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Lightweight sunscreens will change your life
Dermatologists are adamant that people should wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the season. Most importantly, it helps prevent sunburns, which can lead to skin cancer, but it also helps prevent long-term sun damage, which can appear as visible signs of aging on the face.
If you’re not stoked about the idea of slathering goopy, sticky, white sunscreen all over yourself every day, I get it. And don’t worry, because it’s entirely unnecessary. There are lots of great skin care brands that make lightweight, nonsticky, nongreasy SPF formulas that are comfortable enough for daily use.
Comfortable, nongreasy sunscreens do exist
Think “sunscreen” and your mind likely conjures up images of a goopy, sticky, overly white formula that’s slathered onto the skin where it stays, feeling heavy and greasy and leaving white streaks. As a beauty editor and a person with very fair skin that burns easily, I’ve tested hundreds of sunscreens over the years, and I can confidently say there are lots and lots of products out there that are lightweight and comfortable enough for daily wear, and you won’t even notice they’re there.
With that, I invite you to toss your goopy drugstore sunscreens and invest in one (or more!) of these lightweight formulas, which I’ve personally vetted for comfortable texture and daily wearability. There are formulas for your face and body, as well as tinted products or those that do double duty as moisturizers or primers. The products range in SPF strength, so there should be an option that’s right for everyone.
Best lightweight sun protection products
Glossier Invisible Shield Priming SPF 50
One of the best new sun protection products out there, this Glossier item is a primer and SPF 50 sunscreen all in one. It goes on super-lightweight and silky, helping to minimize the look of pores and provide a comfortable base for your makeup. It contains soothing aloe leaf juice and has a gel-like texture that leaves no residue.
The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
This lightweight fluid is formulated with polyglutamic acid, which is a powerful hydrating ingredient that helps lock in moisture. Meanwhile, squalane further hydrates, soothes and helps protect the skin. The SPF 30 formula has an undetectable dewy finish.
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion
If you’re spending time outdoors, you’ll want to make sure your whole body is protected. This product by Sun Bum gets rid of every negative quality of body sunscreen you’re used to. It’s formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E, and it goes on super-light and nonsticky and remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Saie Sunvisor Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sheer Moisturizer
For those who like to add a bit of healthy glow with their sun protection, this sheer formula delivers just a touch of natural-looking bronze when you apply it to your face. A little bit goes a long way with this comfortable liquid that has a dewy and silky finish.
TULA Skin Care Ultimate Sun Serum
Formulated with probiotic extracts and skin superfoods, this lightweight serum formula helps promote healthy, balanced and glowing skin. It offers SPF 50 protection without feeling sticky or greasy on the skin.
Dermalogica Porescreen Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 40
Though it initially looks white, when blended into the skin, this lightweight SPF 40 product turns a sheer tan, which blends seamlessly into the skin for a blurring effect. It’s formulated with niacinamide, which reduces the production of sebum and strengthens the skin barrier, as well as green microalgae, squalane and antioxidant vitamin E, which work together to moisturize, soften and smooth.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Glow Sunscreen
Made with antioxidant-rich kakadu plum, this daily face sunscreen protects from the sun while giving a lightweight tint and glow. The SPF 30 formula is noncomedogenic, oil-free and water-resistant.
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Face SPF 30
Spritz this water-based, alcohol-free spray all over your face to give you SPF 30 protection. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, which leaves your skin feeling moisturized. The lightweight mist is nongreasy and oil-free. It has a light tropical scent.
NUDESTIX Nudescreen Daily Mineral Face Veil SPF 30
Available in five shades, this tinted sunscreen provides sun protection and a sheer wash of color all in one. The oil-free lotion contains antioxidant purple tea extract, moisturizing green algae extract and protecting passionflower extract.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
If you have had certain beauty treatments such as a spray tan or lash lift, you’re going to need an oil-free formula that doesn’t shorten its lifespan. In these cases, I like this oil-free formula by EltaMD, which is specifically formulated to help calm sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and discoloration.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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