Summer is quickly approaching, which means it's time to break out the sunscreen. Sunscreen is necessary for any outdoor activity, whether going to the beach, hiking, or having a picnic in the park. Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer, in addition to shielding the skin from harmful UV rays.
But with many options on the market, how do you determine which sunscreen best suits your needs? When deciding, there are numerous factors to consider the best sunscreen for your skin type and level of activity, ranging from spray to lotion, water-resistant to mineral-based. In this guide, we will go over the advantages of sunscreen, the various types of sunscreen, and how to select the most suitable option for your summer adventures.
10 Best Sunscreens in Australia 2024 - For All Skin Types
Table of Contents
Why It's Our Top Pick
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen is a top choice for anyone seeking a dependable and effective sunscreen with skincare benefits. It is popular among skincare enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike due to its high level of protection, lightweight texture, Aqua Booster EX technology, and nourishing ingredients.
It is a popular Japanese sunscreen with adequate sun protection and skincare benefits. This sunscreen milk has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin smooth and soft. With an SPF 50+ rating and PA++++, the highest level of UVA ray protection in the Japanese system, it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Key Ingredients
One of the key components of Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare is Aqua Booster EX technology. It enhances the sunscreen's UV protection against water or sweat. It is ideal for outdoor activities and sports, as rain or sweat does not easily remove it.
Effectiveness
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare is an excellent option for those searching for a high-quality sunscreen that offers both sun protection and skincare benefits. Its lightweight texture and long-lasting formula make it ideal for daily use. At the same time, its Aqua Booster EX technology is suitable for outdoor sports and activities.
Customer review
One customer raves about how effective the sunscreen is, claiming that it protects their skin from sunburn and prevents the formation of dark spots. Another customer compliments the sunscreen's texture, describing it as lightweight and non-greasy, making it simple to apply and wear throughout the day. Many customers appreciate the SPF 50+ PA rating's high level of protection, which gives them peace of mind when spending time outside.
Naked Sundays Golden Glow Body Sunscreen SPF50 is a high-quality sunscreen designed to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. This sunscreen can provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, which are known to cause skin damage and premature aging. The SPF of this sunscreen is 50 and offers excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen has high-quality, natural ingredients that are kind to your skin. It contains no harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, making it suitable for all skin types. Furthermore, it is vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, which benefits your skin and the environment.
Effectiveness
Naked Sundays Golden Glow is an excellent sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun's harmful rays. It imparts a natural-looking sun-kissed glow to your skin.
Customer Review
They recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and a natural-looking golden glow.
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen is a high-quality sunscreen for sensitive skin. This sunscreen's ultra-light texture makes it simple to apply and blend into the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling.
Key Ingredients
One of this sunscreen's distinguishing features is its 100% mineral filter formulation, free of chemical filters that may irritate sensitive skin. Zinc oxide, in particular, is well-known for its ability to calm and protect the skin, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
Effectiveness
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen is excellent for sensitive skin. Its ultra-light texture, non-comedogenic formula, and fragrance-free formulation. Its water resistance and dermatologist recommendation make it a safe bet for outdoor activities.
Customer Review
The product is very good at protecting the skin from the sun while being gentle. The sunscreen is easy to put on and blend into the skin because it is light and not greasy.
The ULTRA VIOLETTE Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance-Free Sunscreen is a high-quality sunscreen that protects well from the sun's harmful rays and smooths the skin.
Key Ingredients
The product has zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen that physically blocks UVA and UVB radiation. It is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or worried about chemical sunscreen ingredients. Also, the product has no scent, making it a good choice for people allergic to or sensitive to smells.
Effectiveness
The ULTRA VIOLETTE sunscreen is an excellent choice for people who want a high-quality mineral-based sunscreen. This product protects well from the sun and helps keep oil and shine under control. It's easy to wear every day because it's light and has a matte finish, and people with sensitive skin can use it because it doesn't have any scent.
Customer Review
The customer appreciated that the product was fragrance-free, as they had previously experienced skin irritation from fragrance-containing sunscreens. They also liked the mineral-based formula, providing physical sun protection without harsh chemicals.
The Cancer Council Sports Zinc SPF50+ Sunscreen Stick is a sun protection product designed to provide reliable and long-lasting UV ray protection. It comes as a convenient stick, making it easy to apply and carry around, especially during outdoor activities like sports or exercise.
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen stick has the advantage of being non-greasy and lightweight, which means it does not leave a heavy or oily residue on the skin after application. It is appropriate for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, and is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oxybenzone-free.
Effectiveness
The Cancer Council Sports Zinc SPF50+ Sunscreen Stick is water-resistant for up to four hours, making it ideal for swimming or surfing. It is also sweat-resistant, making it a perfect choice for those who participate in high-intensity sports or outdoor activities.
Customer Review
Customers have been happy with the Cancer Council Sports Zinc SPF50+ Sunscreen Stick. One customer said the stick is easy to use and doesn't leave any white residue behind. They also said it protects well from the sun when doing things outside, even for long periods.
EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF is a sunscreen for acne-prone skin. It is made of transparent zinc oxide, protecting against UVA and UVB rays.
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen also contains niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3 that can reduce acne-related inflammation and redness. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which which aids in the hydration and improvement of the skin's overall texture.
Effectiveness
EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't cause breakouts or clog pores. It is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
Customer Review
Several customers reported that sunscreen improved the appearance of their skin by reducing redness and inflammation. The formula's presence of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Cetaphil Sun Daylong SPF 30 Sensitive Gel-Spray suits individuals with sensitive skin. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for up to four hours. The absence of fragrances, parabens, and preservatives in the formula makes it suitable for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Key Ingredients
Cetaphil Sun Daylong SPF 30 Sensitive Gel-Spray contains a combination of UV filters. It includes Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M, which are well-known for their high photostability and UVA and UVB ray protection efficacy. It also contains glycerin and panthenol, which promote skin hydration and calmness, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Effectiveness
Cetaphil Sun Daylong SPF 30 Sensitive Gel-Spray is a highly effective and convenient sunscreen that offers dependable protection to individuals with sensitive skin. Its fast-absorbing, water-resistant formula and gel-spray packaging make it an excellent choice for individuals constantly moving.
Customer Review
This sunscreen is simple to apply and does not irritate or cause breakouts, even on sensitive skin. They like that it is water-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor activities like swimming or sports. Some customers prefer gel-spray formulas to traditional lotions or creams because they are less messy and easier to apply on the go.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a sunscreen that provides high-level UVA and UVB ray protection. Its intense hydration keeps skin healthy and youthful. This sunscreen's main ingredient is hyaluronic acid. This powerful humectant can retain moisture in the skin, plumping it up and improving its elasticity.
Key Ingredients
The sunscreen has a lightweight, watery gel-like texture that is easy to apply and blend and leaves the skin with a matte finish. Other nourishing ingredients in the formula include green tea extract, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and aloe vera extract, which soothes and calms the skin. Because it contains no parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones.
Effectiveness
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ is a hydrating and effective sunscreen for all skin types. Its lightweight texture and high level of protection make it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their skin healthy and youthful.
Customer Review
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ has received positive customer feedback. Many praise its lightweight, non-greasy formula and ability to provide adequate sun protection. They enjoy the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid, which leaves their skin soft and plump. Customers also like that this sunscreen does not irritate or cause breakouts, making it suitable for all skin types.
Wotnot Family Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ is a favorite sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen was created with families in mind and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The sunscreen contains no harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives and is made entirely of natural, plant-based ingredients.
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen contains zinc oxide and beeswax, known for their natural sun protection properties. Shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are in the sunscreen, which nourishes and hydrates the skin, preventing dryness and irritation.
Effectiveness
Wotnot Family Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ is a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly option for families looking for natural and gentle sun protection.
Customer Review
According to one customer, the sunscreen provided excellent sun protection while leaving no greasy or sticky residue on their skin. Another customer appreciated the sunscreen's natural and plant-based ingredients, which made it gentle and safe for their sensitive skin.
Ethical Zinc SPF50+ Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen Sensitive & Reef Safe Mineral is a sunscreen intended to provide high-level sun protection.
Key Ingredients
It contains natural clear zinc oxide, which forms a physical barrier on the skin and helps to reflect UVA and UVB rays away from the skin's surface. Because it does not contain the harmful chemicals found in traditional sunscreens, it is a safer option for both the skin and the environment.
Effectiveness
Because it is free of fragrances, preservatives, and other irritants that can cause skin allergies. If you have sensitive skin, this sunscreen is perfect for you. It is also gentle and non-greasy, making it simple to apply and wear throughout the day.
Customer Review
The customer highly recommends ethical Zinc Sunscreen to anyone looking for a safe and effective sunscreen that is gentle on the skin and the environment. They found the product to be of high quality and worth the investment, and they intend to use it again.
What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a product intended to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunlight's UV rays can lead to skin damage, early aging, and a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen forms a skin barrier that absorbs, reflects, or scatters UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
It is recommended that sunscreen be applied liberally to all exposed skin 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours or more frequently when swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is an essential component of any skincare regimen. Regular application can help protect the skin from sun damage and lower the risk of skin cancer.
Types of Sunscreen
Sunscreen has two types: physical (also known as mineral) sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen: Physical sunscreen comprises natural minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that work by reflecting UV radiation away from the skin. Physical sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin's surface. It is perfect for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to allergies.
Chemical sunscreen contains synthetic compounds such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat energy, then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreen is frequently preferred by those seeking a more lightweight and invisible sunscreen.
How Much Sunscreen is Enough
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
Choosing the best sunscreen can be challenging because so many options are available. Consider the following factors when choosing sunscreen:
Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The level of protection from UVB rays that can cause SPF indicates sunburns. For daily use, an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is recommended. However, remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% UV protection.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen: Look for a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays damage the skin over time, causing premature aging and skin cancer.
Water-resistant: Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you intend to swim or sweat. Remember, however, that no sunscreen is completely waterproof, and you'll need to reapply after you get out of the water.
Skin type: Select a sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type. Look for a lightweight, oil-free formula if you have oily skin. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen if you have dry skin. People with sensitive skin should look for sunscreens that contain physical blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Ingredients: Examine the list to ensure no ingredients could cause an allergic reaction or irritation.
Formulations: Sunscreens are available in various formulations, including lotion, spray, gel, and stick. Select a formula that is simple to apply and comfortable to wear.
Brand reputation: Select a reputable brand that adheres to the guidelines of the FDA and other regulatory authorities
Best Sunscreen Brands in Australia
It's essential to consider your skin type, the amount of anticipated sun exposure, and if you want a water-resistant product when selecting a sunscreen. The best sunscreen brands in Australia are as follows:
Naked Sundays Sunscreen
This brand offers mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen products. Their sunscreens are vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen
This French brand offers a range of skincare products, including sunscreens. Their sunscreens are gentle on sensitive skin and offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Ultra Violette Sunscreen
This Australian brand offers a range of sunscreens as a daily moisturizer. Their sunscreens can protect against UVA and UVB rays. They are available in various finishes and formulas to suit different skin types.
Cancer Council Sunscreen
This Australian organization provides information and resources about skin cancer prevention and offers a range of sunscreen products. Their sunscreens are formulated to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and are water-resistant.
Neutrogena Sunscreen
This famous American brand offers a range of skincare products, including sunscreens. Their sunscreens are oil-free and lightweight, making them suitable for daily use.
When choosing a sunscreen, essential to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously and regularly to ensure adequate protection.
Sunscreen Price Range here in Australia
The price range of sunscreens in Australia can vary depending on the product's brand, formula, and size. Here are some general price ranges:
- Budget: $5 to $15
- Mid-range: $15 to $30
- High-end: $30 to $50 and above
Where to Buy Sunscreens in Australia?
There are many places to buy sunscreen in Australia. Here are some common options:
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Online retailers
- Beach and outdoor stores
When purchasing sunscreen, check the expiration date, the SPF rating, and whether it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's also a good idea to read reviews and look for products that suit your skin type and specific needs (e.g., water-resistant, fragrance-free, etc.).
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential component of any skincare regimen. because it protects our skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF can aid in the prevention of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. To ensure maximum protection and effectiveness, consider skin type, formulation, and ingredients when selecting a sunscreen. We can help protect our skin and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion by incorporating sunscreen into our daily routine and following proper application guidelines.