28-04-2025
20 editor-favorite sunscreens that actually make us want to put on SPF
You might only think about wearing sunscreen once the spring and summer sunshine starts to roll in, but a daily sunscreen should be a part of your morning routine in every season. CNN Underscored editors test hundred of beauty products every year and consult dermatologists for expert insight, so we know exactly what we're looking for when it comes to finding a sunscreen that keeps us protected and satisfies our skin care needs. We won't judge if you don't have a sunscreen in your routine yet, but we asked our editors to share the sunscreens that they wear (and rewear) to help you find the one worthy of a spot in your regimen.
Lightsaver Tinted Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
Finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave your face oily or greasy looking is hard, but the Lightsaver Tinted Mineral Sunscreen put that search to rest. It has a creamy, whipped texture that blends into the skin and leaves a natural finish. It comes in an untinted and tinted version, but I prefer the latter for avoiding any white cast, although it doesn't provide much coverage. Lightsaver is made by a dermatologist and also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so I feel confident in recommending it for sensitive, reactive skin types too. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
This is my go-to sunscreen to protect my face, especially during the summer months. It's a little expensive but I love that it has a matte finish and is lightweight, which makes it perfect for ensuring that my face isn't shiny or my makeup isn't melting. It feels very cool on my skin too. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50
Last spring, I picked up this sunscreen from my local drugstore. I wanted something that I could layer under makeup or wear alone that had a nongreasy finish. This formula from La Roche-Posay is exactly that. It feels silky smooth on and gives my skin a bit of an added glow, which works for me since I love a dewy finish. It's a bit expensive for face sunscreen but it's on par with other fan favorites from Supergoop!, EltaMD and First Aid Beauty. — Elena Matarazzo, associate deals editor
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50
It makes sense that sunny Australia would be home to some outstanding sunscreen brands. Ultra Violette recently brought its stellar SPFs stateside and it managed to translate all of the amazing qualities of its original formulas to the US versions with FDA-cleared UVA/UVB filters. Supreme Screen is its most popular product and it has quickly become one of my personal favorites. The SPF feels more like a moisturizer than a thick, greasy sunscreen and it has a satin finish that layers well under makeup. I'm also a fan of the Future Screen mineral SPF fluid that has a slight tint to cancel out any zinc white cast. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum
I won't name names, but some popular sunscreen brands make my eyes tear up profusely. I first tried this serum-like SPF from Everyday Humans a few years ago and haven't looked back since. It blends in easily and has the bonus of hyaluronic acid, which makes my summer skin care routine even faster and easier. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Face Sunscreen
This has been my go-to face sunscreen for the past two years. It's hydrating yet lightweight, so it doesn't leave my face greasy. I love how it blends easily and has never left a white cast on my skin — instead, it leaves my face looking glowy and plump. Plus, it has a wonderful summery scent. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator
Tonymoly Green Tea Superlight Daily Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
I love Korean sunscreens and have tried all of the viral hits from Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, Skin 1004, Innisfree and more (which, for the record, are still in my top 10 favorites!), but since it's getting harder to find original Korean formulas in the US (Korean sunscreen filters are not yet approved by the FDA), I've been searching for affordable alternatives that still deliver smooth, sheer protection and weightless wear. Thankfully, Tonymoly came out with this light and creamy green tea-infused SPF that ticks all the boxes. It leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated, almost like a face primer. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
Kopari Face Shield
I just recently tried the Kopari Face Shield that's just as lightweight and silky on the skin as my favorite Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen. Instead of a highly matte finish though, it adds some dewiness to my face — without making my face feel oily and icky. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
I take sunscreen very seriously, and as someone with dry skin, I need something that moisturizes without looking greasy or breaking me out. While I love some of the options from Paula's Choice and Supergoop! (which are also called out on this list), sometimes I don't want to spend $30 to $40 on one small tube of sunscreen. This Round Lab sunscreen is the perfect middle ground for me; it hydrates like a high-end sunscreen and doesn't peel under makeup, leave a white cast or have a heavy scent like some cheaper drugstore options I've tried. Plus, I can normally snag it for $20 to $25 when it goes on sale. One tube of this will last me a few months with daily use, and now that Round Lab's products are available at Target, it also makes restocking much easier. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
Paula's Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
This sunscreen is such a go-to for me. It's super lightweight, doesn't leave a white cast and works so well with my acne-prone, oily skin. It also makes my skin look glowy and not oily in the slightest. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Spray
While I never fail to apply sunscreen to my face on the daily, I'm far less consistent when it comes to protecting the rest of my body. Coola's sunscreen spray makes it easier to build a healthy habit and spritz on SPF on my way out the door during the summertime. I love that it comes in different SPF levels and fun fruity scents (my favorite is the Peach Blossom). It even contains organic ingredients, without a premium price tag. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
Byoma Ultra-Lightweight Face Fluid SPF 50
My fair skin is thanking Byoma over and over again for an SPF 50 option of this Face Fluid sunscreen. It goes on so light, feels hydrating and sits so well under makeup. It gives my skin just the right amount of glow and the tip applicator keeps things mess-free and easy. It's packed with skin care ingredients that make it a seamless part of my morning routine. There's an SPF 30 version too if you prefer, but I'm all about the higher SPF. — Ellen McAlpine, writer, updates
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow
I've been loving this newly released SPF 50 sunscreen from Kopari that has gold pearlescent minerals that make my skin glow and shimmer, especially in the sun. It's also very lightweight and doesn't feel icky on the skin, reducing the stickiness you feel during oppressive summer days. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates
Sun Bum Daily Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion
I have been using this a lot lately and really like how it looks on my skin. You get a little glow, some sun protection and it doesn't feel heavy at all. It's perfect if you're going for a minimalist or no-makeup kind of look. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Even as I've gained more knowledge about higher-end skin care products, Beauty of Joseon's facial sunscreen still remains a favorite of mine. As the second coat of paint I put on my face each morning, I appreciate how lightweight it is and how easily it dabs into my skin and disappears — this is what separates it from most facial sunscreen I've encountered, and is why I don't mind walking a little further to find the nearest store that stocks it or waiting a little longer for a delivery. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield
I pick up a mini bottle of this Hero Cosmetics Sunscreen whenever I get a chance. It comes out of the bottle green, but don't worry — it blends into the skin for an almost matte finish. I love that it's not oily and made for sensitive skin. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
A few of our editors tested out this color-changing tinted sunscreen last year, and even though I took a bottle home right away, I honestly forgot about it up until a few months ago. Lately, I've been wearing this sunscreen on days I'm working from home and don't want to wear too many layers on my face. I appreciate that it evens out my skin tone just enough so I look put together on Zoom calls, while still providing adequate SPF and not feeling too heavy. I'm almost out of this bottle but I'll definitely be restocking. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor
IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face SPF 50
I'm obsessed with this sunscreen recently. It's super lightweight, doesn't feel greasy at all, and makes my skin look really smooth. As a plus, it doesn't leave a white cast and works well with my acne-prone skin — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
This SPF feels like a second moisturizer and goes on so easily. I anticipated it to feel thicker than it does, but the lightweight formula wears well all day, and at just $18 a bottle I can't help but be a fan. I can layer it with makeup, though I've been mixing this sunscreen with a bit of my concealer for no-makeup makeup days for light coverage and sun protection. — Ellen McAlpine, writer, updates
Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
The Kosas DreamBeam in Radiant Finish gives my skin a dewy glow and makes putting on sunscreen feel glamorous. The formula feels more like a primer than an actual sunscreen, but you're getting that SPF 40 protection. It's been my go-to for almost a year now — I wear it as a base for my makeup or pair it with concealer and head out the door. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writerHow do CNN Underscored editors choose their favorite sunscreens?
How do CNN Underscored editors choose their favorite sunscreens?
When it comes to sunscreen, our editors all have different needs based on their skin types and preferences. Some editors favor sunscreens that leave a glowy or dewy finish, helping to make their skin look and feel more hydrated, while others prefer a more matte look. Many of the editors who contributed to this piece noted that they prefer a sunscreen that doesn't leave behind a white cast, with many even opting for tinted options that provide a light amount of complexion coverage. Another common feature our editors look for in their sunscreens is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that glides easily over the skin and wears well by itself or underneath makeup.
Does CNN Underscored test sunscreen products?
Does CNN Underscored test sunscreen products?
Yes, we panel tested both face and body sunscreens to find the best everyday sunscreens and have conducted separate reviews on sunscreen brands like Supergoop! and Black Girl Sunscreen. When we don't have the time to test the sunscreens ourselves, we consult dermatologists and other skin care experts for their insights on topics like the best mineral sunscreens, the best sunscreens for dark skin and the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Jillian Tracy rounded up some of the team's favorite face and body sunscreens.
