5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Best Face Sunscreen

1. Check the SPF rating

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It indicates a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and certain types of skin cancer.

The higher the SPF, the longer and more effectively your skin will be protected against UVB damage.

For the face, an SPF of 50 or 50+ is generally recommended to ensure the best possible sun protection. And no, it’s not just for fair skin! People with darker skin tones also need very high protection, because even though they’re less prone to sunburn, they’re still vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays.

2. Look for the label “UVB + UVA”

Sunscreens protect against UVB rays... but not always against UVA rays. Yet UVA rays are present all year round. They penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for:

• Premature skin aging.
• Pigment spots.
• Certain types of skin cancer and certain chronic skin conditions.

When choosing a facial sunscreen, check the packaging to make sure it says “UVB + UVA” inside a circle: this guarantees broad-spectrum protection against both types of UV rays emitted by the sun.

3. Pay attention to the texture

Sunscreen is recommended every day, so it might as well be pleasant to apply and wear on a daily basis. Because, let’s face it, if you don’t like the texture of your sunscreen, you might not use it as often as you should.

Since the best facial sunscreen is the one you won't mind applying, opt for a light, fluid texture that's easy to spread and doesn't leave a greasy film or unsightly white streaks on your skin.

Fortunately, these days, many facial sunscreens offer optimal comfort during application and an invisible finish, even on olive or black skin.

There are also tinted moisturizers with SPF that even out the complexion and give you a healthy glow while protecting your skin from UV rays.

4. Choose a formula that's right for your skin

A good facial sunscreen should not clog pores or cause shine, breakouts, irritation, or allergic reactions.

To avoid unpleasant surprises—especially if you have sensitive, atopic, oily, or blemish-prone skin—it’s best to choose a sunscreen with a lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula that has been dermatologically tested.

5. Check the sunscreens

Certain sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octocrylene, are suspected of being endocrine disruptors and may cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive skin.

Choose a sunscreen that doesn't contain controversial filters—that is, one formulated with:

• mineral filters (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) that are well tolerated even by sensitive skin;
• or next-generation chemical filters (Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate…) which are now among the safest, most reliable, and best-tolerated by the skin.

6. (BONUS) Think about the environment

Protect your skin effectively from UV rays—yes—but not at the expense of the oceans. Some sunscreens contain toxic and/or polluting filters that can harm marine life, particularly coral reefs.

For more responsible use, the best option is to choose a "reef-safe" sunscreen or one formulated to minimize its impact on the marine environment.

In short: the perfect facial sunscreen does exist!

It should include:
✅ SPF 50 or 50+ with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
✅ A pleasant, non-greasy texture that doesn’t leave white streaks.
✅ A formula suited to your skin type (blemishes, sensitivity, dark skin, etc.).
✅ Sunscreen filters that are safe for your skin and the environment.

Are you still looking for the best sunscreen—the one that checks all the boxes?

Discover the Invisible Cream and NUHANCIAM’s SPF 50+ Tinted Creams. Dermatologically tested, they are gentle on every skin type and tone—and on the planet:

• The Invisible Cream : for high-performance UVB and UVA protection that blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a white cast or feeling greasy or sticky.
• The SPF 50+ Tinted Moisturizers (available in three shades: light, medium, and dark) that offer both very high broad-spectrum protection and a complexion-perfecting effect with a matte, dry finish.