The 21 Best Face SPFs Available at BEAUTY BAY

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 with all the hydrating, nourishing, non-sticky SPF formulas around now, there are plenty of skin-friendly formulations to choose from that will suit your skin. If you’re already using one, well done. If not, scroll down to discover our favourites…

Proving that affordable formulas 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. 

Invisible, weightless, and scentless; the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 is ideal either underneath makeup or worn on its own. As well as providing broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, it glides onto skin thanks to its oil-free formula. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants, meaning your skin is looked after too.

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. It’s also formulated with monolaurin, which is a sebo-reducing active ingredient that helps visibly reduce blemishes and lessen the look of marks.

The silky, lightweight, hydrating Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics is a TikTok favourite that shows no sign of slowing down. Featuring skin-calming ingredients, the probiotics and rice extract work to strengthen the skin barrier, protecting against damage and dehydration. Plus, it provides powerful protection from UVA and UVB rays with SPF50+.

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. 

As well as providing UVA and UVB protection from harmful rays, The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30 also leaves skin looking dewy and healthy. This is thanks to the hydrating polyglutamic acid, glycerin, and squalane that help lock in moisture and prime skin for makeup.

The haruharu wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ is a Korean face SPF worth trying. As well as providing powerful sun care with SPF 50+ and PA++++ UV protection, the formula also protects the skin from free radicals and combats signs of ageing, all thanks to antioxidant black rice and various minerals.

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. 

Enriched with skin-loving aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, the Mallows Beauty Glow SPF50+ hydrates and defends the skin without leaving a greasy or oily finish. It also doubles as a radiance-boosting primer, so it’s perfect for acheiving that glowy makeup look whilst protecting your skin.

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 CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF sunscreen is ideal for protecting (and hydrating) dry and sensitive skin types.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, refreshing, cooling face sunscreen, try the Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50. As well as having a full spectrum formula that protects the skin against UV rays, blur light, pollution, and infrared radiation, it also has a barely-there finish. So, it sits underneath makeup without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind.

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.