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 favourite sunscreen is the ultraceuticals sheer tinted moisturiser & hydrating moisturiser. They used to come in spf 30+ but now come in 50+ also 🙌🏼✨🤍
Oooh it’s great when something you love gets even better!! Yeah I prefer a SPF50 over 30 too for my face.
Sooo glad it good better not replaced. When I was younger I didn’t mind a 30 plus but a 50 plus now is much preferred 🙌🏼
yeh too true – I also remember when the highest spf we could get our hands on was SPF15 – that was in the late eighties but atleast we had something I suppose.
I only use 50 SPF so this is good to know -Thanks
Yeah I only use SPF 50+ too.
On this list of chemical based filters, only one that did not burn my eyes out was LRP. Strongest burn and bitterness got from AlphaH one. Yet to try Avene though. And didn’t try Bondi.
LRP Anthelios is fantastic! I’m curious about Avène!
I like the Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+
I really like Natio products so will check this out next time I am in the market
Me too Izzy
I love it because it doesn’t leave my face dewy, sticky or wet looking. And doesn’t have any scent to it.
I’m really keen to try the new Avene sunscreen. The Mecca sunscreen was a surprise to me when I tried it–so good!
LRP is fantastic, but I like Invisible Zinc tinted.
I do like the Ultra Violette sunscreen, not greasy at all. For body, Beachfox is by far the best I’ve found. The only issue with it is that as its so clear and non-greasy, its easy to miss a spot so you have to be vigilant when applying.
I have completely run out of my alpha one! It’s so lightweight it’s a fave.
I always like the Cancer Society products as I feel they know what is needed and hopefully get some benefit from purchasing from them too.
The Roche Posay is great but I can’t afford to buy it all the time. I wear sunscreen everyday. Aldi has a sensitive sunscreen which is zinc based. $2.19 absolute bargain. Yes, it is thick being zinc based. Just rub it in more.
I need to find a good sunscreen, all the ones I have used so far leaving me looking like casper the ghost.
What is worse is when you are in photographs, as I often look even whiter than what I do in reality (or I don’t actually know how close to white I am until I see a picture…)
LRP sunscreen is pretty good!
I’ve recently tried TBH and it’s superb. However I am still looking out for a mineral (zinc based) sunscreen!
The headline on this article “SPF protection you\’ll actually want to wear” got my attention because I thought at least 99% of people would want to protect their skin. Correct me if I am incorrect.
Yes I have tried La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ nice but having to shake it all the time and listening to the ballbearing inside drove me nuts.
I have been using NIVEA for decades. It was voted highly by Choice & it comes packaging that I like (an upside down tube). Made in Australia too.
The original Avene one is great, too! Especially for sensitive skin. Some might find it thick but it lasts! La Roche-Posay can be a bit too runny.
Yes the one I have is runny, but I quite like that as it soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave my skin oily
Same, love it for that.
I’m keen to try the Ultra Violette one after I finish my current sunscreen from QV, although I probably would repurchase it sometime.
Of all these i’ve only tried the Bondi Sands.
Did you like it? Ity’s all new to me but it looks nice
Sunsense and Nivea are also great, even though they didn’t make the list.
I really like the Olay whip moisturiser plus SPF I like a two in one to simply my routine where I can. I haven’t tried any of the above mentioned products yet.
Ooo I need to try this. Love Olay products.
I am curious about the Ultra Violette, although i read they recommend you have to use at least 1-2 teaspoons just on your face alone to actually get the right amount of coverage form the sun. I cannot ever use that much, it just would never sink in
Avene and Ultraceuticals are my go to sunscreens
I’ve never tried Ultraceuticals!
I like TBH Skin Shady SPF50+
This is so helpful in choosing the sunscreen. I think I would go for Cancer council sunscreen.
I’m using my Natio SPF50+ today because I’m going to be in the sun doing some gardening.
I finished a bottle of theirs recently. I really liked it,
Interested in trying Bondi Sands and Ultra Violette. Avene and La Roche already use. Loving Skin O2 Natural Mineral Sun Screen that I got in DB.
Ultra Violette is a favourite of Adore Beauty’s founder!
Bondi Sands seem to have released so many products, its very exciting
Yes I’m really keen to try their new Zinc oxide face sunscreen!
Very! I thought they just did tanning products!
I’m currently loving the TBH spf
I’ve never heard of it!
I use an Elucent SPF 50 anti ageing moisturiser with SPF which I received ages ago in a BH Trial team, love it and the rest of the products in this range.
While I like most Ego products, I find that Elucent pills!
I have been using the Cancer Council daily moisture with the 50+ for years and I love it. As I live in Perth and we do get a lot of sun (OK not so much this year!) but it works and I have very fair skin. I even use it during winter as my skin is dry and even the smallest amount of sun tends to dry me out even more, but this really has helped my skin.
I use our Cancer Soc one too and find it so good.
I have tried that Cancer Council one in both versions (there’s a blue one that’s water resistant) & they’re both good, but unfortunately part of my forehead began to react to it earlier in the year (started to get eczema/irritation on & around my surgical scar), so I had to move back to using a physical sunscreen instead (Cancer Council’s Sensitive one). Luckily I can still use the Body version on the rest of me…well, for now anyway.
I can’t handle Cancer Council sunscreens either!
The Avene aqua fluid is VERY lightweight for an SPF50+!
Good to know! I love Avène!
I trust cancer council
I do too and you are supporting them as well with your purchase
I’ve just starting using a bottle of the La Roche-Posay face sunscreen and to date it seems good – I’ll review it a few weeks when I have used it some more.
It is great that Australia has a lot of education regarding sun protection but I have been disappointed by the test results which shows that they are quite a few well known companies that do not provide the protection stated on the bottle. It has resulted in me walking away from one well known company I used to purchase 🙁
We also developed UPF clothing!
Yes! I have some exercise clothing with that! I wouldn’t trust it completely (especially with how much stretching my body shape does to some areas of exercise pants, sorry for the image) but every little bit helps!
Love La Roche Posay! My personal fave has to be reef.
La Roche-Posay is my go to! I’m enjoying the tinted version as a replacement for tinted moisturiser.
Great article. Have not used any of these.
LRP Anthelios is brilliant!
Not a fan of the Mecca sunscreen, it’s not reef friendly and I find it irritating!
I’ve only heard good things about the Ultra Violette sunscreen!
I really like the LPR one, although I never know how to pronounce it!
Such good options! I love Avene for body and face
yes no excuse these days to not use sunscreen
la roche is my favourite
Love la Roche posay sunscreen especially for sensitive skin
I used the Cancer Council sunscreen and it is great.
I’ve got the Bondi Sands one at the moment, it’s great. So liquid.
I haven’t trued any of these but they all look great
Have just bought a Natio moisturiser with SPF 50+ in it for half price.
Jus know that makeup with SPF is not tested so use as an extra not as main SPF
Good to know – I have heard that you should never rely on SPF in make up… but didn’t know why!
They don’t have to prove the SPF so often not reliable -however if you use a normal SPF under it is an extra protection
My favourite is Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration, but Mecca version sounds great. And would be excellent for days when you don’t want a full face but some light coverage.
I have only tried the one from LRP but they all sound great
Some of these are really expensive, but the Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SP50+ Invisible is |$16.95 and seems like a good buy.
plus you are supporting the Cancer Soc