In order to protect the (facial) skin from premature aging, it makes sense to apply a day cream with a sun protection factor or a sunscreen for the face all year round. Sunscreen is particularly important in summer at the latest, on vacation in sunny countries and especially for children. We explain what you should pay attention to when buying and which is the best sunscreen for your face.

Both UVA and UVB rays damage the skin. Both are types of ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation). While UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and the increased risk of skin cancer, UVA radiation is responsible for premature skin aging and skin problems - and shines all year round, even on cloudier days and even through glass windows. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect against this - and this should ideally be worn all year round, at least on the face, in order to avoid fine lines, pigmentation, coarsening of the skin or loss of collagen and of course to protect the skin from further damage. When the sun is shining strongly, it is of course important to protect yourself and especially children from dangerous UVB rays with a good sunscreen for your face. A sun protection factor with the broadest possible spectrum offers a high level of protection and is recommended for all skin types. According to Ökotest, two sun creams for the face are particularly worthwhile.

Ökotest tested different sensitive sun creams in its June 2023 issue. Of the 21, two scored “very good” and can be recommended with a clear conscience because they are well tolerated, free of irritating substances, protect the skin and do not contain perfume or alcohol. This year, Ökotest placed particular emphasis on strong UV protection and mild care. These brands performed very well.

According to Ökotest, Lavera Sensitiv Sun Lotion 30 is one of the best sun creams for the face in the test. According to the manufacturer, it offers reliable, mineral-based instant protection for sensitive skin. Mineral UV filters, organic sunflower oil and organic coconut oil as well as a waterproof formula are intended to provide protection, but also reduce the risk of sun-related skin irritations, sun allergies and Mallorca acne and are also suitable for neurodermatitis sufferers. The sunscreen is vegan and the bottle (without cap) is made from 97 percent recycled material.

Alverde sunscreen also received a “very good” rating from Ökotest.

In addition to Alverde and Lavera, Nivea is also a brand that often performs well in tests, including in this year's Ökotest. Nivea's sun lotion received a "good" rating and, according to the manufacturer, offers waterproof protection, contains aloe vera and antioxidants and is effective immediately after use. It is also suitable for adults and children alike.

Although not an Ökotest product, it is recommended by users and considered sustainable: the i m Naturkosmetik Sun Protect SPF 30 sun lotion. It is waterproof, protects with mineral broad-spectrum sun protection in organic quality and comes without nanoparticles and the white gel effect.

The complete test results from Ökotest from 2023 can be found here for a fee.

This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.