If there’s one skincare step you should never skip—yes, even in the UK—it’s sunscreen. But while we all know that facial SPF is a non-negotiable in any daily routine, finding an affordable sunscreen that offers serious protection and feels good on your skin can still feel like a chore. Whether you're after a multitasking moisturiser with SPF, a non-greasy body sunscreen, or one of the newer formats like SPF sticks or SPF sprays, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on performance.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best affordable sunscreens (including body sun creams, too) to suit every skin type, texture preference and application style. From lightweight SPF serums to mattifying options perfect for oily skin, you’ll find something here to slot seamlessly into your routine. And if you're not quite sure how to layer it properly (yes, you do still need to wear it underneath makeup), our expert tips on how to apply sunscreen will have you covered—literally.
I asked the Who What Wear UK editors, who have tested hundreds of SPFs between them, to share the best affordable sunscreens that they really rate and use themselves. These are first-hand recommendations that have been used day to day and on holiday, so you know these are genuinely the best of the bunch.
Best SPF Overall
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF 50+
La Roche-Posay's Anthelios is the gold-standard when it comes to SPF. It's loved by dermatologists, skin experts and beauty lovers alike for its trusted protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's the perfect facial SPF as it comes in a lightweight milky texture that sinks in quickly. Plus, it also comes in a few different versions (one for oily skin types, another to help address dark spots), so there's one for everyone. The formula is also non-fragranced, making it great for sensitive skin in particular.
Pros
Cons
Best Body SPF Overall
Hawaiian Tropic
Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
When I asked the Who What Wear UK team to share their favourite body SPF, this one came highly recommended. The lightweight lotion quickly sinks in (without leaving a white cast) while leaving skin feeling moisturised, soft and most importantly, protected from the sun with SPF 50. It has a tropical, beachy scent that is noticeable on the initial application, but it's not so overpowering that it will give you a headache. Inside the formula, you'll find shea butter and cocoa butter that intensely nourishes the skin—it basically doubles up as a body moisturiser as well as a sunscreen.
Pros
Cons
Beauty Pie
Super Healthy Skin Featherlight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer
Price shown is members' cost.
If you want a great, affordable sunscreen that works well underneath makeup, look no further. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Featherlight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer is one of the most lightweight SPFs I've tried. It has an ultra-light serum texture that melts into the skin to a natural finish. Once dry, it feels soft to the touch, so you can easily go in with foundation or a skin tint afterwards without it causing your makeup to go shiny throughout the day. In fact, my base makeup glides on like butter after using it, and the SPF 50 protection gives me peace of mind that my skin is protected, too.
"Beauty Pie's Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF is one of those products that once you use, you'll never use anything else," says . "It's 'featherlight' name says everything you need to know, it glides on the skin with ease, ensuring true hydration (something my skin is always in need of) and doesn't feel thick or sticky. As well as offering full protection at SPF 50, it is also a primer, and I genuinely feel my foundations look better and last longer when this is used before. This product really proves sun protection needn't be expensive."
Pros
Cons
Best Lightweight Body SPF
Vichy
Capital Soleil Tan Illuminating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF 30
Vichy's water spray SPFs are great if you want a lightweight SPF that dries to an invisible finish, thanks to its water-like consistency. It can be used on both the body and face and dries quickly on the skin, so you're not left feeling sticky. It's both sweat- and water-resistant and is hypoallergenic too, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. It also contains beta carotene, a plant compound that helps to promote a healthy glow, while the bi-phase formula (which you shake to mix) gives skin an immediate glow, too. It also has a very subtle smell that's very characteristic of French SPFs—so chic.
Pros
Cons
Byoma
Ultralight Face Fluid SPF 50
Byoma's latest SPF really won over our editorial team thanks to its lightweight texture that leaves skin hydrated, dewy and without a white cast. This truly does have an invisible finish. Plus, we're a big fan of the price £15 tag—this rivals more expensive sunscreens that we have tried. Ingredients-wise, you're also getting antioxidants, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to shield, restore and hydrate the skin. It dries down to a hydrating finish, making it ideal for most skin types.
"I’ve really been enjoying the Byoma Ultralight SPF 50," says . "It doesn’t leave a white cast on me, and it sits really nicely underneath makeup without pilling."Pros
Cons
Skin + Me
Daily Defence Oil-Free SPF 50 Sunscreen
Finding a good oil-free SPF can prove tricky, especially if you have an oily complexion or are prone to acne. Skin + Me's formula contains zero oil (which is often the culprit if you find most SPFs are too heavy or shiny) and promises not to clog pores. It also contains niacinamide and vitamin E to help control oil production, smooth skin texture and restore the skin barrier. Trust us—it won't leave a greasy residue either.
"As someone with acne-prone skin, lathering on heavy SPFs can make my whole body cringe, but Skin + Me is one step ahead with an acne-friendly offering that is lightweight, lightly scented and easy blends into the skin," says . "I've relied on this style for over a year now, and it's my daily go-to even in the winter months as I know I'm getting UVA and UVB protection, even on grey days."Pros
Cons
Best SPF For Dry Skin
The Ordinary
UV Filters SPF 45 Serum
If you have dry skin, step this way for your new favourite SPF. I road-tested The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum recently, and it left my skin feeling plumped and hydrated. The serum texture melts into the skin, leaving a plumped, dewy finish that keeps skin feeling hydrated all day—I'd highly recommend it if you have a dry, dehydrated or mature skin type.
Pros
Cons
Best Facial SPF For Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
This SPF was love at first try–it really lives up to its "air" name. It has a cream-gel texture that sinks in immediately on contact with the skin to a velvety-matte touch. No greasy residue here, so it's ideal for combination or oily skin types who are prone to shine. There's zero white cast, and it sits so well underneath makeup, too. I got a sneak preview of this SPF before the launch and tested it under a Woods lamp (which measures the effectiveness of sunscreen), and even hours after applying it, it gave me even and thorough protection. 10/10, no notes.
Pros
Cons
Best Glowy Facial SPF
Garnier
Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible SPF 50+
If you want glow with a capital G, then step this way. Garnier's peachy-toned SPF provides a radiant finish that subtly blurs the skin, too. It offers a slight sheer tint, so you may want to test if you have very fair skin. The addition of vitamin C helps to shield against pollution while helping to leave skin looking even-toned and bright.
Pros
Cons
Best Tinted SPF
Beauty of Joseon
Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
If you want a great tinted SPF, be sure to try Beauty of Joseon's newest SPF. Coming in 12 flexible shades from deep to fair, it delivers a veil of colour to gently uniform your complexion without masking your skin. You can wear it alone or follow up with concealer on just the areas that need it. This gives a natural, second-skin look and dries to a natural finish that's neither matte or dewy, making it great for all skin types.
: "I'm a big fan of tinted SPFs, and this Beauty of Joseon one is now a firm favourite," says . "One thing I will say is that it's very sheer, but it's ideal for no-makeup makeup days. The silky texture is like nothing else I've ever tried, and I'm recommending it to everyone I know."Pros
Cons
Garnier
Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF 50+
Topping up SPF over makeup can seem like an impossible task, but Garnier's Ambre Solaire Invisible Protect Mist SPF 30 makes it easy. While I wouldn't recommend it as your sole form of SPF protection, it's great for topping up throughout the day over makeup and on the go. It delivers a fine mist that effortlessly shields the skin and leaves a radiant glow over makeup.
Pros
Cons
Nivea
Sun Protect Caring Lip Balm SPF 50
Every year, I never fail to pick this up at the airport. Whether you're skiing or heading off to warmer climates, our lips can be one of the most vulnerable and forgotten areas when it comes to SPF protection, so make sure you have a dedicated SPF lip balm to prevent burning and chapping. Nivea's no-fuss formula leaves lips gently moisturised and shielded and is small enough to throw in your beach bag or a ski jacket.
Pros
- Easy to take on the go
Cons
- Some note an aftertaste after using
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
