We know we should be wearing SPF every day. It's the cardinal rule of skincare.
Your algorithm doesn’t need to be dominated by dermatologists emphasising this message, nor do you need to have a particular interest in skincare to be aware of this, it’s something that has been stressed to us since our childhood beach breaks. But much like we complained when our parents held us down and slathered it onto our skin before we raced into the sea, SPF is often still not the most pleasant experience to apply.
Sun creams can be laborious, sticky and leave a white cast in their wake. Some formulas even have a way of exacerbating skincare concerns, especially those with sensitive, oily or blemish-prone skin. All of which is not conducive to us wanting to put it on our face every AM. So that’s where non-comedogenic SPF comes in.
What does non-comedogenic mean?
Dermatica's Medical Writer Zoe Lees explains, “Non-comedogenic simply means that the product is formulated to be less likely to clog pores”. It can be applied in the context of skincare with the likes of moisturiser as well as makeup, with foundations as a particular interest.
How does SPF work?
“A sunscreen – or UV–filter is the active ingredient responsible for shielding your skin from the dangers of sun exposure and the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation”, Lees reveals. “There are two different types of UV rays – called UVA and UVB. While UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s dermis”.
She breaks down the different types:
- “Mineral sunscreens often referred to as physical sunscreen or inorganic sunscreen: these use mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect the skin from UV exposure. Physical UV filters create a physical barrier on the outer layer of the skin and work primarily by reflecting and scattering UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. The broad-spectrum protection they offer makes physical formulas an excellent choice for those seeking natural and immediate sun protection.
- Chemical sunscreens, also known as organic or synthetic sunscreens, contain active ingredients such as avobenzone, octocrylene or oxybenzone. These common chemical UV filters work by absorbing UV light through a chemical reaction and transforming it into heat, which is then released from the skin. This mechanism allows for a lighter formulation, making chemical formulas comfortable and easy to use – even on acne-prone and sensitive skin types”.
Can SPF cause spots?
Lees says, “Like all products, if a sunscreen contains comedogenic ingredients, it can clog your pores. Look for non-comedogenic formulations, lightweight and fragrance-free formulations if you’re prone to spots”.
What should you look for in your SPF?
“We always recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+”, she stresses. “While SPF 30 filters approximately 97 per cent of UVB rays, SPF 50 provides a slightly higher level of protection, filtering around 98 per cent of these rays. The difference may seem modest, but it becomes more important if you’re exposed to the sun for long periods”.
She continues, “Regardless of SPF rating, it’s important to apply enough broad-spectrum sunscreen, correctly, and reapply every two hours (or after swimming or sweating). UVA (long wave) rays are as harmful as UVB rays, and are a major contributor to premature skin ageing and deeper skin damage. However, SPF ratings don’t explicitly measure protection against UVA rays.
“To find out if your sunscreen has UVA protection, always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that says it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Some sunscreens may also include a separate UVA rating to show they protect against UVA rays. Making sure you have broad-spectrum protection against both types of ultraviolet rays is essential for maintaining your overall skin health, preventing accelerated skin ageing and long-term damage while lowering your risk of skin cancer”.
We have put SPF formulas through their paces to find the best non-comedogenic SPF. See the results below
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel
Ask any top facialist which SPF brand they rate, and Heliocare will invariably be mentioned thanks to its ability to hang around. This one is perfect if you’re spot-prone — but that thing about it hanging around is absolutely true so be extra fastidious about cleansing before bed.
Buy now £22.97, Heliocare
La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Solar Protector for Sensitive Skin SPF50
La Roche Posay is best known for providing advanced formula for sensitive skin – and that’s the approach the French pharmacy label has taken when creating its lip balm. First and foremost, the suncream stick is water-resistant and can be slathered all over the skin, especially on areas prone to burning like the lips but also the eyes, nose and ears.
Standing the test of time, the long-lasting formula glides onto the skin without leaving a greasy residue in its wake, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. This is all while hydrating the skin with the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water ingredient.
Buy now £13.65, Amazon
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml
Every dermatologist you will ever speak to will stress the importance of wearing SPF daily. This doesn’t need to be a chore, in fact, CeraVe has created this moisturiser to be used every day to protect your skin from the sun with SPF50 coverage. It provides a broad spectrum shield to limit exposure to ageing UVA and burning UVB, while remaining lightweight.
The sun’s rays can negatively impact the skin barrier, leading to fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and loss of elasticity. SPF is the first defence to repair and protect and prevent sensitivity, inflammation and peeling.
Buy now £13.20, lookfantastic
Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen SPF 30
A suncream without the laborious thick texture, Ultra Violette is leading a revolution in the SPF space with formulas that are a dream to apply. The Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen is packed with kind-to-skin ingredients that nourish while shielding from the harmful sun’s rays.
It was created with sensitive skin types in mind as well as blemish-prone with a lightweight texture that shouldn’t cause breakouts. The product is free from artificial fragrance and alcohol and instead includes soothing broad-spectrum shielding titanium dioxide.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Lightweight Cream SPF50+
Applying this cream from Caudalie feels like a luxurious treat. Gone are the days when SPF was an arduous chore, this suncare product makes light work of the application process. The formula is made up of the French label’s signature ingredient - grape-derived polyphenols - to soothe skin.
It will sit undetected under your makeup but still packs a powerful protective punch, shielding from UVA and UVB rays. It’s not sticky on the skin and is free from any nasties and so, it’s non-toxic to marine life. The product has a beautiful but subtle floral fragrance.
Buy now £25.00, Cult Beauty
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum
A cult brand among those in the know, Beauty of Joseon’s sun serum is so easily layerable that many of its fans use it double duty as a primer too, locking makeup in place while protecting against UVA and UVB rays. It’s a gel consistency that is lightweight (as all good serums should be).
The star ingredient is ginseng, a component that is considered an important herbal medicine known as Shincho, which translates to ‘herb from the gods’. It is renowned for its long-lasting hydration and is set alongside niacinamide to balance sebum, brighten pigmentation and smooth out uneven texture.
Honourable mention goes to the beloved Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun which contains rice extract and a grain probiotics complex.
Buy now £15.44, Amazon
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
South Korean label Thank You Farmer was created to cut through the beauty noise. Forget over complicated formulations and long lists of ingredients that no one has heard of, the label instead prioritises natural and farm-grown ingredients, all in a bid to delay the skin’s ageing process.
Its own 8-Relieful Complex is at the heart of the Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream and contains eight elements like chia seed, honeysuckle and liquorice root extracts that calm inflammation, enrich the complexion with antioxidants and are all plant-based. Gentle on the skin, while packing powerful UV protection, it is a lightweight, non-greasy product that melts into the skin.
Buy now £22.00, Cult Beauty
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 50ml
The lightweight gel texture of Isntree’s cult favourite SPF50 makes it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types. The thin consistency deceives the high-factor protection and is easily spread and absorbed across the complexion.
When applied, it has a mattifying effect without leaving white casts behind. Instead, the addition of eight varieties of the hydration hero hyaluronic acid and soothing Centella Asiatica fortifies the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Buy now £21.00, Superdrug
