These impossibly lightweight formulas will convert just about anyone into becoming an avid sunscreen user, thanks to their fluid-like consistencies that absorb within seconds and don’t leave behind a ghastly white cast.
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the latest crop of sunscreens to hit the market — labeled as sunscreen serums — might be the most lightweight formulas we’ve ever slathered onto our skin. While this category has been around for a while, there’s been a clear pattern in which our favorite skin-care brands (e.g. Supergoop, Coola, and ZitSticka) have been launching their own iterations of these hydrating, fluid-like formulas.
They’re essentially multitasking face serums with familiar moisture-boosting ingredients we love for our skin, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe. The difference is that sunscreen serums contain, of course, the added benefit of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and without the dreaded white cast that leads many, unfortunately, to forgo SPF altogether. Whether you fall under that category or are an avid sunscreen user as is, you’ll want to listen up and try out these breathable formulas for yourself.
Cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure believes the serum-like texture can be attributed to a lack of ingredients — specifically, the absence of thickeners. “They often allow the formula to gain viscosity and can contribute to a creamy-like feel that resembles a more traditional sunscreen,” she explains. But without said thickeners or even a smaller concentration of thickeners, you’ll get a more serum-like consistency. Perhaps the best benefit of these less viscous formulas is a far lesser likelihood of a white cast — because just about everyone is turned off by the feel and look of chalky sunscreens.
Similar to moisturizers with built-in SPF, Lam-Phaure urges users that “just because the formula is in a serum-like dosage form, it doesn’t mean you can apply less product,” she notes, encouraging more product or layers in order to ensure adequate protection. As previously shared by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, a nickel-sized dollop (or half a teaspoon for the face and neck combined) is the recommended amount. As always, Allure recommends an SPF of 30 or higher reapplied every few hours. And of course, these rules apply whether you’re staying indoors or venturing outside.
We expect to see more brands launching sunscreen drops and serums to accompany the growing demand for lightweight sunscreens that “mitigate a lot of unwanted properties that are often presented in traditional cream sunscreens,” as Lam-Phaure puts it.
Because there are so many sunscreen innovations to sort through on the market, we rounded up 15 editor- and dermatologist-approved formulas that deserve a spot in your skin-care routine, stat. Fair warning: You may never go back to traditional face sunscreens.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum SPF 50
Claire Chang, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, is an advocate of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum SPF 50, which combines the free-radical-fighting benefits of vitamins C and E for a healthier, brighter complexion with consistent use. This water-based serum — infused with the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water — adds a cooling, refreshing burst of energy as it sinks in and disappears into skin almost immediately.
Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum Sunscreen SPF 30
Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum Sunscreen SPF 30 is a chemical sunscreen that won an Allure Best of Beauty Award for its elegant formula that sinks into the skin with ease and leaves a radiant finish, thanks to its inclusion of moisture-boosting probiotics, aloe, and glycerin. As a bonus, the brand claims that plant-derived active ingredients (such as jasmine leaf extract) mitigate the harmful effects of blue light.
Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50
Supergoop’s Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 delivers a burst of coolness as it hits your skin, which is very welcome as the weather heats up. This impossibly lightweight, serum-like formula disappears into skin, only leaving behind a healthy glow. Standout ingredients include glycerin, propanediol, and cress sprout extract, all of which help retain moisture, as well as wild butterfly ginger root extract, which is rich in antioxidants and shields skin from blue light and free radicals.
ZitSticka Megashade Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
Keep breakouts at bay with a non-comedogenic (won’t block/clog pores) sunscreen formulated with antibacterial ingredients like tea tree and brightening ingredients like niacinamide and ferulic acid to help fade dark spots.
ZitSticka, a brand well-known for its pimple patches, developed the Megashade Sunscreen Serum, a chemical-mineral hybrid that does all of the above and does it well. It’s formulated with a “four-active SPF blend” consisting of homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, and zinc oxide, as well as a base of aloe vera juice for extra soothing benefits. Allure commerce editor Sarah Han is a fan of this formula, noting it absorbs incredibly quickly and makes her complexion look more even over time.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+
Leave it to Neutrogena to deliver an expert-approved sunscreen for less than $20 and is readily available at your local drugstore. Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, recommends the Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+, which is a super lightweight, comfortable option for year-round wear. Not only does this fragrance-free option blend in seamlessly on all skin tones, but it also has the added benefit of being water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Plus, ginger extract soothes irritation in a pitch.
Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++
Murad’s Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ not only protects skin against sun damage with 100% mineral filters (zinc oxide) but ingredients such as niacinamide and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) help even out skin tone and discoloration with daily use. Beet root extract is also a key player in providing long-lasting hydration, while a blend of jojoba, squalane, and tomato provides antioxidant defense and reflects UV light away from the skin.
Despite being a mineral sunscreen, this formula dries down totally clear on all skin tones and doesn’t pill underneath makeup, as murad.com reviewers attest.
Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen
Inspired by essences (a staple of Korean skin care), Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen delivers a burst of good-for-skin ingredients in a lightweight, airy formula. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and provitamin B5 help add and retain moisture, while fermented sake helps brighten and minimize the look of pores and blackheads. Hello, dewy complexion.
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
It’s all about the glow with Bloomeffects’ Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50. Ingredients such as niacinamide, a triple plum blend, and shitake mushroom deliver ample vitamins to the skin, resulting in a visible brightening boost, while jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate pump up the hydration. Dry skin types, pick this tinted sunscreen up, stat.
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40 is no stranger to Allure’s “Best of” lists, including the most coveted of them all — the Best of Beauty Awards. Designed by the tennis legend herself, this mineral, zinc oxide-based formula is a no-white-cast dream for darker skin tones. Whatever your outdoor activity of choice may be, you can rest easy knowing you’re well-protected against the sun’s damaging rays, as long as you reapply every two or so hours.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
Korean sunscreens offer some of the best formulas in the game. Rather than feeling heavy and chalky, these products feel more like your go-to, lightweight moisturizer than a traditional sunscreen. Take Thank You Farmer’s Sun Project Light Sun Essence, for example, which leaves skin looking glowy and never greasy or chalky.
In addition to providing ample SPF 50+, this milky fluid is spiked with aloe leaf extract, lotus flower water, and soybean lipids to deeply moisturize dry, stressed skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and strengthen your barrier. Allure editors can attest that none of Thank You Farmer’s formulas — which include a slightly shimmery version of this essence as well as a Water Sun Cream — give way to any unsightly residue or sticky feeling.
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion
Dr. Chang and Dr. Robinson both say Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion ranks among their favorites and confirm that this smooth, airy emulsion blends in like a dream on all skin tones. “I love that this sunscreen is lightweight, 100% mineral, and combines zinc oxide with peptides, antioxidants, and [plankton-derived enzymes called] DNA Repairsomes, which repair and protect the skin,” Dr. Robinson shared.
Dr. Chang adds that the water-resistant formula is also packed with vitamin E to further repair oxidative damage and guard skin against persistent environmental stressors — making this SPF worth every damn penny.
Glytone Age Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+
We’re confident when we say that Glytone’s Age Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+ goes the extra mile beyond providing broad-spectrum UV protection. Why? This gentle, zinc-oxide-based sunscreen — which is safe to use on post-procedure skin — is chock-full of niacinamide, vitamin E, and “an exclusive ellagic acid complex,” to brighten and even your skin tone. Additionally, allantoin and bisabolol soothe inflamed skin upon contact. People with sensitive skin, we’ve found your go-to SPF — you’re welcome.
Mara Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum
Powered by moringa, grapeseed, and sunflower seed oils, Mara’s Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum is a surefire way to pump up your complexion’s glow and collagen production in — wait for it — a few pumps of this 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide formula. For those who love a truly dewy finish or have especially dry, sensitive, and/or mature skin, this calming fluid will make you look fresh-faced in an instant, all while reducing redness.
Ava Isa Sun-è-Serum Drops SPF 35
Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mariwalla Dermatology based in West Islip, New York, vouches for the Ava Isa Sun-è-Serum Drops SPF 35. This mineral sunscreen, which comes in a handy dropper format, is powered by 25% zinc oxide and “a potent antioxidant called Micah [that has been shown] to reduce the negative effects of blue light,” she notes. Just be sure to give the bottle a hearty shake before dispensing and let the silky, breathable formula sink in, and work its UV-protecting magic.
Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum
Cheeky name aside (which is, admittedly, a reason why we love this Gen Z green tube), Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum is essentially the equivalent of a green juice for your skin. Infused with vitamin-rich spinach, inflammation-targeting green tea, this vegan, chemical SPF from down under (made in Australia) dries down invisible on all skin tones.
Plus, our good friend hyaluronic acid is further boosted by the addition of Pentavitin, which cosmetic chemist Ginger King referred to as a “moisture magnet.” What you’re left with is a very noticeable plumping effect — it’s enough to skip the moisturizer altogether if you’re in a time crunch.
