The Skin Rocks Team’s Top Sunscreens for Summer 2026

The Skin Rocks Team’s Top Sunscreens for Summer 2026

Daily sunscreen is the smartest move you can make for your skin — helping protect the skin from UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and offering the most crucial anti-ageing defence in your skincare strategy.

Here, we ask the Skin Rocks team for its ride-or-die sunscreen picks for 2026.

Nicky Connors — Senior Copy and Content Manager

Ultrasun Photo Age Control Fluid SPF50

I am a stickler for a tried and trusted brand that I can happily use across my entire family’s skin, and I’ve regularly bought Ultrasun and Altruist for myself and the kids for as long as I can remember (both are great for strong UVA protection and sensitive-skin). 

As an Ultrasun fan I was excited to try its new Photo Age Control Fluid SPF50, and as I wear SPF50 365 days a year, I expect more than just brilliant protection from a facial sunscreen. This is a great example of how far formulations have come in recent years, and how a truly great formula is now almost indistinguishable from skincare. It has a lovely lightweight serum-like texture,  key actives to target pigmentation and uneven skin tone, and has a high concentration of ectoin which is great to hydrate my dry skin. It also sits seamlessly and invisibly on the skin, gives a gorgeous glassy glow and makes the best primer under makeup — everything just glides over it so beautifully.  There’s a lot packed into this tube!

There’s a UK/Europe partnership offer on right now, so if you want to try this fabulous formula now’s the time — you’ll get it free with every £60+ Skin Rocks spend!  Shop here.

Andrea Gonzalez — Head of Digital

Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50

I lived in Australia for 8 years so I've tried A LOT of sunscreens. Fave Fluid is by far my favourite. It's not sticky or tacky and it sinks in immediately, it's literally like wearing nothing. And the best thing is, no matter what serums or moisturisers I use underneath and what makeup I wear on top, it never pills!

Alexandria Banks — Creative Lead 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++

I've used this sunscreen for 5+ years and wouldn't use anything else! It's lightweight and feels virtually invisible on the skin. It leaves the most beautiful, healthy glow too. Super hydrating without ever feeling greasy, making it comfortable to wear every day. I can reapply it throughout the day and it always leaves my skin looking fresh, radiant and most importantly protected.

Hannah Gale — Ecommerce Assistant 

Dr Sam's Flawless Gossamer Tint 01

Pure mineral sunscreens are very hard to come by in the UK. They’re either a hybrid formula, well over my budget, or an old school chalky mess - but not this one. This one has been my saviour. I’m using some hardcore, prescription actives on my skin at the moment to fade some post-acne scarring so I need to be doubly sure my skin is protected from the sun, while also being mindful of my eczema. 

This SPF is glowy but also keeps my oily T-zone in check. The tint is just what I need for day-to-day wear and for evening out my redness so I only need to spot conceal problem areas. I’m very pale and Tint 1 is absolutely perfect for me (not orange in the slightest) and there’s zero white cast. It’s a dreamy formula to use, and I already have backups to ensure I’m never without it, especially now summer is around the corner.

Cora Hobbins — Communications Coordinator

Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50 

My favourite SPF ever — I was gifted this, and it feels incredibly luxe. It has the most beautiful texture that leaves the perfect amount of sheen for my dry skin, and the chic, slim packaging tops it all off and makes it perfect for holidays.

Cathal Larkin— Community Coordinator 

Banila Co Hello Sunny Aqua Essence SPF50+

I picked up the Banila Co Hello Sunny Aqua Essence SPF50+ on my recent trip to Korea and it has quickly become a new favourite! It is lightweight and hydrating but doesn't feel greasy! I have a big issue with sunscreens stinging my eyes but this one doesn't at all. I have worn it alone and under makeup and there has been no pilling so it is hitting all the marks for me.

Ceyda Faik-Yildirum— Product and Education Executive

Naturium Dew-Glow SPF

I love an SPF which is glowy, and this one makes your skin look so nice both under and without makeup. It’s fragrance free which is good for sensitive/breakout prone skin like mine, and is rich enough to be used in place of a moisturiser without feeling heavy or greasy. I also love the fact that there’s a pump on the tube packaging — it makes it clean, mess-free and easy to dispense.

Isobel Painter — New Business Consultant Skin Rocks Pro

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh SPF50

My current favourite is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh SPF50. The lightweight texture feels incredibly comfortable on the skin and absorbs easily without leaving any tacky, sticky, or heavy residue.  What I particularly love is the fresh, hydrated glow it gives the skin without looking greasy. As someone with acne prone and congestion prone skin, I appreciate that it feels breathable and doesn't contribute to clogged pores or breakouts. Overall, it's an excellent everyday chemical sunscreen that delivers a dewy, healthy looking finish.

Olivia Morris — Social and Marketing Manager 

Supergoop Glowscreen

My favourite SPF is the Supergoop Glowscreen as it's super hydrating (which I need as I have such dry skin) and the glow is leaves literally looks like I've got make up on. On a good skin day I will finish my skincare with this then start putting on make up  — without any complexion product!

Sophie Casey — Assistant Marketing Manager 

Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50

My current favourite SPF is the Augustinus Bader SPF50. It is SO hydrating, leaves my skin feeling silky smooth, and sits beautifully under make up. No stingy eyes or irritation. It's my holy grail SPF going forward.

Amber Rose — Mid-Weight Creative

Ultrasun UV Face And Scalp Mist SPF50

As someone who loves wearing my parting out in the sun, this is hands down the best scalp mist I've tried. It protects my scalp without leaving my hair feeling greasy, heavy or weighed down with product. I also love that it can be applied to my face, making it incredibly versatile. It's super easy to reapply throughout the day and takes minimal effort, which makes it perfect for everyday use.

Evie Jennings — Junior Graphic Designer

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50

My favourite SPF is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+. I tried this for the first time two years ago and it has been my holy grail ever since. It's super lightweight which makes it perfect for my oily skin, especially in the summer, but it's also really hydrating and feels amazing on my skin. It's great value for money!

Iymaan Sheikh Principal Programme Manager

 EVY Daily Defence Face Mousse 75ml 

I absolutely love Evy's Daily Defence Mousse SPF and keep coming back to it every summer. It gives my skin a beautiful, healthy glow and is incredibly easy to apply. As a brown-skinned individual, I really appreciate that it leaves no white or grey cast, which can be an issue with so many other sunscreens.

On its own, it leaves a gorgeous, radiant finish and it also works really well under makeup without pilling. It's so hydrating that it almost feels like a 2-in-1 product but without being too much for my combination skin. Plus, it's genuinely fun to apply as the product comes out as a whipped mousse.

The only slight downside is that it can sting my eyes if they’re particularly sensitive, but for me, that’s a small price to pay for an otherwise near-perfect SPF. I would definitely repurchase it.

Words by Nicky Connors - Team Skin Rocks 
Qualifications - Beauty Industry Professional, 25 years | BA (Hons) English | Beauty Writer | Copy Editor | HND Specialist Makeup 

Image Credits:

Ultrasun (Photo Age Control Fluid)
UltraViolette
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
Dr Sam's
Augustinus Bader
Banila Co
Natrium
Beauty of Joseon (Relief Sun Aqua Fresh)
Supergoop 
Ultrasun (Face and Scalp Mist)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
EVY

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