Applying a good sun cream or sun lotion will not only stop you burning, but it will help prevent dryness, wrinkles and age spots - all of which are caused by too much sun exposure.
More seriously, sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and other related health issues that come from too much time, unprotected, in the sun.
But with a lot of different choices on the market, which is the best sun cream to choose?
The NHS recommends we apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) between March and October, however other skincare experts advise using sun cream year round.
Best sun creams for 2025
Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 30
Altruist sun cream is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers UVA andUVB protection and is amazing value.
Altruist was developed by a skin cancer surgeon and consultant dermatologist, so it has impeccable credentials.
The texture is light and the cream absorbs quickly into the skin. Initially, it felt slightly sticky, but that quickly wore off and our skin was left feeling soft with no white cast.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist
This sun cream from Garnier is perfect for wearing over make-up and topping up your SPF throughout the day.
Featuring SPF 50, you simply spray the sun cream before or after applying makeup to be protected against UV rays, free radicals in pollution and, with its infusion of vitamin E, even dehydration.
Malibu Sun SPF 30 Lotion, High Protection Sun Cream SPF 30
This is another well-priced sunscreen, which is great because if you’re going abroad you certainly do get through lots of it.
The lotion applies well and sinks in without leaving a sticky feel afterwards with no white cast. The SPF rating is high and this sunscreen has a 4-star UVA rating providing all-rounded protection.
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+
If you like to spend your holidays in the pool or sea, then the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect is perfect as it’s water resistant for up to four hours (Bondi recommends you reapply after two hours when swimming). It also contains ethically sourced algae to keep your skin hydrated.
I found the lotion absorbed into the skin easily and it didn’t leave a white cast. It feels light and there’s no stickiness, which is a bonus when you’re under the hot sun.
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Bondi Sands is a big name in self-tan and its sunscreen also gets lots of positive reviews.
I was impressed at how quickly the lotion absorbed into my skin and there was no white cast afterwards. It’s light, like a body lotion and there’s none of the stickiness you often get with high-factor sun cream.
Clinique Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream SPF 30
If you're like me and enjoy using a moisturiser with SPF, this one from Clinique offers good levels of protection from the sun with SPF 30.
The fragrance is pleasant, not overpowering, and the texture of the cream is quite light.
However, when I applied it, it felt like a suncream, rather than a moisturiser and left a faint white cast.
Clarins Sun Care Cream 50+
This sun cream from Clarins has a UVB of 50+ and UVA protection which is high according to European standards (represented on the packaging as UVA in a circle).
It’s quite thick to apply and takes a bit of rubbing before it sinks in.
The coral reef-friendly formula leaves a rather greasy finish for a while afterwards.
How long does sunscreen last?
In answer to the question does sun cream go out of date, the short answer is yes.
Depending on the product, sunscreen lasts between six months and two years once opened.
You'll need to check the packaging of each product for precise longevity, as it varies between brands.
Unopened sun creams, lotions and sprays will last up to three years and may have an expiration date on the bottle.
Once a sunscreen has passed its expiration date its efficacy reduces, so using it will leave you vulnerable to sun damage.
Use common sense also to check if an opened bottle of sunscreen is still okay.
If the consistency has changed, it smells off, feels different or the colour has changed then bin it.
What does sun cream factor (SPF) mean
The SPF or skin protection factor of a sun cream protects against UVB rays. These cause reddening, burning, inflammation and skin ageing.
The number relates to how long you can stay in the sun without burning.
So in theory, if you can stay in the sun 10 minutes before you start to burn, an SPF of 30 would protect you for 30 times longer than that, so 300 minutes.
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for daily use?
SPF 30 is the minimum sunscreen factor you should use daily, but many people opt for even more protection with an SPF 50 product.
The difference between the two is not much - factor 50 blocks out 98% of rays and factor 30 blocks out 97%.
That said, if you have fair skin, work outdoors or spend most of your days in the sun, cream with an SPF of 50 or higher is an obvious choice.
Whether you go for SPF 30 or SPF 50 you should apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside then reapply it every two hours, more if you’re swimming.
Always use an SPF50 sunscreen with at least four-star UVA protection on children.
What is the best sun cream for older skin?
As we get older our skin naturally becomes more lined - often the result of too much sun exposure when we were younger.
The key is to prevent any further damage and protect our skin the way it is now.
Bearing that in mind look for products that include added ingredients when choosing the best sun cream for older skin.
Vitamin C has a protective effect on the skin and can enhance the performance of sun cream.
It helps even out skin tone and can lessen the appearance of age spots; vitamin C is also an antioxidant so it helps protect skin from premature ageing.
Antioxidant vitamin E has a protective effect, while hyaluronic acid is celebrated for its ability to hold moisture in the skin.
Other ingredients to look out for in sun cream include niacinamide to calm and protect the skin, glycerine to moisturise, peptides and ceramides to support collagen production and strengthen the skin.
Should I wear face sunscreen every day?
Not so long ago in the UK many Brits would only use sunscreen during the summer months.
However, opinions and habits are changing and many sun cream brands recommend wearing UVA and UVB protection daily, year-round.
This is because it doesn't need to be sunny for rays to damage your skin - even on cloudy days your skin could be affected.
Over the years this can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer.
Both the NHS and Cancer Research recommend wearing sunscreen from mid-March to mid-October.
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