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Finding a top-quality sunscreen can often feel like a challenge given so many suncare products come with strong scents, greasy formulas, and pore-clogging ingredients. And then there’s the biggest offender of all: a white cast. As much as we all want to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, we think it’s safe to assume that no one wants to look pale and washed-out as a result. That’s why, today, we’re here to chat about sunscreens that don’t leave a dreaded white cast.
Best Sunscreens That Don’t Leave a White Cast, at a Glance
Best Overall: Bioré Weightless Moisturizer High Protection UVA UVB SPF 30, $20
Best Tinted SPF: Merit Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38
Best SPF Gel: Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel, $26
Best K-Beauty SPF: Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $30
Best for Mature Skin: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Moisturizer, $23+
Best Mineral SPF: Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+, $36
Best Clean SPF: Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50, $34
Best Silky SPF: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $70
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $44
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50, $40
Generally speaking, chemical sunscreens are less likely than mineral sunscreens to leave a white cast on the skin. That’s because mineral sunscreens are made with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to physically block out the sun’s damaging effect. These ingredients are able to do this because, unlike chemical sunscreens (which are made with oxybenzone, avobenzone, and/or octisalate, among other ingredients, to absorb the sun’s rays), physical sunscreens sit atop it to create a barrier—hence the potential white cast.
It’s worth noting, however, that the suncare industry has come a long way since mineral sunscreens first debuted, so shoppers can reap the rewards of using a physical sunscreen without having to worry about a ghostly aftereffect. All this to say, when it comes to looking for sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast, you can look to both chemical and mineral sunscreens. Or, if you’re short on time, you can simply keep reading to uncover 15 top-rated sunscreens that will leave you looking glowing, not ghastly.
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Bioré Weightless Moisturizer High Protection UVA UVB SPF 30
Image Credit: Bioré Looking for an SPF that feels weightless on the skin? Meet Bioré’s newest sunscreen that’s next-level. Both a sunscreen and moisturizer, we guarantee this inventive sunscreen will melt into the skin with no leftover residue. The Weightless Moisturizer High Protection defends against UVA/UVB rays while helping boost the skin’s natural moisture without clogging pores.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone
SPF: 30
Size: 50 ml.
Water-Resistant: N/A -
Merit Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45
Image Credit: Merit Beauty I have yet to find a tinted screen that feels so weightless on the skin and offers a foundation-like coverage without leaving a trace behind like this one. As a beauty writer, I’ve tested numerous tinted formulas, with many leaving more to be desired. Merit’s SPF iteration feels very light on the skin and only takes a few pumps to cover your entire face. It seamlessly blends into the skin and feels almost like a serum when absorbed.
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
SPF: 45
Size: 1.7. fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel
Image Credit: Vacation This chemical sunscreen is beloved by shoppers thanks to its blurring finish and the fact that it shields the skin from the sun’s rays. But that’s not all! This SPF 50 sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene, which are known to deliver deep hydration and smooth the skin, so this cream can lend to a more even complexion overall.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone, hyaluronic acid, squalene, cactus flower, and more
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Image Credit: Laneige Laneige lip masks have probably captured your heart, but this soothing sunscreen will also win you over, too. Crafted with K-beauty in mind, these formulas prioritize skincare while shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The SPF is packed with centella asiatica, glycerin, and hydro-ionized mineral water, which soothe and hydrate the skin, leaving it with a dewy and plump appearance.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, glycerin, hydro-ionized mineral water
SPF: 50
Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Moisturizer
Image Credit: Dermalogica This three-in-one sunscreen not only protects, but also hydrates and firms as it blends seamlessly into your skin. It looks natural on your skin and doesn’t leave a hint of white cast behind. It’s particularly formulated for mature and dry skin.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: N/A -
Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+
Image Credit: Avène When it comes to sunscreens, Avène’s Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen is highly recommended. The National Eczema Association and Skin Cancer Foundation both give this sunscreen their sign of approval. It provides a high level of protection against the sun along with a few skincare benefits. This best-seller from Avène helps to soothe and calm sensitive skin, particularly reducing redness. It’s a great option for the whole family to share because it’s safe for infants, children, and adults. Plus, there’s a tinted version that you can use as your primer or foundation this summer.
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50
Image Credit: Supergoop! Here’s another liquid SPF that’s making waves. It features a “clean chemical” formula infused with Cress Sprout Extract and Wild Butterfly Ginger Root Extract to protect skin from pollution, free radicals, and blue light. In that way, this sunscreen works just as well for avid outdoorsy types as it does for those perched in front of their screens at all hours of the night.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, cress sprout extract, wild butterfly ginger root extract
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Image Credit: Tatcha Tatcha has long been renowned for its Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++. As popular as the silky-smooth cream mineral sunscreen is, the brand recently debuted its second suncare SKU, The Silk Sunscreen, which features a liquid formula and the slightest universal peach tint. In addition to blocking out the sun’s harmful rays, this physical SPF hydrates, plumps, and smoothes skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide and octisalate
SPF: 35
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: N/A -
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Image Credit: EltaMD. Formulated specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this clear SPF 46 chemical sunscreen works to reduce redness and even tone without further irritating skin. It’s even infused with lactic acid to gently exfoliate skin during wear, lending to a smoother, brighter complexion over time.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
SPF: 46
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50
Image Credit: La Roche-Posay Last but not least, we have this cult-favorite tinted mineral sunscreen from La Roche-Posay. The hypoallergenic liquid formula, which works well for all skin types, sinks into skin for a dewy, even result that looks like makeup but is really a shield of armor against the sun’s rays.
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Peter Thomas Roth Max Clear Invisible Priming Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Image Credit: Peter Thomas Roth Part sunscreen, part primer, this gel formula by Peter Thomas Roth is applauded for its clear formula that wards off sun damage without leaving a white cast behind. Designed to dry like a blurring primer, this chemical sunscreen is a great option for those looking for a sunscreen that pairs well under makeup, as well as those who love the look of clean, clear, even skin. Point blank: Whether you wear this clear SPF on its own or under makeup, you’re sure to be shocked by its effects.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, omosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, and octocrylene 10%
SPF: 45
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30 protects skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but it also soothes it if it’s already been irritated by exposure. It’s formulated with soothing watermelon extract and a rice extract blend, as well as brightening niacinamide, all of which work together to leave skin feeling refreshed.
Type: Chemical
Key ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%
SPF: 30
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
You won’t be disappointed with one of Shiseido’s innovative SPFs. This liquid chemical sunscreen features a slight universal tint to help create a more even complexion while minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Because of its effects, this SPF is particularly great for layering under makeup, as it acts as a primer.
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide 15.5%, hyaluronic acid, spirulina energy essence, and licorice root extract
SPF: 42
Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Image Credit: Dr. Jart+ This mineral sunscreen might look stark white out of the tube, but the creamy texture blends easily into skin, imparting a matte finish and a strong barrier of SPF 50+ protection. Of course, if you prefer liquid formulas, the Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid is another popular choice that won’t ever leave a white cast.
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes -
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++
Image Credit: Biossance This reef-safe sunscreen is designed to hydrate and protect sensitive skin with each application. Its formula is derived from squalane which quickly absorbs into the skin while leaving a calming and cooling effect.
Type: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
SPF: 30
Size: 50 ml.
Water-Resistant: N/A
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