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  3. 10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More
  • 10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More 1
  • 10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More 2
  • 10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More 3
  • 10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More 4
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10 Best Winter Sunscreens UK 2023 | Piz Buin, Neutrogena and More

Due to the UK’s notoriously dreary climate, we Brits often don’t even consider sunscreen for winter. Many of us tend to only crack out the SPF lotion once temperatures surpass 20°C in the warmer seasons or when travelling abroad to warmer climates. However, the harmful effects of UV radiation are present even during the winter months and, over time, can take a serious toll on your skin!

This article is here to get you prepared, whether to provide a barrier for frosty walks or to slather on during winter sports. We list ten bestsellers from top brands such as Origins, Piz Buin and Neutrogena, easily ordered from Boots, John Lewis, and Amazon. And with formulas for the face and body, for combination skin to oily, sensitive, and even for dry skin alike, you're sure to find your new everyday winter season skincare staple. 
Last updated 07/06/2023
Felipe Partarrieu
Expert
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a final-year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skincare, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

The Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen in the Winter and Why You Should Wear It

The Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen in the Winter and Why You Should Wear It
For two-thirds of the year, the UK is seemingly plunged into darkness, and looking out the window at overcast grey skies, you may wonder why wearing sunscreen would be necessary. It’s understandable to presume that no sun means no need for sunscreen, but that’s where you are wrong – skin protection is essential year-round


Harmful UV rays are still present even in the depths of winter, and although cloud coverage lessens the likelihood of sunburn, you need to be vigilant. UV rays do more than just cause painful burns; they penetrate the skin causing damage on a microscopic level that, over time, leads to unwanted skin changes and premature ageing.


What's even more concerning is that prolonged exposure to UV radiation can eventually develop certain skin cancers and melanomas. It's essential to continue with regular sunscreen application during winter to create a deflective barrier between UV rays and your skin, even on cloudy days.

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Sunscreen should be worn 365 days per year, no matter the weather or latitude. Moreover, snow and winter sports expose us to more UV radiation, increasing the chances of sunburn and long-term solar damage. Even though the cloudiness of winter lessens the likelihood of sunburn, UV radiation still penetrates through and reaches your skin.

How to Choose a Winter Sunscreen in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Pick a Sunscreen That Contains Both UVA and UVB Protection
  2. Choose a Sunscreen With a High SPF of 30 or Above
  3. Match the Ingredients in Your Sunscreen to Your Skin Type
  4. Opt for a 2-In-1 Sunscreen and Lip Balm for Full Protection
1

Pick a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen That Contains Both UVA and UVB Protection

Pick a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen That Contains Both UVA and UVB Protection

Ensure Your Sunscreen Has UVA Protection to Block Rays That Penetrate Deeply Into the Skin

UVA or “long wave” rays constitute 95% of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun that reaches the earth. While UVA rays don’t cause immediate surface-level skin irritation such as burning, they penetrate deep into the dermis, damaging the skin's fibres. Irreversible cell damage from UVA rays results in wrinkle formation and skin discolouration.


Even if you are not concerned with beauty, you should be aware of these rays when it comes to health. UV radiation has been proven to cause basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two of the most common forms of skin cancer.


While the overall strength of UV fluctuates throughout the year, the percentage of UVA stays largely the same regardless of the season. These rays penetrate exposed skin and permeate the fabric of your clothing and glass, making you susceptible to their effects even indoors on cold and cloudy days!

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

UVA radiation represents 95% of the total UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, and it's the primary type of light used in tanning beds. 


Due to its longer wavelength, it has slightly less energy than UVB radiation, but it's able to reach the deeper layers of the skin where it exerts its effects: DNA damage, loss of elastic fibres and inflammation, all of which lead to wrinkling and premature ageing (remember ageing = UVA). UVA radiation is also proven to contribute to developing some forms of skin cancer.

Protect Your Skin From Rays That Are Amplified by Snow by Opting for a Sunscreen That Safeguards Against UBV

UVB or 'short wave' rays don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA. Significantly lessened during the winter months, they aren’t strong enough to pass through glass or heavy cloud coverage. However, that is not to say they aren’t of concern during the winter.


UVB rays are the ones that cause redness and burning. Sunburn is much more than a painful nuisance that can ruin your holiday: it plays a significant role in developing melanoma. Melanomas can spread rapidly throughout the body, making them the most dangerous form of skin cancer.


This may come as bad news to skiers, but it’s much easier to suffer sunburn on the slopes than on the beach. This is because snow and ice reflect sunlight and UV rays, putting you at greater risk. Plus, in the mountains, the higher the altitude, the more amplified UV rays become, growing in intensity up to 12% per 1,000 meters!

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

UVB radiation only represents 5% of all the UV radiation that reaches us, but it is responsible for sun-induced redness and burns (Remember Burns = UVB), and it's linked to the development of some skin cancers.


Although UVB radiation is at its weakest during the winter and doesn't readily penetrate through glass or clouds, it is still capable of causing sunburn at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice (snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation), all of which happens more often during the winter.

2

Choose a Sunscreen With a High SPF of 30 or Above to Provide Yourself With a Minimum of 97% Protection

Choose a Sunscreen With a High SPF of 30 or Above to Provide Yourself With a Minimum of 97% Protection

As you probably know, SPF is the measure of protection a particular sunscreen has against UVB rays. The factor number relates to the percentage of UVB rays (measured in photons) which are blocked by the sunscreen.


Most dermatologists recommend sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above during the winter. Factor 30 sunscreen gives around 97% protection from UVB rays. If you're particularly pale or sun-sensitive and want the best protection possible, you could pick a factor 50, which blocks an impressive 98% of rays. 

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

A higher sun protection factor (SPF) will provide more protection, but remember that no sunscreen is 100% effective at blocking out UV rays. Most dermatology societies around the world recommend using a sunscreen that’s 30 SPF or higher, no matter the skin tone, time of the year or latitude.

3

Match the Ingredients in Your Sunscreen to Your Skin Type: Aloe Vera Is Great for Dry Skin, but Squalene Is Best for Oily Skin

Match the Ingredients in Your Sunscreen to Your Skin Type: Aloe Vera Is Great for Dry Skin, but Squalene Is Best for Oily Skin
Cold air, harsh winds and indoor heating ravage skin during the winter. When deciding on a suitable sunscreen for winter, try to find ones with ingredients that lock moisture into the skin. Some key ingredients to look for are vitamin E, aloe vera, trehalose, squalene, shea butter, and glycerin.


Using a sunscreen with moisturising properties will help you avoid dry, flaking skin without needing to use multiple products. Not only will this save you time and money, but slathering fewer creams on your face can prevent clogged pores from product buildup. 


For those with oily skin, making sure that your moisturiser isn't overly moisturising is key to keeping your sunscreen effective in blocking harmful rays. Instead of looking for a sunscreen with a lot of ingredients, opt for fewer and look out for formulas that include glycerin or squalane.


There's nothing better than a nice face mask at the end of a cold winter's day. It will do wonders for hydrating your skin after being exposed to the elements!

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Given when the lower air humidity level is present in winter, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly, making your skin feel dry and tight. It's important to distinguish a moisturising sunscreen from a moisturiser with sunscreen agents.


You should always prefer the former because the SPF effectiveness of the latter will always be lower and might not offer enough protection. Some ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B5.

4

Protect Your Entire Face by Opting for a 2-In-1 Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Protect Your Entire Face by Opting for a 2-In-1 Sunscreen and Lip Balm
On a sunny winter day in the mountains, it can be easy to forget about one crucial place: your lips. But they are just as susceptible to sunburn as other parts of the face, making it equally important to cover them up with SPF, especially in places like ski slopes or the sea where the sun can be reflected from below.


Some sunscreen products designed specifically for winter sports contain an SPF lip balm built into the tube, so you’ll have no excuse to not protect those lips from the sun wherever you are.


Make sure you're also stocked with a decent hand cream for the winter too!

Felipe Partarrieu
Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Most people forget about the lips when they think about good sun protection habits. Unlike the rest of the body, lips have no ability to produce a protective suntan and also have a thinner epithelium (outermost layer), making them prone to burning


Over time, this can lead to a loss in volume, discolouration, wrinkling and even cancer. Therefore, it's of the utmost importance to choose a proper lip balm that both moisturises and offers high UV protection.

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10 Best Winter Sunscreens in the UK

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

FLOSLEK

Winter Sun Cream

FLOSLEK Winter Sun Cream 1枚目

Top Choice for All Skin Types Specifically Formulated to Protect During Winter

2

Piz Buin

Mountain Face Sunscreen

Piz Buin Mountain Face Sunscreen 1枚目

The Best Sunscreen for Snow and Winter Sports That Won't Rub Off

3

Altruist

Dermatologist SunscreenPack of 2

Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen 1枚目

A Hypoallergenic Option Suitable for Acne-Prone Skin and Recommended by Dermatologists

4

Garnier

UV Ski Sun Cream

Garnier UV Ski Sun Cream 1枚目

A Winter Sunscreen Bursting With Moisturising Ingredients, Perfect for Snow Sports

5

Origins

GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Moisturiser

Origins  GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Moisturiser 1枚目

A 2-in-1 Sunscreen and Tinted Moisturiser to Wake Up Dull Winter Skin

6

Neutrogena

Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen

Neutrogena  Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen 1枚目

Protects 6 Layers of Skin Making It the Best Choice for Tackling Anti-ageing

7

Hawaiian Tropic

Silk Hydration Lotion

Hawaiian Tropic  Silk Hydration Lotion 1枚目

A Coconut-Scented Sunscreen That Moisturises Your Skin for up to 12 Hours

8

Garnier

Ultra-Hydrating Sun Protection Cream

Garnier  Ultra-Hydrating Sun Protection Cream 1枚目

A Rich and Moisturising Milk for the Body and Face, Great for Boosting Hydration

9

Shiseido

Expert Sun Protector Face Cream

Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face Cream 1枚目

A Unique Sunscreen Formulated With a Barrier to Protect Against Cold and Windy Weather

10

EltaMD

UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 1枚目

Infused With Vitamin E and Squalane to Increase Skin Hydration and Moisturise Winter Skin

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

FLOSLEKWinter Sun Cream

Winter Sun Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.88
Reference price
£7.88

Top Choice for All Skin Types Specifically Formulated to Protect During Winter

FLOSLEK's Winter Sun Cream has been specially formulated for high altitudes and harsh weather conditions. Though a fantastic choice for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, it's great for daily use too – it creates a barrier to protect your skin from the effects of the sun, cold and wind.

This winter sun cream offers full UVA and UVB protection and contains vitamin E, glycerin and shea butter to soothe any dry skin caused by the cold as well as locking in extra moisture. For winter protection, this is as good as it gets. 
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No.2

Piz BuinMountain Face Sunscreen

Reference price
£4.12

The Best Sunscreen for Snow and Winter Sports That Won't Rub Off

Piz Buin's Mountain Face Sunscreen offers full UV and high altitude protection in a gentle and light facial moisturising cream. It absorbs quickly into the skin, making it ideal for mess-free re-application throughout the day. It's also sweat and water-resistant, so once it’s applied, it won’t rub off!

This sunscreen contains three key ingredients to protect your skin in the winter: shea butter to nourish and moisturise, trehalose to protect from bitter winds and cold temperatures, and edelweiss extract to combat the effects of UV radiation by helping neutralise free radicals generated in the skin—an expert pick for winter sports lovers. 
No.3

AltruistDermatologist SunscreenPack of 2

Dermatologist Sunscreen Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.00
Reference price
£20.00

A Hypoallergenic Option Suitable for Acne-Prone Skin and Recommended by Dermatologists

Recommended by UK dermatologists, Altruist Dermatologist sunscreen was established by skin cancer specialist Dr Andrew Birnie to provide intense UV protection. The hypoallergenic formulation makes this sunscreen a good choice for those with sensitive skin or those susceptible to skin reactions from cosmetics.

Altruist Dermatologist sunscreen contains a broad range of photostable UV filters to ensure maximum protection against the sun’s rays. This makes it highly suitable for snowy climates and high altitudes where UV rays are amplified. With such an affordable price tag, you really do get a lot of bang for your buck!
No.4

GarnierUV Ski Sun Cream

UV Ski Sun Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.10
Reference price
£3.10

A Winter Sunscreen Bursting With Moisturising Ingredients, Perfect for Snow Sports

Keep skin protected on the slopes with this specially formulated winter sunscreen from Garnier. The SPF 50 sunscreen not only blocks 98% of UVB rays to prevent sunburn, it also contains glycerin, silica, and jojoba seed oil to moisturise dry skin.

An excellent choice for family ski trips, the lightweight 30 ml tube is perfect for popping in your jacket and is safe to use on both children and adults with any skin type. As the product is completely unscented, it's also suitable for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it's really cheap!
No.5

Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Moisturiser

Reference price
£32.00

A 2-in-1 Sunscreen and Tinted Moisturiser to Wake Up Dull Winter Skin

Origins' GinZing range has a legion of fans worldwide, thanks to its clever use of ginseng, caffeine and citrus oils which instantly hydrate and wake up tired, dull complexions – perfect for winter skin that's lost its lustre. 

This star product combines a mineral-based sunscreen with a sheer tinted moisturiser to protect whilst giving a healthy glow to the skin, even in the sun’s absence! Suitable for year-round use, this will fit seamlessly into your daily skincare regime, making it a great way to ease into the habit of applying sunscreen in winter. 

No.6

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen

Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£25.99
Reference price
£25.99

Protects 6 Layers of Skin Making It the Best Choice for Tackling Anti-ageing

When it comes to slowing down the visible signs of ageing, you should take extra care to protect your skin during the winter. Neutrogena’s Age Shield Face Lotion sunscreen promises to defend skin against UVA rays up to 6-layers deep, however, the product does lack a little in terms of active ingredients.

The oil-free formulation has a non-greasy texture suitable for all skin types and applies more like a moisturising lotion than a regular sunscreen. It contains Neutrogena’s Helioplex technology, a formula containing organic compounds that work together to absorb the full spectrum of UV rays and limit UV degradation. This is a reliable pick to keep your skin safeguarded this winter.
No.7

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion

Reference price
£6.00

A Coconut-Scented Sunscreen That Moisturises Your Skin for up to 12 Hours

A good choice for those looking to buy a sunscreen suitable for year-round use, the tropical coconut smell of Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration Lotion may just help you imagine you are sitting poolside in an island paradise instead of being belted by Blighty's wind and rain! That said, the heavy fragrance might not be the best for those with sensitive skin.

Its formula is great, too: silk protein is used to hydrate and moisturise for up to 12 hours, so you can say goodbye to dry, itchy winter skin. It's also light and non-greasy and sits comfortably on the skin without build-up and without leaving any white residue. Best of all, this top-rated sunscreen is easy on the wallet too. 
No.8

Garnier Ultra-Hydrating Sun Protection Cream

Reference price
£5.00

A Rich and Moisturising Milk for the Body and Face, Great for Boosting Hydration

This milk-like lotion is great for daily all-over use and is enriched with shea butter to boost winter hydration. As a bonus, it'll also soften and moisturise chapped hands as you apply it to the rest of the body! The sunscreen absorbs quickly so you can bundle back up again, rather than spending ages applying lotion in a chilly room. 

The dermatologically-tested formula includes Mexoryl XL, an organic compound known for its excellent photostability and ability to filter out UVA rays, and with an SPF of 30, this sunscreen is more than adequate. Unfortunately, it doesn't do much in the way of adding a protective barrier against the cold.
No.9

ShiseidoExpert Sun Protector Face Cream

Reference price
£19.45

A Unique Sunscreen Formulated With a Barrier to Protect Against Cold and Windy Weather

In at number 9, we have a face cream from Shiseido. The product is really lightweight and, with its significant moisturising properties, can replace your moisturiser in your morning skincare routine. 


What really makes this product stand out, though, is its occlusive finish. This unique formula has been specially created to act as a barrier to protect your skin from cold temperatures and windy weather. However, it is a little expensive and lacking somewhat in terms of reviews.

No.10

EltaMDUV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF

UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£54.98
Reference price
£54.98

Infused With Vitamin E and Squalane to Increase Skin Hydration and Moisturise Winter Skin

Winter skin often feels itchy and tight from the drying effects of cold air and central heating. EltaMD's UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF sunscreen contains multiple ingredients like vitamin E and squalene to add moisture and soothe dry and sore skin.

If you're looking for a formula that works for sports, this is it. Come rain, shine, snow or sweat, once it's on, it won't budge! It's also suitable for the entire body, but at this price, it will become more than a little expensive if you're applying it head to toe!

Tips for Applying Sunscreen in Winter

Tips for Applying Sunscreen in Winter
Now you know which sunscreen to buy, you should read up on how to apply it properly – most people tend to only apply around 25% to 50% of the recommended amount! Ideally, you should apply 2mg of sunscreen per cm2 of skin; that’s about a shot-glass-sized amount for the whole body.


Throughout the day, sunscreen loses its efficacy, which can be for various reasons such as rubbing off from touch or perspiration and UV degradation. You should aim to re-apply regularly at 2-hour intervals during daylight hours for sustained coverage.


In the winter you should apply sunscreen most thoroughly to areas of exposed skin such as the face, hands and neck. Take care when rubbing in to ensure even coverage without gaps, and use gentle pressure when applying to the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Written and researched by Wrenn Mann

Top 5 Winter Sunscreens

No. 1: FLOSLEKWinter Sun Cream

No. 2: Piz BuinMountain Face Sunscreen

No. 3: AltruistDermatologist SunscreenPack of 2

No. 4: GarnierUV Ski Sun Cream

No. 5: Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Moisturiser

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