The sun has finally got its hat on. Over the weekend, parts of the UK are forecast to be hotter than Ibiza, Athens or the South of France as temperatures are set to soar. But might SPF prices follow suit? In the UK, sunscreen prices rose by around 2.7% between June 2024 and '25, outpacing general inflation rates. Shoppers saw notable jumps in the price of familiar brands on supermarkets shelves.
Dermatologists have warned that some families could shun sunscreen as a result. And the impact could be grave. Too much UV radiation from sun exposure or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer in the UK, accounting for up t 9 in 10 melanoma cases. The NHS advises you wear sunscreen between 11am and 3pm from March to October, when the sun is strongest.
What price health? Well, the most expensive SPFS now top £300 a tub. Alternatively, you can pop to Aldi and spend £2.99. What’s the real difference?
‘It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on sunscreen,’ says Consultant dermatologist and Self London clinic founder Dr Anjali Mahto: ‘A higher price tag does not equate to better UV protection.’ In the UK, she explains, all sunscreens must pass the exact same rigorous regulatory testing to prove their clinical efficacy: ‘whether they cost five pounds or fifty’.
When it comes to sun protection, then, you don't get what you pay for. So where exactly is your hard-earned cash going? ‘When you buy a luxury brand, you are generally paying for elegant cosmetic textures, added skincare ingredients or premium packaging rather than superior sun defence,’ says Dr Mahto.
If a higher price tag doesn’t buy you better protection, then what does? ‘The most critical term to look for on the bottle is 'broad-spectrum', which ensures the product protects against both burning UVB rays and ageing UVA rays,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘You should always opt for a minimum of factor 30, alongside looking for the UVA circle logo to guarantee comprehensive protection.’
ambre solaire Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Face Fluid SPF50+ 40ml
ambre solaire Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Face Fluid SPF50+ 40ml
Her favourite high-street options? ‘I really like the Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Face Fluid, which is frequently on offer for around ten pounds in high street chemists and has a wonderfully lightweight, non-greasy texture. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control is also brilliant for oily or acne-prone skin and can be easily picked up in most large supermarkets with your weekly shop.’ Add to basket now.
