Summer’s here, and so is your friendly reminder to wear your SPF. Whether you’re beach-bound, hiking through the heat, or just grabbing iced coffee in the sun, sunscreen should be your everyday essential. From sheer face favorites to body sprays you’ll actually want to reapply, this is our master list of top picks that make sun protection feel like a treat, not a chore.

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Best skincare-infused SPF:

Holifrog Solar Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 , $36

This lightweight, skincare-forward mineral SPF combines sun protection with hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients for daily use. It blends easily into all skin tones with no greasiness and a smooth, semi-matte finish. Think of it as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and skin barrier support all in one.

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Best no-mess SPF:

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 , $32

Clear, weightless, and totally invisible—this swipe-on SPF stick is perfect for reapplying on the go. Its travel-friendly size fits in your bag or pocket, and it glides on smoothly without smudging your makeup. Zero white cast, zero scent, and 100% ready for sunshine.

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Best SPF to wear under makeup:

Minu Brightening Sunscreen Minerals SPF 30 Gel-Cream , $58

Part sunscreen, part skincare, and part makeup primer, this multitasking mineral formula does it all. A sheer tint enhances your natural glow while niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants brighten, calm, and hydrate. It’s a luxe, luminous base for anyone who wants protection and radiance under makeup (or alone).

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Best tinted moisturizer with SPF:

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Sheer Tint Moisturizer , $56

Most tinted moisturizers only offer around SPF 15 to 30, but this one delivers heavyweight protection with light-as-air, sheer coverage. The cream-to-water formula is infused with 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex for deep hydration and a skin-smoothing finish. Its adaptable tint blends effortlessly into all skin tones for a natural, even glow.

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Best SPF for face and body:

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 , $18.99

Made by women of color for people of color, this moisturizing sunscreen protects all skin tones against sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, without leaving behind a chalky white cast. Jojoba, avocado, and cacao nourish the skin while offering sheer, everyday protection for face and body. Use it under makeup or solo for that no-white-residue glow.

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Best spray-on SPF:

bask Non-Aerosol SPF 30 Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray , $28

Want effortless coverage? Bask makes it easy with this ultra-sheer mineral spray that goes on dry and blends seamlessly into skin, no ghostly white cast in sight. The bottle sprays at any angle (even upside down!) and leaves your body hydrated, not sticky, thanks to soothing cucumber and skin-loving glycerin.

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Best water-resistant SPF for the face:

bask Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40 , $28

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that actually holds up during sweat or swim, this one’s got you covered—literally. With 80 minutes of water-and sweat-resistant protection, this weightless gel formula stays put while keeping skin smooth, hydrated, and shine-free. It blends invisibly into all skin tones (and facial hair), making it perfect for beach days, workouts, or just humid summer life.

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Best SPF with a Glow:

Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 , $40

A radiant, glossy glow plus SPF? Yes, really. This body oil defies beauty norms by combining high-level sun protection (SPF 50!!) with a silky, nourishing finish that leaves skin looking sun-kissed and dewy. Packed with argan, grapeseed, and meadowfoam seed oils, it’s water-and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it your ultimate beach (or poolside) glow-up.

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Illustrations by Megan Badilla

Good skin is always in! Skincare experts Lisa Garcia and Natalia Guzman are known for providing natural results to their clients through treatments including microneedling, wrinkle relaxers, skin boosters, peels, lasers, and more at the Atelier Aesthetix studio in Beverly Hills, California.

The two pride themselves on providing personalized, expert care, while steering clear of beauty fads.

“I like to preserve what makes you uniquely you and enhance rather than alter. … I will say no to requests for overly aggressive or trendy work that doesn’t age well or compromises safety, like too much filler, unrealistic proportions, or unnecessary treatments,” Garcia tells ET.

“So many of my patients want to look refreshed and more confident without looking like they’ve had work done and that’s the sweet spot I love to work in. …  I’m not a fan of DIY skincare trends that float around on social media or using products that promise miracles,” Guzman adds.

What they are into: Staying consistent with sunscreen. 

“It sounds simple, but sunscreen every single day is the foundation of everything I do. Protecting your investment is the best way to keep your skin healthy, youthful, and glowing,” Garcia says.

“If I had to pick one thing, daily SPF is the best anti-aging product out there,” Guzman continues.

Other must-haves according to the pair? 

“Using high-quality, evidence-based skincare will help prolong results. … I always recommend patients think of in-office treatments and home care as a partnership that works best together,” Garcia explains.

“I recommend antioxidants, a gentle retinoid if appropriate, and consistent hydration. … I’m also obsessed with exosomes and growth factor-based serums, especially post-procedure, to help speed up healing and make your results even better,” Guzman shares.

The aesthetic nurse provider and practitioner also stick to healthy habits to maintain their glowy complexions.

“Avoid smoking and try to manage stress as well as possible,” Garcia suggests. 

“Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, will impact your skin,” Guzman spills. 

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Throughout most of my life, the idea of applying sunscreen only ever occured to me right before hitting the pool or beach for the day. But now, it’s a part of my everyday routine—whatever the weather, no matter the season. Yep, you’ll even catch me applying sunscreen on the days that I’m sitting at my desk and staring at my computer all day.

Why? Because whether we’re sitting in traffic as part of our daily commute, getting a quick workout in or heading to a post-work happy hour, chances are we’re still being exposed to UV rays during the in-betweens in the car, short walks from building to building, through windows—you get the gist.

Of course, you can’t avoid aging altogether, but when applied regularly, sunscreen can reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and overall redness for healthier skin through the years. More than just fighting sunburns or skin cancer, sunscreen can help improve your skin’s overall appearance, including its tone and texture.

Preventative measures now will prove to be much easier and cheaper than trying to get rid of existing wrinkles or fine lines down the line (think Botox or plastic surgery). But remember, when it comes to sunscreen application, consistency really is key. Apply at least once every day to reap the maximum anti-aging benefits.

It’s never too late to start. No matter your age, slather on some sunscreen for smoother, more youthful, radiant skin! For starters, here are some of our current favorites.

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For dry skin

Beautylish recommends:

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For oily skin

Beautylish recommends:

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For tinted coverage

Beautylish recommends:

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For a radiant glow

Beautylish recommends:

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For a blurring finish

Beautylish recommends:

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For an invisible finish

Beautylish recommends:

Hands down, the most important product for healthier, clearer, and radiant skin is one of the best face sunscreens, which you must wear every day, rain or shine. Despite limited sunscreen innovations in the US, we promise you there’s a lightweight, comfortable-to-wear, pilling-free, and cast-free (for chemical sunscreens, specifically) formula on the market that you’ll actually enjoy slathering on. And, of course, they all have broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher, as per dermatologist guidelines.

In true Allure fashion, we’re spilling everything you need to know about our team’s favorite face sunscreens—many backed by board-certified dermatologists, to boot. These formulas glide on like a dream, never disrupt makeup, and above all else, help prevent sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer with proper usage.

Our Top Face Sunscreens

• Best Overall Mineral: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40, $60
• Best Overall Chemical: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50, $36
• Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen, $40
• Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50, $54
• Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 50+ Drops, $46
• Best for Oily Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $78
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $38
• Best Redness-Neutralizing: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Sunscreen, $52
• Best Korean: Then I Met You Light Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++, $36
• Best Tinted: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
• Best Glowy: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40, $38

Best Overall Mineral: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40

Why we love it: Think of your typical mineral sunscreen, and then think of something 10 times better. Don’t strain yourself because it’s right here: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid. This zinc-oxide-based, peachy-pink formula is as elegant as they come, blending in in mere seconds and leaving your skin looking like you woke up naturally glowy. Ingredients-wise, lipochroman (a next-level antioxidant) and ectoin hydrate and protect skin against environmental aggressors (that can lead to fine lines, dark spots, the works). Even if you don’t consider yourself a mineral sunscreen fan, this formula might convince you otherwise.

Best Overall Chemical: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50

Why we love it: Has the Aussie sunscreen takeover officially commenced? While Ultra Violette isn’t the first Australian brand to arrive stateside, it has made the biggest splash in recent years. Debuting at Sephora, this brand has quickly rounded up fans amongst the Allure staff for its advanced yet easy-to-wear sunscreens. Our top pick goes to the Supreme Screen SPF 50, which uses a blend of chemical UV filters (four, in fact) to protect skin, while plant-based pentavitin (a powerful humectant) and squalane attract moisture while also preventing moisture loss. The result? Healthy, glowing skin. Bonus: It smells slightly citrusy and has primer-like grip abilities if you apply makeup afterwards.

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: La Roche-Posay knows a thing or two about formulating with sensitive skin in mind. After all, its claim-to-fame ingredient, thermal spring water sourced from La Roche-Posay in France (yes, it’s an actual place!), is rich in antioxidants and instantly soothes skin. The Best of Beauty-winning Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50 bottles thermal spring water with barrier-strengthening vitamin E and two mineral UV filters to provide impeccable sun protection that helps prevent moisture loss and won’t upset your reactive skin. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, counts herself as a fan, adding, “It has a subtle mattifying effect that’s perfect to wear under makeup.” And as with any excellent sunscreen, she says it sinks in so fast you barely feel like you’re wearing anything.

Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: SkinCeuticals has some of the best skin-care products in the game, full stop, especially for mature skin and post-procedure skin. The brand’s sunscreen lineup has slowly (and intentionally) grown over the years, and its latest member is Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50. Since it’s a hybrid formula (meaning it has both chemical and mineral UV filters), it’s ideal for someone who has sensitive skin but wants to branch out into chemical sunscreens—extra thanks to skin-soothing and redness-minimizing ingredients like bisabolol (an oil extracted from chamomile) and palmitoyl tripeptide-8. And when we’re talking redness, we also mean post-breakout discoloration and sensitivity, so acne-prone friends, do not fret. In short, think of Clear Daily as a product with the lightweight feel, minimal cast, and elegance of a chemical sunscreen without the irritation that’s commonly associated with them.

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Why we love it: If supremely lightweight formulas are your vibe, we recommend giving Kate Somerville’s Best of Beauty-winning HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops a try. Despite its watery consistency, this mineral sunscreen doesn’t skimp on hydration. Ectoin, one of the star ingredients, is “a natural moisture binder that’s great for smoothing rough and scaly skin, can reduce inflammation, and works for lines and wrinkles [by providing] long-term hydration,” Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, previously explained. In layman’s terms, this sunscreen has your skin’s best interests in mind and acts like a superboosted moisturizer—hold the heaviness of a cream.

As for the UV protection, that’s credited to 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide. The “non-nano” means the particles are larger than regular zinc oxide, so they even more readily sit on the surface of your skin, avoiding any penetration. The real magic is that these particles are paired with sheer mineral-based pigments that neutralize discoloration and leave you with a cast-free finish, as our editor-in-chief attests.

Best for Oily Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: If you haven’t heard of Isdin by now, where have you been? This dermatologist-beloved Spanish brand has been pulling out all of the research stops around photoaging since 1975. Consider the Eryfotona Actinica Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 your go-to, no-nonsense mineral formula that protects your skin with zinc oxide, repairs damaged skin with DNA Repairsomes (a.k.a. plankton-derived enzymes), and prevents early signs of aging with a strong-willed lineup of antioxidants such as peptide Q10 and vitamin E. Anyone who prefers a matte finish will be drawn towards this one, but, according to Brooklyn-based board-certified dermatologist Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, people with oily skin are the ideal candidates. The peach tint also helps counteract any white cast from the zinc oxide, which always earns a resounding “YES” from us.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

Why we love it: Since 2015, Supergoop Unseen has stunned users with its completely transparent gel formula that melts into skin without a trace and its strong makeup-gripping powers. It’s weightless, scentless, and suits all skin tones. Hear that, acne-prone skin? Unseen doesn’t clog your pores or exacerbate existing breakouts, leaving behind a natural finish that looks very much like your skin before you applied it. The original formula had a strong SPF 40 but has since been improved to SPF 50. If you’re wearing makeup on top of Unseen, the brand recommends waiting at least 30 seconds.

P.S. Unseen has since expanded into a body sunscreen (which won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award) and mineral sunscreen, which, albeit, isn’t totally clear like its siblings. (Zinc oxide comes in a white powder, so no FDA-approved mineral sunscreens can be formulated as clear.)

Best Redness-Neutralizing: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Sunscreen

Why we love it: EltaMD has an extensive lineup of dermatologist-beloved sunscreens that we also wholeheartedly back, but for sensitized skin that’s been put through the wringer (ahem, a little too much fun in the sun), we can’t recommend EltaMD’s

borrowed copy: That green pigment comes from centella asiatica (cica), a skin-care staple that counteracts redness and soothes irritation. This mineral sunscreen is also packed with ceramides and amino acids to strengthen the skin barrier and provide deep hydration. “The EltaMD UV Skin Recovery worked well with all of them and didn’t pill throughout the day,” said former digital deputy beauty editor Sophia Panych. “I’m in my late 30s, have combination skin, and live in a city with very hard water that dries you out from head to toe.” Panych also swears by the sunscreen’s glowy, dewy finish, something she hadn’t yet found in the world of mineral SPFs.

Best Korean: Then I Met You Light Essence Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: Put the words “essence” and “sunscreen” into one product name, and we’ll be expecting serious hydration. Luckily, Then I Met You’s Light Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ meets our expectations, and then some. This Korean sunscreen has some of the usual suspects like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, but it also has one of TIMY’s signature ingredients: galactomyces ferment filtrate. Quick lesson: GFF is a derivative of fermented sake that has ample benefits, including minimizing the look of pores, blackheads, and sebum, and boosting your skin’s brightness levels. Bottle all of that goodness with chemical UV filters, and you’ve got yourself a very elegant, nourishing, and cast-free formula. P.S. Because this formula is so hydrating and glow-inducing, if you have oily or combo skin, you don’t necessarily need a moisturizer prior. A little time saved, a little win for us.

Best Tinted: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Why we love it: Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is so dependable, you’ll want one in the regular, summer, and winter shades. Good thing it comes in 30 (count ‘em!) shades. True to its name, this skin tint feels akin to a serum and is infused with serum-like ingredients, such as squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for an absolutely radiant, glowing finish. “This feels like skin care and looks like skin care, but with good coverage,” says Kirin Bhatty, a bi-coastal celebrity makeup artist. “I love how glowy this formula is, and I feel like it’s good for my skin. The shade range is also so beautiful.” (Your shade will look lighter at first, but it dries down to its true tone in 30 to 60 seconds.)

Best Glowy: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40

Why we love it: She’s an icon, and she is the moment. Our editors have been fans of Supergoop Glowscreen since the beginning, even bestowing a Best of Beauty Award in 2020, the very year it launched. (Now that’s amore.) If you’ve ever wanted your skin to look like golden hour, no matter what time of day, this formula does just that—and, as a matter of fact, one of the shades is named Golden Hour. In addition to being packed with nourishing goodness, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and cocoa peptides, it leaves a sheer veil of shimmery tint—ranging from a pearly champagne to deep bronze—that may prompt you to skip your usual base routine. But, as our editors attest, it looks just as good paired with makeup as it does worn alone. Your skin will look radiant and healthy either way, and that’s the biggest takeaway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does sunscreen work?

As beauty journalists, at least one person on our staff chats with a dermatologist on a near-daily basis, and nearly every single one praises the importance of wearing a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of, at the very least, 30. Wearing one daily (and reapplying every two hours) protects your skin from harmful, damage-causing UVA and UVB rays. As a refresher, too much exposure to the sun’s rays can result in long-lasting damage, leading to concerns like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and so on. (UVA rays, for good measure, penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and can potentially lead to more aggressive skin cancers, including melanomas.)

As a reminder in regards to efficacy, let’s talk SPF, short for sun protection factor. SPF 30 guards against 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 is about 98%, and so forth. (SPF 15 only protects against 93%, which is why most dermatologists—and the Allure team—recommend at least 30.) The evidence is crystal-clear, so do yourself a favor, slather up, and consistently reapply facial sunscreen every few hours to minimize the effects of sun exposure—which, at its worst, can culminate in a skin cancer diagnosis.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

Sure, there are thousands of SPF products to sift through, but finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be tricky. Like any other skin-care product, personal preferences run the gamut. Those with sensitive skin may prefer mineral or physical sunscreens, which are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and “reflect ultraviolet rays off of them before the rays penetrate skin cells,” as Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained.

On the other hand, those who prefer their SPF to feel more like a lightweight serum or moisturizer (that’s also more likely to induce zero white or gray cast) will turn to chemical sunscreens, which “use chemicals that absorb damaging UV rays and convert them to non-damaging heat,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Heads up: Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and ensulizole. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two other chemical filters that are banned in Hawaii, and therefore many companies have followed suit to keep them out of their ingredient lists.

Meet the experts

• Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a West Islip, New York-based board-certified dermatologist
• Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
• Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist
• Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Aanand Geria, MD, a New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Find more Allure editor-approved sunscreens:

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If applying sunscreen feels like a chore, the best moisturizers with SPF might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Simply put, a moisturizer with SPF is a face cream that provides broad-spectrum sun protection rated SPF 30 or higher. (We follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Dermatology, and so should you!) It should go without saying that these moisturizers provide skin-plumping moisture and hydration via ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, with the added benefit of protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Scroll on and shop these editor- and dermatologist-recommended facial moisturizers with SPF to ensure your skin is in tip-top health all year round.

Our Top Moisturizers with SPF

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Why it’s worth it: Yes, Kate Somerville’s HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops are mineral-based, but they’re nothing like the chalkier lotions on the market (hence its 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award win). This totally clear formula absorbs immediately into the surface layer of the skin, leaving no white cast or ashy residue behind—especially key for darker skin tones. You can, however, count on a lingering dewy glow we think looks breathtaking. Though this formula contains non-nano zinc oxide (which means the particles of the sunblock are slightly larger), the trick to its transparent sheen is its sheer mineral-based pigments that neutralize any discoloration.

We also love this sunscreen’s soothing formula, thanks to the anti-inflammatory ectoin, a free radical-fighting skin-care ingredient derived from healthy bacteria. “It’s an extremolyte, which is extracted from extremophilic microorganisms,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. According to Dr. Idriss, extremolytes like ectoin help protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions (bye, wintertime dryness and cold-induced eczema flare-ups).

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Supergoop! Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40

Why it’s worth it: Supergoop’s expertise lies in sunscreen, so, naturally, we trust the brand to masterfully incorporate sun protection into a moisturizer. That’s exactly what it did with the Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40, the dolled-up sister of the brand’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40. This 2-in-1 formulation treats pores with a nourishing blend of the skin-plumping good stuff: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and ectoin. Like many Supergoop products, this formula was made to play well under makeup. In fact, its mattifying properties and fast-absorbing texture make for one of the best hydrating makeup primers out there, Amanda Lam, a cosmetic chemist, noted to Allure.

Best for Combination Skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette is giving the stateside stuff a run for its money. Case in point? The brand’s Supreme Screen SPF 50. The triple-threat SPF, moisturizer, and primer offers comprehensive coverage while addressing concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, and dryness. For that, you can thank plant-based pentavitin, a barrier-strengthening humectant, and squalane. Due to its non-oily nature, this is a solid choice for combination skin with a mind of its own.

Best for Dry Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon‘s Relief Sun SPF 50 has probably popped up on your FYP at some point, and trust us, it’s worth the hype. This gorgeous sunscreen has the feel of a lightweight moisturizer, and skips the sticky residue and white cast, instead opting for straight-up hydration. As for the formula, this sunscreen is infused with rice grain and fermented rice extracts to calm and condition your face—acne-prone skin, this goes out to you.

PSA: While you can buy the original formula from reputable, Asia-based retailers listed above, the version on Amazon is a slightly different, FDA-approved formula called Daily Relief Sunscreen. One notable difference: Daily Relief doesn’t have a PA rating, a scale of + to ++++, that’s standard among Asian sunscreens to measure protection against UVA rays. (This tweaked formula is still worth a buy, but we want you to stay informed!)

Best Under Makeup: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: If you find yourself fretting that your sunscreen is going to ruin your makeup, Naturium’s Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 will put your worries to bed. This silky formula wears beautifully under bases, blushes, and everything in between, and boasts a PA++++ rating (a standard metric for Korean sunscreens). The gist? “The greater the number of plus signs [the max being four], the better the level of protection against UVA rays (which visibly age us),” Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains. The standard measurement of sunscreen strength (the SPF number) measures UVB rays, a.k.a. the ones with shorter wavelengths that cause sunburns.

You’ll also get a nice dose of squalane, niacinamide, and vitamin C and, JSYK, the cap can be used to measure out the dermatologist-recommended amount of product for the face.

Best Brightening: Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it’s worth it: Olay’s Super Cream Sunscreen SPF 30 is an instant classic whose formula juggles five different benefits in every application. It starts strong with chemical-filter UV defense and moves along to hydrating, smoothing, firming, and brightening. Heavy hitters like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and collagen peptides are at play to enhance the skin-care vibes in this SPF, while skipping any white cast or greasiness in the process. This formula draws inspiration from the brand’s beloved Super Serum, which offers many of the same perks but without the sunscreen.

More moisturizers with SPF to consider:

• For a lightweight moisturizer spiked with sun protection and prebiotics that support and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is a go-to. Just ask Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist, Mona Gohara, MD. “Super-hydrating ceramides and niacinamide bring down inflammation,” she says.
• A great daytime moisturizer for anyone looking to address the appearance of wrinkles, grab a tub of Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 30. Mina Amin, MD, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist, says she “loves that this moisturizer is so hydrating and blends seamlessly into the skin.
• ”​One of the internet’s favorite affordable sunscreens for its totally transparent, barely-there formulation, Bioré’s UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 is an essence-textured pick that has a thinner, more watery feel than traditional sunscreen lotions. It instantly hydrates skin with the help of hyaluronic acid. Did we mention it’s a 2024 Best of Beauty winner? Yup, yup, and yup.
• Because of its hydrating formula, free-radical defense, and sheer coverage, dermatologists adore EltaMD’s UV Daily SPF 40. Dr. Gohara especially recommends it to her patients looking to improve signs of aging, she says.
• If you’re looking for an option that won’t exacerbate greasiness, Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recommends applying SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30. Its lightweight hydration comes from glycerin, a humectant that binds water onto the surface layer of the skin for a smooth, velvety texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer with SPF?

Like all sunscreens, a moisturizer with SPF will contain some form of chemical or mineral UV filters to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines, and, on a larger scale, skin cancer. We adhere to the AAD’s guidelines and only recommend sunscreens with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. However, your sunscreen-day cream hybrid will contain at least one of the following ingredients for long-lasting hydration: