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 10 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."
10 of the best face sunscreens for dry skin
From skincare-infused SPF moisturisers to dedicated facial sunscreens, here are 10 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: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• SPF30
Say hello to bright, even and hydrated skin! Enhanced with vitamin C and zinc oxide, this powerful 100% mineral sunscreen protects your skin against harmful rays, all while correcting and preventing visible signs of sun damage. Perfect for wearing alone or under make-up.
Best for pigmentation
Try: Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
• Size 40ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• Cruelty-free
• SPF50+
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this ultra-light face fluid offers very high SPF protection to help prevent sun-induced dark spots. Plus, it protects skin from daily pollution and keeps it super hydrated — with no greasy finish in sight.
Best for the beach
Try: E45 Sun Face Cream for Sensitive Skin SPF50+
• 50ml
• Non-greasy
• Fast-absorbing
• Hydrating sun cream with very high UVA and UVB protection
• SPF50+
With its sweat and water-resistant formula, this cream is ideal for a fun-filled day at the beach. Infused with hyaluronic acid, you’ll enjoy a 24-hour intense moisturising effect, and the cream is also suitable for both sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Win, win!
Best for dry or combination skin
Try: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• SPF50
This daily lightweight facial moisturiser not only boasts 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 the colder months
Try: No7 Future Renew Day Cream SPF40
• 50ml
• Dermatologist-approved
• SPF40
Expertly developed to be used as part of your morning skincare routine, this dynamic serum protects against UV while reversing visible signs of skin damage. Packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide, your skin will feel brighter, healthier and hydrated for up to 72 hours, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
Best for maximum protection
Try: Soltan Once Age Defence Advanced 8hr Protect Facial Suncare Cream with Hyaluronic Acid SPF50
• 50 ml
• Water-resistant
• Vegan*
• Maximum 5-star UVA protection
• SPF50
Infused with hyaluronic acid for anti-ageing benefits, this cream boasts the highest UVA protection rating of five stars (though this isn’t the only indication of UVA protection). A long-lasting SPF, it offers up to eight hours of sun protection in one single application and the non-greasy, nourishing formula makes it ideal for everyday use.
Best for affordability
Try: Boots SPF+ Mineral Suncare Face Lotion SPF30
• 50ml
• Vegan*
• Water-resistant
• Non-comedogenic
• SPF30
Not only does our lightweight lotion offer broad spectrum protection against UV rays, but it’s also 100% vegan. Designed to be worn alone or under make-up, it’s great for all skin types — even those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Best SPF serum
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF50+ Super UV Invisible Face Serum
• 30ml
• Fragrance-free
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan*
• SPF50+
Your new favourite daily SPF, this serum becomes invisible immediately after application. Perfect as a base under makeup for all skin tones, it’s also enriched with ceramide to provide instant skin barrier protection.
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!
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.
