Future of major research facility remains in doubt
The future of a major science and defence facility remains in the balance, despite government promises that it would be confirmed during the chancellor's spending review.The UK Health Security Agency at Porton Down in Wiltshire researches how to tackle the world's most infectious diseases, and prepare the UK for future pandemics.The facility's move to Harlow in Essex was first announced in 2015, but has been been postponed from its initial moving date of 2024, due to spiralling costs.With no mention of the facility in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' statement, Salisbury MP John Glen asked whether the move was going ahead, but was told it was up to the Health Secretary.
In her full response, the chancellor said that the government had given a "significant sum of money" to the Department of Health & Social Care and that it will be for the Health Secretary to make a decision.Ahead of the spending review, the government had explicitly stated that a decision would be announced concerning the site.Mr Glen says that despite searching for more information, he was unable to find a more definite answer."I scoured all the press releases and all the information I could find, and the decision is not apparent to us yet," he said."It is being kicked down the road. If they are going to move ahead with it it's going to cost a lot of money, with grave uncertainties and a lot of insecurity for people who work at Porton along the way."
Council leader Ian Thorn said if the facility were to leave Wiltshire, it would be a "huge mistake" on the government's part."Beyond the health security agencies facilities, we have some of the most extraordinary research and development facilities in the world at Porton Down, much of it delivered by Wiltshire Council and our partners," he said."If you want to focus your attention in terms of delivering fantastic services, providing the right environment for highly skilled technicians and scientists, then staying in Wiltshire is clearly the right thing they should do."
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BBC News
19 minutes ago
- BBC News
Unpaid Carer says she 'does not feel valued'
A woman who looks after both her father and son says she believes she is not "valued as a carer".Speaking during Carers Week, Becky Pain-Tolin, from Gloucestershire, said the carer's allowance system was "diabolical" and "incredibly underfunded".Ms Pain-Tolin, whose 11-year-old son has complex disabilities and whose father has advanced vascular dementia said: "Unpaid carers deserve more, my father deserves more and my son deserves more." A spokesperson for The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said they understood "the huge difference carers make, as well as the struggles so many face". They said the government increased the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold by £45 a week to £196, which would benefit more than 60,000 carers by 2029/ Pain-Tolin's son needs two-to-one care at all times and three-to-one care when in the community. Without the support she gets from Gloucestershire County Council, the 42-year-old said she would be on the verge of a breakdown. Ms Pain-Tolin said she worked 12 hours a week, but this meant she was "really pushing" what she could manage, which had impacted her mental health."'I do not have much of a life that does not involve caring," she said. The DWP said it had launched an independent review into social care, which would "include exploring the needs of unpaid carers who provide vital care and support".According to Gloucestershire County Council, there were 52,000 people listed as unpaid carers in the county in the 2021 Lisa Walker, the regional manager of Gloucestershire Carers Hub, said she thought the figure was significantly higher because unpaid carers frequently do not identify themselves as such. "I am an unpaid carer myself, I didn't even recognise that I was one until a colleague pointed it out," she Walker said there were a number of inequalities experienced by people working as unpaid carers."One of the biggest things is health and people not prioritising their own wellbeing."There are also issues around health professionals and GPs recognising that people have another additional role."There are issues around working. Approximately 600 people a day leave work because of care responsibilities."There is also people's mental wellbeing and accessing social activities - those are just some of the inequalities that carers face," she theme for this year's carers week, which is running from Monday to Friday, is caring about Carers Hub hosted an event on Monday to provide resources and support for those in need.
The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
What do we really know about the long-term use of Ozempic and Mounjaro?
The headlines this week were as sensational as they were unsettling. ' Ozempic may stop the pill working properly,' this newspaper reported after the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a warning: pill users should double up on contraception while using the jabs and avoid them altogether during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The British Menopause Society also added that women on HRT taking the drugs might fail to absorb progesterone pills, which could increase the risk of womb cancer. Meanwhile, other reports warned that the injections many are using for weight loss, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, might also carry a hidden risk of kidney cancer. And this month, the European Medicines Agency cautioned that semaglutide could double the risk of a rare sight-loss condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). These headlines would be alarming even if the drugs were rarely used. But these so-called weight-loss jabs have become so popular that even their manufacturers didn't anticipate the demand. As of March 2025, market intelligence company IQVIA estimated that around 1.5 million people in the UK were using weight loss treatments. With limited NHS availability, roughly 80 per cent of these are purchased privately online and have made the pharma companies that make them some of the most valuable firms in Europe. But with no real long-term studies, do we really know how safe these drugs are? While they will have been thoroughly tested before hitting the market, have manufacturers really considered how people are using them? What do we really know about their long-term effects? Is this truly a medical breakthrough – or just another chapter in the troubled history of slimming pills? A crisis in need of solutions There's no denying that obesity is a public health emergency. Nearly three-quarters of people aged 45 to 75 in the UK are now overweight, up from just over half in 1993. Obesity is linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, infertility, and around 30 types of cancer. It's estimated to cost the NHS £6.5bn a year. Given this, the search for a safe, effective obesity drug has long been seen as medicine's holy grail. But past attempts have often ended in disaster, either due to limited results or serious safety issues. The troubled history of slimming drugs Weight loss drugs have historically come with significant risks. One of the earliest, 2,4-dinitrophenol, was initially used as an explosive in the First World War. It worked by increasing metabolism, causing the body to burn calories as heat. As hemlines rose in the 1920s, flappers flocked to it, but it turned out that the wrong dose could literally cook users from the inside. Horrific deaths meant the drug was banned in 1938. Later came amphetamine-based drugs, widely used in the Fifties and Sixties until their links to addiction and cardiovascular issues led to bans. More recently, sibutramine (Reductil) and rimonabant (Acomplia) were withdrawn after being linked to heart attacks, strokes, and psychiatric effects. By the time Acomplia was suspended in 2008, four trial participants had died by suicide. Enter: GLP-1 agonists. These new-generation drugs, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide, were the first to mimic our own natural appetite-regulating hormones. The first to hit the market was exenatide – a drug to treat type 2 diabetes – in 2005. Ozempic was then approved in 2017 and Mounjaro in 2023. Clinical trials showed unprecedented weight loss of up to 26 per cent of body weight in some cases, on par with bariatric surgery – and seemingly without the deadly side effects of their predecessors. So, why are these drugs different? 'Most previous drugs targeted the brain, which is where hunger lives,' explains Professor Giles Yeo, a molecular neuroendocrinologist at Cambridge University. 'But that led to serious side effects. These newer drugs are modified, longer-lasting versions of natural hormones – they're designed to go to the right brain regions naturally and for our body to respond to them in the same way they do to our own hormones.' Miracle or minefield? Despite their success, the rapid rise in use has triggered concern. Many users now access these jabs through private online clinics with minimal oversight. Some even acquire illegal 'compounded' medications from beauticians. Social media is flooded with user reviews, micro-dosing tips, and 'before-and-after' photos. But this week, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which markets Ozempic and Wegovy, told the Daily Mail that practices like microdosing weren't recommended. 'The approved doses are the only dose strengths that have been studied and are licensed to use,' they warned. Similarly, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has warned that without proper supervision, users face risks including dehydration, gallstones, malnutrition, and muscle loss. What do we know about long-term safety? Yeo is optimistic: 'Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the EMA are very rigorous. These drugs are approved globally, and they wouldn't be if they were deemed unsafe.' Professor Carel Le Roux, a metabolic medicine expert at Ulster University, adds that all approved drugs – not just weight loss drugs – must be studied for at least 52 weeks. This is because, he says, 'If we haven't seen major issues by a year, we're unlikely to. And this is based on the regulators' experience of tens of thousands of previous studies.' However, less obvious side effects often appear only after widespread use. Le Roux insists that the new findings that have dominated the headlines in the last few weeks are typical of standard 'post-market surveillance' by which pharma companies and regulators continue to collect data. 'Yes, things can emerge,' he says. 'But we've used this class of drugs for 20 years, mostly in people who were sicker than current users. The data is incredibly reassuring.' Le Roux also points out that in trials, participants on these medications had fewer serious adverse events than those on placebo. 'That's because obesity and diabetes are so harmful themselves. There comes a point when it's unethical not to license a drug that can make people healthier.' Untangling the risks Some risks are still being studied. The kidney cancer alert came from a study of 43,000 people on GLP-1 drugs versus 43,000 controls. There were 83 cases in the treatment group compared to 58 in the control group – a slight absolute increase and not necessarily a clear causal link. Conversely, other trials show strong kidney protection. The FLOW trial (2019–2023) followed over 3,500 patients and found a 24 per cent lower risk of kidney failure and a 50 per cent reduction in death from kidney disease among semaglutide users. The findings were so conclusive that the trial ended early in order to offer treatment to the placebo group. Le Roux remains confident: 'We've shown these drugs can reduce heart attacks by up to 25 per cent and cut the risk of developing diabetes in people at risk by 80-90 per cent. Yes, eye issues have emerged, but this particular condition is only seen in people with diabetes, and the risk is around 1 in 10,000.' Yeo also points out that in fact 'type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults'. So, what about the contraceptive and HRT concerns? Le Roux says vomiting, a known side effect of the drugs, is likely to be to blame rather than the drug blocking absorption per se. 'Anything swallowed will eventually be absorbed – unless it's thrown up.' To reduce nausea while on these drugs, he advises sticking with lower doses, even if that slows weight loss. If vomiting continues to be a problem, switching to non-oral forms of HRT, such as patches, or using condoms or a coil should eliminate the issue. Osteoporosis and other risks Others have expressed concerns about the effect of weight loss injections on muscles and bones. US singer Avery, who took Ozempic for a year, despite having an eating disorder, recently tearfully revealed she had been diagnosed with osteoporosis. She admitted that she did not get the drug from a doctor. So how common is her experience? A review published last year showed that between 15 and 40 per cent of weight loss with semaglutide could be lean tissue. Yeo says that it's something users should be aware of. 'Anyone losing weight by any means will always lose lean tissue – which includes water, muscle and bone – alongside fat.' However, he says there is no evidence this far that weight loss injections contribute independently to osteoporosis.' Yeo says the best way to mitigate bone loss is with exercise, which studies show can preserve muscle and bone density when taken with these drugs. A protein-rich diet also helps maintain muscle. Reviews have also shown that after weight loss, even though they lost lean tissue, people tended to end up with a higher proportion of lean mass compared to fat and that this muscle could be 'better quality' with stronger muscle fibres. However, in older people with fewer reserves, losing too much weight and muscle, which is harder to rebuild as we age, can be risky. The problem of dependency These drugs don't cure obesity – they manage it. Stop the injections and your appetite returns. One study found that patients regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year of stopping treatment. This raises challenging questions. 'One of the most important questions we ask patients now is, 'Are you willing to take this medication for life?'' says Le Roux. And of course, this comes at a cost, whether it's private consumption (roughly £250 a month) or the NHS, which will have to consider covering lifetime prescriptions. And with the huge sums involved, how do we protect against black-market misuse? The next generation: hope or hype? Current drugs target only one or two appetite-regulating gut hormones. However, as Yeo explains, around 20 gut hormones influence satiety. Next-generation treatments may combine more hormones, allowing lower doses and potentially fewer side effects, such as vomiting. 'These could reduce digestive side effects to zero,' says Yeo. Some new generation weight loss medications are even being designed to protect muscle and bone mass by activating pathways that mimic the effects of exercise. Yeo says that future, cheap pill forms of the drugs may also prove the secret to lifelong maintenance. With the World Health Organisation announcing in May that it plans to endorse anti-obesity drugs for adult treatment, access may expand globally which could be a medical turning point But they're not for everybody... Few in medicine doubt that GLP-1 drugs mark a breakthrough. But they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Around 15 per cent of patients don't respond. And there's growing concern that access remains limited to those who can afford private prescriptions, while NHS patients face restrictions. Many people take them without exercising or improving their diet, which is essential to preserve strong muscles and bones in the future. However, Yeo believes that change is on the way. 'In seven years, Ozempic's patent expires. I predict the cost will fall from £200 to maybe £10 a month. When that happens, the NHS will be able to provide it widely – with proper supervision. These powerful drugs are designed to be used for health reasons, not as a cosmetic tool. They are designed to help people with obesity. If they are taken by skinny people, that's when side effects rocket and the risk vs benefit ratio changes. We need to keep them out of the wrong hands.' Drugs like semaglutide offer a new weapon in the battle against obesity – a condition that has proven difficult to treat for decades and costs the NHS millions in comorbid conditions, which can range from type-2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and even depression. But they aren't magic bullets. They come with risks, limitations, and hard decisions about long-term use. Appropriately used, with medical oversight and realistic expectations, they can be life-changing. But the real test isn't just in the weight lost this year – it's what happens over the next decade. We should welcome them, but with cautious optimism and our eyes wide open.
The Guardian
29 minutes ago
- The Guardian
The best sunscreens for summer: Sali Hughes's 57 favourite face and body SPFs
We are bad at engaging with sun protection unless there's a heatwave, or we're venturing on holiday – and the gunky, greasy, spot-causing sunscreens of yore, which stained clothes and couldn't be shifted, are partly to blame. TikTok misinformation and scaremongering (unsupported by significant clinical data) around rising cancer diagnoses on protected skin don't help either. The dermatology community is united: high protection, broad spectrum SPF is the most important product you'll use and the key defence against skin cancers and premature ageing of the skin. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The most important aspect of sun care is that people use it. The elegance of a modern sunscreen formula, the texture on fingertips and the comfort on skin, the smell, the packaging, the price, the finish and its ability to play nicely with other skincare and makeup products – these are, in my view, often the difference between someone's decision to protect themselves or not. What follows are 57 user-friendly sunscreens I've enjoyed trying in recent years, all of which have proved popular with those to whom I've recommended them and none of which make sun protection a bind. I would gladly use any of them on my own family. Best overall: Vichy Capital Soleil hydrating solar protective water £17.20 at Look Fantastic£19.49 at Superdrug Extremely easy, comfortable SPF spray with an attractive (and subtle) golden tone. Everyone I offer it to loves it. Size: 200mlSPF: 50 UVA: yesPrice per 100ml: from £8.60 Also consider: Bondi Sands sunscreen lotion £7.32 at Superdrug£7.32 at Amazon A terrific, fast-absorbing, everyday body lotion that leaves limbs gleaming and protected. Affordable enough to be appropriately lavish in application. Size: 150ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £4.88 Sun Bum Original sunscreen lotion £12.59 at Cult Beauty£16.79 at Look Fantastic Don't be fooled by the delicious smell and cartoon branding … this is a wolf in sheep's clothing. A top-notch lotion that even kids enjoy. Size: 237ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £5.31 Shiseido Expert sun protector lotion £15.20 at Look Fantastic£20 at Space NK If money were no object, this (or Ultra Violette's Extreme Screen) would be my weapon of choice. It's like the most luxuriant, rich, fragrant body cream, only armed with hi-tech Japanese sun protection. Works as well on the face. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £30.40 Saltee Body Sea & Sun lotion £28 at Face the Future£35 at Space NK I love everything about this sunscreen – the packaging, the gel-creme texture, the fast drying. But the addictive summery smell takes it to the next level. Size: 150ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £18.67 Best overall: Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face brightening sun serum £38 at Mecca Cosmetica My sunscreen of the year and on my face almost non-stop. Moisturises my dry skin without being greasy (I can skip the day cream) and leaves a glowy but non-oily sheen. 10/10, I have no notes, awards must be given. Size: 50mlSPF: 50+UVA: yesPrice per 100ml: £76 Also consider: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV anti-dryness protection cream £6.49 at Superdrug£7.50 at AmazonMy favourite bargain sunscreen ever. Super-moisturising, non-stinging and makeup priming. Excellent. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £12.98 Vichy Mineral 89 72H moisture-boosting daily fluid £20.40 at Look Fantastic£25.50 at Escentual For dehydrated skins, from balanced to dry, which hate the heaviness and sweatiness of rich sunscreens. Elegant and fresh. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £40.80 L'Oréal Paris Revitalift clinical vitamin C UV fluid £9.99 at Boots£9.99 at Amazon In truth, this works for everyone, but I've popped it here because dry skins won't believe something so thin and light could feel so comfortable. Gives noticeable glow, too. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £19.98 The Inkey List polyglutamic acid dewy sunscreen £12 at Look Fantastic£10.50 at Amazon Polyglutamic acid has skin scientists excited for its ability to hold plumping water in the skin. This makes great use of it in an affordable, makeup-friendly sunscreen. Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £21 Best overall:Bioré UV Watery Essence sunscreen £14.99 at Superdrug£14.83 at Amazon Japanese skincare formulas are famous for their fine, weightless textures, and this one is a classic case in point. Fresh, watery, hydrating and transparent, it's an ideal choice for gym-goers, sufferers of hot flashes, oily types and humid city dwellers. Terrific value. Size: 50mlSPF: 30 UVA: yes Price per 100ml: from £29.66 Also consider: Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face matt sun serum £38 at Mecca Cosmetica My love for this Australian brand deepens. A new and very successful take on my beloved SPF50 serum, this has been tweaked to mattify oily skins without any chalky dryness, so now everyone can enjoy. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £76 Heliocare 360° oil-free gel £23.25 at Boots£25.50 at Amazon One of the most popular oil-free sunscreens among hardcore beauty fans, and with good reason. A cult classic. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £46.50 Nivea UV face shine control £8.50 at Boots£9.99 at Superdrug This skincare brand has bottomless pockets for research and development and, consequently, some of the best formulas on the high street. This is one of my favourites. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17 Eucerin dry touch, oil control, gel cream £14.25 at Look Fantastic£16 at Boots One of my go-to recommendations when friends ask for a budget sunscreen for their spot-prone teens, who love the fresh gel texture, gentle feel and matt finish. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £28.50 Evy daily defense face mousse £25.60 at Cult Beauty£32 at Amazon This airy mousse sunscreen dispenses high, lasting protection under and over makeup, at any time, leaving an imperceptible finish. Size: 75ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £34.13 Best overall: Altruist sunscreen £5.25 at Victoria Health£11.50 for two at Amazon A great-quality, affordable and doctor-founded sun care brand with philanthropy at its heart: 10p from each tube sold goes to charities supporting children with albinism in Africa. Size: 100mlSPF: 50 UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £5.25 Also consider: Sainsbury's sun protect moisturising spray £5.75 at Sainsbury's Sainsbury's own-brand sun care is excellent and considerately priced. My favourite of the supermarket ranges. Size: 200ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £2.88 La Roche-Posay Anthelios dermo-pediatrics invisible spray £20.40 at Look Fantastic£25.50 at Boots Ask a beauty editor or dermatologist which sunscreen brand they use on their own children, and there's a very good chance they'll say Anthelios. Size: 200ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £10.20 Ultrasun extreme £19.20 at Look Fantastic£19.20 at Amazon My for ever first choice for children with eczema and extreme sun sensitivity. Size: 100ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £19.20 Sun Bum Original moisturising sun cream spray £13.43 at Face the Future£15.99 at Boots This sunscreen meets the most rigorous standards, smells delicious, and can be aimed and fired efficiently at wriggly children. Size: 200ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: from £6.72 Best overall: Beauty Pie Traceless mineral sunscreen + primer £30 at Beauty Pie Beauty Pie smashed this one out of the park. A mineral face-and-neck protector with minimal white cast (the nature of zinc and titanium means you'll never be able to avoid one altogether) that feels light on the skin and stays smooth and grippy under makeup. Outstanding effort. Size: 50mlSPF: 30 UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £60 Also consider: Ultra Violette future fluid £30.40 at SpaceNK£38 at Cult Beauty This new release is probably my favourite mineral sunscreen ever for drier skin types. Almost invisible, even on deeper skin tones, its squalane-rich zinc formula will be sufficiently moisturising for most skins to wear without an additional layer of day cream. I find I can apply it all around the eye area without any stinging or streaming, too. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £60.80 Summer Fridays ShadeDrops sunscreen £28.80 at Cult Beauty£36 at Space NK A light, elegant screen, much-loved by oily and combination types (drier skins will feel parched). Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £57.60 Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen £29.20 at Sephora£29.20 at Cult Beauty This sinks in faster and has the faintest white cast of any commercially available mineral sunscreen I've tried. Even the deepest skin tones should have a clear finish about five minutes after application. Spreads on easily, feels nongreasy. Size: 45ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £68.49 Kinship self reflect probiotic moisturising sunscreen £16.20 at Cult Beauty Mineral sunscreens are zinc or titanium dioxide and cannot be transparent, but some cleverly added glow particles can mitigate the white cast on more skin tones. This does a great job of that on dry skins (oily skins, avoid). Size: 50g; SPF: 32; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £32.40 InnBeauty mineral glow £90.37 at Ninth Avenue Owing to outdated FDA regulations in the US (where sunscreen is treated as a drug rather than a cosmetic), American synthetic sunscreens are notoriously inelegant in their formulation. But a modern approach to mineral sunscreens using old-fashioned zinc or titanium dioxide is where US cosmetic brands focus their efforts. This is a gorgeous cream available in two shades (light/medium and medium/dark) that goes on lightly and sinks in fast. Makeup lies obediently on top. Suitable for all skin types, it's currently only available expensively as a US import, but hitting the UK soon, so do keep an eye out. It's brilliant. Size: 50ml; SPF: 43; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £180.74 Best overall: Ultra Violette daydream screen £27.11 at Sephora£30.40 at SpaceNK Tinted sunscreens are a great way of adding additional protection, but are insufficient alone. It's not that the SPF is in any way inferior to that of a dedicated sunscreen (all have to meet the same stringent cosmetic regulations), but it's simply not possible to apply a sufficient amount of tinted sunscreen without looking caked in makeup. This tinted SPF from Ultra Violette is the most versatile and easy-to-use tinted SPF, with enough long-lasting coverage to skip foundation altogether. The shade range is good, and the formula is fluid and pleasing to all skin types. Size: 50mlSPF: 50 UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £54.22 Also consider: Ilia Super serum skin tint £42 at Sephora£42 at SpaceNK The best way to wear mineral protection is to tint it, but this is one of the few brands that does it comprehensively rather than banging out an 'American Tan' and calling it a day. In summer, I layer this over my chemical sunscreen, and it works as a foundation with benefits. Everyone but those with oily skin should love it. Size: 30ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £140 Supergoop! Glowscreen £29.20 at Cult Beauty£36.50 at Boots Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion This is ideal if you're looking for a sheer glow rather than a makeup substitute. Four flattering, radiant tints that add subtle pearlescence rather than glitter. Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £58.40 Dr Sam's flawless gossamer tint £35 at Sephora£35 at Dr Sam's This tinted mineral screen, ideal for sensitive skins and stingy eyes, now comes in four shades plus the untinted original. Gives a satiny look. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £70 Elf Suntouchable Whoa Glow £13.99 at SuperdrugFrom £8.99 at Amazon Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane give this peachy-tinted formula even more bang for your buck. Easy for even makeup haters to wear. Size: 50ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.98 Best overall: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV over makeup mist £6.49 at Superdrug£8.67 at Amazon An accessible and reasonably priced milky mist that becomes invisible over makeup, allowing for the recommended two-hourly top-ups of high-factor SPF. Makeup is undisturbed, and the aluminium canister keeps the sunscreen pleasantly cool. Top marks. Size: 75mlSPF: 50+ UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £8.65 Also consider: Ultra Violette mini preen screen £12 at SpaceNK I could have included at least half a dozen products from this feted Aussie brand, but this is my most-used, personally. A fine mist that makes diligent sun care a pleasure. Size: 30ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £40 La Roche-Posay Anthelios face mist £18.50 at Boots£13.24 at Amazon Very sensitive and rosacea skins can be sensitive to even fingertips during a flare-up. This gentle mist tops up the protection without poking the bear. Size: 75ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.65 Elf Suntouchable mist £13.99 at Superdrug£14 at Boots There's frankly not much Elf isn't good at – this mist for midday sunscreen top-ups is just the latest in the gold run. Size: 60ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £23.32 Sculpted by Aimee sun mist £19 at John Lewis£19 at Amazon The newest SPF mist on the block. Cooling, refreshing and glow giving. Size: 70ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £27.14 Best overall:Shiseido clear suncare stick £32 at SpaceNK£23.98 at Amazon I carry this everywhere in summer so I'll never be caught short. Transparent, glide-on protection that's (unusually) good on any skin type – there's zero grease or fuss. Size: 20gSPF: 50 UVA: yes Price per 100g: £119.90 Also consider: La Roche-Posay Anthelios stick £14 at Boots The ever-dependable, sensitive skin- and family-friendly Anthelios SPF in a Pritt-Stick-style delivery. Chuck it in a pram, nappy bag or glove compartment so it's always handy. Size: 9g; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £155.56 Supergoop! Glow stick £19.80 at Sephora£22 at Boots There's much love in the beauty community for this, which simultaneously offers high protection and the glazey glow of a highlighter. Oily skins should swerve it. Size: 20g; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £99 Clarins invisible sun care stick £25 at John Lewis£25 at Sephora Clarins sun care is reliably terrific across the range. This solid SPF is invisible and unsticky, smells great and doesn't sting my eyes. Size: 17g; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £147.06 Thank You, Farmer silky calming sun stick £18.40 at Boots£18.40 at Amazon A characteristically fine-textured, elegantly formulated balm from South Korea. No grease or white residue. Size: 14g; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100g: £131.43 Best overall: Naked Sundays CabanaClear water gel serum £22.50 at Boots£25 at Sephora Outstanding. An almost weightless, smooth and fairly hydrating gel (oily skins may be happy to skip moisturiser) that primes skin for makeup. Can also be reapplied over it in the afternoon with minimal disruption. Size: 30mlSPF: 50 UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £75 Also consider: Glossier Invisible Shield £25.60 at SpaceNK£32 at Glossier Clear, gel-textured sunscreen with a weightless feel. To my eye, the original SPF30 is a tad shinier than the newer, more blurry SPF50 version, so be governed by your preferred finish. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £51.20 Murad multi-vitamin clear coat £33.60 at Look Fantastic£42 at John Lewis The new wholly transparent sunscreen from the all-around impressive (and pricey) Murad. Gives a skin-blurring primer-like finish and sits comfortably and nicely under makeup. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £67.20 Garnier Ambre Solaire vitamin C daily UV fluid £8.60 at Look Fantastic£8.63 at Amazon Garnier Ambre Solaire is, in my view, leagues ahead in high-street sun care. This clear version leaves a good glow without any pore-clogging grease. Size: 40ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £21.50 Black Girl moisturising sunscreen lotion £15.98 at Amazon I wanted to include this because most transparent sunscreens are geared towards oilier skins. This (despite looking opaque at first) is clear while being full of oils to moisturise dry skin. Size: 89ml; SPF: 30; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.96 Best overall: Medik8 advanced day ultimate protect £47.20 at Look Fantastic£47.20 at Cult Beauty I would not change a thing: I truly believe this to be the perfect SPF moisturiser for all skin types but oily. Practical packaging, high UVA and UVB protection, a highly moisturising but nongreasy cream that absorbs quickly and behaves immaculately around the eyes and under makeup. Only superlatives will do. Size: 50mlSPF: 50+ UVA: yes Price per 100ml: £94.40 Also consider: Cle de Peau Beauté UV protective cream £77.60 at Cult Beauty£78.40 at Look Fantastic Outrageously expensive and utterly exquisite Japanese moisturiser that feels nothing like a sunscreen but gives high-level protection all the same. Like taking your face to the opera. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £155.20 SkinCeuticals advanced brightening sunscreen £41.60 at Look Fantastic£52 at SkinCeuticals There's a reason why this hi-tech, evidence-driven brand is so loved by dermatologists and aestheticians. I love all of its sunscreens, but this one, containing skin-soothing niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help fade discoloration, is the star. Size: 40ml; SPF: 50; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £104 Lancôme UV expert supra screen £30.75 at Debenhams£34.85 at Boots The brand practically snuck out this beautiful and elegant product that I think is worth shouting about. Vitamin E, niacinamide, a fresh, nongreasy, hydrating texture and invisible finish make it a good all-rounder for anyone but the very dry. Size: 40ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £76.88 Institut Esthederm Into Repair face care £66 at John Lewis£66 at SpaceNK Sensitive skins miss out on many of the more luxurious creams and instead have to shop the pharmaceutical aisle. This protective day cream bucks the trend. Gentle but decadent. Size: 50ml; SPF: 50+; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £132 Best overall:Kérastase Soleil crème sublime £34.05 at Sephora£29.25 at Amazon Well, I couldn't not say Kérastase, since I never summer holiday without it. It softens sun-scorched hair without making it greasy or fluffy, protects the scalp, aids a smooth bun or topknot on the beach, and smells like paradise. I will love it for ever. Size: 150mlUVA: noPrice per 100ml: £19.50 Also consider: Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze sea spray £26 at SpaceNK£26 at Cult Beauty For anyone looking for sexy tousles with their sun protection. It's the only salt spray I've used that doesn't make my hair feel dirty. Smells so good you could skip your perfume. Size: 150ml; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £17.33 Aveda sun care protective hair veil £32 at John Lewis£32 at Boots Aveda is the gold standard in more sustainable beauty practices. This vegan-friendly mist adds natural fragrance, UV protection and moisturising glycerine to parched hair. Size: 100ml; UVA: yes; price per 100ml: £32 Charles Worthington sunshine UV protect leave-in spray £3.49 at Boots£3.50 at Tesco UV protectants for hair are invariably pricey. This one works just as well for under a fiver. Softens scorched hair without adding gunk. Size: 50ml; UVA: no; price per 100ml: £6.98 Wella Professional Invigo sun protection spray £18.75 at Look Fantastic£18.75 at Amazon Adds welcome shine and moisture while protecting the integrity of your dye job. Size: 150ml; UVA: no; price per 100ml: £12.50 You should be applying about half a teaspoon (or two adult finger lengths) of product to your face and neck each morning, regardless of whether you'll spend time outdoors (skin-ageing UVA comes through closed windows). Synthetic filters need 15-20 minutes to absorb before exposure, while mineral filters (which use zinc and/or titanium and usually leave a slight white cast) are effective upon application (which looks best done in two thin layers). Protection of either kind should then be reapplied every couple of hours, which few people do in everyday life, which is why I've included some SPF top-up sprays (such as the Garnier Ambre Solaire mist) to make this more practical. The article was originally published on 26 June 2024. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor's discretion. The date of an article's most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 13 June 2025; three new products were added, and prices and retailers were updated throughout.
