Summer SPF Edit: 10 Sunscreens Worth Obsessing Over
We test a lot of sunscreens. Most are fine. A few are good. Some even make a strong first impression, only to fall apart when layered with skincare or exposed to real life (sweat, heat, a second reapplication). But the ones that make it into our bags—and stay there—are rare. These are the formulas that go beyond the basics: they wear beautifully, feel great, and actually protect.
SPF is no longer just about avoiding sunburn. Today, the best sunscreens do double-duty: shielding skin from UVA/UVB and pollution while delivering skincare-level hydration, barrier support, and antioxidant protection. Whether you’re dry, breakout-prone, oily, or just SPF-avoidant, we found something for you. From serum-light tints to skincare-disguised filters, from matte, makeup-friendly shields to dew-boosting drops, these are the sunscreens worth obsessing over this summer—each chosen for its unique strengths, formulation, and wearability.
Why we love it: A skincare-forward sunscreen powered by AB’s signature TFC8™ complex. It wears like a treatment serum, melts in seamlessly, and leaves a soft satin finish that doesn’t pill under makeup or feel heavy. Despite using a mix of high-performance chemical filters, it’s impressively gentle and cushioned by antioxidant oils and botanicals.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid — broad-spectrum chemical UV filters
TFC8™ Complex (Oligopeptide-177, amino acids, vitamins) — skin renewal and cellular repair
Raspberry Seed Oil, Green Tea, Pomegranate Flower, Plankton Extract — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
Why it’s our pick: If you’re going to spend luxury money on SPF, this is the one that justifies it. It behaves like your best anti-aging serum, with sunscreen added.
Why we love it: This is the rare clean mineral sunscreen that feels elegant. Zero white cast, zero essential oils, and infused with antioxidant-rich plum extract and algae. It protects against UV, blue light, and pollution with a sheer, lotion-like finish.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Zinc Oxide (4.7%) — mineral-based broad-spectrum protection
Plum Extracts (Seed, Fruit, Hydrolyzed), Zonaria Tournefortii Algae — antioxidant-rich botanical defense
Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Olive-derived emulsifiers — smooth, nourishing texture
Why it’s our pick: A true green-leaning SPF that feels as elevated as any luxury product. For minimalists, ingredient purists, or anyone who wants something clean and chic.
Why we love it: A true 100% mineral sunscreen designed for sensitive, post-procedure, or easily irritated skin. With a barrier-repairing amino acid complex and calming Centella, this zinc-powered formula feels more like a healing cream than traditional SPF. Despite the high protection factor, it’s lightweight and surprisingly wearable.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Zinc Oxide (12.9%) — mineral-only UV protection for broad-spectrum coverage
AA Complex (Arginine, Glycine, Lactic Acid) — supports visible redness reduction and barrier recovery
Ceramide Blend, Cholesterol — reinforce and nourish the lipid barrier
Centella Asiatica — soothes irritation and sensitivity
Why it’s our pick: It’s rare to find a mineral sunscreen this comforting. Perfect for anyone dealing with sensitivity, compromised skin, or needing serious protection without the weight.
Why we love it: It arrived from Australia with the term “skinscreen” and actually delivers on the promise. It looks and feels like a skincare product, with squalane and pentavitin for hydration, and antioxidant-rich botanicals for environmental support.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (7%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (8%) — full-spectrum chemical UV filter combo
Squalane, Kakadu Plum, Saccharide Isomerate, Carnosine — skin-plumping and pollution-fighting
Why it’s our pick: Because it’s the first chemical sunscreen in years that truly behaves like a luxury moisturizer. Glow-enhancing but never greasy.
Why we love it: It’s watery, featherlight, and packed with traditional Korean botanicals and probiotics. It applies like a hydrating serum, leaves no cast, and wears beautifully under makeup.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Multiple next-gen UV filters — broad-spectrum protection without heaviness
Rice Extract (30%), Niacinamide, Ginseng, Green Tea — antioxidant-rich and skin-soothing
Ferments (Lactobacillus, Pumpkin, Soybean) — skin barrier support
Why it’s our pick: Perhaps the sunscreen that put K-Beauty SPF on the map. It is also one of the most wearable SPFs for sensitive or combination skin—and the most hydrating yet light-feeling in the bunch.
Why we love it: A clear, weightless gel SPF that disappears into skin and wears like a primer. It’s loaded with antioxidant-rich botanicals and licorice root to brighten and soothe. Bonus: the texture feels more like a luxury serum than a sunscreen.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate — modern chemical UV protection
THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Raspberry Seed Oil, Licorice, Green Tea — brightening and antioxidant support
Why it’s our pick: A feature-packed formula with skincare-grade ingredients at a more accessible price point that works for any complexion.
Why we love it: A tinted mineral sunscreen that functions as both base and barrier. It smooths, blurs, and protects—in a single step. Ideal for morning routines that require minimal effort but solid payoff.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Zinc Oxide (15.065%) — mineral UV protection with visible light defense
Glycerin, Corn Starch — soft-focus texture
Tocopherol, Iron Oxides — antioxidant and tone-correcting tint
Why it’s our pick: A low-effort product that delivers even tone, a velvety finish, and reliable SPF in one sleek tube. Plus a wide shade selection and a clean formula make this a product with tremendous value-add.
Why we love it: A fluid mineral formula that feels more like a moisture serum than sunscreen. High in zinc, but surprisingly dewy and non-chalky, thanks to Ectoin, Hydroxyectoin, and skin-conditioning emollients.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Zinc Oxide (24.5%) — high-level mineral UV protection
Ectoin, Hydroxyectoin — cellular hydration and anti-pollution support
Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — moisture retention and comfort
Why it’s our pick: Hydrating and reparative—an ideal choice for dry or compromised skin types.
Why we love it: A mineral-chemical hybrid with a satin-matte finish that smooths and primes. Japanese silk and licorice root work to refine texture, control shine, and support skin.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Zinc Oxide (15%), Octisalate (5%) — hybrid sun protection
Sericin, Japanese Wild Rose — texture refining
Green Tea, Licorice, Algae — oil control and antioxidant support
Why it’s our pick: The rare sunscreen that doubles as a primer—and holds up in heat and humidity.
Why we love it: A transparent, non-greasy SPF stick that glides over makeup without disturbing anything underneath. It’s compact, mess-free, and water-resistant.
Actives + Ingredient Callouts:
Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) — broad-spectrum chemical SPF in stick format
Licorice Root Extract, Tocopherol — calming and antioxidant-rich
Castor Oil Copolymer — smooth glide, long wear
Why it’s our pick: Foolproof reapplication in the wild. Every purse, car, or desk drawer needs one.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect SPF
Whether you’re loyal to mineral filters or want the cushion of a next-gen chemical SPF, summer is the time to find a formula that makes protection feel second nature. The best sunscreen is the one you actually want to wear—day after day, reapplication after reapplication. These ten options meet different skin needs, aesthetic preferences, and finish goals, but they all share one thing: they’re the ones we keep reaching for. Think of this edit as your shortcut to sunscreen that performs like skincare—and makes you want to wear it.
