Best Sun Creams in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 13, 2024
If you desire to get the best tan possible, don't forget to arm yourself with a good sun cream. It'll protect your skin from hazardous ...Read more
PROS

The cream is very easy to apply and absorbs quickly. It's fairly thin and has an extra-light formula. Hence, it can be easily used under make-up.

CONS

Some users dislike the smell, though we find it almost unnoticeable.

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for a good basic sunscreen and skin moisturiser all in one, the P20 Riemann is a stellar option. It's the skincare product that can prolong the youth of your face and neck skin.

detailed parameters
Type

Face sun protection cream

Volume

50 g

SPF level

30

Extras

The lightweight and transparent formula, Highly water-resistant, Can be used under make-up

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

This is not a cream but a dry mist that has an ultra-light, non-sticky texture which leaves no white marks after application.

CONS

It runs out a bit quicker than normal sun cream.

OUR VERDICT

The Ambre Solaire Dry Mist is an easier and faster alternative to conventional sun creams. You just spray it on like a usual deodorant, and in less than a minute, it begins to work.

detailed parameters
Type

Whole body sun protection cream

Volume

200 ml

SPF level

30

Extras

Ultra-light, Non-greasy and non-sticky texture, Water-resistant

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

This sun cream can be applied only once a day. One thorough application promises sun safety for the rest of the day.

CONS

Quite thick texture (difficult to spread).

OUR VERDICT

Designed specifically for kids' delicate skin, the Calypso Once a Day lotion can not only protect your little ones from sun exposure but also give them a healthy-looking tan without burns.

detailed parameters
Type

Whole body sun protection lotion

Volume

150 ml

SPF level

40

Extras

Non-greasy and fragrance-free texture, Water-resistant

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The Vitamin E included in the formula of this cream can help you combat free radicals, prevent cancer, and slow down the skin ageing.

CONS

It's rather greasy.

OUR VERDICT

The high-quality Nivea lotion is one of the best options for use at the seaside. It delivers long-lasting effect and can keep your skin healthy and moisturised. It ensures even coverage and superior protection.

detailed parameters
Type

Whole body sun protection lotion

Volume

200 ml

SPF level

30

Extras

Caring formula for intensive and long-lasting moisturisation, Water-resistant

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The SPF 50+ formula provides superior protection from UVA, UVB and even long UVA radiation while minimising hazardous effects of infrared light.

CONS

The cream requires thorough rubbing.

OUR VERDICT

The Garnier SPF50+ level cream is the best choice for those who need to protect their fair, sensitive facial and neck skin. It provides very high protection against UV rays while being completely non-allergic.

detailed parameters
Type

Face and neck sun protection cream

Volume

50 ml

SPF level

50+

Extras

Hypoallergenic, No-perfume and no-colourants formula, Water-resistant

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Reasonable Protection For Your Face

The P20 Riemann is a great offering for those who spend much time outdoors all year round and need a good sun protection. Although the name is P20, this is a suncream with 30 factor that has been formulated to block off UVA and UVB light.

The sunscreen is aimed at use on your face and neck rather than your body, therefore it is a bit easier to apply and quicker to absorb. The cream is fairly thin and has an extra-light formula. Hence, it can be easily used under make-up. The only suggestion is to let it dry for 10 minutes prior to make-up application.

Unlike high factor sunscreens, this skincare product is completely non-sticky. Also, it doesn't smell odd and isn't too thick or greasy when on. The handy applicator with a push-down pump allows you to apply just the right amount.

According to Riemann, the cream gives 10-hour protection. With that, it also moisturises your skin and fights visible signs of premature ageing.

So, if you're looking for a good basic sunscreen and skin moisturiser all in one, the P20 Riemann is a stellar option. It's a good cream that can prolong the youth of your face and neck skin.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £20.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07M7VTPLN

Dry Mist

The Ambre Solaire from Garnier looks nothing like the majority of other sun care products on the market. No longer will you need to hassle with unscrewing the top of bottles, putting oily sunscreen into your hands, rubbing it into your skin and wait for minutes to let it absorb. Here, the application process is so much quicker and more enjoyable.

Actually, the Ambre Solaire is not a lotion but a dry mist that is extremely easy to put on. It's as simple as flipping the lid off, spraying the mist, and rubbing it. The spray may be diffused at any angle.

The sunscreen takes just a few seconds to dry on you and, more importantly, it doesn't leave your hands with an oily, greasy feeling. The dry mist has an ultra-light, non-sticky texture that leaves no white marks after application.

Owing to the fact that the mist is suitable for all body parts and all ages, it's a real salvation for families with small kids. You won't need to rub the oil into your little ones and they won't need to stand still for five or more minutes until it disappears.

The only downside to that unique formula is that it runs out a bit quicker than typical sun creams. But we believe all the benefits easily overshadow that minor con.

Overall, if you need an easier and faster alternative to conventional sun creams, the Ambre Solaire Dry Mist is worth a try. You just spray it on like a usual deodorant, and in less than a minute, it begins to work.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £23.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00HSHIBGI

Once a Day Kid Protection

Enjoy spending time at the seaside with your family? Then you and especially your kids need a good level of protection against UVA and UVB rays. And the Once a Day lotion by Calypso can get you covered.

Designed specifically for children's delicate skin, it offers superb protection from harmful sun rays. The high factor of this cream promises sun safety for even the most sensitive skin.

As the name suggests, it's a 'once a day' sun cream that, once applied to the skin, will work wonderfully for a whole day without the need to re-apply it. For the best results, it's recommended to use it at least 15 minutes before going in the sun or earlier.

Although it's a white cream, it goes on clear and leaves no oily residue. So, you won't have any issues with it staining clothes as it may happen with other brands. It smells nice too.

What is notable, the Calypso lotion not only protects skin from sun exposure but also aids in achieving an even, healthy-looking tan. So, if you'd like your kids to obtain a beautiful golden glow rather than burns after the holiday, the Calypso Once a Day Sun Protection is the safest bet.

By the way, you can also get products with different SPF for yourself. The choice is vast and no product requires reapplication.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £8.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B007HKCCBG

For Seaside

Nivea needs no presentation. It's the world's largest skincare company that never cuts corners and delivers only the highest-quality products for very competitive price tags. And the sun lotion under review is no exception.

The NIVEA SUN Suncream Body Lotion is designed for those individuals who need a strong defence against UV rays while sunbathing or swimming in the sea. The enhanced UVA and UVB filter system used in this cream gives immediate protection after application. Moreover, the Vitamin E included in its formula helps you combat free radicals, prevent cancer, and slow down the skin ageing.

The Sun Protection Factor of this product equals 30, which is considered to be a golden mean. No matter whether you're on your first or last day on the beach in Hawaii, this lotion will protect you from burns while delivering a sexy, glowing tan.

Although the product is a little bit too greasy, it's suitable for any skin type. It's rather easy to apply and it is quickly absorbed by the skin. However, if you sweat this suncream off your body, it might stain your clothes. That's why we would recommend it for use at the beach or by the pool only.

To round things up, the high-quality Nivea lotion is one of the best options for use at the seaside. It delivers a long-lasting effect and can keep your skin healthy and moisturised. It ensures even coverage of the skin and superior protection against UV rays.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £5.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000SQLU32

Extra Protection that is Always with You

Do you have fair, sensitive or sun-intolerant skin? If so, you need something extra strong, something like the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Cream with SPF 50+.

The product has been specially formulated for very sensitive and fair facial skin. Even if you have eczema or other skin conditions, this sun cream won't leave your skin swollen, red, or itchy.

The SPF 50+ formula provides superior protection from UVA, UVB and even long UVA radiation while minimising the hazardous effects of infrared light and preventing sunburns. With that, it doesn't irritate your skin, since it doesn't contain perfume, colourants, or other chemicals to trigger reactions. Totally hypoallergenic.

The other thing that makes the cream so appealing for most customers is the sturdy plastic tube it comes in. The pocket-sized bottle easily goes into a handbag, making it a perfect option for taking on a flight where the skin is seriously exposed to radiation. The lid snaps on securely, making the tube safe to carry around in a bag.

As for the texture, the cream rubs in completely, leaving no white streaks on your skin or clothes. And there's barely any aroma that spreads around.

In a word, this cream is the best choice for those who need to protect their fair, sensitive face and neck. It provides very high protection against UV rays while being completely non-allergic.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £4.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00AVUVOEA

What Is a Sun Cream?

The sun is not always fun. It hides many dangers and can be particularly harmful to our health. It's the ultraviolet radiation that makes it so hazardous. From blisters and burns to itching and peeling, the consequences of the sun can bring pain for long days. Moreover, the UV rays can trigger pigment spots, boost wrinkle appearance, and even increase the risk of developing cancer.

Although you may leave in a cloudy region, you're still subjected to all those hazards. Even on cloudy days, more than 90% of UV pass through light clouds and cause sunburns. And the UK sun is strong enough to burn you from April to October.

That's why we recommend you to get a good sunscreen. It's an absolute must-have thing in a backpack of hikers, avid travellers, or simply those who work outside all year long. Sun creams have different Sun Protection Factors (SPFs) for different skin types, hair colours, and destination you're going to. In this review, you can find the top-quality products for any need and budget.

If you're a real sun lover, you may also be interested in our review of the best sun loungers. A combo of a good sun cream along with a comfy lounger is the first step to a beautiful and healthy tan.

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