MissLJBeauty

There are some sunscreen products that seem to have been around forever, and Riemann P20 Original Spray SPF 50 is definitely one of them.

I actually bought this P20 sunscreen before a month-long trip through Croatia and Italy. With long days sightseeing, walking around historic cities, relaxing by the coast and spending hours outdoors, I knew we needed a high-protection SPF 50 sunscreen that could genuinely keep up with us.

The main reason I picked up this Riemann P20 sun cream was actually for my husband, Hugo. His dad has previously had skin cancer, so sun protection is something we take seriously. Hugo also burns incredibly easily. He is the type of person who can turn pink after what feels like five minutes in the sunshine, so finding a sunscreen with strong UVA and UVB protection is always a priority.

I had used P20 years ago and remembered it being one of the most reliable sunscreen products I'd ever tried. It had built a reputation for long-lasting protection, being water resistant and standing up well to hot weather, which was exactly what we needed for this trip.

So when I spotted a bottle in the airport before we flew, it felt like an easy decision.

Quick Answer: Is P20 SPF 50 Worth It?

If you want a high-protection SPF 50 sunscreen that doesn't require constant worrying about whether you're covered, P20 Original Spray SPF 50 is one of the best sunscreens I've used.

This water-resistant spray sunscreen is easy to apply, comfortable to wear and provides reliable UVA and UVB protection, even during long days outdoors. Unlike some sun cream formulas that can feel thick, sticky or leave a white cast, P20 leaves skin feeling comfortable with a healthy-looking glow rather than looking chalky or dry.

All About Riemann P20

Riemann P20 has built its reputation around long-lasting sun protection. While many modern sunscreen brands focus on skincare ingredients or cosmetic finishes, P20 has always put protection first.

The brand is particularly popular with travellers, outdoor enthusiasts and families thanks to its high UVA protection, water-resistant formulas and reputation for lasting through long days outdoors.

What Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50?

P20 Original Spray SPF 50 is a high-protection sunscreen from Riemann P20 that is designed to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection for both the face and body.

Unlike some traditional sun cream formulas that can feel thick or difficult to spread, this spray sunscreen is designed to make application quick and straightforward. The lightweight formula sprays easily onto the skin and spreads surprisingly well, making it ideal for holidays, days at the beach, outdoor activities and everyday summer use.

One of the things P20 is best known for is its long-lasting protection and water-resistant formula. It is designed to help protect the skin from sunburn, premature ageing and UV damage while remaining comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Packaging and Application

The packaging is simple and practical rather than flashy, which honestly suits this sunscreen perfectly.

The sturdy spray bottle is easy to hold and use, and the spray format makes applying sunscreen to larger areas of the body much quicker than a traditional lotion. When you're trying to get out the door for a day of sightseeing or heading to the beach, that convenience makes a real difference.

I found it particularly useful while travelling as it fitted easily into our luggage, beach bags and backpacks throughout the trip. The spray mechanism worked perfectly from start to finish with no leaks, clogging or product wastage, which isn't always the case with spray sunscreens.

Key Ingredients in P20 Original Spray SPF 50

This sunscreen is designed to provide high-level sun protection rather than act as a skincare treatment, so the key ingredients are focused on protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

The formula contains a blend of modern UV filters that provide broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, helping to protect against sunburn, sun damage and premature ageing caused by UV exposure. One of the things P20 is particularly known for is its high UVA protection, which is important for helping protect the skin from the rays associated with skin ageing.

It also contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps support the skin while it is exposed to environmental stressors such as sunshine, heat and pollution.

The formula contains alcohol, which helps give the sunscreen its lightweight, fast-drying feel and makes it easy to spread across the skin. While some people prefer alcohol-free formulas, I didn't find it drying at all and my skin remained comfortable throughout our month-long trip.

What Protection Does P20 SPF 50 Offer?

One of the reasons P20 has remained so popular is its focus on protection. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, helping to protect the skin from sunburn, premature ageing and long-term sun damage.

Texture, Finish and Scent

One thing I immediately remembered when I started using this sunscreen again was just how easy it is to apply.

The spray formula feels lightweight and spreads effortlessly across the skin. It doesn't feel thick, heavy or sticky like some high-protection sun creams can, and it absorbs surprisingly well considering it offers SPF 50 protection.

The finish is probably best described as healthy and slightly glossy. It gives the skin a nice sheen without looking overly greasy, which is something I really appreciated when we were spending long days outdoors in the heat. My skin felt protected and comfortable rather than coated in a heavy layer of sunscreen.

As for the scent, it instantly takes me back to holidays. It has that classic sun cream smell that feels incredibly nostalgic. Not overpowering or artificial, just enough to remind you that you're somewhere warm, enjoying yourself and hopefully nowhere near your emails.

How to Use P20 Original Spray SPF 50

I applied this sunscreen each morning before heading outdoors, making sure to cover all exposed areas of skin before we set off for the day.

During our trip to Croatia and Italy, it quickly became part of our morning routine. Whether we were exploring historic cities, relaxing by the coast or spending hours walking in the sunshine, it was always the first thing we applied before leaving our accommodation.

One of the things both Hugo and I liked most about this sunscreen is how easy it is to use. The spray formula makes application quick and straightforward, and it doesn't leave behind the thick, sticky feeling that some sun creams can. Hugo especially prefers lightweight, non-greasy formulas, and this definitely fits the bill.

Once applied, it genuinely feels like a put-it-on-and-get-on-with-your-day type of sunscreen. When you're on holiday, the last thing you want is to spend your time worrying about whether your SPF is doing its job, and this gave us confidence that our skin was protected while we enjoyed ourselves.

Where P20 Fits in My Routine

On holiday, this completely replaced any other body sunscreen I would normally use. When you're travelling for a month, packing space matters, so I didn't want to bring multiple sun creams if I didn't need to.

Instead, this became our go-to SPF every single day. We used it before sightseeing, beach days, boat trips and long walks, knowing it would provide the level of sun protection we needed.

What Do I Use P20 Suncream For?

For me, this is the type of sunscreen I reach for when I know I'll be spending extended periods outdoors.

Whether that's sightseeing on holiday, spending the day at the beach, walking Mylo, sitting by the pool or simply exploring somewhere new, this is the SPF I trust when I know sun exposure is going to be high.

What I particularly like is that it doesn't feel like a special occasion sunscreen that only comes out for holidays. While we bought it for our trip to Croatia and Italy, it's just as useful for summer days at home when you're gardening, walking the dog or spending time outdoors.

I even ended up using a little on Mylo's nose when we were out in the sunshine. While it certainly wasn't bought for that purpose, it probably shows just how much confidence I have in this sunscreen.

Why Choose P20 SPF Instead of Other Sunscreens?

I've tried a lot of sunscreens over the years, from budget supermarket options to premium skincare brands, and one thing I've learned is that the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use properly.

What sets P20 apart for me is the confidence it gives. Some sunscreens feel lovely on the skin but leave me wondering whether they're really up to the job when I'm spending hours outdoors. Others offer great protection but feel thick, sticky and unpleasant to wear.

P20 sits somewhere in the middle. It is lightweight enough that neither Hugo nor I minded applying it every day, but it also gave us the reassurance that our skin was properly protected.

For me, the biggest difference compared to cheaper supermarket sunscreens is trust. When we were spending six hours walking around Pompeii in intense heat, I wasn't worrying about whether our sunscreen was coping. Hugo didn't burn once during our month in Croatia and Italy, which honestly speaks for itself.

I've actually completely converted him to P20, which is probably the strongest recommendation I can give. This is someone who would normally buy the cheapest sunscreen he could find in Aldi and call it a day. The fact he now reaches for this without me even mentioning it says a lot.

Why Is Wearing Sunscreen So Important?

For years, I think many of us viewed sunscreen as something we only needed on beach holidays. The reality is that UV rays can affect our skin every day, even when it doesn't feel particularly sunny.

Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF helps protect the skin from sunburn, premature ageing, pigmentation and long-term sun damage. In fact, daily sun protection is one of the most effective things you can do to help maintain healthy-looking skin as you age.

For me, sunscreen isn't just about beauty. Hugo's dad has previously had skin cancer, so protecting our skin properly is something we take seriously. That was one of the main reasons I wanted a sunscreen I could trust for our month-long trip through Croatia and Italy.

Of course, no sunscreen offers complete protection and it's always important to follow sun safety advice, seek shade where possible and reapply when needed. However, using a high-protection SPF 50 sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to help protect your skin while still enjoying time outdoors.

My Honest P20 SPF 50 Review After a Month Abroad

The real test came in Pompeii.

If you've ever been, you'll know exactly what I mean. There is very little shade, lots of walking and the kind of heat where you can physically feel the sun beating down on your shoulders all day.

We spent around six hours outdoors exploring, and honestly, that was the moment I knew this sunscreen was worth every penny.

Normally, I would expect Hugo to burn in conditions like that. He is one of those people who can go pink ridiculously quickly, which is one of the reasons I bought this in the first place. Trying to convince him to switch from his usual cheap supermarket sunscreen was not easy either. Once Hugo finds a product he likes, he tends to stick with it.

But after this trip, I think I've completely converted him.

Not only did he not burn in Pompeii, but he didn't burn once during our entire month in Croatia and Italy. Considering how much time we spent sightseeing, walking along the coast, sitting on boats and generally being outdoors, that's seriously impressive.

I also really enjoyed using it myself. The spray makes application quick and easy, which is ideal when you're trying to get out the door in the morning rather than spending ages applying layers of sunscreen. It never felt heavy or uncomfortable on the skin and I didn't get that sticky feeling that some SPF products leave behind.

One thing I particularly liked was the finish. Some high-factor sunscreens can leave skin looking flat, chalky or greasy, but this left a healthy-looking gloss that made my skin look nourished and hydrated rather than shiny.

I even found myself using a little on Mylo's nose when we were out in the sunshine. Obviously that's not what it was designed for, but it probably shows how much confidence I had in the product by that point.

By the end of the trip, we were both reaching for it automatically every morning. For me, that's usually the sign of a genuinely good product. It becomes part of your routine without you even thinking about it.

In fact, when we got home, I stocked up on more from Costco because it works out cheaper there. That's probably the biggest endorsement I can give. I rarely rush out and buy backups of products unless I genuinely love them, but this is one sunscreen I know we'll keep using.

Who Is P20 SPF 50 Best For?

P20 is one of those sunscreen products that I think appeals to a very specific type of person, and I mean that in the best possible way.

If you're someone who burns easily, spends a lot of time outdoors or simply wants a sunscreen that you don't have to constantly think about, I think you'll get on really well with it.

It's particularly well suited to fair skin tones, families heading on holiday, outdoor enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys spending long days outside. As someone who loves travelling, walking Mylo and spending time outdoors, it fits perfectly into my lifestyle.

What I also like about the brand is that there isn't just one P20 product. The range includes Original Spray SPF 20, SPF 30 and SPF 50 options, alongside dedicated face sunscreens such as Sensitive Face SPF 50+ and Original Face SPF 30. They also offer Sensitive Skin SPF 30 and SPF 50+ formulas, Urban Shield SPF 50+ for daily city wear and children's sunscreens designed specifically for sensitive skin. If you're in doubt about which to go for Riemann P20 Sensitive is a safe bet. 

For me, the Original Spray SPF 50 is the one I would choose for holidays, beach days and long periods outdoors because it is quick to apply, water resistant and offers the kind of protection I trust when spending hours in the sun.

However, if you're mainly looking for an everyday facial SPF to wear under makeup, or you have particularly sensitive skin, one of the face or sensitive skin versions may be a better fit.

Can You Wear P20 SPF 50 on Your Face?

Technically, yes. P20 Original Spray SPF 50 can be used on both the face and body, and some people happily use it as their only sunscreen.

Personally, I tend to use this on my body and reach for a dedicated facial SPF instead. Products like La Roche-Posay Anthelios or Beauty of Joseon sit a little more comfortably under makeup and are designed specifically for daily facial use.

That said, if you're on holiday, spending the day outdoors or travelling light, I wouldn't hesitate to use P20 on my face. The formula feels lightweight, absorbs well and doesn't leave the heavy, greasy feeling that some high-factor sunscreens can.

How Does P20 Compare To Other Sunscreens?

I've tried a lot of sunscreens over the years, from budget supermarket options through to dedicated facial SPFs, and this sits in a slightly different category to many of them.

Compared to something like the SPF I use daily, as I mentioned in my La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ Review, P20 isn't the product I would necessarily reach for under makeup every single day. Instead, this is the sunscreen I pack when I know I'm going to be spending hours outdoors and need reliable protection.

Where P20 really stands out is how dependable it feels. The spray formula is quick to apply, it doesn't feel overly greasy and I never found myself worrying about whether it was doing its job. After all, Hugo managed a month in Croatia and Italy without burning once, which is honestly impressive.

Compared to cheaper holiday sun creams, it feels easier to apply, more comfortable to wear and gives me far more confidence when we're out all day in the sun. It might cost a little more upfront, but for me the performance justifies it.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 Worth It?

Yes, absolutely.

At around £25 in the airport, it isn't the cheapest sunscreen you'll find. However, after using it throughout a month-long trip to Croatia and Italy, I genuinely think it is worth the money.

What you're paying for isn't fancy packaging or luxury skincare claims. You're paying for reliable SPF 50 protection, water resistance and the confidence that your sunscreen can cope with long days outdoors.

For me, the biggest proof came from Hugo. He burns incredibly easily, and despite spending hours sightseeing, walking around historic cities, relaxing by the coast and enduring the intense heat of Pompeii, he didn't burn once. That alone made the purchase worthwhile.

I also loved how easy it was to apply, how comfortable it felt on the skin and the healthy glow it left behind. It never felt heavy, sticky or unpleasant to wear, which isn't something I can say about every high-factor sunscreen I've tried.

In fact, I liked it so much that I stocked up on more when I got home after discovering it was cheaper at Costco. I don't usually rush out to buy backups unless a product has genuinely impressed me, so that probably tells you everything you need to know.

Which Skin Types Will Like Riemann P20 SPF 50?

I think this sunscreen works surprisingly well across a range of skin types, especially if your main priority is reliable sun protection rather than a specific skincare benefit.

If you have dry skin, you'll probably appreciate the comfortable finish. Although it isn't marketed as a hydrating product, I never found it left my skin feeling tight or dehydrated, even after long days in the sun.

Normal skin types are likely to get on well with it too. It feels lightweight, easy to wear and doesn't require much thought once applied.

For sensitive skin, P20 offers dedicated sensitive skin versions within the range, which may be worth exploring. As with any skincare or sunscreen product, patch testing is always sensible if your skin is particularly reactive.

Mature skin can also benefit from the high level of UVA and UVB protection. Daily SPF is one of the most effective ways to help protect against premature ageing and sun damage, making a good sunscreen one of the most important products in any skincare routine.

If you have oily skin, the finish may feel slightly richer than some mattifying facial sunscreens. However, I never found it overly greasy, and because this is primarily a body sunscreen, I think the healthy glow actually works in its favour.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High SPF 50 protection with strong UVA and UVB coverage
• Water-resistant formula that coped well with holidays and long days outdoors
• Easy spray application
• Lightweight and non-greasy on the skin
• Leaves a healthy-looking glow rather than a chalky finish
• Hugo didn't burn once during our month in Croatia and Italy
• Great for travel, beach days, walking, cycling and sightseeing
• One bottle lasted well throughout our trip

Cons

• More expensive than supermarket sun creams
• The traditional sunscreen scent won't be for everyone
• The glossy finish may not suit those who prefer a completely matte look

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 Good for Sensitive Skin?

While this isn't specifically marketed as a sensitive skin sunscreen, I personally found it comfortable to wear and didn't experience any irritation during our month-long trip around Croatia and Italy.

My skin felt protected, comfortable and hydrated throughout the holiday, even with daily use in hot weather. The formula never felt heavy, itchy or uncomfortable on my skin, which is always a good sign when you're applying sunscreen every single day.

That said, this version does contain alcohol and fragrance, so if you have particularly sensitive or reactive skin, it's always worth patch testing before applying it more widely.

The good news is that P20 also has dedicated Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Face SPF products within the range. If you know your skin struggles with certain sunscreens, those formulas may be a better option for you.

Price and Value for Money

I paid around £25 for this at the airport before our trip, which definitely puts it above many supermarket sunscreen options. I have seen it on sale on Amazon for around £18. 

That said, I genuinely think it earns its price tag. When you're buying sunscreen, you're not just paying for the bottle itself, you're paying for the protection, reliability and peace of mind that comes with it.

Throughout a month in Croatia and Italy, this was the sunscreen we reached for every single day. It protected both of us through beach days, sightseeing, boat trips and long walks in the heat, and most importantly, Hugo didn't burn once.

I also discovered that Costco sells it for less than airport prices, so I stocked up when I got home. For me, that's always a good sign. If I'm willing to buy backups with my own money, the product has clearly impressed me.

Could you buy a cheaper sunscreen? Absolutely.

Would I trust it as much during six hours in the Pompeii sunshine? Probably not.

Is P20 SPF 50 Good for Swimming?

One of the reasons P20 has remained so popular over the years is its water-resistant formula. While no sunscreen lasts forever once you're in and out of the water, I found this held up really well during our trip.

We used it for beach days, boat trips and long days outdoors near the coast, and I always felt confident that it was doing its job. Of course, it's still important to follow the instructions on the bottle and reapply when needed, especially after swimming or towel drying.

Does P20 SPF 50 Stain Clothes?

This is a common concern with any sunscreen, especially spray formulas.

Personally, I didn't notice any staining on my clothing during our trip. That said, I always try to give sunscreen a few minutes to absorb before getting dressed, particularly when wearing lighter colours.

Is P20 SPF 50 Reef Safe?

Many travellers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of sunscreen, especially when visiting coastal destinations.

If reef safety is important to you, I would always recommend checking the latest information directly with the manufacturer before travelling, as ingredient regulations and environmental guidance can change over time.

How Much P20 SPF 50 Should You Apply?

One of the biggest mistakes people make with sunscreen is simply not applying enough.

To achieve the level of SPF 50 protection stated on the bottle, you need to apply a generous, even layer across all exposed areas of skin. It's very easy to under-apply sunscreen, particularly when you're in a hurry or trying to make a bottle last longer.

I made sure we applied it thoroughly each morning before heading out, particularly on areas that burn more easily such as shoulders, arms and the tops of feet.

Final Thoughts

P20 Original Spray SPF 50 reminded me exactly why it has remained such a popular sunscreen for so many years.

Sometimes we all get distracted by new launches, trending products and fancy packaging, but every now and then you go back to an old favourite and remember why it earned its reputation in the first place.

This sunscreen protected us throughout a month of travelling around Croatia and Italy, coped with some seriously hot weather and gave us the confidence to enjoy our trip without constantly worrying about getting burnt. Most impressively, Hugo didn't burn once, despite being someone who normally burns very easily.

I loved how easy it was to apply, how comfortable it felt on the skin and the healthy glow it left behind. It never felt heavy, sticky or unpleasant to wear, which made reaching for it every morning an easy choice.

In fact, I was so impressed that I stocked up on more when I got home, which is something I rarely do unless a product has genuinely earned a place in my routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 worth it?

Yes. It offers excellent protection, easy application and performs particularly well during long days outdoors. After using it throughout a month in Croatia and Italy, I would happily buy it again.

Does P20 Original Spray SPF 50 feel greasy?

Not particularly. It leaves a healthy, slightly glossy finish on the skin but never felt overly greasy or uncomfortable to wear.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 good for sensitive skin?

Many people with sensitive skin enjoy P20 products, and the brand also offers dedicated Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Face formulas. As with any skincare product, patch testing is always sensible.

Does P20 Original Spray SPF 50 leave a white cast?

I didn't experience any noticeable white cast while using it. The formula blended easily into the skin and absorbed surprisingly well.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 good for holidays?

Absolutely. In fact, I think holidays are where it performs best thanks to its SPF 50 protection, water resistance and long-lasting wear.

Can you use P20 Original Spray SPF 50 on the face?

You can, although P20 also offers dedicated facial SPF products, including P20 Sensitive Face SPF 50+, which may be a better option for everyday facial use.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 water resistant?

Yes. One of the reasons P20 has become so popular is its water-resistant formula. This makes it a great choice for holidays, beach days, swimming and other outdoor activities.

Does P20 SPF 50 Really Last 10 Hours?

P20 is known for providing long-lasting protection. However, you should always follow the instructions on the bottle and reapply as recommended, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Does P20 Original Spray SPF 50 contain alcohol?

Yes, the formula does contain alcohol. This helps give the sunscreen its lightweight texture and allows it to dry quickly on the skin. Personally, I didn't find it drying during use.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 suitable for fair skin?

I think this is one of the best reasons to buy it. Hugo has very fair skin and burns incredibly easily, yet he didn't burn once during our month-long trip abroad.

Is P20 Original Spray SPF 50 good for outdoor sports?

Yes. Whether you're walking, cycling, hiking, sightseeing or spending time at the beach, this sunscreen is designed for people who spend long periods outdoors and need dependable sun protection.

Does P20 Original Spray SPF 50 help prevent premature ageing?

No sunscreen can completely prevent skin ageing, but wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every day can help protect the skin from UV damage, pigmentation and some of the signs of premature ageing caused by sun exposure.

Is P20 Better Than Normal Sunscreen?

In my experience, the biggest difference is confidence. I've used plenty of sunscreens over the years, but P20 is one of the few that I've trusted through long days sightseeing, cycling and spending time outdoors. It costs more than many budget alternatives, but for me the performance justifies the price.

Does P20 SPF 50 Cause Breakouts?

About the Author

Laura is the award-winning beauty and lifestyle blogger behind MissLJBeauty. With over 15 years of beauty industry experience and qualifications in makeup, skincare, facials and massage, she shares honest, real-world reviews to help readers decide what is genuinely worth buying.

When she's not testing beauty products, you'll usually find her mountain biking, travelling or out exploring with her Dalmatian, Mylo.