The Top SPFs of Summer 2024

If there's one product you should never skip in your routine: it's SPF. Often hailed as the ultimate defence against premature aging, sun damage, and even skin cancer, SPF guards your skin against the harsh effects of the sun's rays.

On this National Sunscreen Day, we dive into why SPF is a non-negotiable in any skincare routine, how to choose the perfect one tailored to your needs, and showcase a selection of the top SPFs of 2024.

Why do I need to use SPF?

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are notorious for wreaking havoc on our skin, especially during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to sunburns, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and worst of all, an increased risk of skin cancer. The daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) significantly mitigates these risks by acting as a shield, preventing harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.

Are there other benefits to SPF?

Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent premature aging by reducing the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots caused by sun exposure. It also aids in maintaining an even skin tone by preventing the development of dark spots and discoloration.

How do I choose the right SPF for me?

Despite there being a multitude of sunscreen options available in the market, finding the perfect sunscreen for your skin is not as complicated as it may seem. Here are some key factors to consider:

SPF Level: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This ensures protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Skin Type: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. For sensitive skin, choose a sunscreen labelled hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Texture and Application: Whether you prefer lightweight mists, creamy formulas, or even tinted sunscreens for added coverage, there's a product out there for you.

Additional Benefits: Many sunscreens now come enriched with skincare ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins, offering added benefits like hydration, antioxidant protection, and anti-aging properties.

Can’t wait to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine to safeguard your skin against the sun's harmful rays while reaping the numerous benefits it has to offer? Here’s a summary of our favourite SPFs of 2024:

Antipodes | Supernatural SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen

What sets the Supernatural SPF50+ apart is its blend of natural ingredients that not only provide superior sun protection but also nourish and protect the skin. With a glowy, luminous finish and no white cast, this next-generation mineral, zinc oxide sunscreen can be seamlessly integrated into any skincare routine.

One of the standout features of this sunscreen is its TGA approval, signifying compliance with one of the world’s strictest standards for sunscreen production. it is also enriched with ceramides and nourishing plant oils, which help to strengthen the skin barrier and combat signs of aging.

Moreover, being 100% natural origin and vegan-friendly, the Supernatural SPF50+ aligns with Antipodes' sustainability ethos. It comes packaged in premium glass and aluminium, reflecting the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Available at Antipodes.

Green People | SPF15 Sun Cream with Natural Insect Repellent

Discover Green People SPF15 Sun Cream with Natural Insect Repellent, your all-in-one solution for summer skin defense. This certified organic formula protects, soothes, and repels insects for the whole family, with SPF15 sun protection and DEET-free repellent.

Made with non-whitening Zinc Oxide and gentle ingredients like Aloe Vera, Lemon Eucalyptus, and Peppermint, it's suitable for sensitive skin and children aged 6 months and up. Plus, it's cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the UK, ensuring worry-free fun in the sun.

Available at Green People.

Dr Simon Ourian | SPF 50

Dr Simon Ourian tells us: “SPF is your skin’s shield against the sun, fighting off wrinkles and dark spots. Make it a staple, no exceptions.[…] It’s much more complex to recover from sun damage than it is to prevent it.”

Dr. Simon's SPF50 formulation offers comprehensive protection against UVA/UVB rays tailored to your skin concerns, environment, and lifestyle. Featuring key ingredients like UV-A and UV-B absorbers for sun protection, Withania Somnifera Root Extract to shield against blue light, and Tocopherol to strengthen the skin barrier, each product is meticulously crafted to deliver optimal results.

Available at Dr Simon Ourian.

Murad | Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50

The innovative clear formula of Murad’s latest SPF ensures your natural skin colour shines through without any white cast, providing a flawless finish. Enriched with a potent blend of vitamins C, D, E, and F, along with bio-fermented clary sage and omega-rich chia seed, it helps diminish the appearance of dark spots, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone, and dullness.

With its demi-matte satin finish, this sunscreen doubles as a primer or can be effortlessly reapplied over makeup throughout the day.

Available at Murad.

Clé de Peau Beauté | UV Protective Lip Treatment

Introducing Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Lip Treatment, your luxurious defense against the sun's harmful rays. Enriched with the advanced moisturising ingredient Hydro-Wrap Complex EX and nourishing Argan Oil, this treatment delivers a sensation of opulent care while providing effective UVA/UVB filtration to combat visible signs of photoaging and sunburn.

Experience velvety smoothness as you apply this sheer, moisture-replenishing treatment, offering lips exquisite defence against environmental stressors like UV rays, dryness, and air pollution.

Infused with Asian Ginseng Extract for a healthy, youthful appearance, and formulated with Wild Thyme Extract and Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract for additional beauty benefits, this lip treatment is the epitome of luxury. With a fresh, elegant fragrance of natural rose, it enhances the beauty and radiance of your lips, leaving them luminous and plumped.

Available at Harrods.

Gaia Skincare | SPF 50+ Daily

GAIA's breakthrough SPF 50+ Daily Moisturizer is crafted with the utmost care, offering more than just sun protection; it's a shield against the elements.

Infused with Vitamin E and B5, this dermatologically tested formula not only defends against harmful UVA and UVB rays but also nourishes your skin, leaving it hydrated and radiant. Certified vegan and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it's your daily essential for preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin damage.

Available at Gaia Skincare.

EviDenS de Beauté | The Total Shield SPF 50 PA++++

The Total Shield by EviDenS de Beauté is your ultimate defence against the sun, pollution, and aging. This luxurious cream, crafted in Japan, combines SPF 50 protection with a blend of skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, polygonum aviculare extract, and Triple Collagen.

Its smooth, water-resistant, and non-greasy formula melts effortlessly into the skin, forming a protective barrier against external aggressors. Recommended for all skin types, this anti-aging treatment is your essential companion for maintaining a youthful complexion throughout the year.

Available at Harrods.

Pai | British Summer Time Glow SPF30 Illuminating Sunscreen

Get ready for the ultimate glow-up in sunscreen with Pai Skincare’s latest innovation: British Summer Time Glow™ SPF 30.

This skincare-makeup hybrid is a 2-in-1 SPF that not only protects but primes your skin, leaving you with instant radiance. Designed for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin, it's the perfect addition to Pai's Sun range.

Certified COSMOS Natural, cruelty-free, and vegan, this SPF guarantees sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

Available at Pai.

SEABODY | Luminous Prime SPF30

Introducing Seabody Luminous Prime SPF-30, your daily essential for radiant, protected skin. This lightweight mineral SPF is enriched with anti-tyrosinase Fucoidan and marine antioxidants, offering highly effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Not only does it shield your skin from sun damage, but it also soothes and smooths, leaving behind a luminous glow. The innovative MaraFucoidan™ formula neutralizes free radicals from environmental stressors and pollution, ensuring your skin stays healthy and rejuvenated. Elevate your skincare routine with Seabody Luminous Prime SPF-30 and enjoy luminous, protected skin every day.

Available at Seabody.

Comfort Zone | Sun Soul Protective Mist SPF50+

Comfort Zone's latest sunscreen innovation designed for quick and effortless application with a feather-light feel on the skin. Crafted with a fast-absorbing, water-resistant formula, it incorporates a thoughtfully curated blend of filters to minimize environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Enriched with the beloved fragrance of the Sun Soul line, this protective mist offers high defence against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB rays, effectively combating signs of photoaging for a memorable experience under the sun.

Available at Comfort Zone.

PCA Skin | Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45

PCA Skin’s Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF45 is your ultimate defence against the sun's harmful UV rays. This quick-absorbing, lightweight sunscreen is specially formulated for combination to oily and acne-prone skin types.

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it offers broad spectrum protection while feeling virtually weightless on your skin. With its antioxidant-rich, reef-safe formula, this award-winning sunscreen absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, allowing for immediate makeup application.

Available at PCA Skin.

Medik8 | Advanced Day Ultimate Protect

Medik8's Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is a daily moisturiser and SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen in one powerful formula. This advanced product not only shields your skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also provides protection against air pollution, blue light, infrared damage, and glycation, all of which contribute to premature aging.

Formulated with a next-generation DNA repair enzyme called photolyase, it supports your skin's natural repair mechanisms after UV exposure, helping to prevent visible damage and signs of aging. With a non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and invisible finish.

Available at Medik8.

COSRX | Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA +++ Sun Cream

The Amarrupa Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream is a luxurious formulation designed to rejuvenate and firm the delicate skin around the eyes. Crafted with a blend of 14 botanical extracts, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, this rich cream targets fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the eye contour visibly smoother and more youthful-looking.

Enriched with Amarrupa oil, derived from the ancient Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, along with Indian Pennywort Peptides and Terminalia Arjuna, it hydrates, firms, and energizes the skin, revealing a revitalized appearance.

Clinically proven results showcase its efficacy, with users experiencing smoother, firmer skin and a soft lifting effect. Free from sulphates, parabens, and silicone, and 100% cruelty-free, it's suitable for all skin types.

Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.

Skin Proud | serious shade spf 50+ sunscreen

The serious shade spf 50+ sunscreen is your ultimate defence against the sun's rays with a touch of luxury. Our brand new, ultra-lightweight skin serum sunscreen is designed to provide broad spectrum protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays while pampering your skin with intense hydration.

Crafted with a super silky texture, this skin-loving formula glides effortlessly onto your skin, leaving behind a healthy-looking dewy glow. Say goodbye to white cast, flashback, and pilling—our sunscreen ensures a seamless application every time.

Available at skin proud.

Hello Sunday | The Retouch One SPF 30 Invisible Face Mist with Hyaluronic Acid

Designed as an easy solution to keep you protected all day long, even over makeup, The Retouch One is an invisible, barely-there hydrating mist. Offering comprehensive protection from UVA and UVB rays, as well as life's everyday aggressors like blue light, infrared, and pollution, this innovative mist has you covered from every angle.

Infused with hydrating skincare ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, The Retouch One leaves your skin feeling nourished and refreshed with every spritz. Simply shake well before use, hold down the button to create an ultrafine mist, and enjoy instant protection without any disruption to your makeup.

Available at Hello Sunday.

Mecca Cosmetica | To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

This ultra lightweight serum sunscreen combines broad spectrum SPF50+ protection with the luxurious benefits of skincare.

Enhanced with 3% niacinamide, it works to smooth fine lines, boost radiance, and hydrate your skin, while subtle light-reflecting pearls effortlessly melt into your skin, leaving behind a dewy, radiant glow. With daily use, this innovative formula helps shield your skin from sun damage while refining your complexion with the cumulative anti-aging benefits of luxurious skincare.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica.

Innisfree | Daily UV Defence Mineral Sunscreen High Protection SPF 50

Introducing Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen, your ultimate defense against the sun's harmful rays. This mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50, shielding your skin from UVA and UVB damage.

Its fast-absorbing, lightweight texture ensures a non-sticky, shine-free finish while keeping your skin hydrated. Enriched with a blend of eight types of hyaluronic acid, it locks in moisture, while Centella Asiatica calms and soothes, preventing irritation and redness. Suitable for all skin types and vegan-friendly, this potent sun cream leaves your skin healthy, calm, and protected with each application.

Available at Space NK.

Temple Spa | Life Defence SPF50

Introducing LIFE DEFENCE SPF50, your ultimate high protection SPF moisturiser. This feather-light cream offers UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from the sun's harmful rays and preventing premature aging.

Enriched with a potent antioxidant complex of rocket, ginseng root, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate, it creates a barrier against skin-damaging free radicals, city pollution, and blue light from digital devices. With its virtually undetectable texture, it's perfect for wearing alone or under makeup, leaving your complexion bright and dewy. Safeguard your skin 7 days a week, 365 days a year with LIFE DEFENCE SPF50.

Available at Temples Spa.

Rituals | The Ritual of Karma Sun Protection Milky Spray SPF30

The Ritual of Karma Sun Protection Milky Spray with SPF30 is going to be your go-to hydrating lotion spray for sun protection without the white cast. This fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula shields your body from UVA and UVB rays while nourishing your skin with the Hydra-Boost Complex.

Infused with squalane, aloe vera, and algae, this unique complex soothes and restores suppleness to dehydrated skin. Enriched with white tea, vitamin E, and lotus flower, it provides invisible, consistent, broad-spectrum protection. While water-resistant, regular reapplication is advised, especially after sweating or swimming.

Available at Rituals.

Sol De Janeiro | Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF50

Indulge in the luxurious scent of Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF 50, a nourishing blend that evokes memories of sunny beach days. Infused with warm and floral perfume notes, this body lotion not only moisturizes but also provides high SPF 50 protection, perfect for summer adventures.

Experience even skin tone and enhanced radiance with every application of this silky formula. Prior to stepping out, liberally apply Sol De Janeiro SPF 50 Body Lotion and bask in its gorgeously scented embrace.

Available at Cult Beauty.

Dermaroller | XCELLARISPRO CC Cream SPF30

Introducing XCellarisPRO CC Cream with SPF 30, your all-in-one solution for flawless skin. This concealing and mattifying day cream not only enhances your natural skin tone but also provides essential moisture. Its innovative formula corrects redness and evens out skin tone, offering customizable coverage based on application intensity.

Powered by Matrixyl® and copper tripeptide, it stimulates collagen production, effectively reducing wrinkles from within and enhancing skin's structure and suppleness. The anti-inflammatory properties of copper tripeptide and snail mucin make it ideal for sensitive, irritated skin, leaving you with smooth and firm skin.

Available at Dermaroller.

HydroPeptide | Solar Dew  Sheer Mineral Melt SPF 30

This innovative, lightweight serum provides superior broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays and environmental stressors, all while delivering a sheer, dewy finish without any white cast or residue.

Specially formulated with advanced CellRenew-16 and MicroSperse Zinc Technology, Solar Dew enhances the skin's defences against oxidative stress and supports optimal skin barrier function.

Available at HydroPeptide.