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For this list, we picked products based on actual customer reviews and ratings across various websites offering a wide selection of face sunscreens. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.
Our pick for the best overall face sunscreen is Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Sunscreen. On Sephora, it has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen is the perfect mix of moisturiser, primer and SPF in one. It has a hydrating formula containing Australian Kakadu plum, Pentavitin and Dragonise. This sunscreen also features tons of antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients to help keep the skin young-looking.
Customers gave positive feedback on the sunscreen's lightweight texture, versatility and effectiveness. It's a great daily workhorse that leaves the skin hydrated and ready for makeup while providing SPF50+ for sun protection. It's got a nude tint that eliminates any white cast, perfect for any skin tone. However, it may be too greasy for those with oily skin.
Part of our list for the best sunscreens available online, Sun Bum's Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen is formulated with 5.4% titanium oxide and 2.4% zinc oxide. It comes in one shade that helps even out the skin tone while offering SPF 30 broad-spectrum.
Numerous reviews were impressed by the sunscreen's lightweight but moisturising texture and matte finish. It spreads easily to ensure that every inch of your skin is well-protected against harmful sun rays. It also sinks in quickly without leaving any annoying residue. However, it only comes in one shade that may not suit a wide range of skin tones.
With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Sephora, we recommend the Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+ Sunscreen as the best one for oily skin.
Lean Screen is formulated with zinc oxide, which helps protect the skin by filtering out harmful UVA and UVB rays. Just like the Supreme Screen, this also has Pentavitin and Kakadu plum for hydration and nourishment. Additionally, it has a beige tint that works to counteract any white cast effect.
Numerous buyers were impressed by the sunscreen's lightweight formula, effectiveness and texture. It's got a mousse-like texture that dries down to a matte finish, leaving the skin well-nourished but never greasy. It is also fragrance-free, suitable if you have sensitive skin or don't like scented face products. But because it is a mineral sunscreen, it's not as spreadable as more traditional options. For most users, this isn't really a huge issue, though.
La Roche-Posay's Anthelios ULTRA SPF50+ Face Sunscreen for Dry Skin is our pick for the best option for dry skin. It has an average rating of 4.45 on Amazon and Chemist Warehouse.
Offering very high UVA/UVB protection, this La Roche-Posay sunscreen has a nourishing and non-greasy formula for dry skin. The brand claims it can "prevent pigmentation and signs of premature ageing". Apart from being dermatologically tested, it contains Baicalin that helps fight free radicals on the skin's surface. It is suitable for application around the eye area as well.
Customers gave positive feedback on the sunscreen's lightweight feel, thin texture and effectiveness. It has SPF50+, providing optimal protection against the sun's harmful rays. Users added that it doesn't feel greasy but leaves their skin nourished and moisturised. It is also non-irritating, even when applied around the eyes. However, it's not the best product under makeup, with a few users reporting that it pills when used under thicker foundations.
For sensitive skin, we recommend EltaMD's UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 as the best one. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
EltaMD's UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 is an oil-free, water-resistant sunscreen that has a light tint to help minimise the appearance of redness. It's a chemical-free option that features antioxidants to neutralise free radicals. It also features zinc oxide and titanium oxide that work as sunscreen agents by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB. It contains linoleic acid, thioctic acid and quercetin to help diminish visible signs of ageing as well.
Despite being pricier than other sunscreens in the market, this EltaMD product is a favourite among people with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. It provides SPF41+ of sun protection, perfect for daily wear. Its non-greasy and water-resistant formula also means it won't slide off while you sweat. Users loved its tinted texture, adding that it helps reduce the appearance of redness, leaving no white cast behind. But just like other physical sunscreens, it has a rich texture that isn't as blendable as chemical options.
If you're looking for the best drugstore face sunscreen, we recommend the Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible, which has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Chemist Warehouse and Priceline.
This Cancer Council sunscreen features SPF50 and high UVA/UVB protection to help prevent visible signs of ageing. It has a light, hydrating lotion-like texture that is easy to spread and dries to a matte finish. Apart from being proudly made in Australia, this sunscreen contains aloe vera and vitamin E, so your skin feels nourished throughout the day.
According to reviews, this budget-friendly sunscreen has an ultra-lightweight feel that leaves a smooth finish to the skin, making it suitable for under makeup. It doesn't have any white cast while leaving the skin moisturised and healthy-looking. Users said it's a fantastic option for daily wear, but not for beach trips as it's not water-resistant at all. This sunscreen is also fragrance-free, perfect for people sensitive to scents.
We recommend Azclear's Action Moisturiser SPF 30+ as the best moisturiser with sunscreen. On Chemist Warehouse, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Azclear's Action Moisturiser SPF 30+ is a moisturising lotion that provides broad-spectrum protection to fight the signs of ageing. It has an oil-free formula that the brand says "helps reduce redness and improve hydration". It is non-comedogenic and contains 1.5% bemotrizinol, which helps absorb UVA and UVB rays.
Customers gave positive feedback on the sunscreen's value for money, lightweight texture and ease of use. It has a thin formula that spreads effortlessly, ensuring that the entire face is moisturised and protected from harmful rays. A few users added that it helps soothe their irritation and acne flare-ups. But despite being advertised as oil-free, several others said it leaves a slight sheen that doesn't fully dry into a matte finish.
For the best face sunscreen spray, we picked the Avène SPF 50+ Sunscreen Spray, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Adore Beauty.
The Avène SPF50+ Sunscreen Spray has a lightweight, photostable formula with high broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It can be used on the face and body, providing up to 40 minutes of water resistance. It is suitable for sensitive skin as well.
This easy-to-use sunscreen spray produces a fine mist that evenly coats the skin for maximum sun protection. It has a thin texture that dries down into a radiant finish while providing moisture for healthy-looking skin. For $34.99, you'll get a 200ml bottle perfect for sunscreen reapplication on beach trips. Several people didn't like that it leaves a greasy film on their skin.
La Roche-Posay's Anthelios XL Dry Touch Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ is our choice for the best tinted option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
This La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen features SPF50+ broad-spectrum protection and a cream texture that helps control shine and sebum. It dries to a matte finish which works great under makeup. It doesn't feel sticky or greasy while leaving no white cast behind. It is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types as well.
Many buyers praised the product's oil control, effectiveness and lightweight feel. Despite having a rich texture that is quite difficult to blend, it doesn't feel heavy or sticky. It also contains Airlicium that absorbs sebum and oil for an all-day matte look. Those with acne-prone skin added that it helps soothe any redness they have. However, it's got a strong sunscreen smell that not everyone likes.
What's the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreen uses synthetic compounds to absorb UV light before it gets a chance to reach the skin. The formula usually feels lightweight, and it can be combined with other ingredients to nourish and/or hydrate the skin.
Alternatively, physical sunscreen contains tiny minerals that act as a shield to bounce the sun's rays off your skin. It's usually made from titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, so the formula is generally thicker. However, it does have a longer shelf life.
Amazon prices last updated on 5 December, 2023 at 08:01 ameBay prices last updated on 5 December, 2023 at 09:13 amThe Iconic prices last updated on 5 December, 2023
How did we pick this list?
33 Brands considered
126 Products compared
9 Best products chosen
We compared over 120 face sunscreens from 33 brands.
We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings on various websites with a wide range of face sunscreens for sale.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Why you can trust our picks
We considered the following brands of face sunscreens:
Alba Botanica
Aveeno
Avène
Azclear
Banana Boat
Biore
Bondi Sands
Cancer Council
Carroten
Cetaphil
Clarins
Colorescience
Coppertone
Dermalogica
Dermaveen
Dr. Dennis Gross
EltaMD
Ethical Zinc
Garnier
Hamilton
Hawaiian Tropics
Invisible Zinc
La Roche-Posay
Le Tan
Little Urchin
Missha
Natio
Neutrogena
Nivea
Nuxe
Olay
Sun Bum
Ultra Violette
For this list, we carefully picked products with the highest customer ratings across different websites. We ended up with a total of 126 face sunscreens to compare.
We then researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews on various websites. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best face sunscreens you can buy right now in Australia.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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