Best sunscreen

While it’s great to get out into the fresh air, protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays is important to help prevent sunburn, long term damage, and premature ageing. Applying an effective sunscreen before stepping outside is a great habit to adopt whether you’re going to be spending time in the garden, out and about, or you’re on holiday in hotter climes. You can select from all-over lotions or sunscreen designed for the face only and pick from different sun protection factors (SPFs) when you're buying. Options include spray formulas that could be easier to use on kids and which some adults prefer, too, as well as lotions. These are the top picks.

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that you can use year-round, this could be a great choice as it’s designed for use on the face as well as the body. It has an SPF of 50, which means when properly applied, it would take 50 times longer for your skin to go red than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. As a broad-spectrum lotion, it has ingredients to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. I like the fact that it has no fragrance and has a hypoallergenic formula. It promises good absorption, although you might find it leaves a slight sheen.

It doesn’t have to be sunny out for skin to need protection, and this sunscreen will help stop damage all year round. It can be used under make-up or to provide natural coverage, which makes it a lot easier to maintain good skin protection habits. It won’t block your pores either. It has an SPF of 50 and is another of the broad spectrum products in our selection that screens both UVA and UVB rays. It isn’t tested on animals and can be used by vegans. 

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t tax your budget, check out this low-cost option. It still offers protection against both UVA and UVB and is ideal if you prefer a spray formula. Be aware that with an SPF of 30, the protection is lower than our other selections. However, it might be that the SPF encourages you to re-apply more frequently, cover up and seek shade more often. You’ll need to spray on a generous amount, but it’s easy to rub into your skin. Make sure you put it on your hands to apply it to your face, though.

Keen on the pool or sea swimming? Then take a look at this sunscreen which is in the highest of the water-resistance categories available. This is another of our selections that have an SPF of 50, and I like the fact that it is a lightweight formula that isn’t hard work to apply. Offering 10 hours of protection from both UVA and UVB, this is a top choice for holidaymakers of all ages. However, you will need to make sure you apply sufficient product to your face and body for complete protection and put it on 15 minutes before you go out to allow the film to form.

If you’re prone to acne, this sunscreen could be a sound choice for your skin. It has an SPF of 55 and like our other selections is a broad-spectrum product guarding against the effects of UVA and UVB. It’s formulated so it won’t clog pores as well as avoid causing break-outs. The texture is light, so it’s easy to put on then apply make-up so you’re set for a day out and about. 

Making sure kids have adequate sun protection can be hard work, but this sunscreen makes it an easier task to apply it to them as well as to your own exposed skin. The spray formula is absorbed quickly, and it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling either. I like the way it can be used at any angle for even coverage making it easy to cover every part of the body. On the downside, like other spray formulas, you can’t apply it directly to your face.

Our verdict

Applying sunscreen should be part of your strategy to care for your skin by avoiding UV rays can cause. Our number one choice is Altruist sunscreen, which is made to be used every day and is designed for use on both the face and the body.

If you’re watching your budget, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisturise sun spray is worth your attention. It’s easy to put on because it’s a spray, but you will need to remember to re-apply regularly because of its SPF of 30. Another spray-on lotion, Garnier Ambre Solaire Dry Mist sun cream, might prove your favourite if you have kids as it’s quickly absorbed before wearing out their patience and yours.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Why trust me?

And when it comes to sunscreens, as a keen gardener and gardening writer, I know the value of great skin protection when you’re spending time in your plot.