Best sun creams: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Our rigorous independent testing identifies Best Buy sunscreens that meet British Standard requirements for UVA and UVB protection, ensuring you receive a reliable product that is also comfortable to use.

In this guide, we explain how sun protection works, the various types available, and the best methods for application to achieve optimal results.

See our top sunscreen recommendations below, or visit our full sun cream reviews to see how major brands and budget-friendly options performed in our tests, as well as which products you should avoid.

Only products that we have independently evaluated and that meet all of our strict criteria are awarded Best Buy status.

For sunscreens, this means they must pass independent laboratory tests confirming they provide acceptable UVA and UVB protection. They must also be easy and pleasant to apply.

These are our top picks from our tests:

Every year, we rigorously test sun creams—verifying that they meet their sun-protection claims and are comfortable to use—to find the best options for you. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best sun creams in our table below. Join us to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

Best Buy.

Test result.

Best Buy.

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Best Buy.

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Best Buy.

Test result.

Best Buy, great value.

Test result.

Best Buy.

Test result.

If you are looking for the best affordable sunscreens, visit our sun cream reviews and use the ‘Great Value’ filter. These are products that passed our sun-protection tests, performed well in our evaluations, and are priced below the average.

Shockingly, our sunscreen testing frequently identifies products that fail UVA or UVB standards (sometimes both), meaning they do not provide the level of protection claimed. We currently have no sunscreens that failed our tests in 2026, but we will update this section in our next round of testing if any products fail.

Find out more about how we identify our ‘Don’t Buy’ sun creams.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB radiation. It indicates how much longer skin covered in sunscreen takes to redden when exposed to UV light compared to unprotected skin.

The NHS and Cancer Research UK both recommend choosing a product with an SPF of at least 30. If your skin burns easily, it is safer to opt for a higher SPF.

Generally, sunscreens designed for children and faces are at least SPF50, as children’s skin is more sensitive and our faces are typically more exposed to the sun.

UVA (ultraviolet A) is a form of ultraviolet radiation from the sun associated with premature aging. Both UVA and UVB exposure are linked to skin cancer.

UVB (ultraviolet B) is another type of solar radiation and is the primary cause of sunburn. It has a shorter wavelength than UVA.

UVC (ultraviolet C) is the shortest form of UV radiation. Fortunately, UVC from the sun is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and does not reach the ground.

Of the UV rays that penetrate our atmosphere and affect our skin, 5% is UVB, while the remaining 95% is UVA.

The UVA seal signifies that a product meets the EU recommendation for sunscreens to provide a UVA protection factor equivalent to at least one-third of its SPF.

However, some products in the UK display the Boots star rating for UVA instead. The protection claimed by these items exceeds the minimum required by the EU.

It is worth noting that the star rating is a system developed and owned by Boots, so not all sunscreens will feature it. Some products use the PA system (PA+, PA++, and PA+++), while others use the general EU UVA logo. The latter indicates that the product’s UVA protection factor is greater than or equal to one-third of its SPF level.

Sunscreens protect your skin using UV filters, which are categorized as either chemical or physical (also known as mineral). Products may use one type or a combination of both.

It is often claimed that mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb them. In reality, the distinction is not that simple. Both types primarily protect your skin by absorbing UV radiation before it can damage your skin cells. The UV energy is then converted into a tiny amount of heat, which is released harmlessly from the skin.

Mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, also reflect and scatter a small portion of UV light, but this accounts for only a small part of their protective effect. When they use the correct blend of filters to provide broad-spectrum protection (covering both UVA and UVB), both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective at reducing your skin’s exposure to harmful rays, provided they are applied correctly and in sufficient quantities.

When we tested a selection of popular mineral sunscreens in 2022, all failed one or both key sun-protection tests, so we recommend exercising caution. If you choose to use them, apply them liberally and frequently.

The UV index measures the intensity of UV radiation and provides a good indication of whether you need to apply sunscreen on any given day. The index ranges from low (a rating of one or two) to very high (eight and above).

UV levels in the UK are typically lower than in most of Europe and generally do not exceed level 8. You may encounter levels of nine or higher in Mediterranean regions.

To prevent sunburn and the resulting skin damage that could potentially lead to cancer, experts including Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) advise that people should wear sunscreen when UV levels are 3 or above, depending on your skin type and any relevant medical history or family history of skin cancer.

They also note that the sun usually only reaches these levels between mid-March and mid-October in the UK.

For current figures, you can check the weather app on your phone, as it may include a UV Index card for easy monitoring.

Alternatively, you can enter your location and “UV index” into a search engine or AI platform, and it will provide a weather report including UV level details.

Keep in mind that you can still burn on cooler or cloudy summer days, as clouds do not block all UV rays.

Individuals with lighter skin are more prone to burning and may require sun protection at lower levels than those with darker skin. However, everyone ultimately requires sun protection.

If you know you burn easily, play it safe—especially in the spring, when it is easy to be caught off guard as the sun’s intensity increases.

Ultimately, wearing sunscreen should be one part of a three-pronged approach to sun safety, which also includes staying out of the sun or using shade when the sun is at its strongest, and wearing clothing and accessories that provide protection.

No sunscreen provides 100% protection from the sun, meaning it cannot completely prevent tanning. Some of the sun’s rays will still reach your skin even when you are wearing sunscreen.

Remember, tanned skin is damaged skin, so whether it takes a few hours or a few days for your skin to change color, it means the skin has had to produce more melanin to attempt to protect itself from UV rays.

Some skincare or beauty experts recommend wearing sunscreen year-round, particularly on exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.

For most people in the UK, using sun protection during the winter months is unnecessary because UV levels are too low. However, if you have been previously diagnosed with skin cancer, have vitiligo, or suffer from another condition that makes your skin particularly sensitive to the sun, it is recommended.

Whether you choose to wear sun protection all year is a personal choice that depends on your skin type, medical history, and lifestyle.

If you are going on a winter holiday, such as skiing or spending time in snowy or high-altitude locations, remember that high-SPF protection is important, as is eye protection. This is because snow reflects sunlight, and UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes.

It is best to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outside.

Experts recommend reapplying every two hours, but you may need to apply it sooner if you go swimming, are physically active, or sweat heavily.

Most people do not apply enough or reapply often enough. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 35ml for the entire body—roughly seven teaspoons: one for the face, head, and neck, one for each arm, one for each leg, and one each for your front and back.

Applying insufficient sunscreen reduces the level of protection you receive. According to the WHO, using a smaller quantity of sunscreen leads to a disproportionate reduction in protection; if the amount applied is reduced by half, protection may fall by as much as two-thirds.

If you will be out in the sun for a long period, do not rely solely on sunscreen. Utilize hats, clothing, and shade whenever possible to protect yourself, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Wide-brimmed hats that shade the back of your neck are preferable to baseball caps. Sunglasses are also important for protecting your eyes.

Yes. Before using a sunscreen, check the bottle for a ‘period after opening’ symbol. This indicates how long it can be used after the seal is broken.

Storing sunscreen at high temperatures or in direct sunlight can reduce its shelf life, and older products may not be as effective. If you took last year’s sunscreen to the beach, it is likely time to purchase a new bottle, especially if it has changed in consistency or color—signs that it is past its prime.

When you are out and about, try to keep the bottle in the shade as much as possible to maintain its effectiveness for longer.

Common options include aerosols, spray lotions, and creams. Fine sprays can be light, quick, and less messy to apply, but they are not ideal for a windy beach where the product is easily blown away. Additionally, they can be irritating for those prone to prickly heat. We do not test aerosol sunscreens, and here is why:

Neal Rimmer, Which? scientist, says: ‘Studies show that wind speed correlates directly with overspray. In a light breeze, more than a third of your sunscreen can be lost to the air; in moderate wind, that figure can skyrocket to a staggering 93%. To achieve the SPF on the label, you’d need to spray for significantly longer, making these “convenient” sprays both expensive and deceptively ineffective.’

Some options for children are brightly colored to make it easier to see if you have missed a spot.

Ultimately, the right choice for you depends on your skin type, situation, and personal preferences.

Some products claim to provide sun protection for up to 10 hours after a single application.

However, in 2016, we conducted our own tests on several ‘once-a-day’ sunscreens, evaluating their sun-protection claims after initial application and again after a full day of wear.

We observed an average 74% decrease in SPF protection by the end of the tests. We shared our concerns with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). Both advise against relying on any sunscreen for extended periods in the sun.

At Which?, we do not believe ‘once-a-day,’ ‘eight-hour,’ or similar single-use claims should be permitted on sunscreens in the UK (these claims are banned in other countries, such as Australia). They may provide a false sense of security, and normal daily or holiday activities like swimming, sweating, and clothing friction can cause these products to rub off, reducing protection.

Even with our test subjects simply sitting in a chair while wearing a T-shirt, we saw substantial reductions in the level of sun protection, so we do not believe you can rely on ‘once-a-day’ sunscreen to keep you protected all day.

Since 2018, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has issued guidance encouraging a shift from ‘once-a-day’ claims to ‘durable’ sunscreen, with more advice provided on when reapplication is necessary, but we still see many claims similar to ‘once-a-day’.

It is common for sunscreens to claim to be ‘water resistant,’ but this does not mean they are waterproof.

The industry guideline for water-resistant sunscreens allows a product’s SPF to drop by 50% after a total of 40 minutes in water. Water-resistance testing also takes place in what is essentially a bath using tap water.

We tested two popular sunscreens in chlorinated water (to mimic a swimming pool) and salty water (to emulate the sea). We also added a scenario using fast-moving tap water to observe the effect. Most of the time, the products were not as effective in our more realistic conditions as they were in tap water.

If you are using sunscreen at the beach, apply plenty before swimming, and reapply when you leave the water.

Mineral sunscreens, in particular, often promote their environmental credentials, the most common being that they are ‘reef-safe’ or ‘ocean-friendly.’

This typically means that two commonly used chemical UV filters linked to coral bleaching—oxybenzone and octinoxate—are not used.

In some locations, including Hawaii, the sale of sunscreens containing these compounds is banned.

However, there is no agreed-upon definition of ‘reef-safe,’ research is still ongoing regarding the impact of these chemicals, and our tests found that many mineral sunscreens failed to protect as claimed—so take any such claims with a grain of salt.

We have assessed the chemicals used in sunscreens (along with the packaging) for their eco-credentials and found that some are better than others. See our sunscreen reviews to see how each was rated for sustainability.

Sometimes, the traditional all-over sunscreens that are perfect for a day at the beach can feel a bit greasy on your face. That is where facial sunscreens come in.

They are non-greasy and offer high SPF—the brands we have tested are all SPF50 or SPF50+. This makes them suitable for day-to-day sun protection for your face, which is more frequently exposed to the sun’s rays.

A sunscreen that ruins clothes might quickly lose its appeal. Unfortunately, it is a common issue caused by certain UV filters, such as avobenzone.

We conducted a snapshot test of five leading sunscreens containing avobenzone, rubbing the product onto white T-shirts and leaving it to dry before washing and drying them.

Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF30 Spray and Boots Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+ left the least noticeable stains.

Aldi Lacura SPF30 Sun Lotion and Piz Buin in Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 left more clearly visible marks. Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Water Resistant Sun Cream Spray SPF50+ left the most obvious stains in our test.

You will mitigate the worst staining by fully rubbing in the sunscreen when you apply it and being mindful of what you wear on days when you are using a lot of product.

To deal with sunscreen stains:

Scrape off any excess sunscreen.

Run the stained area under warm water.

Pretreat the stain with detergent to help break it down.

Wash on the hottest temperature that the stained clothes can be safely washed on.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and also helps to keep your teeth healthy.

During summer, everyday casual exposure is adequate—the WHO advises five to 15 minutes in the summer sun, two or three times a week. Most of us will naturally spend longer than this in the sun during the summer, so it is still important to use sunscreen.

Some people worry that using sunscreen might prevent them from getting enough vitamin D, but this is not the case unless you really overdo it.

From April to September, when the UV Index is generally higher, it takes 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day for those with fair-to-olive skin to get enough vitamin D.

It takes longer for those with darker skin that rarely burns—it can take 25-40 minutes for the darkest skin type.

Do not rely solely on sunscreen; it is just one part of a wider range of measures you should use to keep yourself protected:

Avoid the midday sun—between 11am and 3pm is when the sun is strongest and you are at the greatest risk of getting burnt.

Cover up—wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and grab a hat if you need to keep your face out of the sun. Use clothing to cover typically over-exposed areas, such as shoulders.

Drink plenty of water—make sure you drink regularly on a sunny day. Doing so can relieve headaches and help to heal sunburn, as drinking hydrates your body.

Know how to treat sunburn—try to avoid getting burnt, but if you have been caught out, get out of the sun, cool yourself with a shower or a damp towel, and apply some aftersun, moisturizer, or aloe vera gel. You can take painkillers to deal with any discomfort. The NHS recommends avoiding using ice, popping blisters, or wearing tight clothing—or any further sun exposure—while healing. If you feel very unwell, or your child has sunburn, you should talk to your GP or NHS 111. See the NHS sunburn advice page for more.