12 of the best face sunscreens for people with dry skin
Rachael Martin
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
Protected & perfected? Count us in
Sunscreen. If you’re not yet deeming it an everyday skincare essential, then consider this your big beauty wake-up call. Why? It’s the one product that protects against harmful UV rays (that are still present in the colder months) ultimately helping to reduce skin damage and premature ageing. And if you’re someone who associates SPF with thick, gloopy formulas that leave behind an unflattering white cast, then you’ll be glad to learn that this is no longer the case – hooray!
To help you find your new suncare staple, we’re putting the spotlight on 12 fabulous new generation sunscreens that go above and beyond to nourish and protect our complexions. From dedicated facial sunscreens to moisturisers containing SPF (which are always great as an extra layer of protection), they’ll have you covered.
Plus, we chat with two industry experts who are here to answer all our questions about SPF for dry skin, whether you’re wondering how to check if you have a dry skin type or the hero ingredients to look for.
Scroll on for all you need to know…
Do I have dry skin?
Signs and symptoms of dry skin can vary from person to person, but dermatologist Dr Salome Dharamshi shares some common clues that may help you see if your skin’s more on the parched side:
"Generally, those with dry skin will experience feelings of roughness, tightness, itching, signs of redness or small cracks," she says. "If the skin looks ashy, this can be a sign of dry skin too."
What sunscreen is best for dry skin?
It’s always better to use sunscreen than not. "The protection that sunscreen gives from UV rays will help to prevent thinning, dry or burnt skin," clarifies Dr Dharamshi. "However, the ingredients in all sunscreens aren’t always the best for your skin if it’s inherently dry. Look for those that provide extra hydration – hyaluronic acid, ceramides or glycerine are ingredients that work well."
Do I need a separate facial sunscreen in addition to my moisturiser with SPF?
"I always would recommend applying a dedicated sunscreen after moisturiser even if that moisturiser contains SPF. This ensures better coverage and protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays," says Dr Dharamshi.
Having said that, in our feature on everyday SPF, Dr Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist for Garnier, says that the SPF in your moisturiser is tested the same way as SPF in sunscreen, so an SPF30 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 30. The main issue is that these formulas are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant, so they may not offer the same level of protection. Due to this, experts recommend using a separate, dedicated sunscreen for longer, more deliberate UV exposure, such as spending your lunch hour outside or when abroad on holiday.
Thanks to the great range of sunscreens available, adding one that easily slots into your routine needn’t be tricky or expensive.
"A separate sunscreen should work in tandem with the other products in your routine," adds Claire Williams, skin expert and founder of WOW Facial. "Simply use it as a final step and massage it into the skin."
12 of the best face sunscreens for dry skin
From skincare-infused SPF moisturisers to dedicated facial sunscreens, here are 12 of Our team's top picks for dry skin, suited to all budgets.
Shop more great SPF products for all skin types in our full range.
Best mineral option
Try: Ren Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan**
• Cruelty-free
• SPF30
This mineral sunscreen is formulated with yellow passionfruit and rice extract known for their soothing properties. It also boasts a 50% recycled plastic tube and 100% recycled plastic cap, meaning that both your skin and the planet will thank you.
Best for pigmentation
Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct Facial Sunscreen SPF50
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
• SPF50
Containing nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this soothing facial sunscreen is a cult classic for a reason. The skin-loving formula helps plump and reduce the appearance of dark spots, while the high SPF helps to prevent further pigmentation. Apply evenly each morning as the final step of a skincare routine.
Best for the beach
Try: Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face Cream SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Water-resistant
• SPF50
It makes sense that water, sweat and heat can compromise the effectiveness of your UV protection, which is why we’re reaching for this hardy Shiseido number. Plus it doesn't feel heavy on the skin or leave a white cast behind which makes it ideal for darker skin tones.
Best for dry to combination skin
Try: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• SPF50
This daily lightweight facial moisturiser doesn’t only boast a high SPF factor, it also contains three essential ceramides, helping leave your complexion looking and feeling beautiful. Oh hi soft, hydrated and protected skin.
Best for winter
Try: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF30
• Size: 125ml
• SPF30
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a favourite among beauty buffs, so no wonder everyone is reaching for the SPF version. This light-textured moisturiser provides great hydration to help skin struggling to keep up with the switch between cold weather and central heating. A pea-sized amount offers a hefty hit of moisture.
Best for maximum protection
Try: Soltan Face Protect & Moisturise SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Maximum 5-star UVA protection
This lightweight cream offers great protection from harmful UVB and UVA rays, with the highest UVA star rating around (one of the ways sunscreens indicate UVA protection levels, though it’s not the only means). It also helps smooth and hydrate skin, thanks to a hefty dose of shea butter and glycerin.
Best for affordability
Try: Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ for Face
• Size: 150ml
• Fragrance-free
• Water-resistant
• Non-greasy
• SPF50
While you might only be familiar with Bondi Sands fake tanning products, you’re missing out if you’re not yet acquainted with their fabulous sunscreens. This nourishing, non-greasy factor 50 facial option is brimming with hydrating aloe vera and vitamin E, making it ideal for those with dry skin. Plus, it sits like a dream under foundation.
Best SPF serum
Try: Hello Sunday The One That's A Serum Face Sunscreen SPF45
• Size: 30ml
• SPF45
Containing vitamin C for brightening and hyaluronic acid for hydration, this innovative featherlight SPF45 serum is a multi-purpose hero. Non-sticky, its dewy formula helps leave skin feeling fresh and radiant and acts as the perfect base in preparation for make-up.
Best for lightweight hydration
Try: Olay Regenerist Whip Day Face Cream SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• SPF30
If you’re after a light-as-air day cream containing SPF30 suited to dry skin, then we’ve got you. Enter this formula for Olay that helps actively hydrate and plump for a lifted radiance and improved skin tone.
Best for luxury
Try: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• SPF30
Nothing oozes luxury quite like Elemis, and their stunning marine cream with SPF30 is no exception. Dry skin will drink up the rich (but never heavy) gel-meets-cream texture, while the powerful marine and plant actives help improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity – just don’t forget your neck!
Best for premature ageing
Try: Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50
• Size: 50ml
• SPF50
This moisturising face sunscreen is light and silky making it ideal for everyday use. And despite the fact it's a bit of a beauty bargain, it doesn’t scrimp on being highly effective. Apply generously and you’re good to go.
Best for menopausal skin
Try: No7 Menopause Skincare Protect and Hydrate Day Cream SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologist approved for menopausal skin
• SPF30
This day cream contains SPF30 and has proven 72-hour hydration. Massage across the face, neck and decolletage for more even and instantly smoother-looking skin*.
Found this helpful? Now you’ve got your sunscreen sorted, check out our guides to the best foundations for dry skin and best primers for dry skin.
Shop our full range of fabulous SPF products for all skin types, tones and textures. Whatever your budget, we have your perfect match.
*Consumer study
**Vegan formula. Does not contain animal-derived ingredients or by products.
