The new-generation sunscreens that feel like skincare, sit beautifully under make-up and make daily protection far less of a chore.
SPF has had a serious glow-up. The best formulas no longer feel chalky, greasy or like something you only reach for on holiday, they now behave more like clever skincare, with lightweight textures, hydrating ingredients and finishes that actually make your skin look better.
And while the message around sun protection is familiar, it is still worth saying properly: UVA and UVB protection matters. UVB rays are mainly linked to burning, while UVA rays are associated with longer-term skin ageing and damage. In the UK, the NHS advises choosing at least SPF30 for UVB protection and looking for strong UVA protection too, ideally a 4-star UVA rating or the UVA circle symbol.
For summer, the sweet spot is an SPF you genuinely want to wear every morning, one that suits your skin type, layers well, and does not sabotage your make-up by lunchtime. From oil-controlling serums to dewy Korean formulas, these are five worth knowing.
Best For Sensitive-Looking, Dehydrated Skin
RATIONALE #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+
Best for: Dehydration, uneven tone, luxury skincare lovers.
Finish: Tinted, polished, illuminated.
Why we rate it: A high-end SPF-serum hybrid with a refined skin finish.
This is the luxury option in the edit: a tinted SPF50+ serum designed to even tone, illuminate and protect in one step. Harrods notes that it is suitable for all skin types and recommended for dehydration, with zinc oxide in the formula and a soft tint that gives skin a more polished, fresh-faced finish.
It is ideal if you want your SPF to feel like part of a considered skincare routine rather than an afterthought. One caveat: it does contain fragrance, so very reactive skin should patch test first.
Best For Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAIR Serum Sunscreen SPF50+
Best for: Oily skin, daily wear, under make-up.
Finish: Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy, no white cast.
Why we rate it: A dermatologist-led daily SPF that understands real skin.
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVAIR Serum is a strong choice for anyone who wants high protection without the heavy sunscreen feel. The brand describes it as a “light as air” SPF50+ serum with broad-spectrum protection against UVB and everyday UVA rays, plus a non-greasy texture for daily wear.
It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E, and will hydrate while helping control oiliness for up to 16 hours. In other words: exactly the kind of SPF oily skin types are usually hoping exists.
Best For Acne-Prone Skin
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+Best for: Acne-prone, combination and easily congested skin.
Finish: Lightweight, fresh, non-greasy.
Why we rate it: A featherlight Korean SPF that does not feel like a layer.
Beauty of Joseon has become a cult name in modern SPF for a reason: the textures are easy, elegant and wearable. This Aqua-Fresh formula is especially good if richer creams tend to feel too much. Rice seed water brings hydration, while panthenol helps soothe feelings of sensitivity — useful if your skin is prone to flare-ups or feels easily overwhelmed in summer. It is the sort of SPF that makes daily application feel very low-effort, which is exactly what acne-prone skin needs.
Best For A Dewy Glow
Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF50
Best for: Glow, hydration, dullness, normal to dry skin.
Finish: Dewy, fresh, no white cast.
Why we rate it: A glow-boosting Korean SPF that feels more like skincare than sun cream.
Medicube’s No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen is the one to reach for when you want protection with a polished, healthy-skin finish. The formula is lightweight, non-sticky and hydrating, with SPF50 protection, collagen, peptides and cica for a dewy effect that still feels comfortable for daily wear.
It is a good choice for anyone who finds traditional SPFs too flat, chalky or heavy, especially if you want something that sits nicely under make-up. Think fresh summer skin, not greasy shine.
Best All-Rounder
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
Best for: All-day wear, ageing concerns, city skin.
Finish: Invisible, hydrating, non-greasy.
Why we rate it: A serious daily SPF that still feels elegant.
Medik8’s Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is the grown-up all-rounder: SPF50+ PA++++, hydrating skincare benefits and an invisible finish that works across skin tones. Medik8 says the formula protects against UVA and UVB rays, as well as blue light, infrared light, air pollution and glycation, making it a clever choice for everyday city wear.
It also includes squalane and multi-weight hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus a non-comedogenic, non-greasy finish that can sit comfortably under make-up. If you want one dependable SPF to keep on your bathroom shelf all summer, this is the one.
The best SPF is not necessarily the most expensive or the most hyped, it is the one you will actually wear every day. For oily skin, choose something serum-light and oil-aware. For acne-prone skin, look for fresh, non-greasy textures. For glow, lean into dewy Korean-style formulas. And for a polished all-rounder, choose a high-protection moisturiser-SPF hybrid that earns its place in your morning routine.
Summer skin should feel protected, comfortable and quietly luminous, not overloaded. That is the new SPF standard.
