base in a wide range of shades. But it’s packed with enough sunscreen protection that it can be used every day to absorb harmful rays. (As we noted when the product launched in 2022, this breathable balm makes skin look airbrushed to perfection). Formulated with nourishing hyaluronic acid and evening primrose oil, ‘Plein Air Complexion Balm’ is a great option for those who want natural-looking coverage and SPF in one.
Sisley
‘Super Soin Solaire SPF 30’ by Sisley is silky smooth, incredibly nourishing, and smells delicious. (It has been naturally scented with essential sage and marjoram essential oils, and also contains shea butter. But it remains non-irritating and non-comedogenic). Disappearing almost immediately upon application, camellia oil and mango and edelweiss extract strengthen the skin’s ‘hydrolipidic film’, to prevent dehydration and dryness caused by the sun. Plus, it has the additional benefit of being water resistant.
Haeckels
Haeckels is one of the most innovative forces in sustainable skincare, so it’s no surprise that their first sunscreen, ‘Seaweed Solar Protect SPF 50+’, is different from any you might have used before. The central ingredient is hand-harvested dulse, a seaweed that helps skin retain moisture and fight the visible effects of pollutants. (It’s a great option for those who live in congested urban areas). It also contains the brand’s patented ‘Palmless Torula Oil’, which leverages moisturisation without leaving any greasy residue on the skin. The light-textured, fast-absorbing formula also means it won’t clog pores.
111Skin
111Skin’s ‘Repair Sunscreen SPF 50’ is formulated with the brand’s proprietary ‘NAC Y² complex’, which founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides originally developed for astronauts, who are prone to accelerated ageing due to spending time in zero-gravity environments. Those anti-ageing benefits are bolstered by the inclusion of Arabian cotton stem cell extract, which offers UV, IR, blue light and visible light, protection while also repairing the effects of photodamage. (It pairs amazingly with the 'Repair Serum NAC Y²').
Le Prunier
Le Prunier’s ‘Plumscreen’ is another mineral SPF product with broad spectrum protection. Infused with the brand’s cult ‘Plum Beauty Oil’, created with plums that are grown on the brand’s family-owned farm in California, this sunscreen is silky and sheer, leaving less white residue than many other physical sunscreens. (This is thanks to its unique ‘Non-Nano Zinc Oxide’ formula). Le Prunier says that it set out to create a ‘highly-effective yet aesthetically pleasing sunscreen without relying on the large amounts of mineral or chemical ingredients typical of most sunscreens.’ Safe to say, it has achieved just that.
Dr Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s ‘Sun Drops SPF 50’ is a hybrid sunscreen and skincare serum that utilises high-performance molecular ingredients. ‘Sun Drops’ contain the intensely hydrating ingredients glycerin and vitamin E, which help to prove a subtle glow without being shiny or greasy. (This product is also great for mixing with make-up to create a tinted SPF).
Dr. Dennis Gross
Try the ‘All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30’ by Dr. Dennis Gross and you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of the most beloved SPF products out there. Both oil and fragrance-free, it’s light on the skin but packed with nourishing sea buckthorn and lingonberry, plus the brand's signature ferulic acid. It’s also coral reef-safe and ideal for sensitive or allergy-prone skin types.
Mecca Cosmetica
Australian brand Mecca Cosmetica’s ‘To Save Face SPF 50+ Superscreen’ is one of the country’s most beloved SPF products, which says a lot for a nation full of sun care connoisseurs. Providing UVA and UVB protection with a weightless finish designed to accommodate make-up wearers, it is also formulated with powerful antioxidants vitamin E and maritime pine bark extract, plus moisturising glycerin and sodium PCA to improve the appearance of skin whilst protecting it.
Supergoop!
Supergoop!’s viral ‘Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30’ lives up to the hype. It also lives up to its name, as the transparent, broad-spectrum, gel formula is completely unperceptable on the skin. In addition, it is oil-free, meaning that skin prone to clogging and breakouts is rendered safe from harm. (For those who are tech addicted, it also has infrared protection to filter out blue light from digital devices).
La Roche-Posay
It’s difficult to put a foot wrong with any SPF product by French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay. But its ‘Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+’ is probably the most popular. Formulated with a patented ‘MEXORYL400’ sun filter, which protects against ultra-long UVA rays, it’s unscented, lightweight and non-greasy. It also comes in the form of a spray, ‘Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF 50+ Face Mist’, which is perfect for use over make-up or topping up your SPF throughout the day.
Ultra Violette
Another sunscreen spray that needs mentioning is Ultra Violette’s ‘Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist’. Hydrating, cooling and refreshing, this SPF can be used under or over make-up. Including vitamins C and E, it protects against free radical damage, whilst aloe vera and bisabolol soothe any redness or irritation.
Crucially, ‘Preen Screen’ comes in a handy travel-sized version for re-upping SPF on the move.
Grown Alchemist
Grown Alchemist’s ‘Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30’ is a vegan and reef-safe SPF, formulated with rosehip oil and parsley seed extract. It hydrates skin without leaving behind any thick residue, using three different weights of hyaluronic acid. Plus, the lemon-yellow squeezy tube provides a small dose of summertime, no matter what time of the year it might be.
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals is renowned for its potent, science-backed formulas. Many of its products (such as the antioxidant ‘C E Ferulic Serum’) have achieved ‘holy grail’ status amongst skincare obsessives. We’d also bestow this honour on the brand’s ‘Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50’, which has been designed for all skin types. It works to actively minimise discolouration caused by sun damage with a blend of 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide, with a non-greasy, low-residue formula.
The Grey
The Grey is a skincare brand making products that are technically designed for men. (But of course, they can be used by any gender). Its ‘Daily Face Protect SPF 50’ has a rich but breathable, unscented formula. It’s super long-lasting, thanks to a special ‘encapsulation processing technique’, which stabilises the product’s efficacy throughout the day. Its monochromatic branding and conveniently sized tube reflect its status as an ‘all rounder’.
La Prairie
La Prairie’s ‘Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 50’ is one of the most luxurious sunscreens ever made. The brand began selling skincare in 1978, but its roots can be traced back to Clinique La Prairie, which opened in 1931 in Geneva. (The Swiss wellness retreat, which stands to this day, has offered rejuvenation treatments to clients ranging from Pope Pius XII to Marlene Dietrich). It is La Prairie’s unique ‘Exclusive Cellular Complex’ – present in all of its products – that makes the ‘Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil’ a treatment and SPF in one, working to protect, brighten and smooth skin all at once.
