If you only add one step to your skincare routine, let it be SPF for your face. Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent premature ageing, sun damage, and even more serious skin concerns. Yet with so many options on the shelves and those growing by the day, choosing the best face sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for so you can find the best face SPF that works for you, whether your skin is oily, sensitive, dry or anything in between.

Why you need face SPF every day

Even on cloudy days or when you’re working indoors, your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays and here’s why daily sunscreen for your face is essential:

• Prevents premature ageing: Up to 90% of visible skin ageing comes from sun exposure.
• Protects against skin cancer: SPF shields against UVA and UVB rays linked to skin cancer.
• Evens skin tone: Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

And even if your makeup has SPF in it, it’s likely you won’t be applying enough for sufficient coverage. So, it’s always best to have a dedicated SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.

Understanding the SPF basics

Before you pick your perfect face SPF, it helps to know what those labels really mean, because there are a few factors you need to consider before buying.

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor): Measures protection against UVB (burning) rays. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30+ for daily use, and we’d up this to SPF50 for when you go on holiday or are exposed to extreme heat.
• UVA vs. UVB: UVA rays cause ageing, UVB causes burning, both damage the skin in their own ways.
• Broad-Spectrum: Protects against UVA and UVB, so we’d always recommend you choose one which does both!

How to choose the best face SPF for your skin type

Finding your SPF match starts with your skin type and concerns such as pigmentation, eczema and sun allergies.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

• Lightweight gels or fluids.
• Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas.
• Matte finishes that control shine.

For Dry Skin

• Creamy or hydrating textures.
• Added ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane.
• Dewy finish for extra glow.

For Sensitive Skin

• Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are gentler.
• Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options.
• Avoid alcohol-heavy formulas.

For Combination Skin

• Lightweight lotion or gel-cream hybrids.
• Balances hydration without heaviness.

For Darker Skin Tones

• Tinted mineral sunscreens or sheer chemical formulas to avoid white cast that can be associated with 100% mineral formulas
• Look for “invisible” or “clear” labeled products.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which is Better?

Both types work, but they feel different and have various benefits you need to weigh up before choosing yours

• Mineral (physical) sunscreen: Uses zinc oxide/titanium dioxide to reflect rays. Best for sensitive skin but can leave a white cast so may not be best for darker skin tones.
• Chemical sunscreen: Uses filters that absorb rays and converts them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Lightweight and invisible but may irritate sensitive skin.

For a deeper dive into mineral vs chemical SPF, read our blog guide on the benefits and cons of both. At Ultrasun, we use both mineral and chemical filters in our core product range, so you can get the benefits of both!

Extra Features to Look For

Today’s sunscreens do more than just protect:

• Water resistance for workouts or beach days. We’d always recommend reapplying after swimming, towelling or excessive sweating as these can affect the protection of the sunscreen.
• Tinted SPF that doubles as light coverage, so you can streamline your routine.
• Added skincare benefits like antioxidants or niacinamide to improve your overall skin appearance.
• Reef-safe formulas if you’re eco-conscious.

Best face SPF recommendations

If you’re new to Ultrasun or have noticed a change in your skin and need something to adapt to it, here’s our guide to the best face SPF from our range:

Mineral

If your skin is more sensitive or works best with mineral SPFs, our Face Mineral SPF50 features titanium dioxide, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid for protection and skincare benefits in one. Lightweight, quickly absorbing and non-greasy, it has 100% natural ingredients too!

Fluid

Our range of fluids are great for combination or oily skin types as they’re lighter and comfortable on the skin too. We have an anti-pollution formula which is great for any city workers or those exposed to daily pollution, as well as an anti-pigmentation option that effectively targets dark spots and helps to prevent future pigmentation too.

You’ll also spot a tinted fluid version which merges SPF and makeup together, great for those non-makeup days, adding a gorgeous glow and lift to your complexion! Plus, we have a tinted and anti-pigmentation option which is perfect for targeting dark spots while providing a light coverage and that all-important broad-spectrum protection.

Cream

This is our more traditional SPF cream texture, great for dry or combination skin types, and we have such variety! Pick your SPF from 30 or 50 in our normal cream textures or try a tinted version in SPF30 or 50 too, lightweight coverage to add a gorgeous glow. Browse our full face SPF cream range here.

You’ll also find we have anti-pigmentation options, again in a tinted and non-tinted version. We included ingredient Hexylresorcinol which visibly brightens and evens the skin tone, with visible results in just 14 days. And because we include skin-nourishing ingredients in our formulas, you can use our SPF in replacement of your moisturiser, streamlining your routine further!

Serum-Primer Hybrid

Perhaps you find sun protection too greasy and heavy on your skin, well meet our Photo Age Control Fluid. Almost serum-like that leaves skin with a cashmere soft finish and as the perfect primer base for your makeup. The nozzle helps to guide application and added ingredient Ecotin®️ helps keep skin hydrated and soft all day long! Pick between our SPF30 or SPF50 options.

Choosing the best face sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with your skin type, decide between mineral or chemical, and consider lifestyle factors like reapplication or water resistance. The right SPF will feel comfortable enough that you’ll actually want to wear it daily, because consistency is the real secret to healthy, glowing skin.