Australian SPF Is The Chanel Of Sunscreen - Here's Why It's The Gold Standard And The 7 Best To Try
Along with breezy linen dresses and cult swimwear, there are some things that Australia just does better – and sunscreen is one of them. Due to the higher levels of UV radiation (meaning a greater risk of skin cancer and melanoma than any other country) a daily high-factor sunscreen is a must down under and has earned Australia a name for creating some of the most superior, high-tech formulations the world over.
Australian SPF has to meet exceptionally strict standards but the advancements also mean that you can expect big things from your bottle of sunscreen, whether that's a facial SPF packed with skincare benefits, an innovative new spray for on-the-go top-ups, or a tinted SPF moisturiser to boost your skin's glow.
Why is sunscreen so important?
Even in the UK, we know that wearing sunscreen isn't a choice; it's a daily and crucial step and should be incorporated into everyone's skincare routine come rain or shine. According to the World Health Organisation, cases of melanoma and skincare are on the rise and while, according to a new Garnier sunscreen report, there's more awareness of the importance of wearing SPF than ever before, only 25% of people use it on their face year round, and 47% of suncare users use it seasonally.
But SPF is not just for peak-summer holidays. ‘If you're going to do one thing for your skin everyday, apply sunscreen,’ urges Australian founder of Ultra Violette, Ava Matthews. ‘UV rays are the number one contributor of premature ageing and UVA rays are around all the time so unless you want to age faster than nature intended, you need to wear SPF every day no matter what the weather is like outside.’
You see, SPF is your first line of defence against UV rays - and UV radiation causes up to 80% of premature ageing (that's everything from fine lines to pigmentation and the loss of collagen). 'Sunscreen works by forming a film on the skin and diffusing these harmful rays,' she says.
To ensure you are protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer, you need to be applying the right amount of sunscreen, too. 'You should apply a quarter of a teaspoon, approximately 2mg per cm of skin. You should also really be reapplying every 2-3 hours when in direct sunlight and in peak UV-index months (which in Australia is pretty much all the time),' she adds. 'Look for one with broad spectrum protection as this means it’ll shield you from UVA rays (responsible for ageing) and UVB rays (responsible for burning and DNA damage).'
What sets Australian SPF apart?
Australia has long been ahead of the game when it comes to sunscreen, and there's a simple reason as to why. 'Australia has the toughest SPF rules on the planet so you know you’re in good hands when you use Australian SPF,' shares Samantha Brett, CEO and founder of Naked Sundays.
'With the harsh Australian sun, we need strong sunscreens that you know are going to work. Plus, in Australia, every batch of sunscreen is tested to ensure it adheres to the standards,' she adds. 'Australian SPF is governed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration which has strict rules around formulas, ingredients, amount of ingredients and limitations, as well as strict labelling laws,' she notes.
The best Australian sunscreen for 2024
There are a number of stellar names that have made their way over to the UK to great fanfare recently. Joining stalwarts like Bondi Sands, a slew of newer, buzzier brands are bringing both innovation and cool factor. The first is Naked Sundays: brimming with SPF innovation and next-gen formulas, it's a power player in making wearing sunscreen cool again.
Then there's everybody's favourite Ultra Violette, another particularly pleasing brand with innovation and IG-friendly formulas in spades. You'd be hard pressed to find a beauty editor who doesn't preach sermons about the Facial Skinscreen.
Finally, Aussie heavyweight Mecca Cosmetica has landed on British soil earlier this year to great excitement. With a more luxe price tag, you can expect big things from the sunscreen range, namely a matte finish that cares for your skin barrier, a SPF that sits perfectly under make-up and is packed with skincare actives.
Below, see our ELLE edit of the best Australian SPF:
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