The best sun creams will keep you protected without leaving a sticky white cast on your skin. Here are our top picks - based on testing and recommendations from experts.
The UK has experienced sweltering temperatures this summer, and all of us are looking for the best sun cream to suit our skin. Be it the best sunscreen for kids or choosing the right sunscreen for your face, qualities like SPF, UV protection and water resistance are all things we need to think about - otherwise you'll find yourself looking for sunburn remedies. Plus, in some cases too much exposure to UV can lead to skin cancer.
Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, dermatology consultant at King Edward VII's Hospital told us: "The choice of sunscreen options can appear overwhelming, but the most important aspects to look at are the UVA star rating and SPF level, which will indicate the level of protection the sunscreen can offer - and generally speaking the higher the number the better protected you’ll be." We've taken her advice into account - as well as that of other skincare experts - and put together this list of the best suncreams for 2023.
How we tested the best sun creams
We spent weeks putting these sun creams to the test, using products on our skin to see how the formula settled and testing their performance in the sun, during exercise and in the water. We've also spoken to dermatologists and researched each product extensively, so we could assess its UV protection, how long it lasts and which skin type each is best suited to.
15 best sun creams 2023:
This new formula from Garnier is a winner when it comes to offering sun protection - not only is it SPF50+, it has a 5 star UV rating, is hypoallergenic, and water resistant too. In addition, this sun cream will protect you from UVA, UVB and long UVA too (a subgroup of UVA that penetrate skin especially deeply), so if you're prone to burning or just want to make sure you're super protected, this product might be the one to go for.
Goodto verdict: Features Editor Ellie Hutchings says, "I love that this product is non-greasy and takes just seconds to blend into the skin, so it's super comfortable to wear. In addition, the bottle is made from recycled plastic and the twist-lock cap also means less plastic is used - which is always a win for me."