TOP SPF PRODUCTS FOR SUMMER

I’ve always been into my skincare. Ask any girl with hormonal acne, and I’m sure she’ll tell you the same. The desire to find that one wonder product started in my teenage years, where I’d spend hours lusting over the just-launched cleansers and shiny pots of moisturizers in the monthly glossies.

Coming from Panama and South America, where the weather is hot, and suffering from acne-prone skin, it hasn’t been an easy journey to keep my skin at bay. Based on my experience in manufacturing skincare for worldwide brands and formulating, researching, and building skincare products, I have come to understand why some products set on our skin better than others.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to try some of the best skincare products on the market and have created a routine that works for my skin and its needs. But I have to admit that my routine was distinctly lacking in one skincare product until a few years ago: SPF.

When you spend so much time chatting with celebrity facialists and dermatologists about the best ways to care for your complexion, it soon becomes clear that skin experts unanimously agree that SPF is an integral part of any successful skincare routine. Yet so many of us choose to ignore it.

Personally, I think there are two main reasons for our hesitance around using a daily SPF. Firstly, in places where the weather is consistently warm, it can be easy to become complacent and not prioritize sun protection as much as we should. Secondly—between UVA and UVB protection, broad spectrums, and star ratings—knowing what to look for when choosing an SPF can feel like a bit of a minefield, to say the least.

So to help debunk the myths around SPF and get to the root of exactly why it is so important, I caught up with some skincare experts for the full lowdown. Keep scrolling for a foolproof guide to choosing the best sun protection for you and to shop the best SPF products out there.

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation protection. Simply put, the higher the factor number, the higher the UVB protection.

UVA, on the other hand, stands for ultraviolet A radiation and can be measured by the star rating on sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better the protection—with a five-star rating being the best.

If a sunscreen refers to itself as “broad spectrum,” this means that it offers both UVA and UVB protection. However, if sunscreen has both an SPF rating and a star rating, it will protect you against both types of rays.

Best SPF Products Reviewed

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue® Brightening Under Eye Concealer SPF 25

This product is a game-changer for those with sensitive skin, particularly around the delicate under-eye area. The Brightening Under Eye Concealer offers SPF 25 protection and features a hydrating formula infused with natural ingredients like marine botanicals and mineral electrolytes. It’s perfect for anyone looking to combat dark circles while keeping their skin protected from harmful UV rays. Clinically proven to reduce visible under-eye puffiness after two weeks, this concealer brightens, depuffs, and protects the under-eye area for a fresh, wide-awake look. Its crease-resistant formula ensures it won’t cake on the skin, and I love its weightless feel, providing all-day wear with the added benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Recommended for: Sensitive skin, particularly around the under-eye area, due to its gentle, hydrating formula and SPF 25 protection. Perfect for combating dark circles while protecting from UV rays.

USD $28.00 (Shop Now)

PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen

Ideal for all skin types, the PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen from Supergoop! is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that offers high-level protection without leaving a greasy residue. Enriched with sunflower extract, which is rich in antioxidants, it nourishes the skin while shielding it from environmental damage. This sunscreen is also water- and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for active individuals. It hydrates the skin effectively and provides up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance, ensuring you stay protected during all your outdoor activities.

Ideal for: All skin types, thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that provides high-level protection without greasiness. Suitable for active individuals needing water- and sweat-resistant sun protection.

USD $12.00 (Shop Now)

iS Clinical Extreme Protect Treatment SPF 30

A must-have for those with aging skin concerns, the iS Clinical Extreme Protect Treatment SPF 30 combines advanced hydration with potent antioxidant protection. This product is formulated with a proprietary blend of Extremozyme® technology and botanicals, helping to repair and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, making it a comprehensive choice for daily use. This innovative formula features microfine zinc oxide, micro-encapsulated sunscreens, and powerful botanical antioxidants. Clinically proven to repair and protect collagen and cell DNA, the Extremozyme technology ensures this broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen provides the ultimate moisturizing protection.

Recommended for: Aging skin concerns, offering advanced hydration and potent antioxidant protection. Ideal for daily use with its broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

USD $72.00 (Shop Now)

SPF Vitamin Body Milk Travel Size

The SPF Vitamin Body Milk Travel Size by OZKIA is formulated with Nano-Free Zinc, Titanium, Pro-Vitamin D3, Astaxanthin, and Super-berries. This beautifully lightweight, quick-absorbing mineral SPF 30 body oil provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection without chemical sunscreens. Its soothing, natural, marine-friendly formula features a delightful coconut fragrance and supplies Pro-Vitamin D3 along with additional antioxidant, firming, and calming properties.

Ideal for: All skin types, especially those preferring mineral SPF protection without chemical sunscreens. Provides soothing and lightweight protection with added antioxidant benefits.

USD $15.00 (Shop Now)

Safer Skin SPF 30 Duo

The Safer Skin SPF 30 Duo by BeautyCounter is an eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. This duo includes both a face and body sunscreen, each formulated with non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection. The ingredients are reef-safe and free from harmful chemicals, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or environmental concerns. Sun safety should always be a priority for your skin. Start every day with the easy-to-use Booster Drops for broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, then find your ideal coverage with the flexible full-coverage Power Play Foundation in your choice of shade. This duo is ideal for addressing discoloration, mature skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, redness-prone skin, and large pores.

Recommended for: Sensitive skin and environmental concerns, formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and free from harmful chemicals. Suitable for various skin types, including discoloration, mature, oily, and redness-prone skin.

USD $79.00 (Shop Now)

Carmex Pineapple Mint Flavour SPF15 Lip Balm

The Carmex Pineapple Mint Flavour SPF15 Lip Balm ensures that lips, often overlooked in sun protection, receive essential care. Beyond offering SPF 15 protection, this balm soothes and moisturizes with ingredients like cocoa butter and beeswax. The refreshing pineapple mint flavor adds a delightful touch to your daily routine, leaving lips ultra-smooth and soft. Enjoy the tropical and refreshing scent of pineapple and mint while benefitting from the balm’s ultra-moisturizing formula, which provides enhanced hydration. With SPF15, it keeps lips soft and protected even in the sun.

Ideal for: All skin types, especially for lip protection with SPF 15, moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter and beeswax, and a refreshing pineapple mint flavor.

USD $3.50 (Shop Now)

Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50+

Cetaphil’s Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50+ is ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin. This moisturizer offers high-level SPF 50+ protection while providing long-lasting hydration. Enriched with glycerin and panthenol, it effectively locks in moisture and soothes the skin. Its non-comedogenic formula ensures it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for daily use under makeup. Designed for daily skincare routines, Cetaphil’s Facial Moisturizer is crafted to shield against sun exposure, suitable for all skin types. Its lightweight texture includes SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection, helping to preserve the skin’s natural barrier and defend against environmental pollutants. Infused with soybean oil, it deeply hydrates, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Recommended for: Dry or sensitive skin, offering SPF 50+ protection and long-lasting hydration with non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog pores.

USD $24.99(Shop Now)

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35

The Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 offers a luxurious sunscreen experience that goes beyond mere protection. Inspired by the geisha’s iconic makeup, this product is designed to refine the appearance of pores while shielding the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Infused with Japanese wild rose and silk extract, it creates a smooth, matte finish that’s ideal for oily and combination skin types. This non-greasy formula not only tightens pores but also serves as an excellent primer for makeup, making it an elegant, everyday essential in your skincare routine.

Ideal for: Oily and combination skin types, designed to refine pores and provide a smooth, matte finish. Acts as an excellent makeup primer while protecting from UVA and UVB rays.

USD $63.00 (Shop Now)

Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective With Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is a versatile powerhouse in skincare and makeup. It combines the benefits of a moisturizer, SPF protection, and light foundation in a single product. Infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it brightens the skin and retains moisture while offering broad-spectrum protection against UV rays. This tinted moisturizer is perfect for those who prefer a natural, dewy finish and is suitable for all skin types. It acts as a multi-tasking miracle worker, providing mineral SPF benefits alongside skincare and makeup benefits in one effortless step. The clean sunscreen shields the skin from harsh rays and blue light, while its skin-loving formula soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes throughout the day. Enriched with Vitamin C, the lightweight, breathable formula corrects and diffuses the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, pores, and uneven skin tone, leaving a smooth and radiant complexion. The blendable and luminous shades, formulated with 5% pigment, complement a wide range of skin tones and undertones without leaving a white cast.

Recommended for: All skin types, combining moisturizer, SPF protection, and light foundation benefits. Infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for brightening and moisturizing effects.

USD $26.99 (Shop Now)

Why SPF is Essential Year-Round

It’s easy to forget about SPF during the colder months, but UV rays can still cause damage even on cloudy or overcast days. UVA rays, in particular, can penetrate through glass and clouds, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Incorporating SPF into your daily routine ensures that your skin is always protected, regardless of the weather.

Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. This level of protection helps to shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and early signs of aging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Expert Tips for Using SPF

To get the most out of your SPF products, follow these expert tips:

Apply Generously: Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. You should apply about a teaspoon of product for your face and a shot glass amount for your body.
Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Don’t Forget Your Lips and Eyes: Use a lip balm with SPF and wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Check Expiry Dates: Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so be sure to replace it regularly.

Integrating SPF into your skincare routine is non-negotiable for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. With the array of products available, it’s easier than ever to find a sunscreen that fits your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hydrating formula, a matte finish, or a multi-tasking product, there’s an SPF out there for you. Remember, the best skincare routine is one that protects your skin every day, and SPF is a crucial part of that protection. So, make SPF your best friend and keep your skin glowing and safe all year round.

TOP SPF PRODUCTS FOR SUMMER