The evolution of SPF formulas
There’s something about the minute the sun makes an appearance in Ireland that has us all collectively abandoning reason.
The pale legs come out, the iced coffees are ordered and suddenly everyone is an SPF expert despite the fact most of us are still using the same bottle of sunscreen that rolled around the boot of the car since last July.
Now as I write this in my garden it’s very sunny but by the time it’s published, you may need the tips for your sun holiday.
But genuinely, one of the biggest shifts in beauty over the past few years has been the evolution of SPF formulas. Gone are the days of thick, chalky, greasy sun creams that stained your clothes, blocked your pores and made makeup slide off your face by lunchtime. The new generation of sunscreen formulas are elegant, skincare-driven and honestly a pleasure to wear which means people are actually using them properly.
And that matters. Because while we all love a bit of sunshine, dermatologists have spent years telling us that daily SPF is one of the single most important things we can do for our skin long-term. Pigmentation, premature ageing, dehydration and of course skin cancer risks are all exacerbated by UV exposure, even on cloudy Irish days.
What I’m loving this summer is how brands are really leaning into hybrid formulas products that protect the skin while also actively improving it.
French pharmacy favourite Nuxe has launched a gorgeous mist formula featuring an exclusive patented filter system offering high protection from UVA, UVB and even blue light exposure. It combines broad-spectrum protection with anti-ageing cellular defence, and importantly, it’s designed for the face, body and even the scalp. The invisible texture means no heavy residue and no ghostly white cast, ideal for those of us who hate the traditional “sun cream feeling”.
Meanwhile, Rituals has completely embraced sensorial sun protection through its Karma SPF range, which honestly feels more like luxury bodycare than traditional sunscreen.
The invisible SPF 50+ sunscreen stick is one of those handbag essentials you actually end up using because it’s so easy. Lightweight, matte on the skin and enriched with their Hydra-Boost Complex — aloe vera, algae and squalane which delivers hydration while protecting the skin. Perfect for topping up SPF throughout the day without disturbing makeup.
The foaming SPF 50 sun protection is another standout. The texture is airy, fast-absorbing and non-sticky, which is exactly what people want during warmer weather.
And because Irish people inevitably overdo the first proper sunny weekend of the year, the After Sun Ice Shower Gel may genuinely become the MVP of summer. Cooling, soothing and refreshing after too much sun exposure, it’s designed to calm overheated skin while replenishing hydration levels.
There’s also been a noticeable movement toward more sustainable and dermatologically conscious SPF options, which consumers are increasingly demanding. SOLERO, available exclusively through McCabes Pharmacy, is a really interesting example of this shift.
The range focuses on broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB and IR-A rays while remaining suitable for sensitive skin and children. What stands out is the move away from controversial ingredients the formulas are octocrylene free and nano-particle free, addressing growing environmental and skin sensitivity concerns.
Ultimately, SPF has become less about “holiday sunscreen” and more about daily skin health. The formulas are smarter, the textures are infinitely better, and brands finally understand that if sunscreen feels luxurious to use, consumers are far more likely to wear it consistently.
And for Irish skin that’s suddenly being exposed to an aggressive burst of sunshine after months of grey skies, that’s probably the best beauty investment you can make this summer.