SPFs that are worth your time (and money)
It's that time of year...
People living in the US
So, we’re starting with you, because your sunscreen is some of the worst in the world.
Yep. Sorry to break it to you.
It’s because of the FDA regulations for SPF that are eventing approval of new SPF filters. These mean that the ingredients that are permitted in US suncreens are, in some instances, decades behind Asian and European brands.
There’s a video here that explains it all.
So your facial sunscreens, particularly, are thick, often aggravate your eyes and look white under make-up.
My condolences.
You can buy some Asian SPFs online and get them shipped1. Or stock up when you travel to Asia/Europe.
Sun Bum
All of this said, US brand Sun Bum2 is total winner for body SPF.
It has the same (US) formulation globally.
The next two brands in this post have a different formulation for US vs non-US.
It’s light, smells great and offers good protection. I get through endless cans of this.
The spray is my favourite. In the US, it comes in 15, 30 and 50SPF. In the UK, usually only 30 and 50 are available.
I find the tanning oil sticky, but def less so than other comparable brands.
The cream applies easily, but I have a personal preference for spray SPF for the body.
Pro tip - the expiration date for this brand never seems to be very long, so exercise extra caution if buying online and always check the date if buying in store3.
La Roche-Posay
The formulations are different for US vs non-US.
Yes, shocker. The brand responsible for around 60% of my skincare routine also makes my facial SPF of choice.
Their greatest achievement is sadly only available in Brazil4.
But the whole of the rest of the range is excellent, will likely improve your skin whilst protecting it and has excellent coverage for face and body.
I love this for the face, but it only comes in one colour in the UK and it’s orange-toned. Great if you already have a tan, not so great otherwise.
This facial mist is amazing to have in your bag on the beach - a spritz is always welcome and this one comes with full SPF protection.
The whole range is great, so see what grabs you. Their kids range also comes highly recommended by some of my friends who know about this sort of thing.
Hawaiian Tropic
The formulations are different for US vs non-US.
You almost certainly know these guys.
I’m including them because, IMO, they’re the best Easily Available At The Shops option out there.
The range is comprehensive, their water-resistant products stand up to scrutiny and they’re relatively cheap.
Winner.
Also, they make this stuff - a thick and effective body butter that just smells like being on holiday. I really love it.
Biore
Another shout out for this HG product
Aqua Rich Watery Essence UV SPF
Asian SPF formulations are generally preferable for daily use/under make-up (i.e. not actively sunbathing) because they’re very comfortable on the skin and are specifically designed to be worn with cosmetics.
Biore’s Aqua Rich SPF is overwhelmingly voted the best Asian SPF, in a crowded field.
They make 2 formulations, Gel and Essence. There is significant online preference for the ‘Essence’ formulation, so I’ve always bought that one.
I’m linking to Biore’s Japanese site because the Japanese formulation, manufactured in Japan is the one that I recommend. This is a different formulation from the formulation commonly sold under the same name in the UK/North America.
The Japanese formulation says Made in Japan on the back of the bottom left of the tube and looks like this:
The Japanese version can be bought here and here. Both are reputable sites (that I have used frequently) and ship to UK/US/AUS (and others).
If you’re looking at an ingredients list, the presence of Ethylhexyl Methoxysilicate (should be third on the list) indicates that it’s the Japanese one. If this specific ingredient isn’t there, it’s not the Japanese formulation.
Zinc Paste
If you or your family need heavy zinc protection (especially if you’ve had skin cancer or are at high risk), then a cheaper alternative to buying zinc sunscreen is this stuff
It’s 40% zinc content emollient and lasts well even on sweaty faces (because it was made for wet bums).
Available in US and UK.
Get yourselves to the beach 👋🏼
There is some controversy about whether Sun Bum are as ‘reef safe’ as they claim. I couldn't find anything conclusive in either direction. Feel free to let me know if you have definitive info.
Which you should obviously always do, but ESPECIALLY for this badger
It’s even sadder that I didn’t realise this until after I’d left Brazil.