Living in a country like Australia means beautiful weather, world-class beaches and a food scene to rival some of the best in the world. But all that sun also means some of the harshest levels of UV radiation in the world. So it’s more important than ever to protect our skin and face with a facial sunscreen that can get the job done.
With so many options to choose from, we break down all the best facial sunscreens available right now for daily use.
What to look for in a facial sunscreen
As a rule of thumb, look for sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Cancer Council Australia recommends choosing one that is broad-spectrum (meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays), is water-resistant and is at least SPF 30.
Secondly, you should also take into account what type of skin you have. When selecting a facial sunscreen, ask yourself: do I have sensitive skin? Am I acne prone? Do I have dry skin? This will all contribute to choosing a sunscreen that’s right for you.
When using sunscreen, always read the label, follow the directions for use, and reapply frequently. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when you’re in the sun.
The best facial sunscreen for sensitive skin
Backed by the Cancer Council this SPF 50+ sunscreen is loaded with PolyFructol Plus, hyaluronic acid and squalene, all known to hydrate, moisture and protect the skin. The formulation is super lightweight, applying smoothly to the face and neck. Plus, every purchase goes towards cancer research so you’re doing double good.
The gel texture of this SPF 30 sunscreen has a cooling effect, ideal for those with blemishes or irritated skin. It’s designed with sensitive skin in mind, hydrating and doesn’t leave a white cast some other sunscreens tend to do.
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, this lightweight, fragrance-free formulation doesn’t leave the skin greasy, shiny or oily. We’re not the least bit surprised by its cult-like following – with people raving about its strong protection (think SPF 50) and how it can easily be worn under makeup.
The best facial sunscreen for oily skin
A great everyday option for those with oily skin, Nivea’s SPF 50 facial sunscreen protects the face from sun damage, sunburns and harmful UV rays. Not only that, it promises a 0% sticky feeling thanks to its non greasy formula with a mattifying finish.
Boasting a protection of SPF 50 against UVA/UVB rays, this chemical sunscreen has been formulated to be non-comedogenic AKA it will not clog your pores. It’s moisturising but not greasy, lightweight yet still hydrating for a great everyday choice.
The facial sunscreens with a skin tint
Rationale’s #3 offers SPF50+ solar, environmental and even infrared protection backed with Zinc Fusion technology. While it’s technically a serum rather than a traditional sunscreen, it’s lightly tinted to even your complexion and illuminate the skin. It’s so good, it even won Oprah’s Daily Sun O-Wards in 2024.
At its core, this is a full coverage colour correcting foundation and concealer with pigments to help redness and even the skin tone. However it’s also loaded with collagen to firm the skin, peptides to smooth fine lines and of course, SPF 50 to protect against skin damage.
Use this best-selling sheer-tinted base daily to address dullness, fine lines, redness and uneven skin tone. The SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum UV protection without feeling like a heavy sunscreen. Plus, it’s decked out with a blend of antioxidants to boost the skin’s environmental defences.
The best facial sunscreen for mature skin
Along with acne prone, dry, oily and sensitive skin, Go-To’s broad spectrum sunscreen is a great choice for those with ageing skin. It contains SPF 50 for UVA/UVB protection, Kakadu plum to hydrate and enrichen the skin with vitamin C and aloe vera to soothe.
Great for all ages including mature skin, this SPF 50+ sunscreen ticks all the boxes of a good product. It’s fragrance free, doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky or heavy, it’s dermatologically tested and provides broad spectrum protection. The vitamin E and aloe vera also hydrates for that added bonus.
How long does facial sunscreen last?
Terry Slevin, Education and Research Director at Cancer Council WA advises most sunscreens will need a reapplication after a couple of hours.
“Reapply every two hours or more often if you are active (sweating, towelling off, skin making physical contact with anything that might rub it off), even if the bottle claims four-hour water resistance,” he says.
Can I use a facial sunscreen on body
Technically you can use facial sunscreen on your entire body however you may not want to. Sunscreens for the face are often far more expensive compared to body sunscreen. Facial sunscreens are also formulated specifically for the delicate face, neck and decolletage area.
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When using sunscreen, always read the label, follow the directions for use, and reapply frequently. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when you’re in the sun.
