It can be hard to find the right sunscreen for your skin. If you don’t like it, chances are you won’t use it (and we all know you need it. Every. Single. Day.). That’s why picking a facial sunscreen is one of the more personal choices when it comes to our beauty routines. You thought your serums were important? Your trusty SPF says otherwise as it has the job of protecting you from harmful UV rays.
Finding your favorite sunscreen is never without trial and error. Some leave a white cast, make our skin too oily, or simply just don’t feel right. Our best advice, choose a sunscreen that’s meant for your skin type. Yes, there are actually sunscreens that are oil-free or meant for acne-prone skin and even sensitive skin.
Choosing a hydrating sunscreen will be easier to spread on your skin and more versatile whether you’re sporting a bare face or a full face of makeup. Chances are, hydrating sunscreens have tons of added skin benefits, too. Check out our roundup of the best hydrating sunscreens—there’s an SPF for every skin need and preference!
1. Best for Dehydrated Skin:
BELIF The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen
If you’re a fan of the cult-followed BELIF Aquabomb Moisturizer (and chances are, you are!) you’ll be even more in love with the SPF version. It helps replenish your skin's moisture barrier, provides the protection of SPF 50, and doesn’t leave any white cast or greasiness. It feels like a hydrating, gel moisturizer. Almost like you’re not even wearing an SPF! It will fit right in with your skincare products.
2. Best for Breakouts:
ZITSTICKA Megashade
ZITSTICKA Megashade is truly one of a kind. It’s a sunscreen serum, so it feels very fluid and light on the skin. It also contains aloe vera, green tea, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal. It soothes any redness or active breakouts instead of feeling like another sticky product that will get in the way. You can even use it as a makeup primer.
3. Best for Oily Skin:
SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
If you don’t know about SUPERGOOP!, prepare to be mind-blown. They are one of the top SPF brands loved by celebrities, influencers, and of course beauty lovers like you. It’s simple but they never compromise on texture of SPF level. The Unseen Sunscreen is truly an unseen hero meaning, it’s translucent. There’s no white cast here and it’s easy to spread thanks to its velvety finish.
4. Best Mineral Sunscreen:
LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
Many great sun protection options can be found at the drugstore. The belief that you need a super expensive SPF is completely untrue, most on the shelves of your CVS are recommended and loved by everyone from dermatologists to influencers. This LA ROCHE-POSAY SPF is a 100 percent mineral sunscreen specifically developed for sensitive skin and full of antioxidants.
5. Best for Darker Skin Tones:
BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN SPF 30
BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN makes SPF for people of color, by people of color. This face sunscreen doubles as a nourishing lotion. It uses jojoba and avocado to moisturize while cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil provide essential antioxidants and vitamin C. You never have to worry about this SPF leaving a white cast, they even have a UV clear matte finish option too!
6. Best for Body:
NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
Don’t just protect your face from the sun’s rays! Make sure you’re lathering up your body with SPF, too, especially for a beach or pool outing. If you don’t want to feel sticky but need to feel protected from head to toe, this is the SPF for you. It’s part of NEUTROGENA’s beloved Hydro Boost line and feels like water as it soaks effortlessly into your skin.
7. Best Chemical Sunscreen:
ELTAMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
ELTAMD is one of the most popular chemical sunscreen brands on the market. It contains 9 percent zinc oxide and 7.5 percent octinoxate to protect from both UVA and UVB rays. It also has hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for hydration. Plus, it’s fragrance free.
8. Best SPF Tint:
KINSHIP Self Reflect - Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 32
Dry skin will be a thing of the past with this comfortable daily SPF from KINSHIP. It’s actually more of a tinted sunscreen thanks to its peachy color that gives skin a nice even tone. It’s also reef-safe, benzene-free, and contains turmeric to help soothe and protect damaged or hyper-pigmented skin.
9. Best for All Skin Types:
MURAD Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++
This SPF from MURAD couldn’t be more antioxidant packed. It contains vitamin C and ginkgo biloba to protect from free radical damage and environmental stressors. Best for all skin types, it smooths and moisturizes skin leaving it bouncy and healthy looking.
10. Best Skincare Quality SPF:
FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide + Kalahari Melon
FENTY SKIN knows how to pack a product with active ingredients that make a difference! Not only does it have kalahari melon and niacinamide—it’s also packed with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and baobab. It helps reduce the look of pores, hyperpigmentation, and improves fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Ready to level up your entire skincare routine? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with our own IPSY subscription. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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