L360 editor Mattie Lacey-Davidson has tried over 100 SPFs and these are the five she can vouch for. Whether you’re a runner, play tennis or just want a sweat-resistant sunscreen for a sunny holiday, there’s one for you.
There’s nothing worse than going for a run on a sunny day and having not just sweat but sunscreen dripping down your face and into your eyes.
Luckily for me, I’ve tested well over 100 SPFs in the last two years alone, so I’ve got my go-to sweat-proof sunscreens I always reach for when going for a run or on especially hot summer days. Here’s my top five…
Biore UV Athlizm Protect Essence SPF 50+
My top pick of sweat-proof sunscreen for the face, Biore UV Athlizm Protect Essence was the official sunscreen of the Japan Tennis Association in 2020. This Japanese sunscreen promises to be water- and sweat-resistant in conditions up to 40C with 75% humidity. It boasts ‘Tough Boost Tech’, which creates a waterproof shield on the skin, along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate. It’s a clear gel formula that won’t leave a white cast, and it’s just £14.81 for 70g (most facial SPFs are 50g) at yesstyle.com
Ultrasun Sports Spray SPF50
This is one of the best sweat-proof sunscreens for the body. The transparent formula works on all skin tones and absorbs incredibly quickly, with Ultrasun’s patented Lamellar technology which promises to deliver ‘consistent, long-lasting and water-resistant protection’. You could use it on your face if you wanted to, but I’d advise spraying it into your hands first, so it doesn’t go in your eyes or hair. At £28 for 150ml, it’s really good value, and it’s easy to find too, with stockists including Cult Beauty, Space NK, Lookfantastic, Boots, Sephora and Amazon.
Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel
This completely transparent formula means no white cast on any skin tone, and it promises 80 minutes of water- and sweat-resistance too. It’s also packed with additional skincare ingredients including antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea, which further protect skin from UV damage, along with niacinamide and liquorice root extract to help prevent hyperpigmentation. It has a unique, velvety texture that also works really well to prime skin for makeup, making it a great everyday option during summer months — but at £43 from Sephora or Space NK, it’s the most expensive of the bunch.
Riemann P20 Original SPF50+
This would be my recommended go-to if you’re going to be outside for a long time — nobody is reapplying sunscreen in the middle of marathon training, for example. The brand promises 10 hours of protection but still says to reapply throughout the day — this might be a little confusing, but in my experience, it definitely gives longer-lasting protection than other body sunscreens, even when you’re sweating or in the water on holiday. It absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy, with a normal SPF50+ version and a sensitive-skin version, both available for £30 for 200ml, plus one for the face which promises additional protection from pollution, harsh weather conditions and dust (but it’s much more expensive at £30 for just 50ml).
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF50
This is a good option for both face and body, available to buy (in rather unusual measurements) for £23 for 71ml and £34 for 162ml. You can also get a 30ml tester for £11.50 to see if you like it. It doesn’t leave a white cast but does need a few minutes to fully absorb as it’s a white cream formula. It’s got sunflower, rosemary and rice antioxidants which are said to protect the skin from pollution, and panthenol (vitamin B5) for hydration and moisture, so you could easily swap your body lotion out for this for daily sunscreen protection all over, not just when you’re exercising. Available from Cult Beauty and Lookfantastic.
