Beauty

These are the best sunscreens of the year

By Lotte van Scherpenzeel | #!31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:002731#31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:00-10Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531 04am31am-31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:0010Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2025312025Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +02003210327amFriday=9#!31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#07-04-2025#!31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:002731#\/31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:00-10Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531#!31Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:32:27 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#

Consumers' Association: this is the best sunscreen

A wonderful vacation is on the agenda and you are diligently checking off the list of ‘things you need to bring’. Hopefully, a fresh new SPF is also on that list, because, well... when did you actually open that last bottle again? Sunscreen is usually only good for 12 months (you can see this on the back of the packaging: in the small open jar, there is a number, and that is the number of months).

Can you really not use your SPF after 12 months? Technically, you can, but the active ingredients have largely dissipated (due to temperature fluctuations, light, and air). And the factor is really not what it used to be. This means: more frequent application AND uncertainty about the actual protection. And when it comes to my skin, I don't want any doubts. I want to know what I'm dealing with, so yes: that fresh new one will be bought. We want certainty, effectiveness, AND a nice formula. And that search? Fortunately, it has just become a bit easier.

Best sunscreen 2025: these are the winners

There you are, in front of the shelf with dozens of choices. Not only in strengths but also in substances (cream, spray, powder—name it), prices, and then one sticks just a bit more than the other. To make the choice easier, the Consumers' Association (yes, those people who test all your white goods AND now also your SPF) has put everything in order. And here are the absolute top picks for this year—hot off the press.

Are you looking for an SPF50?

Then this year we go for drumroll… the number one: Garnier Ambre Solaire Protective Sunscreen Milk SPF50, with a 7.2 from the jury (Best in Test). This sunscreen has a nice texture, spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves NO white residue, just as we like it. Number two (this might surprise you) is the AH Care Sensitive Baby & Kids Spray SPF50+ with a solid 7.0 (Best Buy). This one is budget-friendly AND suitable for sensitive skin. The spray form makes it extra easy to quickly apply to (im)patient children and yourself. Without perfume, without junk, with high protection. And in third place: the Etos Sensitive Baby & Kids SPF50+ (also Best Buy). Another great option for sensitive skin. Also fragrance-free and suitable for the whole family. You can find it at every Etos, and the price is also quite nice for your wallet.

Are you looking for an SPF30?

With a solid 7.7, the Riemann P20 Sunscreen Original SPF30 is the absolute winner (Best in Test). And that's funny because I see this one very often on the shelf—at the Kruidvat around the corner, they often place it at eye level—but shopping? Never done it. A missed opportunity, because this sunscreen is known for its long-lasting effect—up to 10 hours of protection AND waterproof. No hassle with reapplying every hour (although that is officially still the advice, right). You can smell it a bit (it has that typical ’old-fashioned‘ SPF scent). And bonus: at Kruidvat, it is often 1+1 free.

Number two is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Protective Sunscreen Milk SPF30 – 7.5 (Best Buy). A soft, nourishing milk with vitamin E and even more moisturizing ingredients, which makes me very happy. Spreads well, leaves no greasy layer, and is therefore perfect for daily use, because with this nice weather, your body is a bit less covered with a layer of clothing. So, apply away.

Best sunscreen for your face 2025

Your face gets sun every day, even if you just walk to the supermarket. A good SPF is therefore not a luxury, but something that belongs in your routine just like brushing your teeth. The absolute favorite is the Avène Crème sans parfum fini invisible SPF50+, which was not only declared Best in Test but also Best Buy. And we understand that. This cream is specially developed for sensitive skin, contains no perfume and no alcohol, and has an ultra-soft texture that absorbs immediately without white residue or stickiness (ideal for men too). In fact, it absorbs so quickly that you can immediately start applying your makeup.

Prefer a sunscreen that you can use everywhere, from face to toes? Then the Riemann P20 Sunscreen Original SPF30 is a smart choice. This one came out on top in the face & body category. The formula is light, absorbs quickly, and is resistant to water AND sweat. One application protects your skin for up to ten hours. One downside: this SPF contains alcohol, so if you have a super-sensitive or dry skin, you are better off with Avène. But if you have normal to oily skin and don't want to reapply five times a day? Then this is your go-to.

Source: Consumentenbond.nl