10 Best Sunscreen For Face 2025 in the UK

ALTRUIST Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 is a standout choice for individuals with sensitive skin looking for effective sun protection. With a high SPF of 50, it offers robust sun defense, reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays. Its formulation, created by UK dermatologist Dr. Andrew Birnie and manufactured in Germany, emphasizes safety with a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic design, minimizing allergy risks. This makes it suitable for daily use on the face and body, including for children, which is a significant plus for families or individuals prone to skin sensitivities.

One of the product's salient strengths is its broad spectrum protection with a 5-star Ultra UVA rating, ensuring comprehensive coverage against both UVA and UVB rays. Its quick absorption and non-sticky texture make it feel more like a moisturizer than a conventional sunscreen, which is appealing for everyday wear.

The sunscreen is water-resistant, a crucial feature for those engaging in outdoor activities or sports, providing reassurance that it will remain effective even after sweating or swimming. Additionally, the product comes as a pack of two tubes at a relatively low price point, offering good value for money and aligning with the brand's mission to make sun protection more accessible.

While the product excels in many areas, it is non-tinted, which may not suit users seeking a sunscreen that can also serve as a makeup base or provide a slight color correction. However, its focus on sensitive skin and non-allergenic properties make it a reliable choice for those prioritizing skin health over cosmetic benefits.

ALTRUIST's commitment to social causes, such as supporting people with albinism in Africa, adds a commendable ethical dimension to the product, appealing to socially conscious consumers.

The NIVEA Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Cream is tailored for those with sensitive skin, offering strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF of 50, it is highly effective in safeguarding the skin from sunburn and premature aging. Its formulation is light and non-greasy, making it ideal for daily wear without clogging pores, and it’s unperfumed, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritations. The presence of natural antioxidants provides additional protection from the inside, further enhancing its skin-friendly profile.

This sunscreen is especially suited for those who spend time outdoors, as it is ophthalmologically approved, meaning it is safe around the delicate eye area. The cream is packaged in a convenient 50ml tube, which is perfect for home use or for carrying on-the-go. Additionally, its environmentally-conscious Ocean Respect Formula is 67% biodegradable, and the packaging is partly made from recycled materials.

However, while it offers robust protection, it lacks tint, which some users may prefer to provide skin tone evening benefits or avoid white cast on darker skin tones. The sunscreen doesn't claim water resistance, so frequent reapplication is necessary after swimming or sweating. Its delivery is restricted to mainland UK, which limits accessibility for international consumers. In essence, this product is a sound choice for someone prioritizing high SPF protection, sensitive skin care, and eco-friendly packaging, while accepting its limitations regarding tint and water resistance.

The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 is a strong contender for a facial sunscreen, especially suitable for those with normal to dry skin. It offers high SPF 50 protection, which is recommended by dermatologists like Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme for daily use. This lotion is developed with dermatologists and provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Its non-greasy formula is enriched with beneficial ingredients like Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and three essential ceramides that help maintain the skin's natural barrier and offer hydration for up to 24 hours thanks to the MVE technology. This makes it a great dual-purpose product, combining sun protection with skincare benefits. It's fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin, and its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature ensures it won't clog pores, which is ideal for daily use.

However, the product's lack of water resistance might be a drawback for those who are active outdoors or sweat a lot, as it would require reapplication more frequently in such conditions. Additionally, it is non-tinted, which could be a downside for those looking for some coverage to even out skin tone. The presence of glycolic acid among the ingredients should be noted, as it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with extremely sensitive skin.