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Top 10 list of sunscreens in the UK (2025)

The bestseller list compares brands and their sunscreens. Which sunscreen is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of NIVEA 85402 sunscreen
NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Spray SPF 30 (200 ml), Moisturising…
  • OCEAN RESPECT FORMULA — The formula offers highly effective sun protection…
  • INNOVATIVE FORMULA — The NIVEA SUN spray uses our new Citracell-protect formula…
  • NOURISHING — This NIVEA sun cream supports skin protection from the inside,…
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TOP 2
Image of Nivea Sun 85666 sunscreen
NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF 50+ (200 ml), Suncream…
  • Readily biodegradable: NIVEA sun protection cares for your skin and the planet. The…
  • Usage instructions: Apply NIVEA suncream before sun exposure, enough to give a visible…
  • Water-resistant: The caring sun lotion is water-resistant and works in balance with…
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Offer TOP 3
Image of Piz Buin 7979302 sunscreen
Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 (200ml), Water-Resistant Piz…
  • Items included: Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Cream SPF 30 (200ml) is a sweat- and water-resistant…
  • Glycerin extract: This Piz Buin sun cream is enriched with glycerine which supports…
  • UVA**** Superior protection: This sweat- and water-resistant factor 30 sun cream…
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TOP 4
Image of La Roche-Posay 23182 sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid, Non-Perfumed…
  • Ultra resistant: very water resistant, sweat and sand resistant
  • Anti-eye-stinging: Can be applied around the eyes
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TOP 5
Image of Garnier  sunscreen
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Dry Mist Sun Cream…
  • *no Ethyl Alcohol
  • Leaping Bunny Approved: Approved as cruelty free under the Leaping Bunny Program…
  • Sensitive Skin: Suitable for fair and sensitive skin. The formula does not contain…
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TOP 6
Image of COSRX 8809598456242 sunscreen
COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen - SPF 50 PA++++, Hydrating Sun…
  • COSRX Standards: All COSRX products are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients…
  • How to Use: Apply generously before sun exposure. Reapply regularly to maintain protection,…
  • Calms, Cools, and Nourishes: Immediately calms irritation, reinforces the skin barrier,…
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TOP 7
Image of Malibu 5025135113390 sunscreen
Malibu Sun SPF 50 Lotion, Very High Protection Sun Cream, Water Resistant,…
  • Kind to Skin: Our formula is clinically proven to be kind to skin
  • Vitamin Enriched: Treat and protect your skin all at once with our nourishing formula…
  • Easy Application: Our squeeze bottle allows for quick, hassle-free application and…
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TOP 8
Image of Haruharu 1120888779 sunscreen
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen, Non-Greasy…
  • SKIN-FRIENDLY ELEGANCE: Revel in a non-greasy formula that offers your skin the care…
  • TWO FINGERS, FULL PROTECTION: Follow the 2-finger rule for perfect coverage on face,…
  • RICE & BLACK RICE ELIXIR: Antioxidant-rich Black Rice, nourishing Rice Bran Oil,…
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TOP 9
Image of Malibu 05025135112331 sunscreen
Malibu Sun SPF 30 Lotion Spray, High Protection Sun Cream, Water Resistant,…
  • Vitamin Enriched: Treat and protect your skin all at once with our nourishing fo…
  • Easy Application: Our spray bottle allows for quick; hassle-free application and…
  • Long Lasting: Malibu’s amazing formula is water resistant; helping your sun…
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TOP 10
Image of Garnier  sunscreen
Garnier Ambre Solaire Invisible Protect Dry Mist SPF 30, Fast Absorbing,…
  • Water Resistant: The spray format makes application to all parts of the body quick…
  • Bare Skin Feeling: This ultra-light protection mist absorbs quickly, without leaving…
  • High Protection: Ambre Solaire Invisible Protect Mist Protect Sun Protection Mist…
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2025/08/26.


The 10 best sunscreens to buy in the UK

Picture of a sunscreen

Buying the best sunscreen for your skin is more important than most realize. Even without excessively high temperatures or visible sun, sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from UV damage, helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer and visible signs of aging.

Yet with such a huge number of products to choose from, it’s not always easy finding the best sunscreen for your skin type. Here’s everything you need to know to help pick the best sunscreens to protect your skin:

What are sunscreens?

Sunscreen refers to a variety of products that absorb or reflect the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, helping to protect against sunburn and other forms of UV damage. They come in many different products, including lotions, sprays, and gels, all of which are applied to any skin that will be exposed to the sun.

Why should you buy a good sunscreen?

The best sunscreen products help to prevent sunburn caused by a type of ultraviolet radiation known as UVB. Sunburn isn’t just very uncomfortable for the skin, but also very dangerous for its long-term health as it increased the chances of developing skin cancer. Not only that, sunscreen is great for promoting healthy and youthful skin by protecting from another form of ultraviolet radiation known as UVA rays. By penetrating deep into the skin, these rays can hasten the aging of skin by causing wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines, making sunscreen a great addition to a skincare regime.

How to choose the right sunscreen in 2025?

Another picture of a sunscreen

Knowing the best sunscreens for your skin can be rather difficult when you see how many options are out there, so here are some important things that should make choosing the right sunscreen much easier:

  • Sun Protection Factor (SPF): A measurement of UVB protection, you will require a SPF of at least 15 in any sunscreen to get adequate protection from the sun. The SPF scale measures from as low as five and reaching upwards of 50, the latter of which offers the most amount of protection.
  • Skin Type: When looking for the best SPF in your sunscreen, you need to consider your skin type first, as fairer skin requires a higher SPF for protection. Similarly, sensitive or dry skin will require specific types of sunscreen, so be sure to recognize your skin type and the appropriate sunscreen (and SPF).
  • Age: While adults can use almost any type of sunscreen, children have more specific requirements due to how sensitive their skin is. Also, certain sunscreen ingredients can irritate children’s skin. Accordingly, child-friendly sunscreens should always be used for children aged 6-months and older.

What is the best kind of sunscreen in the UK?

There are a few choices when it comes to types of sunscreen, with each one offering their pros and cons, depending mostly on your skin type:

  • Chemical Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients that absorb the ultraviolet radiation rays. While they traditionally only had ingredients that could absorb UVB rays, newer products feature chemicals that can absorb UVA rays as well. Many people`s skin is sensitive to some of the chemicals commonly found in this sunscreen. It can also take longer to be effective, approx. 20 minutes after application. So be mindful before enjoying the sunbath.
  • Physical Sunscreen: The main difference between physical and chemical sunscreen is that physical sunscreens act as a barrier, reflecting and shielding from UVA and UVB rays rather than absorbing them. They also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, making them a better sunscreen for those with sensitive skin, while also helping them to take effect much quicker than chemical sunscreen. Given this, and the fact they absorb UVA and UVB rays, many view it is as the best sunscreen.