Sunscreen has long been seen as a necessary task rather than a pleasure, but new formulas are changing that perception. Today’s best sunscreens avoid common complaints like white residue and unpleasant smells, offering instead a clear finish, lightweight feel, and even skin-nourishing ingredients. When you actually like the sunscreen you’re using, applying it regularly becomes much easier—and these innovative products deliver exactly that.
### Vogue’s Favorite Sunscreens
– Best Face: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $43
– Best Body: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60, $20
– Best Lips: Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30, $15
– Best Chemical: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, $22
– Best Mineral: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen, $45
– Best Spray: Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray, $17
At their core, all sunscreens serve the same purpose: to shield skin from sunlight, reducing signs of sun damage (like dark spots and wrinkles) and lowering the risk of skin cancer. But beyond that, they vary widely in protection levels, added benefits, and even the areas they’re designed for.
Dr. Tina Alster, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C., explains: “Sunscreens either block and scatter UV rays before they reach the skin or absorb the light to prevent damage.” With that in mind, here are the best sunscreens for every need and preference.
### In This Story:
– How does sunscreen work?
– Who should use sunscreen?
– What SPF rating do I need?
– How much sunscreen should I use?
– How often should you reapply sunscreen?
– What to look for in a sunscreen
### Meet the Experts
#### Best Face: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Why We Love It: This sunscreen is a favorite for its lightweight, sheer formula that blends effortlessly into all skin tones. Dermatologists and patients—especially those prone to breakouts or rosacea—swear by it. Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist, praises its featherlight texture and inclusion of niacinamide, which soothes redness and inflammation. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula makes it a standout.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Finish: Dewy
Size: 1.7 oz.
SPF Level: 46
Texture: Lightweight cream
Chemical or Physical: Both (9.0% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate)
Love It
– Dermatologist-recommended
– Won’t clog pores
Leave It
– No major drawbacks
#### Best Body: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Why We Love It: This oil-free lotion works for both face and body, leaving skin smooth and never greasy—even in heat and humidity. Dr. Gohara calls it “French-pharmacy gold” for its photostable formula, which stays effective under sun exposure. The silky, nearly invisible texture makes it ideal for those who dislike heavy sunscreens but still want strong UVA/UVB protection. It also includes antioxidants for extra defense against free radicals.
Key Ingredients: Senna Alata extract, vitamin E, silica, perlite
Finish: Matte
Size: 50 ml
SPF Level: 60
Texture: Lightweight cream
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (3% avobenzone, 15% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene)
Love It
– Non-greasy feel
– Antioxidant protection
Leave It
– Can pill if layered with other products
#### Best Lips: Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
(Note: The original text cuts off here, but the format would follow similarly to the previous entries.)Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
$15 at Sephora
Why We Love It:
Most SPF lip balms are either sticky or taste unpleasant—but not this one. It glides on smoothly (without feeling greasy) and has a delicious vanilla and brown sugar flavor. Enriched with vitamin E and shea oil, it hydrates while giving lips a subtle shine.
Key Ingredients: Sea moss, aloe stem cells, shea oil
Finish: Glossy
Size: 0.35 oz
SPF Level: 30
Texture: Clear gel
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate)
Love It
✔ Comes in six shades
✔ Pleasant scent
Leave It
✖ Applicator can be finicky
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Best Chemical: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
$22 at Amazon
Why We Love It:
If you hate thick, white sunscreens, this one’s for you. The silky gel blends in instantly, leaving no residue. “It’s lightweight, invisible, and perfect for those who dislike heavy formulas,” says dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu. Now upgraded to SPF 50, it’s also oil-free, fragrance-free, and doubles as a makeup primer.
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, bisabolol, licorice root
Finish: Natural
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Gel
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (3% avobenzone, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 4% octocrylene)
Love It
✔ Won’t clog pores
✔ No white cast
Leave It
✖ Some may dislike the silicone texture
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Best Spray: Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray
$18 at Amazon
Why We Love It:
Sprays aren’t the most precise, but they’re super convenient. This lightweight mist absorbs quickly and contains vitamin E to fight free radicals. (For full coverage, rub it in after spraying.)
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E
Finish: Natural
Size: 6 oz.
SPF Level: 70
Texture: Dry-touch mist
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 10% octocrylene)
Love It
✔ Non-greasy
✔ Large bottle
Leave It
✖ Has a fragrance
✖ Tricky to apply on small areas (like ears)
—
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
$13 at Amazon
Why We Love It:
Proof that great sunscreen doesn’t have to be expensive. This lightweight, oil-free formula won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. “It never irritates my skin, and I’ve used it for over a decade,” says Vogue writer Cortne Bonilla.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, vitamin E
Finish: Matte
Size: 3 fl. oz.
SPF Level: 70
Texture: Dry-touch lotion
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (3% avobenzone, 15% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 1% octocrylene)
Love It
✔ Absorbs quickly
✔ Large tube
Leave It
✖ Has a fragrance
—
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ Sunscreen
$70 at Dermstore
Why We Love It:
This sunscreen does double duty—protecting against UV rays and repairing sun damage. “It’s great for sensitive skin and contains reparative enzymes from plankton,” says Dr. Chiu.
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Best for Sun Damage:
This product helps fade dark spots, fine lines, and other common signs of sun damage. It has a lightweight, emulsion-like texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, DNA Repairosomes
Finish: Matte
Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Watery emulsion
Chemical or Physical: 11% zinc oxide
Love It:
– Frequently recommended by dermatologists
– Provides subtle tinted coverage
Leave It:
– Expensive
—
Best Tinted: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Simplify your routine with this multitasking product that combines hydration, light coverage, and broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection.
Why We Love It:
– Lightweight serum with moisturizing squalane and shea butter
– Non-nano zinc oxide shields skin
– Available in 30 sheer shades
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane
Finish: Dewy
Size: 1 fl. oz.
SPF Level: 40
Texture: Slick serum
Chemical or Physical: Physical (12% non-nano zinc oxide)
Love It:
– Blurs pores
– Doubles as a moisturizer
Leave It:
– Initial scent may be unpleasant
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Best Korean: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++
Korean sunscreens are known for their advanced formulas, and this one leaves no white cast while keeping skin hydrated.
Why We Love It:
– Dewy finish, easy to reapply
– Contains rice and fermented grain extracts for nourishment
– Highest UVA protection (PA++++)
Key Ingredients: Rice extract, green tea extract
Size: 50 ml
Finish: Dewy
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight cream
Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Love It:
– Hydrating but not greasy
– No white cast
Leave It:
– Not mattifying
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Best Mattifying: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42
Ideal for sensitive and oily skin, this sunscreen controls shine while keeping skin hydrated.
Why We Love It:
– Oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic
– Matte finish that lasts all day
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea extract
Size: 30 ml
Finish: Matte
SPF Level: 42
Texture: Lightweight cream
Chemical or Physical: Both
Love It:
– Smooth base for makeup
– Controls oil
Leave It:
– May leave a slight white cast
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Best Gel: Dune Suncare The Bod Guard
A transparent, fast-absorbing gel sunscreen perfect for all skin tones.
Why We Love It:
– No white cast, great for deeper skin
– Hydrating with vitamin E and botanical extracts
– Light, fresh scent
Love It:
– Works for face and body
– Non-comedogenic
Leave It:
– None mentioned
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Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, hibiscus extract, neem extract
Size: 8.4 fl. oz.
Finish: Natural
SPF Level: 30
Texture: Clear gel
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (2% avobenzone, 5.5% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 4% octocrylene)
Love It
– Completely transparent
– Actively moisturizes skin
Leave It
– Takes a few minutes to dry
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### Best Shimmer: Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 45
Price: $40 (Amazon), $42 (Nordstrom)
Why We Love It: If you’re showing more skin this summer, this sunscreen gives you a radiant glow without needing body makeup. The sheer gel formula provides lightweight protection while nourishing skin with macadamia oil and vitamin E. The ethically sourced mica adds a pearlescent sheen—more glow than glitter.
Key Ingredients: Macadamia oil, hibiscus oil, vitamin E, mica
Size: 5 oz.
Finish: Shimmery
SPF Level: 45
Texture: Lightweight gel
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (10% homosalate, 10% octocrylene, 5% octisalate, 3% avobenzone)
Love It
– Comes in three shades
– Has a nice scent
Leave It
– The brand recommends applying it twice, which takes extra time
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### Best Brightening: Caudalie VinoSun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Price: $39 (Dermstore, Amazon)
Why We Love It: Most mineral sunscreens don’t feel as lightweight as chemical ones, but this one is an exception. It has a serum-like texture that blends easily while brightening skin, evening tone, and fading dark spots. It uses Viniferine (Caudalie’s patented brightening ingredient) and niacinamide to reduce inflammation and prevent excess pigment. Fragrance-free and silicone-free, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Viniferine, niacinamide, bisabolol
Size: 50 ml
Finish: Natural
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Watery serum
Chemical or Physical: Physical (21.1% zinc oxide)
Love It
– Tint offers subtle coverage
Leave It
– Still has a slight white cast
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### Best Mineral: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 33)
Price: $45 (Lightsaver)
Why We Love It: Unlike older mineral sunscreens, this one feels lightweight and luxurious. It brightens, softens, and repairs skin with niacinamide, squalane, and lingonberry stem cells. Dermatologist-approved, it also protects against blue light and is gentle enough for kids.
Key Ingredients: Plankton extract, niacinamide, lingonberry
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Finish: Natural
SPF Level: 33
Texture: Cream
Chemical or Physical: Physical (14.2% zinc oxide)
Love It
– Suitable for the whole family
– Leaves a soft, smooth finish
Leave It
– Requires reapplication throughout the day
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### How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreen works differently depending on its type:
– Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which the skin releases. Apply these 15 minutes before sun exposure for full effectiveness.
– Physical sunscreens (mineral-based) use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin.
Both types help shield your skin from sun damage.How Sunscreen Works
The minerals in sunscreen reflect UV rays away from your skin.
Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Everyone should use sunscreen. While people with darker skin naturally have some protection (roughly equivalent to SPF 13), it’s not enough to fully prevent sun damage or skin cancer. Experts recommend at least SPF 30.
What SPF Rating Do I Need?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum SPF 30 as a minimum. SPF (sun protection factor) measures how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning compared to unprotected skin.
However, higher SPF doesn’t always mean better protection. While SPF 50 theoretically offers 50 times more protection, real-world factors like skin type, sun intensity, and how much sunscreen you apply affect performance.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?
Use about one ounce (a shot glass or golf ball-sized amount) for your entire body. Most people apply far less than this.
How Often Should You Reapply?
Reapply every two hours outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens aren’t waterproof, so reapplying is essential.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen
Texture
Choose a texture that suits your skin type:
– Oily or acne-prone skin: Gels or powders work best.
– Dry skin: Creamier formulas provide extra moisture.
– Quick application: Sprays are convenient (especially for kids), but lotions give more even coverage.
For active use (like swimming), a zinc oxide stick helps prevent eye irritation. If you wear makeup, a mineral SPF powder (like Colorescience Sunforgettable) is easy to reapply.
Chemical vs. Mineral Filters
– Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, feel lighter, and don’t leave a white cast. However, they may irritate sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. Some ingredients (e.g., oxybenzone) may harm coral reefs and could affect hormones, though research in humans is limited.
– Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the skin, creating a physical barrier. They’re gentler for sensitive skin and reef-safe but can feel heavier or leave a white residue.
Choose based on your skin’s needs and environmental concerns.Mineral sunscreens are considered safe. “They’re also less likely to irritate skin or cause breakouts,” explains Dr. Turner. While they used to have some downsides—like being hard to blend and not very water-resistant—the formulas have improved significantly. “Today, there are mineral sunscreen options for everyone in various forms, though people with darker skin tones might still notice a white cast,” he notes.
SPF levels measure protection against UVB rays, showing how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning compared to having no protection. When applied properly (generously and reapplied as needed), there’s minimal difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. However, mistakes in application can make a big difference. “That small gap might matter if you spend long hours in direct sunlight or are mostly exposed during peak sun hours,” says Dr. Turner. “SPF 30 blocks about 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 increases that to around 98%.” No SPF can provide 100% protection, so consistent use is key for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
Meet the Experts
– Tina Alster, MD: Board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
– Ryan Turner, MD: Board-certified dermatologist and founder of TRNR Skin