14 best sunscreens for the face - rating for 2021

Updated: 02/19/2021 18:42:29

Expert: Daria Alekseevna Litvinova

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Previously, many people believed that sunscreen cosmetics for the face were needed only in the summer. However, over time, dermatologists and cosmetologists began to focus on the fact that although it is quite difficult to get a burn in winter, even the cold sun affects the dermis and can provoke the development of cancer pathology. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of the sun or hide from it by any means.

In order to protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, sunscreen filters are added to creams. They are divided into 2 types:

Physical filters. They create a dense film on the surface of the skin that reflects the sun's rays. The most popular of them are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical filters. They are absorbed by the skin, acting on its surface and in the upper layers. They receive and reflect the rays of the sun. The active components of such filters can protect against UVA, UVA, or both.

In creams with SPF, it is common to use both types of filters at once. This provides a wide range of protection. The higher the SPF factor, the better the product will perform sun protection functions. This review will look at the best sunscreens for the face from dermatocosmetics, luxury cosmetics and the mass market.

Sunscreen for the face, which company is better to choose?

Manufacturers create many care products, but not all of them have a reliable composition and are safe for the epidermis. The rating describes manufacturers who create only the best sunscreens for the face, and you should pay attention to them:

• LA Roche-Posay has been producing cosmetics for the face and body since 1928. It became popular in France, then began exporting the product to various countries in Europe and the CIS, including Russia.
• Holy land - founded in 1994, headed by Zvi Dekel. Every year the company tries to implement new technologies for creating professional cosmetics, and has made noticeable progress. The quality of the product is always at a high level.
• Nivea is a trademark owned by the German company Beiersdorf AG. The products are environmentally friendly, safe and effective. It is supplied to various European countries and is recognized in many American cities.
• L'Oreal is a French company founded in 1909 by chemist Eugene Schullet. Located in France, it received its first success within the country. Natural cosmetics began to be exported to different countries after just a few years of existence. Annual turnover averages 25 billion euros.
• Bioderma is a medical cosmetics company founded in Lyon by leading dermatologists in France. She began her work in the 70s; activists became interested in the products, wanting to prove to the whole world that cosmetics can affect the skin, protecting it from external irritation.
• Avene - the company has existed since 1989, initially its area was 2000 sq.m. It then expanded, increasing its area, volume and number of employees in 1992, 1998, 2003 and 2010. Today it is 17,000 sq. m, it employs 230 employees.
• Garnier is a French cosmetics manufacturer, the brand was founded in 1906 by perfumer and hairdresser Alfred Garnier. The brand gained great success in 1965, at that time the brand was bought by the doctor Gaston Roussel, who slightly modified the name - Laboratoires Garnier.
• Ducray is a brand founded by French figure Albert Ducray, who noticed that cosmetics in many French salons were harmful to hair. He developed new technologies for creating products for the face and body, using only useful ingredients.
• Vichy is a French cosmetics brand founded in 1931, and since 1955 it has been owned by the large company L'Oreal. The brand became recognizable at the end of the 90s, its products began to be supplied to various European countries.

Rating of sunscreens for the face

When constructing the rating, many features of cosmetics were taken into account, including the opinions of cosmetologists, reviews of girls who regularly use creams, as well as the results of comparative tests. All three types of testing showed similar results, so for a more accurate picture, additional characteristics were tested, namely:

• Compound;
• Consistency;
• Smell;
• Efficiency;
• Frequency of use;
• Price.

Additional characteristics allowed us to create a rating that shows which sunscreen is good for the face and which is not so good.

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Russian quality system standard

The standard of the Russian quality system includes the requirements of TR CU 009/2011, as well as GOSTs regulating a number of indicators of perfumery and cosmetic products and methods of their research.

According to the Roskoshestvo standard, the SPF of a sunscreen must correspond to the declared one. The pH value should be in the range of 5–9. Water resistance (for waterproof sunscreens) – at least 50%.

The localization level of sunscreen production must be at least 35%.

The requirements of the Roskachestvo standard are voluntary and are not mandatory for the manufacturer, however, products that do not meet these requirements cannot qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.

The best sunscreens for the face with SPF 50+

The degree of sun protection in creams marked SPF 50+ is much higher. Such products should contain soothing substances in the form of niacinamide, Asian centella extract, minerals (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide), vitamins, hyalurnic acid, which prevents skin aging. Antioxidants provide good prevention against the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. When constructing the rating, 7 types of products were tested, of which only 3 types of creams with SPF 50+ passed the test.

Bioderma Aquafluid Photoderm Max SPF 50+

The cream has a delicate texture, prevents the appearance of age spots, and is easy to apply. It quickly evens out the tone, does not leave an oily sheen, and evens out wrinkles. The composition contains hyaluronic acid, which additionally protects the skin from aging, moisturizes, and nourishes with beneficial components. Natural cosmetics based on plant ingredients do not create an oily sheen, are suitable for women of different age groups, and soften expression lines near the corners of the eyes. It is enough to apply the cream to a cleansed face before going outside, providing you with protection for the whole day.

Advantages

• No oiliness appears on the skin;
• Easy to level;
• Pleasant consistency;
• High degree of protection;
• Good effect.

Flaws

• The effect of aquafluids is not noticeable.

Sunscreen is suitable for most women; it contains vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals necessary for the dermis. The softening and moisturizing effect of the product gives a noticeable result after the first application.

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Avene High Protection Mineral Cream SPF 50

Cream with a mineral screen protects well from exposure to sunlight, is suitable for sensitive skin, and is safe. It does not contain parabens and chemicals that negatively affect the skin. The product is suitable for milky white and fair skin, does not irritate, does not cause the appearance of age spots. It is recommended to apply it to the face before going out into the sun, as well as throughout the day, being exposed to its negative effects. Created for sensitive dermis, as the composition does not contain chemically harmful components. It is used not only by women, but also by men.

Advantages

• Easy to apply;
• Does not dry;
• Evens out the tone;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Safe composition.

Flaws

• Not detected.

Most reviews describe the effectiveness and beneficial properties of the sunscreen for the face against pigmentation; it is suitable for sensitive dermis, does not cause irritation, and evens out the tone. With regular use, it allows you to achieve a light, safe tan that does not cause age spots and freckles.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Expert Protection SPF 50

Waterproof sunscreen face cream after 50 years is suitable for sensitive skin, does not irritate, does not cause allergies, is instantly absorbed, and does not leave an oily sheen. After application, it is not felt on the skin, smoothes out, and creates an even tone. The spray is suitable not only for the face, but also for the body, and prevents the appearance of age spots that occur under the influence of sunlight. The product is hypoallergenic, so it can be used even by women prone to seasonal allergies. The composition does not contain parabens, ethyl alcohol, dyes or other harmful substances, so the spray does not dry out or cause discomfort.

Advantages

• High quality;
• Affordable price;
• Economical consumption;
• Protects well;
• Quickly absorbed;
• Nice smell.

Flaws

• Not suitable for oily skin.

The spray acts on the epidermis, is suitable for sensitive skin, but can leave an unpleasant shine. You can use it several times a day, it is moisture resistant and does not pill.

How to use it correctly

There are just a few basic rules that will help you get the maximum benefit from using the cream:

1. Firstly, the product is a kind of “final chord”, that is, it must be applied at the very end. If you apply it, for example, to another cream, it will not be so effective.
2. Secondly, regarding applying moisturizer after sunscreen, there is no need to do this. The fact is that sun cream already contains all the necessary nutrients and antioxidants that perfectly protect and moisturize the skin.
3. And last, but not least, the rule: apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going outside, as it must be absorbed into the skin. If it is not absorbed, not only will your skin not receive the necessary protection, but you also risk leaving greasy marks on your clothes.

The best sunscreens for the face for age spots

Sunscreens for problem skin do not contain chemicals or artificial dyes, which additionally provoke the appearance of age spots or freckles. They should consist of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, oils that provide a good barrier to sunlight, nourish, soften, and saturate with useful components. Creams should have a delicate, light consistency, absorb quickly, and not leave a greasy sheen. Before constructing a rating of the best sunscreens for the face against age spots, comparative tests were carried out among 5 nominees. Of these, only 2 items passed the test.

Ducray Melascreen Brown Spots Very High Protection

The cream provides maximum sun protection, is suitable for dry skin, additionally moisturizes, reduces the number of age spots and freckles, and reduces the risk of new ones appearing. The formula protects against pigmentation, fights aging, protects against UVA and UVB. The components present in it not only protect from the sun, improve complexion, and nourish with necessary vitamins and minerals. The product is quickly absorbed, does not leave a greasy sheen, and does not cause allergies. Suitable for use by girls and women of all ages. Apply not only to the face, but also to the neck, décolleté, and hands.

Advantages

• Fits well on the face;
• Does not leave a greasy shine;
• Universal use;
• Pleasant aroma;
• Good composition;
• Affordable price.

Flaws

• Not detected.

Based on reviews, we can conclude that the product protects against the negative effects of the sun, additionally nourishes with beneficial components, and is ideally tolerated at different ages. It contains no parabens or dyes, so it does not cause allergies and is suitable for problem skin.

Vichy Capital Ideal Soleil SPF 50+

The French product fights pigment spots and prevents their appearance under the influence of sunlight. The milk is applied evenly to the face, does not cause irritation, is quickly absorbed, and does not leave an oily sheen. Its delicate consistency is evenly applied to the face, creating an even tone. The composition contains vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid, which additionally nourishes and saturates with the necessary components. Milky can be applied to the face several times a day, as it moisturizes well, does not clog pores, and is safe. Thanks to its water resistance, after applying the milk you can stay in the sun for a long time, swim in the pool, without losing its protective properties.

Advantages

• Quickly absorbed;
• Softening effect;
• Safe for the face;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Reduces the appearance of age spots;
• Water resistant.

Flaws

• Not everyone will like the smell.

Reviews focus on the water resistance of the milk, which remains on the dermis even when exposed to sunlight. It nourishes well, saturates with useful components, does not cause allergies, and is suitable for women over 50 years old. It is enough to apply the product every 4-5 hours, maintaining complete safety for the epidermis throughout the day.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a sunscreen, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• SPF When going out into the sun for the first time, you should choose maximum protection to avoid getting sunburned. Once the skin gets used to the sun's rays, the level of protection can be reduced. The lighter the skin, the higher the SPF factor should be. And most importantly, depending on the SPF, do not forget to renew the cream.
• Purpose of the cream. There are creams intended only for the body, and others for the face and décolleté. Adult sunscreens should not be used on children. Children's skin is more susceptible to sunlight, so baby creams contain substances that create a protective barrier.
• Compound. Many creams contain substances that can cause allergies. Organic creams are made from natural ingredients. Manufacturers often add oils and vitamins for care.
• Range of action. Not all sunscreens can protect against long sun rays.
• Waterproof property of the cream. Some creams are washed off with water and you must remember to renew them so as not to get burned.
• Volume and expiration date. The cream should not be stored for more than 2 years. After a period of time, it loses its properties and can cause irritation and allergies.

Which face sunscreen is best to buy?

Cosmetics for protecting the face from the sun consist of different components and are suitable for a particular age category. Among the entire rating, there are several names of cosmetics that are worth paying attention to:

• LA Roche-Posay 30+ - good composition, quickly absorbed, suitable for short exposure to the sun;
• Nivea Sun 30 – sunscreen lotion, does not leave an oily sheen, universal in its use;
• Bioderma Aquafluid Photoderm Max SPF 50+ - a product with a delicate texture, suitable for dermis with age-related changes;
• Garnier Ambre Solaire Expert Protection SPF 50 – waterproof for long sun exposure;
• Ducray Melascreen Brown Spots Very High Protection - good composition, suitable for faces with age spots.

Sunscreens should act quickly on the dermis, create a good barrier against sun rays, moisturize, and prevent the appearance of freckles, age spots or irritation.

Comparative table of the presented funds

Basic information about each cream is contained in the table.