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The 10 best sunscreens to shop in Australia

These sunscreens can keep you glowing without you getting burnt. - by Tina Burke
  • 18 Apr 2022

If there's one thing we know to be true, it's that Australia can get a little crazy with the weather. From scorching temperatures to wild thunderstorms, we can see every extreme weather pattern in the span of one day. 

WATCH: Sunscreen tips to keep protected every day

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There's no point placing your trust in weather apps in this country. But one thing you absolutely should be doing regardless of the temperature, is applying sunscreen - or as we like to call it, slipping, slopping, and slapping - every single day.

Australia has a higher UV index than most other countries around the world, thanks to the hole in the ozone layer, which puts you at a greater risk of sun damage and skin cancer. And while you might enjoy getting a tan or spending time in the great outdoors (hey, who doesn't?) you should still be applying sunscreen while you're out in the sun. 

There's no shortage of brands to choose from, either, with products to suit every budget and skin type. So, if you want the best of the best (like the stuff approved by the Environmental Working Group or Cancer Council), here is a list that can help you figure out which sunscreen to slip, slop, slap on your precious skin.

ultraviolette best sunscreens australia
Adore Beauty

Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, $49 from Adore Beauty

The Ultra Violette collection features four different facial sunscreens, one body sunscreen and three SPF lip balms to try. While they've got different options for different skin types, the Lean Screen is a crowd-pleaser.

A 100% physical/mineral formula (AKA zinc), Lean Screen is suited to sensitive skin, combination, oily and normal skin types. It's also fragrance-free and reef safe, which is a huge plus as more brands move towards ocean-friendly formulas. 

What we like: While the zinc formula might feel thick as you first apply the sunscreen, it blends into the skin seamlessly for a soft, mattifying finish. The "invisible finish" also means that Lean Screen (and Ultra Violette's other formulas) are suited to dark skin and won't leave a white cast. 

banana boat sunscreen
Chemist Warehouse

Banana Boat SPF 50+ Dry Balance Lotion, $15.49 from Chemist Warehouse

Banana Boat is one of the brands that offers a little bit of everything when it comes to sun protection and aftercare. A classic, affordable brand that's easy to pick up in a pinch from your local pharmacy or supermarket. Their formulations are approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and offer four hours of water-resistant protection. 

What we like: Unlike some traditional sunscreens this one helps to absorb excess moisture, which gives it a nice dry finish on your skin.

natio
Chemist Warehouse

Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+, $16.99 from Chemist Warehouse

The SPF50+ rating makes it so that you can get up to four hours of fun in the sun before you need to reapply, while the additional ingredients like Aloe Vera extract and Vitamin E help repair your skin from the other effects of sun exposure.

What we like: It's locally made and certified to only use all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's an affordable face sunscreen that still feels luxe.

sunbutter
Sunbutter / Banish

SunButter SPF 50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Banish

One for the eco-friendly shoppers, SunButter is made with certified sustainable ingredients and broad spectrum UVA and UVB mineral blocker zinc oxide. The Australian brand also uses tins rather than plastic containers for their sunscreens, with the tins made from reusable and recyclable material.

Due to the current guidelines by the TGA, they can't sell "refills" for their tins, like you can with other beauty products such as moisturiser or foundation, because sunscreen is a medical product. But the tins can be upcycled for the likes of food storage before eventually being recycled.

What we like: Unlike the brand's thicker Surf Zincs that are designed to sit on the skin, the sunscreen formula sinks in and works well on the face and body as an everyday SPF. It's also reef-safe, vegan and works with all skin types (including sensitive, bye bye stingy eyes!).

mdsolarsciences
MDSolarSciences

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50, $30 from MDSolarSciences

This mineral crème is luxurious to apply, sinking into the skin for a smooth matte finish. The Eco-cert zinc oxide is effective in blocking the damaging effects of the sun, without leaving your face feeling tacky or pilling under make-up.

What we like: The "barely-there" feel of the sunscreen means you'll be happy to apply this on a daily basis. And the best SPF you can buy is one you'll actually use.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF50+ 85mL
Chemist Warehouse

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+, $13.49 from Chemist Warehouse

One of the more popular affordable sunscreens, this dry-touch formula leaves you with a non-greasy matte finish so you can stay sun safe without that icky feeling. Yes, we're clearly into the "dry" feeling body sunscreens after living through the greasy years of the '90s. 

What we like: The lightweight clean feeling.

sunsense
Chemist Warehouse

EGO SunSense Daily Face SPF 50, $22.99 from Chemist Warehouse 

The face can be one of the trickier areas when it comes to sunscreen, since it needs the correct balance of both moisture and oil to prevent it from drying out. EGO's SunSense formulation offers "very high" UVA and UVB protection without drying out your skin, so it's perfect for the dry and dehydrated skin types.

What we like: It's easy to apply and virtually unnoticeable once you put it on.

la roche posay
Adore Beauty

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+, $33.95 from Adore Beauty

A cult-classic in the beauty world, this "invisible" facial sunscreen was devised with sensitive skin types in mind and offers two hours of protection while in the sun or water. The best bit? The non-comedogenic formula won't clog your pores.

What we like: This sinks into the skin quickly and dries matte in no time - and doesn't leave a white cast - meaning it's a goodie to use on it's own or in your make-up routine. 

cancer council
Chemist Warehouse

Cancer Council Australia Ultra Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $17.99 from Chemist Warehouse

This brand creates some of the best sunscreens in Australia, with high-quality ingredients that stay on longer (up to four hours water resistant), cutting down how often it needs reapplication. With very high UVA/UVB protection it's one of the best everyday use sunscreens you can get in the country.

What we like: It's a classic, affordable sunscreen that keeps you well-protected on sunny days.

mco

MCoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, $35 from MCoBeauty

This zinc-based, mineral/physical sunscreen is the new kid on the block that everyone is talking about. With vitamin C-rich kakadu plum and SPF 50 protection, it works to even skin tone and texture while protecting from sun damage. 

What we like: It's an affordable sunscreen that feels premium, thanks to its mattifying formula and the fact that there's no white cast. It works well on its own or under make-up for a flawless (protected) base.

Remember to always read the label as each sunscreen will have different reapplication rules - and don't forget to cover up with a hat, sunglasses and protected clothing on high UV days.

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Tina Burke
Tina Burke
Tina Burke is the Digital Lead for WHO, obsessed with all things pop culture, entertainment and lifestyle. When she’s not writing about the latest TV shows, you’ll find her aimlessly scrolling through TikTok.

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