After testing dozens, these are the only 11 sunscreens worth buying in 2025

Daily Mail​

27-05-2025

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This just in — wearing sunscreen is hot! Over the last decade, skincare as we know it has changed from basic pimple care to a full-circle approach that is as much preventive as it is reparative. Younger generations have begun to prioritize skin health over aesthetics, leading to the rise of a skincare trend we know oh too well — SPF!
As a loud and proud Gen Z born in 2000, I am among the future that has started asking, 'What will happen?' rather than just letting it happen. As of 2025, skin damage is out, and investing in science-backed face sunscreen is in.
I consider myself an SPF connoisseur, as most days, it is the only product I use. With years of editorial and personal testing under my belt and dozens of sunscreens tried — I think I have officially narrowed down the absolute BEST SPF skin products you should consider buying in 2025.
The best SPF products of 2025 that are actually WORTH it:
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Drum roll, please!
Our top pick after years of being an avid SPF wearer has to be Naked Sundays.
The viral SPF-focused brand is known for its top-tier products from bronzers to setting sprays and beyond.
My personal favorite (though I've tried nearly all of their products) has to be this Collagen Glow lotion. It has SPF 50, a seamless shade, and I seriously love the smell!
Unlike some products, this one acts as your moisturizer and SPF. It deeply hydrates my skin, leaving a soft, fresh face glow with active ingredients (aka an all-in-one).
$25 Shop
BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN
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Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen
Supergoop and I have a long history, and it is safe to say that after years of use, it remains my absolute favorite.
This was the first face SPF product I ever tried, and the weightless application shocks me to this day! The formula is thin, not oily, and completely blendable with other skincare. (Pro-Tip: Mix it in with your moisturizer for smooth, even application!).
Packed with protection, this glowy little bottle gives my skin an effortless sun-kissed effect that has become a staple in my daily skin routine.
$38 Shop
BEST BUDGET SUNSCREEN
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e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen
You don't need full pockets to get flawless SPF-protected skin, and this e.l.f product proves it.
I first tried this hidden gem as a freebie while attending a music festival years ago, and now I can't imagine life without it!
The priming SPF goes on incredibly thin and leaves a very subtle glow. It comes in three different glow shades, but our personal favorite continues to be Sunbeam.
For only $14, this find is easily worth it for the price and makes it the most affordable option we've yet to try that made our cut.
$14 Shop
BEST LIP SUNSCREEN
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BEST SPLURGE SUNSCREEN
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THE SHORTLIST
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
Lancôme is a trusted skincare and beauty brand that I grew up knowing of through my mom!
As I matured and began becoming more interested in appearance, I dabbled with the luxe brand and in doing so found this SPF.
If you ignore the steep price tag, this primer is one hundred percent worth it. I have very few negative comments on this SPF, and if anything find it to be one of my favorites.
It is light-weight, has a whopping SPF 50, and the vitamin-rich formula packs on hydration. I love how my skin feels even during hot, dry days while wearing this product.
$48 Shop
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
All right beauty besties... I have to be honest, this SPF is not high on my list.
Although I am a HUGE fan of the brand their SPF let me down. The consistency is more serum like (runny at times) even after shaking and it doesn't leave the 'clean girl' glow I'd expect.
But that all being said it has SPF 50 which is super protective and makes it great for vacationing in the sun! Plus, the brand is known for its quality French skincare.
$39 Shop
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
From their viral Lip Butter Balms to their SPF — it seems Summer Fridays is the talk of the town.
I tested out the best-selling ShadeDrops, and my review is simple: good but not great.
I enjoyed the thin texture, but at times feared it veered a bit too liquid for my taste. The shade of the product overall was lovely on the skin, however, my skin did not feel deeply hydrated (which for me is a must!).
If you are a fan of the brand, I do think it is a definite 'add to cart' still, but if you were to ask me at $36, it would not be my first pick.
$36 Shop
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Kosas has been a favorite beauty brand of mine for some time now because their products are ultra-hydrating!
This cutie SPF and highlighter duo is on rotation here and there in my routine. It leaves a good glow and comes in two shades.
However, for the greasy gals, it leaves a small trace of residue, which for me was a deal breaker. Also at $40, this pint-sized pick leans more towards the high end of our range.
$40 Shop
Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45
My beach go-to!
Sun Bum is known for their tropical must-haves that smell faintly like banana, and this facial mist is my absolute Holy Grail.
I love the scent, adore the bright packaging, and appreciate the ability to mist it instead of rubbing it all over my face. Plus, this bad boy can double as a makeup setter during hot, sweaty days.
$21.49 Shop
Glossier Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50
If you are looking for an invisible SPF(literally!), this Glossier one is for you!
The small bottles pack an SPF 50 punch and, unlike many sunscreen products, are completely clear. What I like is that the formula is incredibly thin to wear and has an aloe-infused base for skin calming.
My only grievance was that I found my skin felt a bit greasy, as if it could not fully absorb the product! But given my dry skin, it is entirely possible the see-through sunblock just did not jive with me.
Overall, this was a nice change from the average white-cast lotion forms I have tried, and I think I will keep it on deck for the future.
$32 Shop
WHY TRUST US?
Julia Remillard is a seasoned shopping professional with nearly five years of experience across the beauty & skincare verticals. She has tested over 25+ SPF products for the body and face across multiple states, countries, & cities.
Interested in learning more? Check out her author page for more reviews, insights, and shopping must-haves!
Skin type: Dry, eczema, fair skinned
HOW WE TEST
We tried over 25+ SPF products and after months of testing narrowed our list down to 11. Each sunscreen went through rigorous criteria checks which included sun protection performance, price point, overall feel/consistency, skin benefits. and translucency.
We only tested products between SPF 30-50 (recommended range for the face) and choose selections across all styles including: Creams, Serums, & Sprays.
We closely examined ingredients to find top performers based on skincare actives, vitamins, and mineral benefits.
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