We all know the importance of sun protection. Daily sunscreen application not only protects against sun damage and skin cancer caused by sun exposure but also serves an aesthetic purpose; protecting against premature ageing. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun triggers a higher rate of collagen breakdown, leading to sagging of the skin. Additionally, sun exposure causes pigmentation – like melasma and dark spots – in those with fair and dark skin alike.
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In the past, inelegant formulations have been a deterrent to regular sunscreen application, with sunscreens often clogging pores and contributing to breakouts, sitting greasily on the skin, pairing poorly with makeup, or leaving a dreaded white cast. However, times have changed, with the sunscreens of today providing protection while sitting well on the skin.
Australian sunscreens are among the best in the world, with stringent requirements for what can be classed as sunscreen down under. In Australia, sunscreen is classified as a therapeutic good, with higher manufacturing requirements than anywhere else in the world. When selecting a sunscreen, opt for a ‘broad spectrum’ variety; this means it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, offering thorough protection.
Typically far lighter than physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens work by penetrating the skin and work by absorbing the sun’s rays before they reach the dermis and damage the skin. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate to absorb UVA and UVB rays. However, a single chemical alone is typically not enough to protect your skin from both types of UV rays, with most broad spectrum sunscreens utilising compound formulas. Unlike physical iterations, chemical sunscreens need to be applied twenty minutes before sun exposure.
Without further ado, these are the best elegantly formulated Australian chemical sunscreens in 2022.
1. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+
Hydrating yet non-greasy, the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ is a firm favourite. Straddling the line between sun care and skincare, this broad spectrum sunscreen contains vitamin C in the form of Kakadu plum, as well as dragosine plus, a peptide that shields the skin against UVA, UVB, and blue light. With the consistency of a lightweight moisturiser, Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ glides onto the skin like a dream, sitting well under makeup. Plus, it doesn’t feel – or smell! – like sunscreen at all and doesn’t sting the eyes throughout the day.
2. Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30
The Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30 offers an elegant formula at a budget-friendly price. Designed for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin, the lightweight sunscreen is enriched with goji berry and chamomile extracts, as well as vitamin E and aloe vera. Ideal for use on its own or under makeup, it’s rapidly absorbed and leaves behind a dry-touch finish.
3. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+
For those with drier skin, the Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ is the way to go. A sunscreen with the consistency of a serum, it provides a slight dewy glow while still drying down on the skin and sitting well under makeup. Queen Screen is accompanied by a faint rose scent and like Supreme Screen, it contains Kakadu plum and dragosine plus for skincare benefits.
4. We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning SPF 50
A hydrating, lightweight sunscreen, We Are Feel Good Inc Good Morning SPF 50 feels like a facial lotion, sitting somewhere between the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen and Queen Screen in consistency. In addition to broad spectrum sun protection, it harnesses the benefits of tomato extract, carnosine, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and squalane which work to provide antioxidant protection while hydrating and moisturising the skin.
5. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid
A hydrating broad spectrum sunscreen, the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid has a consistency slightly thicker than a serum. When applied it sinks into the skin without leaving a white cast, and is neither matte nor dewy, making it well suited to all skin types.
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
While technically a French sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a staple in Australia. Complying with our strict guidelines and sold in chemists and pharmacies around the country, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a fragrance-free formula designed with sensitive skin in mind. Providing broad spectrum protection, this matte formula sinks into the skin easily and doesn’t leave a white cast behind.
7. Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Crème
Enriched with plant-based collagen and vitamin-rich watermelon extract, the Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Crème comes out of the tube with a slightly thicker, creamier consistency than the other options on this list. However, it quickly sinks into the skin, providing hydration and leaving behind an enviable glow.
8. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
For those who want a little more out of their sunscreen, the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum is an apt choice. Blending suncare with skincare, it contains 3% niacinamide to smoothen fine lines and improve skin texture while the SPF50+ protects. With a thin yet creamy serum-like texture, it blends into the skin easily and sits well under makeup.
9. AB Lab Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk
Another skinscreen (skincare meets sunscreen) formula, the AB Lab Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk is a lightweight lotion-like formula that provides broad spectrum sun protection while working to brighten and even out skin tone with vitamin C and resveratrol. A hydrating formula, it’s ideally suited for normal to dry skin types.
10. Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+
Hydrating and nourishing without being greasy, the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ provides the perfect base for makeup. Five innovative sun protection filters safeguard against UV rays, while pro-vitamin B, silica, and vitamin E moisturise and hydrate the skin, leaving a dewy, glowy finish.
11. Mecca To Save Face SPF50+
A popular formula with beauty editors and lovers alike, the Mecca To Save Face SPF50+ is a lightweight sunscreen that leaves a matte finish behind. In addition to sun protection, the addition of pycnogenol provides antioxidant protection while sodium PCA and vitamin E hydrate and moisturise the skin, respectively.
12. Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30
A saving grace for those with oily, breakout-prone skin, the Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30 provides broad spectrum sun protection and mattifies the skin without causing breakouts. Tapioca helps absorb excess oil to prevent shine while willow bark extract aids in preventing and reducing acne.
13. Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion
Designed with those who workout or sweat in mind, the Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF50+ Lotion is a water-resistant sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. Antioxidant-rich green tea and kakadu plum extracts provide protection against free radicals.
14. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+
An ultra-thin sunscreen with a dewy, satin finish, the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ works to nourish and hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Best suited to mature, dry, and normal skin types, it helps protect against premature ageing caused by sun exposure.
FAQ
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of the length of time your skin is protected from UV radiation. An SPF15 sunscreen would protect you from UV radiation for 15 times as long as normal while an SPF30 sunscreen would protect you for 30 times as long, and so on. So, if your skin normally reddens or burns in 10 minutes, an SPF30 sunscreen would provide you with 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection.
While SPF50+ seems like it would offer substantially more protection than SPF30, the difference if marginal. SPF50+ sunscreens filter out 98% of UVB radiation while SPF30 filters out 96.7%. Both SPF30 and SPF50+ sunscreens need to be applied liberally and reapplied every 2 hours when directly exposed to the sun.
To ensure adequate sun protection, you should apply 1tsp sunscreen to cover your face and neck.
Words by T. Angel
