Glass Guide to the Best SPF Sunscreens

IN CASE you hadn’t noticed, here in the UK, we are in the middle of a blistering heatwave. This gives us an opportunity to revisit which Sun Protection Factor (SPF) product to use (you could hide away in a darkened room, but that isn’t a very realistic option).

SPFs can cause a lot of confusion – should I choose a mineral or a chemical one? What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays? – Happily, there are now many options available with brilliant new textures and formulations to treat all concerns.

The general accepted advice is to use SPF30 or more – applied generously and reapplied regularly. Personally, I want as much skin protection as possible, so I am wedded to using SPF 50 year-round.

I spoke to the leading London-based aesthetic and skincare expert, Dr Brendan Khong, to demystify this non-negotiable essential step in your skincare routine.

Can you tell me why using SPF is a key part of a skincare routine?

SPF is the single most evidence-backed step in any skincare routine. UV exposure is the main driver of preventable skin ageing — it breaks down collagen and elastin, triggers pigmentation, and causes the kind of cumulative DNA damage linked to skin cancer.In my clinical practice, I spend a lot of time helping patients rebuild collagen and improve skin quality through regenerative treatments — but none of that holds up if the skin is left unprotected day to day. SPF isn’t a “nice to have” alongside actives like retinoids or vitamin C; it’s what protects the investment you’re making in your skin, whether that’s from your products or from in-clinic treatment.

What is the difference, in your view, between mineral and chemical SPFs?

The textbook explanation is that mineral filters (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide) sit on the skin and reflect/scatter UV, while chemical filters (like Avobenzone or Tinosorb) absorb UV and convert it to heat. However, in reality, that distinction is a bit oversimplified –mineral filters absorb a meaningful amount of UV too, not just reflect it – and well-formulated modern versions of both categories perform comparably in terms of protection.

Where they actually differ is in skin feel and tolerability. Mineral SPFs tend to be gentler and better suited to sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin, though they can leave more of a cast unless micronised or tinted. Chemical SPFs are usually more cosmetically elegant and blend invisibly, which matters for daily wear under makeup. So I’d frame it less as “mineral vs chemical” and more as “which formulation suits your skin type and lifestyle” – the label matters less than the quality of the formulation and how consistently you wear it.

What is the best way to choose and use an SPF?

A few practical principles:

• Always look for broad spectrum, SPF 30–50+ with a clear UVA rating (PA++++ or a high UVA star rating)
• Always use enough – roughly a teaspoon for the face and neck; most people apply far too little. Aim for 2 finger lengths for the face, a finger length for the neck.
• Reapply every two hours if outdoors, swimming, or sweating.
• Match the texture to your skin – gel or fluid formulas for oily skin, richer creams for dry skin, mineral formulas for sensitive or post-treatment skin.
  • Wear it daily, year-round – UVA penetrates cloud cover and glass, so this isn’t just a summer or beach-day step.

I’d also pair it with antioxidants like vitamin C in the morning, which give an extra layer of protection against the UV that does get through. But the single biggest improvement most people could make isn’t switching products – it’s simply applying enough, consistently.

From heatwave heroes to budget buys to luxury, the Glass SPF guide has you covered.

They work hard for the money

Mid-range heroes

The Luxe Edit

by Caroline Simpson