Regardless of your skin tone and how often you go outside, you should be wearing sunscreen daily. Sunscreen prevents signs of aging and many kinds of cancers, which you can still develop even if you’re sitting inside all day. Although some types of sunscreen feel heavy and oily, there are so many lightweight face sunscreen options that’ll feel like you’re not wearing anything at all, including reef-safe options and some that just cost $4.
At the end of the day, you’ll be doing the most for your skin. And considering how lightweight these sunscreens feel, you won’t even remember you put anything on.
20 Lightweight Face Sunscreens We Love
High-End: Feel like a queen with Kiehl’s Better Screen. While it’s weightlessly protecting your face from harmful rays, it also contains collagen and peptides to make you feel like a brand new human.
Sensitive Skin: Whether you’re prone to breakouts, reactions or redness, EltaMD UV Clear combats all kinds of reactivity. It’s simultaneously soothing and protective while containing no pore-clogging oils or grease.
More SPF: If you need a little extra protection from harmful rays, look no further than Neutrogena’s face sunscreen. Infused with SPF 70, those rays aren’t damaging your skin barrier (no matter how pale you are).
Also Moisturizes: Many skincare enthusiasts are loyal to CeraVe, and there’s a good reason why. CeraVe’s moisturizing lotion is infused with SPF 30, along with ceramides to restore and maintain the skin barrier. One review even claims “it feels like [she] didn’t even put anything on.”
Tinted: Supergoop! Glowscreen is a fan favorite. And that’s because it protects your skin from sun damage, while simultaneously making you look tan. It’s also ultra-hydrating, and it’s meant to be worn underneath your makeup.
Most Affordable: Face sunscreen doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, Fovcos’ face and body sunscreen adds moisture to your pores, contains SPF 50 and costs only $4. Yes, please.
Dermatologist-Approved: Dr. Dennis Gross’ Ultimate Defense Sunscreen comes from a dermatologist, who puts skin protection and wearability at the forefront of his products. It’s sweat-resistant and can be worn under makeup, too, so it’s a win for everyone.
Celeb Fave: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty SPF moisturizer provides sun protection, hydration and it’s “invisible.” That way, no one will know you’re basically wearing a protective barrier against harmful rays.
Waterproof: While many of the options on this list are waterproof, Shiseido’s is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. So it’ll even stay on when you’re swimming or if you get caught in the rain.
No Wrinkles: Even though many of the options on this list fight wrinkles, Rain or Shine features green tea, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, ginseng, licorice root and moisturizer. So it’s basically a trip to the spa.
Reef-Safe: SunBum Face Sunscreen famously smells like bananas (love) and is effectively weightless. This face sunscreen also complies with Hawaii’s 104 Act which means it’s safe for underwater ecosystems. Surf’s up.
Smells Amazing: Every ’90s kid knows and loves the ever-familiar smell of Hawaiian Tropic. Now, the brand has a weightless SPF 30 moisturizer with the same summery scent. Adding ten to cart.
Anti-Breakout: Those especially prone to breakouts should consider First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Sunscreen Milk. It’s both hydrating and oil-free to keep dry and oily skin safe and won’t clog your pores. It’s the perfect recipe for fending off acne.
Great For Makeup: If you’re planning to put your ~face on~ after applying some SPF, you’re in luck. TiZO 3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen is both a sunscreen and a primer. That means you’ll forget you even put on any SPF and your makeup will look ten times better.
Designed For Men: For the boys, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel truly does it all—it’s moisturizing, protects with SPF 20 and has all kinds of vitamins that revitalize the skin after shaving. It’s fast-absorbing and grease-free, so you won’t feel bogged down after using it.
Serum-Infused: Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen is doing the most to prevent aging. Along with containing SPF 50 it contains both hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, promising an eternally youthful look (without that nasty greasy feel).
Roll-On: Kopari Sun Shield is a must-have for your toiletry bag. In addition to being non-sticky and oily, it comes in a stick, so it’s TSA-safe.
Gel-Based: Those who prefer gel-based skin products over cream will love e.l.f. Suntouchable Sunscreen. It feels super clean and doesn’t leave a white-cast, so no lifeguard noses here!
Black-Owned Brand: Black Girl Sunscreen specifically tailors to melanin-rich skin. In addition to being white cast-free, it’s great for protecting your face and body against UVA and UVB rays. Plus, ingredients like avocado, jojoba and cacao create a natural yet delicate feel.
Misty: Coola’s Classic Face Mist is infused with SPF 50, but it feels less like a sunscreen and more like yet another face mist. A spritz feels hydrating and almost refreshing, which is something we can all use.
