Best sunscreen UK

Which is the best sunscreen 2023?

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The 10 best sunscreens to buy in the UK

The top 10 list of the best sunscreens lists various brands and prices

Review10Best compares the best sunscreens in the UK and selects the one by Garnier as the best sunscreen. In a sunscreen buying guide, you can read more about the features of the different sunscreens and see a recommendation on which sunscreen to buy in the UK in 2023. By considering the top list of sunscreens, you can find the best sunscreens and save time shopping online.


Table of contents
  1. Read the ultimate sunscreen buying guide
  2. View the sunscreen picks and see how they rank in the top list

VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST →


Best sunscreens: A complete buying guide

All you need to know before buying a great sunscreen

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:

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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?

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.
…are you ready for the best picks of 2023?

Top 10 list of sunscreens in the UK (March 2023)

The bestseller list compares brands and their sunscreens. Which sunscreen is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Garnier 3600541624245 sunscreen
Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydra 24 Hour Protect Hydrating Protection Lotion…
  • LEAPING BUNNY APPROVED: approved as cruelty free under the Leaping Bunny Program…
  • BRITISH SKIN FOUNDATION: Garnier suncare research is recognised by the British Skin…
  • WATER RESISTANT: This fast-absorbing lotion is non-greasy and water resistant
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TOP 2
Image of Beauty of Joseon  sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Rice Probiotics Sunscreen Spf 50+ Sunscreen with…
  • High-glycerin moisturizers are awesome for treating severely dry skin
  • Effective from as low as 3% with even more benefits at higher concentrations up to…
  • Not only a simple moisturizer but knows much more: keeps the skin lipids between…
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TOP 3
Image of Altruist SPF50 100ml sunscreen
ALTRUIST. Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 – Superior 5-star UVA…
  • ALTRUIST SUPPORTS PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN AFRICA - 10p from every Altruist product…
  • PREMIUM PRODUCT, LOW PRICE. For the price listed you receive two tubes. Our mission…
  • HIGH QUALITY BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION with 5 star Ultra UVA rating (PPD: 54). Altruist…
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Offer TOP 4
Image of NIVEA 85402 sunscreen
NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Sun Spray SPF30 (200 ml), Moisturising…
  • Readily biodegradable: NIVEA Sun protection cares for your skin and the planet. The…
  • How to apply: Apply before sun exposure with a visible layer before rubbing in, let…
  • Water-resistant: The moisturising suncream 30 is highly water resistant so will last…
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TOP 5
Image of NIVEA 85666 sunscreen
NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+ (200ml), Moisturising…
  • 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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TOP 6
Image of Garnier  sunscreen
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 30 Dry Mist Sun Cream Spray, Fast Absorbing,…
  • DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: This formula is suitable for all skin types, does not contain…
  • 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…
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TOP 7
Image of Bondi Sands BON179 sunscreen
Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Gentle…
  • ABOUT THE BRAND: Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire…
  • CAREFULLY FORMULATED: All Bondi Sands products are proudly Australian Made and formulated…
  • HOW TO USE: Shake well before use. Apply liberally and evenly to all unprotected…
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TOP 8
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 9
Image of NIVEA 86007-04500-21 sunscreen
NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF50 (50ml), Face Sun Cream, UV Face…
  • Suncream 50: NIVEA factor 50 sun cream offers highly effective, immediate UVA/UVB…
  • Moisturising protection: The NIVEA sun cream gently moisturises leaving a light &…
  • Shine control: Specially designed formula absorbs excess oil and reduces shine. It…
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TOP 10
Image of NIVEA 80476-04500-13 sunscreen
NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Cooling Sun Mist SPF30 (200 ml),…
  • UVA/UVB Protection system
  • Upside-down aerosol spray
  • Water resistant
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Affiliate Disclosure

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For the list of the best sunscreens, 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. It is not a sunscreen test. Last Update: 2023/03/24.