How to Choose a Face Sunscreen: SPF 30 vs 50, Mineral vs Chemical and UVA Protection

The best face sunscreen is the one you will wear every day. This guide explains what the numbers and labels mean, how mineral and chemical filters differ, and how to pick a formula for your skin and routine.

SPF (sun protection factor) tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. It does not tell you about UVA, which reaches deeper into the skin and is linked with premature ageing. For UVA, look for a broad spectrum label. In the UK and Europe that is the UVA logo (the letters UVA in a circle), often alongside a star rating. Asian sunscreens show a PA rating, such as PA++++, where more plus signs mean stronger UVA protection.

SPF 30 filters out roughly 97% of UVB and SPF 50 roughly 98%, so the step up is small. SPF 30 is a sensible everyday choice, and SPF 50 gives a little more margin for long days outdoors, holidays and fair or sun-sensitive skin. Neither replaces shade, clothing and a hat, and both only work if you apply enough and reapply.

• Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin and reflect and scatter UV. Many people with sensitive skin prefer them, though tolerance is individual, and some leave a white cast.
• Chemical sunscreens use filters that absorb UV. They tend to feel lighter and sheerer on the skin, which makes them popular for daily wear under make-up.
• Hybrid formulas combine both.

All three can give broad-spectrum protection when used correctly, so choose on feel, finish and skin tolerance.

• Apply it as the last step of your morning skincare, before make-up.
• Use a generous amount. A commonly suggested guide is two finger-lengths of product for the face and neck.
• Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
• Wear it year-round. UVA is present all year and can pass through glass.

These are Skindays favourites grouped by what people usually want. Check each product page for ingredients and details, and patch test if your skin is reactive.

• Sensitive skin: a mineral formula is a common starting point, such as Beach Street Ocean-Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 or its SPF 30. See also our sensitive skin edit.
• Lightweight daily wear: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream SPF50+ and Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+.
• Tinted: MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Cream is a tinted moisturiser that combines zinc oxide with a chemical filter. It contains fragrance, so patch test if you are sensitive, and check the product page for shade guidance.
• SPF moisturisers that replace a step: Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Ageing Moisturiser SPF 50, Oskia SPF30 Vitamin Face Cream and de Mamiel Skin Nectar Cream SPF 30.
• Everyday SPF 50 from our wider edit: Verso Daily SPF 50, Mantle The Daily Shield SPF50+ and Antipodes Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen.

Browse everything in our face SPF and suncare collection, or the body SPF edit for the rest of you. For more, see Your SPF, Sorted and the complete guide to sun damage.

Sunscreen is one part of sun safety. If you notice a mole or spot that is new, changing or bleeding, have it checked by your GP.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV rays, while chemical sunscreens use filters that absorb UV. Hybrid formulas combine both. All can give broad-spectrum protection when used correctly.

SPF 50 filters slightly more UVB than SPF 30 and is a good choice for long days outdoors. What matters most is applying enough and reapplying regularly.

UVA rays are present all year and can pass through glass, so many people wear a daily SPF year-round, as the last step of the morning routine.

Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

PA is the Asian rating system for UVA protection. More plus signs mean stronger UVA protection, and PA++++ is the highest level.

Yes. MZ Skin Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Cream is a tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection. It contains fragrance, so patch test if you are sensitive.

There is no official list, so choose by label: broad spectrum (the UVA logo or a PA rating), SPF 30 or 50, and a texture you will wear every day. If you have a skin condition, ask your own dermatologist. Our doctor-led edit lists brands created by doctors.