22 Best Sunscreens For Your Face To Buy In 2023

Wearing sunscreen on your face daily is essential, especially in Australia. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times by the amount of choice when it comes to sun protection.

Here we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled the best face sunscreens you can buy now, based on categories like affordability and shopper ratings, as well as a few news.com.au staff picks.

The good news? You don’t need to break your budget to get a sunscreen that’s suitable for your face, with the one that our editor gives her approval to costing just $10.

Sun protection products also vary in consistency with everything from milks to serums and even mists available. They’re also hardworking with many containing skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS

With hundreds of sunscreens available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best sunscreen, we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best sunscreen for your skin.

OUR TOP PICKS

In this article

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

BEST NEW SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+ Ultralight SKINSCREEN, $52 at THE ICONIC

Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer

Iconic Australian skincare brand Ultra Violette has released a brand new sunscreen – dubbed their “lightest formula ever”.

Fave Fluid is a lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen that delivers a soft natural finish on the skin. It’s been developed with a bunch of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E to give you that glow-from-within.

The waterlike consistency blends like an absolute dream, absorbing quickly and feeling super comfortable on the skin.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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BEST-RATED SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ 50ml, $47 at THE ICONIC

Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer

An oil-free formula packed full of native antioxidants and with an appealing rose scent, Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen has well and truly earned its cult status. With nearly 700 five-star reviews on the brand’s site, it’s a proven favourite. It’s suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin types, and is Australian made, cruelty free and vegan.

I love this pick to wear under makeup as its super lightweight and gives off a beautiful glow.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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BEST AFFORDABLE SUNSCREEN FOR FACE: UNDER $35

We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen, $34.95 at Healthy Life

What You Should Know:

Aussie brand We Are Feel Good Inc is dedicated to creating sunscreen minus any thick and sticky residue and its Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen delivers. The lightweight formula with an SPF of 50 both protects your skin from the sun and keeps it hydrated with skin-loving extras like hyaluronic acid, squalene and jojoba. It’s also formulated with tomato extract (great for reducing skin pigmentation) and carnosine (which helps to protect skin against oxidative stress), so it’s a perfect option for anyone wanting a sunscreen with plenty of added skin benefits.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen Water Gel Lotion, $17.95 (down from $20) at Amazon Australia

Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager eCommerce Content and Strategy

With five-star customer reviews calling this their “go-to sunscreen”, this budget option is certainly a crowd pleaser.

I have been using this sunscreen for over two years and love the way how hydrating it is. It gives my skin a nice, fresh glow without being greasy. I often ditch moisturiser altogether as the hyaluronic acid-rich formula gives my skin all the hydration it needs.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion, $14.95 at Bondi Sands

What You Should Know:

Bondi Sands might be best known for its fake tan products but it also has a great range of affordable sunscreen and skincare. This sunscreen for face is top of our list because of its invisible finish and the fact that it is water resistant.

The fast-absorbing formula also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturise the skin.

“Easy to blend, no white cast and not oily either. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to try a new sunscreen,” one five star review on Bondi Sands’ website reads.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Cetaphil UVA / UVB Defence SPF50+ 50ml, $20.49 (down from $23.99) at Chemist Warehouse

What You Should Know:

Cetaphil’s UVA/UVB broad spectrum moisturising sunscreen offers a sun protection rating of 50+, and is hypo-allergenic as well as lanolin and fragrance-free. The non-greasy formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+, $21.95 at Myer

What You Should Know:

Another budget-friendly option from family-owned, natural Aussie brand Natio, the Daily Defence Moisturiser offers a two-for-one solution as an SPF50+ sunscreen. Dozens of five-star ratings on Myer have earned it a 4.8 star average, plus it contains aloe vera and vitamin E for extra skin nourishment.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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BEST CLEAR SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

Airyday Clear as Day SPF50+ Dreamscreen 75ml, $49 at Airyday

Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer

This unique formulation from Australian brand Airyday is a completely clear sunscreen with a weightless feel. The gel texture is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, E and F to hydrate the skin, plus it features a delicious (and hypo-allergenic) watermelon scent.

This is one of the most comfortable and lightweight feeling sunscreens. It dries down nicely and gives a blurring, soft matte finish to the skin.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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BEST EVERYDAY SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

Go-To Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen 50ml, $45 at Go-To

What You Should Know:

This sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF50 protection thanks to four advanced UV filters: Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150 and Tinosorb A2B.

It also contains kakadu plum to protect skin against premature ageing, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin as well CoQ10 for antioxidants.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ 30ml, $39.95 at Alpha-H

What You Should Know:

A hydrating vegan moisturiser with an SPF rating of 50+, the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser offers broad-spectrum protection. It leaves skin with a matte finish, and avoids a white cast, making it a great base for makeup. With over 250 five-star ratings on the Alpha-H website, you can ensure great value for money, too.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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BEST FACE SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion, $39.95 at Naked Sundays

What You Should Know:

This mineral SPF contains vegan collagen and watermelon extract to nourish skin while offering sun protection. The tinted formula goes on translucent for a glowy finish – we recommend using Naked Sundays’ SPF BFF Brush to buff it onto your face.

‘“ When I squeezed this out of the tube, it seemed very thick and I thought it was going to be hard to spread onto my face,” one shopper wrote in a five star review on Naked Sundays website.

“I was wrong. It goes on like a dream with either fingers or a brush! This is also an excellent base for either powder or liquid foundation and leaves you with a dewy, non greasy finish. Absolutely love and will be back for more!”

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ 50ml, $35.99 at Priceline Pharmacy

What You Should Know:

This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is another cult favourite and has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.

The non-comedogenic formula is non-greasy and fragrance free, leaving a light finish that won’t get shiny.

“Holy grail sunscreen no matter how many I try I keep coming back to this one!” says one five star review.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30+, $49 at Paula’s Choice

What You Should Know:

If you’re after a moisturising SPF with a slight sheer tint, this pick from Paula’s Choice has you covered. Its silky texture leaves your face with a soft matte finish. Almost 400 reviewers have awarded it five stars, if you needed further convincing.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

BEST HYDRATING SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

AB LAB Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk 75ml, Adore Beauty, $39.95 at Adore Beauty

What You Should Know:

AB LAB is Adore Beauty’s in-house brand that is Australian made, vegan and cruelty free as well as featuring packaging made from recycled materials.

Made using the 23 years of ingredient knowledge from brands they’ve stocked plus their dedicated community of beauty loves, this Facial Sun Milk is designed to be ultra hydrating while offering sun protection.

As well as offering broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection this sunscreen also contains vitamin C and resveratrol to nourish your skin.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ 75ml, $52 at THE ICONIC

What You Should Know:

Ultra Violette’s extensive range of sunscreens are popular for a reason and this is a top pick because it’s so hydrating for your skin.

Supreme Screen offers sun protection while leaving your skin with a satin-like finish – there’s no need to use a primer or moisturiser after this sunscreen as it does it all.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face Day Wear Serum 50ml, $17.47 (down from $24.95) at Chemist Warehouse

What You Should Know:

This sunscreen serum is ultra lightweight and leaves skin with a dewy finish thanks to extra ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

The dermatologically tested formula is ideal for being worn under makeup, plus it’s made in Australia.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

BEST MATTIFYING SUNSCREEN FOR FACE

McoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, $35 at McoBeauty

What You Should Know:

Shiny gals, this sunscreen is for you. This zinc-based formula is designed for a non-greasy mattifying finish and contains vitamin C-rich kakadu plum to further nourish your skin.

“This is perfect to use daily for people who have an oily T zone like me, it feels like it stays put when exercising and in hot weather,” one five star review reads on McoBeauty’s website.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF 50+ 50ml, $34.99 at Adore Beauty

What You Should Know:

Rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this super hydrating water-resistant sunscreen has a 50+ rating. Formulated to be non-comedogenic, paraben-free and causing minimal allergic reactions, reviewers say it’s a worthwhile addition to your skin regimen. It’s designed to leave you with a matte finish free of white cast.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR FACE

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist, $39.95 at Naked Sundays

What You Should Know:

Naked Sunday’s Hydrating Glow Mist is a cult favourite for a reason, with over 200,000 bottles of it sold since the brand launched two years ago.

Not only does it offer sun protection but it also leaves you with a glowy finish after use. With extra ingredients like kakadu plum, watermelon extra and hyaluronic acid it’s also Australian made and non-comedogenic.

“I have oily skin and was a sceptical how this would go but it feels lovely on the skin and smells amazing. My skin felt hydrated but not oilier. Once I let it sink in, it sat nicely under makeup,” one five star review on Naked Sundays website reads.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

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Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN, $42 at THE ICONIC

What You Should Know:

One of the newest launches to come from cult brand Ultra Violette is this handy reapplication mist. It’s packed with loads of skin-soothing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, vitamin C and aloe vera. Plus, the ultrafine and lightweight mist is perfect to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day and over makeup.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Face Mist, $15.99 at Priceline

What You Should Know:

Sunscreen mists are a great way to top up on your SPF during the day and this one from Bondi Sands is one of the most affordable options out there. It’s designed to be fast-absorbing with an invisible finish, making it perfect for spritzing over your makeup.

“I bought this with the intention of spritzing over makeup and it works really nicely for that purpose. Fragrance free, doesn’t show up white on the skin and doesn’t break me out. A must have for summer,” one five star review on Bondi Sands website says.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

BEST FACE AND BODY SUNSCREEN

BEACHFOX Sunscreen SPF50+, $22.49 (down from $29.99) at THE ICONIC

What You Should Know:

If you’re after something to apply to both your face and body, this BEACHFOX sunscreen has you covered from head to toe. It’s a clear spray that’s easy to apply on wet or dry skin, and is up to four hours water-resistant and sweat-proof. 100 per cent Australian made and owned, it’s available in four delicious scents.

Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN?

“When it comes to the right sunscreen for you, there is no one size fits all, as there is such a variety of skin types and needs,” says Caitlan Wyer, Senior Buyer for Beauty at THE ICONIC.

“When browsing, read through the product information and ingredient lists available, as you will find there is greater assortment and choice available than ever before. From options for sensitive skin or dry skin, as well as formulas that are lightweight enough to wear under your everyday make-up while avoiding the undesirable white film on your skin or that sticky feeling.”

Here are the factors we’d recommend you take into consideration:

  • Skin Type: Do you have normal, combination, dry, oily or sensitive skin? Different formulations may be targeted to your type of skin.
  • Application Method: Sunscreens can come with various application methods, including lotions with pumps or droppers, sprays, or sticks. Each are effective, but it depends on your personal preference.
  • Finish: Some sunscreens offer a dewy finish, while others provide a matte appearance.
  • Added Ingredients: With sunscreen becoming a greater part of the skincare world, added ingredients such as antioxidants and actives can offer boosted anti-ageing benefits.

WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO APPLY SUNSCREEN?

According to SunSmart, you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or excessive sweating.

The correct amount to apply is one teaspoon for your head and neck, each limb, and the front and back of the body.

If this seems like a large amount, you can apply it in layers to allow it to soak into the skin effectively.

“I’ve found it easiest to include in my morning routine, after applying moisturiser, before makeup, or even on its own after cleansing. This way I never forget to apply sunscreen,” says Caitlin.

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When using sunscreen, always read the label. Use only as directed. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.

Originally published as Best sunscreens for your face to buy in 2023

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