15 best sun creams for you and your family, tried and tested

The best sun creams will keep you protected without leaving a sticky white cast on your skin. Here are our top picks - based on testing and recommendations from experts.

The UK has experienced sweltering temperatures this summer, and all of us are looking for the best sun cream to suit our skin. Be it the best sunscreen for kids or choosing the right sunscreen for your face, qualities like SPF, UV protection and water resistance are all things we need to think about - otherwise you'll find yourself looking for sunburn remedies. Plus, in some cases too much exposure to UV can lead to skin cancer.

Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, dermatology consultant at King Edward VII's Hospital told us: "The choice of sunscreen options can appear overwhelming, but the most important aspects to look at are the UVA star rating and SPF level, which will indicate the level of protection the sunscreen can offer - and generally speaking the higher the number the better protected you’ll be." We've taken her advice into account - as well as that of other skincare experts - and put together this list of the best suncreams for 2023.

How we tested the best sun creams

We spent weeks putting these sun creams to the test, using products on our skin to see how the formula settled and testing their performance in the sun, during exercise and in the water. We've also spoken to dermatologists and researched each product extensively, so we could assess its UV protection, how long it lasts and which skin type each is best suited to.

15 best sun creams 2023:

This new formula from Garnier is a winner when it comes to offering sun protection - not only is it SPF50+, it has a 5 star UV rating, is hypoallergenic, and water resistant too. In addition, this sun cream will protect you from UVA, UVB and long UVA too (a subgroup of UVA that penetrate skin especially deeply), so if you're prone to burning or just want to make sure you're super protected, this product might be the one to go for.

Goodto verdict: Features Editor Ellie Hutchings says, "I love that this product is non-greasy and takes just seconds to blend into the skin, so it's super comfortable to wear. In addition, the bottle is made from recycled plastic and the twist-lock cap also means less plastic is used - which is always a win for me." 

Boots' own-brand products are a go-to for many of us when we're stocking up on sun care, so we're pleased to say that their Clear & Cool Protect spray has made it onto our pick of the best sun creams this year. It's quick-drying, leaves no white marks and it's water resistant, plus it has the highest UVA star rating and is SPF50 - so you'll be protected.

Goodto verdict: "This aerosol sun cream is much less messy than other lotions and sprays and you can spray it from any angle - including upside down - so it's ideal for using while you're out and about. The tropical scent is amazing too, and the mist has a cooling effect when applied to the skin."

At £3.49 for a 200ml bottle, this sun cream is a great budget buy without compromising on protection - it has a 5-star UV rating. Aldi also offers formulations for kids and sensitive skin as well as smaller 50ml bottles, which are great for when you're out and about. Our tester chooses the Kids Coloured Sun cream, but notes that the Clear Sun Spray is more forgiving if it happens to get accidentally sprayed on a white item of clothing.

Goodto verdict: "I’ve been using Aldi’s Lacura suncream on the kids for years now. My son suffers from eczema flare-ups and after trialling a few different creams, this was the one that his skin could handle the best. It’s super easy to apply with an accurate spray nozzle - great if you’re dealing with kids who won’t sit still or aren’t fans of suncream time. It’s a tad thick and greasy, which the kids do get a little aggravated about, but I often apply before getting fully dressed so it has time to sink into their skin. The shine it gives does make it easier for reapplication as you can see exactly where you’ve already applied cream and where needs more."

Formulated with vitamin E to soothe sensitive skin, this five-star UV rating sun cream absorbs quickly into the skin to provide a non-greasy, gentle feel that is water resistant for up to four hours. While available in a tube and pump bottle too, we've chosen to include the aerosol version for its ease of use and application. 

Goodto verdict: "I'm not usually an advocate for aerosols because they are much less environmentally friendly than other products, but I have to say they're very convenient when it comes to applying sun cream. With this Bondi Sands product, it's super easy to get an even coverage and make sure every inch of your skin is protected."

While this sun cream is a more expensive option - priced at just shy of £30 for a 250ml tube - you certainly get what you pair for with Lancaster Beauty. It's a brand loved by celebrities (rumoured to be The Princess of Wales' SPF choice) and is designed for those seeking a golden tan while keeping safe from harmful rays. While this product doesn't share its UV rating on the packaging, it promises to target 100% of the sun spectrum, and has the added benefit of being vegan and ocean friendly.

Goodto verdict: "This Lancaster Beauty sun cream feels so good on the skin - it has one of my favourite consistencies of the sun creams I've tried and although it takes a minute to sink in, once it does it's not greasy or sticky at all. I also love the subtle smell and many customer reviews have praised this too. It  doesn't leave a white cast - which is unusual for a mineral sun cream - although I noticed one reviewer mentioned that it had left a stain on their clothes."

It's no secret that Aussies know how to do sun cream right, and Ultra Violette is no exception. Enriched with nourishing and hydrating ingredients, this sunscreen is water and sweat resistant without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. It's the priciest product on our list, but you're getting what you pay for in terms of sun protection - and if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin too, we think it's a winner.

Goodto verdict: Our Money Editor, Sarah Handley, says, "My favourite sunscreen of all time (a big claim, I know) has to be from Ultra Violette. I’m super pale, have freckles and burn really easily. But there’s something in a lot of sunscreens that tends to break me out so I always dreaded using it, especially on my face. And I've wasted so much money on the hunt for the perfect SPF. Then I discovered Ultra Violette and it’s changed the game for me. It’s super easy to apply, sinks in well and doesn’t cause me to break out. The hand and body sunscreen leaves a comfortable non-sticky glow, and I love that it’s SPF 50+ - I’ve not burned at all since using it. It’s not cheap, but for me, it’s worth spending a bit more on a formula that works with my skin type."

This suncream is designed to be used on your face rather than your entire body, but we wanted to include it as it really deserves a mention. La Roche-Posay is often praised for its skin-friendly formulas, and this SPF50 is no different, boasting a lightweight fluid that glides onto the skin and absorbs quickly for fast protection. It’s been created for particularly sensitive skin and boasts increased UVA protection (PPD46). This PPD46 - which means Persistent Pigment Darkening - is higher than European standards and means it takes 46 times longer for skin to darken after UVA exposure.

Goodto verdict: "While this cream costs nearly £20 per bottle, I find it lasts me a couple of months (at least) - even when I apply it every day. It's the best SPF I’ve tried and doubles up as a brilliant primer for make-up. It has a fairly strong fragrance but absorbs really well into the skin, leaving a glowy finish without my skin feeling weighed down or sticky. This SPF is very runny and comes out fast so you have to be careful not to waste any. I do find, however, that despite its white colour, it dissolves without leaving a white cast."

Ultrasun products make a great sun cream choice for those with a slightly higher budget, and with a family-sized 400ml bottle option there's no need to keep popping more sun cream in your basket every time you go shopping. This particular formula is lightweight on the skin and has been created with the brand’s Lipsome Complex, which helps to shield skin from damaging UVA rays – without making you sticky or greasy.

Goodto verdict: "I tested this sun cream while out on a run, and it certainly lives up to its name - and felt heavy duty despite my sweat. When applied, it absorbed into my skin immediately and wasn't greasy at all, and the clear gel means there's no white cast. The consistency was very runny, which made it somewhat difficult to apply - but I did find this was an advantage when applying it to my scalp, which is an area I find difficult to protect."

Water resistant for 80 minutes with a dry touch consistency and easy application, there's not much more you could want in a sun cream that this Sun Bum product doesn't already have. It's also antioxidant enriched to neutralise free radicals - which are one of the main causes of premature skin ageing - and dermotologically tested, but what we love most about this sun cream is its scent.

Goodto verdict: "I love a sun cream in spray form, especially one that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast or sticky residue. But what I love most about this Sum Bum spray is the smell - it smells delicious, like coconut with a hint of vanilla. I like to apply it super liberally and then rub it in, and it’s really easy to reapply. Plus, I’ve got fair skin and tend to burn quite easily, and have never burned while using this. I’ve also got the lip balm too."

If you're someone who's in and out of the pool or sea when the sun comes out, then this formula from Bondi Sands might be the one for you. It's specially formulated to be water resistant for four hours - far longer than the 40 minute criteria that other water resistant sun creams must meet. It's infused with ethically sourced algae for deep hydration and is, of course, reef friendly too.

Goodto verdict: "As soon as the sun comes out, I'm someone that wants to go for a swim - whether that's in the sea or my local lido - so I was pleased to see that Bondi Sands have a sun cream targeted for water resistance. I found that a little goes a long way with this product, so while the 150ml tube is slightly smaller than many other products on the market, it may well last you just as long. This sun cream was slightly tacky on my skin - though not overly - and felt super moisturising - it left no white cast and had no scent, and the tube is made with recycled material, which always gets a thumbs up from me!"

Nivea enjoys a reputation as one of the best sun cream brands out there, so it's no surprise that their products make it on to our list of the best sun creams. This particular formula includes Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, and it's fragrance-free and water resistant too. If you're not a fan of lotion, they have a sun cream spray in the same range, as well as a version specifically formulated for kids. However, with a four star UV rating, there are some sun creams out there that will leave you better protected from UVA rays.

Goodto verdict: "If ever I get caught in the sun and need to purchase an emergency sun cream, I'll always go for Nivea - they're a trusted sun care brand for me. This lotion is a great consistency - not too runny but also not too thick - and applies to the skin evenly. However, it does leave a slightly tacky feeling on the surface of my skin."

You've probably heard the phrase "there's no such thing as a healthy tan" before - and while it's true that the best thing for your skin is to stay out of the sun altogether when the UV is high, we know that most of us look forward to getting a natural bronze glow when the sun comes out. If that sounds like you then Nivea Protect and Bronze is the way to go, as this product has a 4-star UV rating and also contains natural pro-melanin extract to stimulate the skin's natural tanning process.

Goodto verdict: "This product ticks all the boxes for me - it has a spray nozzle for easy application, and the formula sinks in quickly and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all. The 200ml bottle goes a long way too, and it's great to have an option that appeals to people who want to tan as safely as possible."

Enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, this hydrating formula boasts a 5-star UV rating and is formulated to keep the skin feeling soft while blocking the sun's harmful rays. It's a mineral sun cream, so it makes a great option for sensitive skin. Plus, Superdrug announced in May that it is reducing the price of its own brand suncare by 20% for the remainder of 2023, to ensure that families have access to affordable sun protection. So, if you choose this product as your sunbathing go-to you won't have to worry about the price hikes that other brands have seen amid the cost of living crisis.

Goodto verdict: "A little bit goes a long way with this sun cream, which is great news considering it already comes so cheap. Although it leaves a slight cast on the skin, it's to be expected from mineral sun creams and overall I would purchase it again, not only because of the low price but it smells nice, and the consistency is good too."

If you're looking for a higher sun protection factor, prefer a spray applicator or want chemical sun cream, then go for Superdrug's transparent spray over their lotion. The quick-drying and water-resistant formula is dermatologically approved, and at just £2.60 per 100ml this one is a bargain buy.

Goodto verdict: "Personally, I prefer a spray sun cream to a lotion, and this formula by Superdrug makes a great budget option. It smells great and with SPF50 it's a good protective option, however I found the consistency to feel quite sticky on my skin, and it has a slight yellow colour which could stain light-coloured clothing."

For environmentally conscious sun-seekers, this sun cream by Forever Living is the one to go for. It won the best sunscreen category in the Green Parent Beauty Awards in 2021, and it's vegan and cruelty-free. The inclusion of aloe vera and vitamin E is extra moisturising and soothes the skin, and the formula promises to be water resistant for 80 minutes.

Goodto verdict: "I'm all for an environmentally conscious product, and this one smells great and has the certifications to back it up. However, it's not easy to apply as the consistency is quite thick and sticky."

What to consider when looking for the best sun creams

There are a number of criteria to consider when choosing the best sun cream for your skin, and these include sun protection factor (SPF), UV protection, water resistance and sun cream type - as well as ease of application and how it feels on your skin.

• Sun protection factor: SPF indicates how long it may take you to get burned after applying sun cream, and is measured in numbers. The higher the SPF number, the more time you may be able to spend in the sun without getting burned.
• UV protection: Sun creams receive a UV star rating out of 5, which measures how well a sunscreen protects against the sun’s UVA rays. Broad-spectrum sun creams protect against both UVA and UVB rays. 
• Water resistance: For a sun cream to be water resistant, it must have undergone testing to show that it stays effective for at least 40 minutes in the water. After this time, you will need to reapply.
• Suncream type: Mineral sun creams act as a barrier to block rays from penetrating the skin, while chemical sun creams absorb UV rays and turn them into heat. Mineral sun creams tend to contain ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, but can leave a white cast on the skin. Chemical sun creams don't leave a white cast and have a lighter consistency.

Dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Eva Melegh told us: "If you are prone to sensitive skin or you are applying suncream to children’s skin then you it’s best to opt for mineral sun creams as opposed to chemical filter ones, as they have less chance of causing a skin reaction to sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin a very helpful product is Kalme Undercoat which is designed to wear under sun creams to reduce the risk of skin reactions."

She adds: "No matter what sun cream you choose, always check for certified UV ratings. Sun protection (UV factors) are regulated and certified in most countries so always check that your suncream is certified."

Dr Paul Banwell, who runs The Banwell Clinic and is the previous head and founder of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit (MASCU) in East Grinstead, agrees. He told us: "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of selecting a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect against UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays cause redness and sunburn as well as skin cancer, while UVA rays can also cause cancer as well as ageing of the skin. Newer sunscreens have infrared (IR) protection too and should be considered."

Sun creams to avoid: The warning signs to look out for

It's always best to choose sun creams that have an SPF of 30 or above, and a UV star rating of at least four stars, as these will protect you best. In addition, some sun creams contain chemicals that some people may find irritating or cause a reaction on their skin. 

Dr Paul Banwell told us, "Some sunscreens use chemicals, such as oxybenzone, a known- allergen, and avobenzone to absorb UV rays, which can be detected in the body at harmful levels."

He added, "Other ingredients that may cause reactions include benzophenones, cinnamates and dibenzoylmethane.

"Oxybenzone is another ingredient to avoid as it is easily absorbed by the skin and enters the bloodstream, and it can disrupt your hormones as well as causing terrible harm to the environment.

"I would avoid Octinoxate, which is harmful to coral reefs and can cause skin allergies as well as Avobenzone, which can cause high levels of irritation. You also need to avoid Retinyl Palmitate, which does not mix well with the sun. When mixed with the sun, it can be potentially cancerous."

It's also worth remembering that suncream does go out of date too, so make sure you're checking the expiration date and stocking up when you need to.

What factor sun cream should I use?

The NHS recommends using a minimum SPF of 30 to protect against UVB. However, Dr Paul told us that he recommends using SPF 50, as well as staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing and staying out of midday sun.

Dr Eva Melegh adds, "SPF30 is fine for general sun exposure, but apply a mineral SPF50 (stick blocks are great) on specific parts of the face or body if these areas are being particularly exposed to the sun. 

"If your face or certain areas of skin are going to be super exposed to the sun for long periods then you should not only rely on suncream but wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses and cover the upper body with a rash vest or long-sleeved light cotton top. Sun cream alone cannot completely protect the skin from direct UV rays over a longer period of time."

How often should I reapply sun cream?

The NHS recommends reapplying sun cream every two hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin. They add that when applying sun cream for the first time that day you should do this twice: 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving.

Dr Paul told us, "A higher SPF does not mean you need to re-apply it less often. Sunscreens with high SPF ratings block slightly more UVB rays, but none offers 100 per cent protection."

He added, "Most people apply sunscreen too thinly and that means protection is reduced. An adult should be applying around six to eight teaspoons to cover their body. 

"To help visualise this, some people use the two finger method. This works by squirting two fingers with sunscreen and applying two fingers to eleven different sections of the body, which include your head, face and neck, then left arm, right arm, upper back, lower back, chest, stomach, left upper leg, right upper leg, left lower leg and foot, right lower leg and foot.

"If you are using a spray, you want to apply until an even sheen appears all over the skin."

Looking for more of the best summer buys this year? Check out our picks of the best outdoor toys and the best paddling pools.

We spoke to the following skincare experts:

Dr Paul Banwell

Dr Banwell has developed an international reputation in the fields of cosmetic surgery, regenerative medicine, scarring, skin health and skin cancer and lectures worldwide on these subjects. 

He is a recognised skin cancer expert and the Founder and former Head of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit (MASCU) in East Grinstead, one of the largest skin cancer units in the UK.  He performs daily mole checks, mole removal as well as the full range of skin cancer management. 

Dr Eva Melegh

Dr Eva Melegh M.D. is a dermatologist and cosmetologist and a member of the Belgian Society of Dermatology & Venereology. She trained as a dermatologist at Semmelweis University in Budapest Hungary and has since worked as a consultant dermatologist in both public and private health care as a consultant dermatologist as well as working in research for over twenty years.

Dr Catherine Borysiewicz

Dr Catherine draws on a wealth of experience to assist in solving all your dermatology concerns. During her role as an NHS consultant she was clinical lead for skin cancer and ran the highly specialised  adult Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis service at Hammersmith hospital. She was recently appointed to chair of the cancer vanguard RM Partners skin pathway group and enjoys ensuring excellence in skin cancer managment.