After testing dozens, these are the only 11 sunscreens worth buying in 2025
By
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
Rating:
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
Rating:
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
Rating:
BEST SPLURGE SUNSCREEN
Rating:
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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It looks like a drip and reminds me of a hospital. If he needs a drink, a cup is more appropriate I've been with my boyfriend, Wes, for about a year and a half. We don't live together, and last summer he built himself a four-poster bed, which I thought was really cool. But a few months ago he got one of those water bladders with a long tube and hung it from one side of the bed. He said it was practical, and at first I didn't mind. I thought it was a joke. There were also moments when I thought it was practical too. Sometimes, when he was drinking from it, I thought: 'I'll have a drink from it as well.' But then I asked him if he was going to take it down, and he just brushed it off. One day, we were having an intimate moment and he whipped out the water bladder and started drinking from it. He should have been concentrating on me so I was annoyed, and now it's banished. It was just a huge turnoff. It looks like a drip and it reminds me of a hospital. When you're with your partner that's not the connotation you want. Hydration is important, but if Wes needs a drink during sex a water bottle or a cup of water is more appropriate. The water bladder was up for about two and a half months in total. That moment tipped me over the edge, and thankfully Wes listened to me. We have come to an agreement to keep it out of the bedroom, but I know that part of him wants it back. We are going to a festival this weekend and Wes says he is going to bring two water bladders. I won't be drinking from one unless there's an emergency. Wes loves hiking and biking, and uses a water bladder then. I think that's acceptable as it's what it was originally designed for – but it's not for the bedroom. Even though we live separately, as I usually go to Wes's place, I think he should listen to me when I say I'm not comfortable with something. He did take it down after that incident, but I know if I allowed it, the water bladder would go straight back up. I get that it was maybe insensitive to do it during sex, but I didn't expect her to be so bothered After building myself a four-poster bed while I was bored, I attached a water bladder I had lying around the house with a little bit of string, looping it over the top of the bed. I thought it was practical and funny. It was really hot recently, so it was a good way to stay hydrated. At first, Leanne drank from it with me when she came round to stay. She didn't seem opposed to it. But then when I drank from it during an intimate moment she reacted really strongly. Things came to an abrupt halt there and then, and the water bladder was removed immediately. It felt like an overreaction in the face of something I thought was totally innocent. I get that it was bad timing and maybe a bit insensitive to do it during sex. However, I didn't expect her to be so bothered. It started out as 'look at this fun idea', and I thought: 'Wow, I can drink hands-free.' 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If it means she is happier, then it's worth it, but privately I think a water bladder is entirely functional. If she said I could hang it off the bed again, I 100% would. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Is a water bladder acceptable in the bedroom? Water bladders have their place, but should not be used in the home, let alone during an intimate moment. Wes should focus on understanding Leanne's feelings and how to use bladders appropriately, rather than trying to shoehorn them into every 30 Leanne is well within her rights to ban the bladder from the bedroom and also from what functions as a bedroom while they are at the festival. 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