If there’s one thing our country does well, it’s sunscreen. So if you’re looking for the best face sunscreen in Australia, it’s safe to say you’ve got a few options.
Australia has some of the highest standard regulations when it comes to slapping ‘SPF50+’ on a label and thanks to our proximity to the sun, we all know just how important protecting the skin is.
If you’re a beauty aficionado too, you’re likely to have a separate formula for your face and your body. After all, we use different day creams to body moisturiser, so why should sunscreen be any different?
Plus, when it comes to face sunscreen, there are plenty of options to suit your skin type and concerns.
So whether a non-greasy, lightweight finish is at the top of your wish list, or you’re after a mattifying, satin-finish formula, let these reviews guide you to your perfect fit.
The best face sunscreens in Australia
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
We say: Winner of multiple awards, including a Best in Beauty title, many consider this face sunscreen to be the best in Australia. It also comes in a tinted version but the original is so lightweight, it melts into the skin and never leaves a white cast.
You say: “Hands down the best sunscreen ever. I have always had issues with sunscreen being greasy, hard to absorb in the skin, leaves a white sheen that looks terrible under make up, well this sunscreen changed the game for me. It is so fluid like water, thin and liquid consistency makes it so easy to glide on your skin, absorbs without leaving your skin greasy and you won’t be able to tell if you applied sunscreen under your make up. Best product out there.” – lamdolkar
$35.95 at Adore Beauty
Read more La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ reviews
Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SP50+ Invisible
We say: With an impressive 4.9 out of 5 star rating, the reviews are unanimously positive for this face sunscreen. Hydrating, easily absorbed and non-greasy are the main words used to describe its effective formula.
You say: “I’ve been using this sunscreen for over a year and I can’t recommend it enough. It sits under makeup beautifully and the best part that it doesn’t sting your eyes like some sunscreens can. The 50 plus rating is also great to help ward off pigmentation and dreaded wrinkles.” – Starlet1
$17.99 at Priceline
Read more Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SP50+ Invisible reviews
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+
We say: Aussie-born Ultra Violette has been racking up the praise ever since its launch in 2019. And if you’re yet to try it, we promise it’s not just eye-catching packaging and clever marketing. The whole line is pretty darn great and caters so well to individual needs, but if we have to pick a favourite, it’s gotta be the hydrating, skin-loving Supreme Screen.
$49 at Sephora
Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Aqua Fluid SPF50+
We say: If you have sensitive skin, our Trial Team had great success with this new and gentle fluid formula. Avène have quite the reputation for creating skin-soothing products and according to our members this sunscreen offers a refreshing and comforting hit for skin prone to irritation.
You say: “I found the sunscreen to be light, non-greasy and absorbed easily. The cream is white, thin and runny consistency and most importantly has no scent. It was perfect for my skin which is sensitive and I also have Rosacea. I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any breakouts or reactions. I also experienced no nausea or headaches which I tend to get when using most other sunscreens.” –Trackydacky
$28.99 at Adore Beauty
Read more Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Aqua Fluid SPF50+ reviews
Natio For Men SPF 50+ Face Moisturiser
We say: While we’ve got you, may we point you in the direction of an SPF50+ for the man in your life? It’s no secret, getting him enthused about a skin care routine can feel like an uphill battle. And while it’s okay to skip the exfoliant, it’s not okay (in the SLIGHTEST) to skip sunscreen. This non-greasy and lightweight sunscreen has been formulated to withstand outdoor adventures on even the most active of men.
$21.95 at Myer
Read more Natio For Men SPF 50+ Face Moisturiser reviews
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid
We say: There’s just something about the word ‘fluid’ that seems to be synonymous with best face sunscreens in Australia, and the most recent SPF from Bondi Sands is no exception. Those with oily skin will be pleasantly surprised by the non-shiny finish, and if you have an aversion to the traditional sunscreen smell, this one will cause no offence.
$21.99 at Priceline
Tried it? Write a review for the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily Moisturiser 50+
We say: If you’ve got dry skin and are looking to take care of your SPF50+ protection and moisturiser in one step, look no further. Alpha-H have nailed the brief by combining UVA and UVB defence with nourishing ingredients like pomegranate seed oil and mango seed butter.
You say: “t’s completely unscented and smells like nothing. It rubs into the skin easily and beautifully. This is one of the best SPF50 day creams I’ve tried. I really love it. This initially goes on a bit white but then goes completely sheer clear. It’s been great to use and I find myself grabbing for it in the morning as a go-to sunscreen day cream very easily!” –Clearcrystalwater
$58.50 at Adore Beauty
Read more Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily Moisturiser 50+ reviews
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula
We say: If you’re always noticing a white cast no matter the formula, we highly recommend giving this beige-coloured best-seller a go. It has a beautiful light fragrance and soaks into the skin as comfortably as a moisturiser, making application a delight. A+ under any makeup base.
$42 at MECCA
Do you have a favourite face sunscreen? Have you tried any on this list?
My skin atm hates them all. So I just don’t go on the sun
…peak times, summer only
That’s what I prefer to do as well.
The new Natio face fluid is good, too!
The Mecca sunscreen is SO good. The only thing I’ve ever liked by Mecca.
I like the LRP sunscreen, it does such a great job but I would like to try the other brands mentioned
I would like to try the other brands mentioned, I use LRP a lot and have a different version of the Bondi Sands sunscreen.
I’m usually an IZ fan, but I’ve just started a tube of Neutrogena. It feels like wearing nothing & leaves my skin feeling soft.
That sounds really nice
Neutrogena is always a good bet. Nice product
For those who like the Cancer Council matte, you can also get Aldi’s Lacura face sunscreen which is currently available. The ingredients list is identical, Aldi’s tube is slightly smaller (60ml) but it’s only $3.99! You can check for full ingredients on TGA website.
Thanks for the tip @Jupiter.
The Bondi Sands sunscreen is my husband’s favourite. I like it too but I’m currently using Natio which is also great.
I like Natio products too
Love the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen! It’s my go to SPF!
love all these brands
Thank you for this article. I use the La Roche Posay face sunscreen. They have a tinted version as well.
yes love that alpha-h one – it’s nice and lightweight
Ultra Violette all the way! And Beachfox for the rest of me.
I really like the Alpha h one
Still searching for a S/S that doesn’t feel ick on my face
Any sunscreen is better than none. Id like to try the LRP one though as they seem to work for my skin type.
I like anything that doesn’t irritate my skin, is spf 50 and is decent value for money. I use Natio spf50+ Daily Defence Facial Moisturiser.
mecca ones are soi underrated
I’m currently loving the Mecca Sunscreen. A bit pricey but worth it in the long run.
Such a market for sunscreen these days and now charge a fortune for a health protective module
I have tried and love some of these and others I look forward to giving a go.
I’ve been using Bondi Sands. Wasn’t expecting it love it so much. But it’s been pretty good so far 🙂
I do wonder why you cannot use face sunscreen on the rest of your body? Maybe the other way around.
I found a lot of sunscreen don’t react well with my face, I have tried all of the above but all I get is a stinging feeling, which sunscreens do you recommend for very sensitive skin?
Sunscreen is a must have in Aus 🙂
I like to have some sunscreen and then a moisturiser with spf 50 for different days