Sunscreen is the one summer essential you should always have on hand. Luckily, we’re spoilt for choice in Australia when it comes to the best sunscreen brands.
Our SPF regulations are pretty hardcore and we take skin health seriously (tends to happen when you’re the highest-ranking country in the world for skin cancer).
But still, not all sunscreens are made equal. And when it comes to shopping for a face sunscreen that’s non-greasy or an easy-to-spread body sunscreen for your whole family, some brands do stand above the rest.
So to help you find the best sunscreen for you this summer, here are the top ones to look out for…
Cancer Council
When it comes to the best sunscreen brands, Cancer Council is a mighty all-rounder. Not only are the products made in Australia and tested to provide the highest UVA and UVB protection in and out of the water, but every purchase goes towards cancer research and services.
Our sunscreen pick: Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SP50+ Invisible, $10.39 for 70ml at Chemist Warehouse
Ultra Violette
If you consider white cast and heavy textures the devil, allow us to introduce you to the heavenly angel that is Ultra Violette. With SPF serums (yes really), mattifying skin tints and lightweight sheen screens, this Aussie brand has made wearing sunscreen daily so damn desirable. Praise be.
Our top sunscreen pick: Ultra Violette Extreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Body & Hand SKINSCREEN™, $35 for 150ml at Sephora
Banana Boat
Fun sun protection! Come on, you know you sing it every time. Catchy theme song aside, Banana Boat does offer a great range of sunscreens particularly suited to on-the-go families, with options for sport and kids, as well as a great after-sun soothing gel.
Our top sunscreen pick: Banana Boat Sport SPF 50+, $13.69 for 400ml at Chemist Warehouse
NIVEA SUN
NIVEA’s deep blue sunscreen bottles have been a mainstay in many beach bags for a reason; it’s affordable, accessible and effective sun protection. They’re also always trying to make our lives easier with convenient roll-on, spray and lightweight face fluids.
Our top sunscreen pick: NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ Trigger Spray, $17.49 for 300ml at Chemist Warehouse
La Roche-Posay
If you’re looking for the best sunscreen brand for sensitive or acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay has an excellent (and well-deserved) rep. Its Anthelios range answers the wants and needs for dry-touch, satin-finish sunscreens, as well as ‘invisible’ fluid formulas that sit seamlessly under makeup.
Our top sunscreen pick: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+, $31.95 for 50ml at Adore Beauty
Reef
If your mind immediately goes to tanning oils when you think of REEF, we have an update for you. The brand now has an SPF50+ Oil Spray and Lotion, the latter of which scores 4.6/5 from over 50 reviews from our members. Do not dismiss.
Our top sunscreen pick: Reef Coconut Sunscreen SPF50 Dry Touch Lotion, $9.45 for 150ml at discountchemist.com
Cetaphil
Another great one for sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s sunscreens are lightweight and fast-absorbing. They spread easily and are also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and water-resistant.
Our top sunscreen pick: Cetaphil Sun Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF50+, $15.99 for 150ml at Chemist Warehouse
Invisible Zinc
If you prefer a physical sunscreen over a chemical, Invisible Zinc is one of the best sunscreens brands to have on your radar. Zinc Oxide is the only active ingredient used in its formulations for providing broad-spectrum protection.
Our top sunscreen pick: INVISIBLE ZINC Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50, $30.49 for 50g at Chemist Warehouse
Hawaiian Tropic
Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re on a tropical holiday whenever they apply sunscreen? It’s why we love Hawaiian Tropic’s delicious-smelling range. Although, they also have a fragrance free option if it’s not your thing.
Our top sunscreen pick: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Spray SPF50+, $15.99 for 170g at Chemist Warehouse
Neutrogena
Neutrogena has a wide range of reasonably-priced skin care products, and this extends to sunscreen. Anything from the Ultra Sheer range is lightweight liquid gold and we’re also partial to the Hydro Boost Gel Lotion sunscreen for dry skin.
Our top sunscreen pick: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist SPF50, $11.99 for 100ml at Chemist Warehouse
Naked Sundays
Naked Sundays is another new and good-looking brand on the block, doing its best to provide sunscreen solutions for our ‘out and about’ lifestyles. Its most notable entry to the market has been its SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist, designed to be spritzed over makeup for easier re-application.
Our top sunscreen pick: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Facial Sunscreen, $39.95 for 100ml at nakedsundays.com.au
Sunsense
Another Aussie favourite that’s been around for years is Sunsense. What we love about this brand is they don’t overcomplicate it, with a face, body, sport, and lip balm SPF the mainstays in the range.
Our top sunscreen pick: SunSense Ultra SPF 50+, $12.99 for 250ml at Chemist Warehouse
BEACHFOX
If you’re after a sunscreen brand that smells great without compromising on high-level protection, new kid BEACHFOX could be the perfect fit. Take your pick from coconut, lime, vanilla and grapefruit.
Our top sunscreen pick: BEACHFOX SPF50+ Daily Vanilla Sunscreen, $30 for 200ml at Sephora
*This article has been updated since its original publication date.
What’s your favourite sunscreen brand?
My absolute favourite is reef oil because it has an amazing coconut scent but I also really like Le tan, nivea and Hawaiian for nicely scented sunscreen!
I got the Nivea SPF 50+ from the rewards room and it's great as it doesn't leave my face feeling oily and it keeps my skin matte
No eye burn? Bitter?
Nope no eye burn or bitter. I love Nivea sunscreens.
I like the Nivea Sunscreen for my body. I use IZ for my face.
Dermaveen sunscreen deserves a mention!
Currently using a Nivea Kids fragrance free roll on which is great and I use Olay complete care sensitive on my face.
Ultra Violette is on my try list.
I’m so keen to try it too!
I generally hate the feeling of sunscreen, which of course puts me off using it. It’s feels greasy and leaves that awful white cast. Ugh! I’m loving the Mecca To Save Face. It’s not at all greasy, there’s no white cast, and it sits well under makeup. On my body I’m using Reef Coconut Dry Touch Sunscreen, which I recently trialed for Beautyheaven. Again, non greasy. Highly recommend both of them.
NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is my fav product. I use it all the time and have their matching SPF15 for my face.
I'm so tempted to try the Ultra Violette one!
Will definitely give Nivea Sunscreen SPF 50 plus is one I need to try and one for the face.
I have been really pleasantly surprised with this product too. Got it in the Priceline sale and on sale, it is as cheap as chips. I might also get the hydro gel body sunscreen when I have used my previous sunscreens
I use sunblock on my face everyday (and the skin on my body when it is exposed) and I use the Clinique sunblocks as they are made for sensitive skin.
At present we're using Neutrogena, Invisible Zinc, Uber Zinc and SunSense.
So far there are only 2 my skin can handle and not get eye burn and foamed face: In.Zn Sheer spf50 and bioderma photoderm in light. First physical – for markets (sun too strong then and in the car) and if I am forced to go to the beach (early morning , later afternoon night). Second one when want to look polished and protected sans makeup
Ones listed: none can touch my face
Other than IZ, I don’t let any of them touch my face!
I like Sunsense; some to look out here for, thanks
I love the Reef sunscreen I was given as part of a trial. It's my new favourite.
I'm looking for a new sunscreen but I'm not sure that I like any of the ones listed in this article
I have heard so much about Ultra Violette
I love trying new sunscreens, love to see how the textures are
I use a different brand to these. I do like the idea of clipping one to your bag or keys.
I have used both the Nivea and the Hamilton brands. Word of warning – make sure your sunscreen is not past its use by date as it won't provide protection if it is too old. I found out the hard way when using a Nivea that was past the date. The Hamilton product is something I used for many years when snow skiing, and it did not seem to expire at all over the years that I used it and always gave excellent protection from the sun glare. I never ended up with a burnt face when using that one.
I’ve got the Blistex lip balm! I haven’t tried the others.
My favorite sunscreen is the Neutrogena Dry Touch . Thats top of my list but I also like some of the sunscreens from the cancer council. I cant stand ones that leave you feeling sticky though.
I hate wearing sunscreen on my face it just feels nasty especially in hot weather but of-course I always do wear it.
I would like to try the Swisse Natural BB Cream SPF30 the word natural makes it sound less gluey gluggy and thick.
For me right now, I'm using Invisible Zinc's Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser on my face (have started using it again recently as the weather has become more humid & this stuff doesn't feel too greasy on my face) & Sunsense's Sensitive Invisible on my body (which can feel greasy due to its hydrating properties, but I'd rather feel greasy than get another skin cancer tyvm). Couldn't use any of the Mecca sunscreens as I reacted to them all from memory & I'm not a fan of chemical sunscreens either.
I prefer physical too, Seashells.
I've read a lot of good feedback on the Ultra Violette sunscreen. Pretty expensive though!
Didn't realise billie goat soap did a sunscreen! I really like their products so will have to hunt that down.
I do love that Banana boat sun comfort and I need to get a new sun visor!
I like the sound of the sand-free one.
Nothing really shouting for me to try… I love WotNot!!!
My son is allergic to most sunscreens so we have used the anti-cancer council foundation sunscreen for over 25 years. I think it ticks all of the boxes bar two. It really doesn't wear well under makeup and it's a mouthful to say if you can't find it on the shelf.
IG and pushing it trough influencers put me off from trying it. Plus seen a review from honest person who also got them for free (my skin type), not so good. PAckaging colour so cool though. But that is it.
I like the ultra violette range haven’t tried their new product yet but keen to try once I’m finished with supreme screen and I love how it’s tinted
My whole family like Nivea.
That's what Medik8 told me too (as their moisturiser overseas is SPF 50+ but here they cannot label that yet until they do heaps more testing and stuff), its good to know how accurate our labelling is but it's too bad that some are marked as "0" when they are actually higher than that. Synergie told us the same thing with theirs. It must be super pricey to go through all the testing/time consuming so that may be why some brands take awhile for labelling to change too.
Definitely want to try Ultra Violette!! Once I finish off my open sunscreens (that is).
I buy sunscreens with a minimum of synthetic ingredients from online stores such as Nourished Life.
Nice and Informative Article.
Your skin needs sun protection all through the year, therefore, investing in the right sunscreen is of utmost importance. It is necessary to buy a sunscreen with a higher SPF to avoid sun tanning and other skin problems.
Read more: https://www.newscafe247.com/things-to-keep-in-mind-when-choosing-a-sunscreen/
Some new ones for me to try Ultra Violette, Hawaiian Tropic, Beach Fox.
Still not sure what I would be able to use on my face. Most SS are too irritating or feel yech
I’ve tried about half of these and like them all with Reef being my favourite.
I loved the Beachbox sunscreen BH sent me to try out. Keen to try the other “flavours”. I also see a lot of people using Ultra Violette but I just can’t get into it.
I just adore IZ! No turning back!
Same here, Lucy!
I have preferred sunscreens, but more than anything if Im out in the sun and missing a preferred sunscreen, Ill just use any to protect me. I have so many freckles and sun damage from my younger years.
I’ve always used Sunsense Sensitive Invisible Zinc as it was recommended by a skin cancer specialist. Unfortunately I can’t find it anywhere now, so I need to find a new brand I can trust.
I’ve just recently discovered a new Aussie brand called New Day Skin that has a daily face cream with SPF 50+ with delicious scents like Fresh Appe & Creamy Vanilla. Their packing is soooo bright and fun too!
There are a couple on this list I’d love to try, especially Ultra Violette. It’s everywhere on Instagram.
I would also like to try that.
I ordered the Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SP50+ Invisible in RR. Never tried it before.
Did you say SPF serums? I need to try that!
I also like the sound of the vanilla sunscreen! I wanted to get it from the RR but didn’t have enough points. Hopefully next time
I have tried all the ultraviolet ones – I think their supreme screen and clean screen still do actually give a white cast. Also clean screen my skin reacted to. I do love their lean screen and queen screen (lean screen can be quite heavy being a zinc based sunscreen).
I’m keen to test out the naked sundays one – but haven’t heard too many reviews as yet
IZ is my favourite, but LRP & Hawaiian Tropic are excellent, too. I used to buy Sunsense.