The 21 Best Face SPFs for 2024

Here at BEAUTY BAY HQ we’re passionate about the fact that SPF is for life, not just for summer. Alongside UVB rays (which cause the sunburn we experience in the warmer months), there are also UVA rays, which are responsible for the long-term skin damage that accelerates signs of aging and can lead to skin cancer, and they’re present all year round (and can penetrate windows, clothes, and cloud cover). 

That’s just one of the reasons why you should wear SPF every single day, and if it hasn’t convinced you of the importance, we don’t know what will. But if your previous experiences of SPFs have been formulas that are sticky, chalky, greasy, and breakout-triggering, you’ll be pleased to know that in 2024 brands are finally upping their game when it comes to creating skin-friendly formulations. These new formulas use the hydrating and repairing ingredients you find in your serums and moisturisers, can be worn under (and over) makeup, and cater to an inclusive range of skin tones. 

If you’re already using one, well done. If not, scroll down to discover our favourites. 

Proving that affordable formulsa can hold their own against luxury ones, the By BEAUTY BAY SPF 50 Face Lotion is gentle enough to use on both face and body. Thanks to its super lightweight formula, it absorbs quickly and leaves skin moisturised without that dreaded greasy feel.

The Standard Procedure SPF 50+ Sunscreen has received all the hype, and for good reason. This suncreen provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while delivering four hours of water-resistant wear, making it perfect for your next beach trip or poolside holiday. It also minimises skin irritation, redness, and swelling while boosting skin barrier function, for happier, healthier skin.

Want sun protection and coverage, all in one bottle? You need the Heliocare 360° Color Water Gel Beige SPF50+. This must-have multi-tasker provides high-level, broad-spectrum protection while deeply hydrating the skin, leaving it healthy and glowing. In a gel water formula that provides a silky, high-coverage finish, this skincare and makeup hybrid is about to be your new go-to. 

If you’re looking for an SPF to layer under your makeup, meet the ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 50. This sunscreen provides protection and hydration while also helping to lock your foundation in place and keep it looking fresh all day long. It leaves skin with a satin finish, so it creates a silky smooth base for makeup.

For those with dry skin, the Avene Cleanance Very High Protection SPF50+ Cream is the one for you. It cleverly combines protection and hydration thanks to ingredients like thermal spring water, glycerin, and vitamin E. 

Weightless and invisible, the Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick delivers protection with the added bonus of being completely undetectable on the skin. Formula-wise, it’s equal parts protecting and hydrating, and leaves skin with a subtle glow. 

This Aussie-made Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion not only adheres to Australia’s super strict sunscreen requirements but also has major fans amongst the online skincare community. Chances are you’ve already spotted it on your Instagram feed or TikTok FYP before now. 

For sensitive skin types, experts recommend mineral formulas like the Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30. Along with SPF30 protection, the silky, loose powder formula imparts a soft, mattifying finish, while setting makeup and reducing shine.

It may be on the pricier side, but Dermalogica formulate their products with the latest technologies and to the highest standards, and thier Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 is no exception. You can apply this lightweight cream confidently, knowing that you’re getting first class sun protection. 

Since it has a thin serum-like texture, the Tan-Luxe Super Glow SPF30 is a great option for oily or dehydrated skin as it absorbs quickly and delivers a powerful cocktail of balancing and hydrating ingredients to the skin. It’s basically sun protection with a bonus dose of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.  

For acne sufferers, thin serum-like textures are less likely to clog pores than heavy creams – they also tend to absorb quicker and are less likely to leave a white cast. The Hello Sunday The One That’s A Serum has a silky-smooth texture that’s gentle on acne and doesn’t make oily skin look or feel greasy. 

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 is a great multitasker because as well as providing top level sun protection, it contains ingredients like aloe, glycerin, vitamin E, and licorice extract, which will help to improve texture, tone, and hydration at the same time. 

Ultrasun is beloved for its hardworking formulas that cater to a wide range of skin types. Their Face SPF 50+ is a good all-rounder, offering broad spectrum SPF and blue light protection, and acting as primer, moisturiser, and sun protection simultaneously. 

With its subtle tint, soft texture, and blurring finish, the NIOD Survival 30 is a great option for applying under or over makeup (top tip: use a sponge). It provides skin with a powerful shield of UVA, UVB, and antioxidant protection but feels completely weightless. 

If you love a weightless gel texture and hydration-packed formula, you’ll be obsessed with the Thank Your Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+. This K-beauty staple melts into skin without leaving a white cast or chalky residue – so is a great pick for all skin tones. 

Since it’s formulated by the people behind your favourite pimple patches, you can trust that the Zitsticka Megashade SPF50 won’t contribute to clogged pores or breakouts. Perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this SPF also contains soothing aloe vera and bacteria-killing tea tree.

Combining the moisturising and skin barrier-strengthening properties of ceramides with SPF50, this Ceravae sunscreen is ideal for protecting (and hydrating) dry and sensitive skin types.

Part-SPF and part-makeup setting spray, the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF50 has an ultra-fine mist is perfect for on-the-go top-ups that won’t disturb your makeup.

Hyperpigmentation is another unfortunate consequence of UV exposure, so if you want to help post-breakout marks or dark spots to fade, the Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening Face Cream SPF50 will be the perfect option. It simultaneously helps to brighten skin and protect from further damage.

The Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50 is a great option for those with oily skin or who simply prefer a matte finish. It protects skin without clogging pores or leaving any greasy residue, and prevents excess oil from leaving skin shiny by 3PM.

Mineral sunscreens are typically recommended to those with acne, so if you are breakout-prone, a formula like this one will be the best option for you. The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Suncscreen has a lightweight cream texture that hydrates and protects the skin, while the additon of cica will help to calm redness and soothe breakouts.