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I’m pretty damn serious about wearing sunscreen. Skin cancer and premature aging (think dark spots, fine lines, uneven skin texture) are not things I mess around with. But just because I'm constantly protecting my face from the sun doesn’t mean I’ll reach for any ol’ sunscreen out there. Nope, not all sunscreens are created equal, and I’m quite picky about which products I slather on my face.
The only ones I approve of? They're clear sunscreens with with at least SPF 30 (because anything less won’t cut it) that offer broad-spectrum protection, AKA protection against UVA and UVB rays, without the chalky white cast. And I've been testing dozens of formulas—from O.G. favorites to brand-new launches—to compile the best clear sunscreens just for you. But first, a sneak peek of what’s ahead:
Our top picks for clear sunscreens in 2024:
Best Overall Clear Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++Read more
Best Clear Sunscreen and Makeup Primer
Hello Sunday The Invisible One SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen + PrimerRead more
Best Glowy Clear Sunscreen
Tula Skincare Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30Read more
Now, if you want the complete list, go forth and discover the best transparent sunscreens for your skin type, so you, too, can wave buhhh-bye to the goopy white cast of sunscreens past.
1
Best Overall Clear Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
Pros
- The best clear sunscreen 'Cosmo' editors tested
- I love the soft-matte, light finish
Cons
- Can be a lil expensive (especially if you're repurchasing often)
One of my holy grail beauty products is the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen because (1) it is legit invisible, (2) it works as an excellent makeup primer, and (3) it provides SPF 40 protection from the sun without feeling at all greasy. Once applied, your skin will feel velvety and smooth.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, dimethicone
- SPF: 40
Glowing customer review: "This product is amazing!! It gives your skin a glowy finish and is not oily or sticky at all!! It’s the perfect size to pop in a beach bag and I love that it has spf 40 in it!! Overall I recommend this product and love it so much!"
2
Best Clear Sunscreen and Makeup Primer
Hello Sunday The Invisible One SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen + Primer
Pros
- Has a slight glowy finish that doesn't look or feel greasy, IMO
- Helps smooth my skin before makeup
Cons
- I wish the tube were a tiny bit bigger
On a recent beach vacay, I brought this sunscreen and no other makeup primer—and I not only survived, but thrived, bb. This chemical SPF 50 has a lightweight gel formula that mattifies, smoothes, and softens my skin before foundation and concealer. I just slather on the clear sunscreen as the last step in my skincare routine, then layer on my base products. I love how soft and fresh this makes my skin look, giving me a satin finish that looks like my skin (but, like, on my best skin day).
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, argan oil
- SPF: 50
Glowing customer review: "Super smooth, and feels flawless on my skin. I have been looking for something like this and glad to have finally found it with SPF 50 included."
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3
Best Glowy Clear Sunscreen
Tula Skincare Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pros
- Has lil bb shimmers that make my skin *glow*
- Helps moisturize with ectoin and fruit extracts
Cons
- Some people might not like the shimmery look
Typically, clear sunscreens come in a gel formula that's loaded with silicones to give your skin a silky, matte look. But this SPF 30 from Tula magically pairs moisturizers (see: ectoin, pineapple and apple extracts, and glycerin) with mica to give your skin a glowy, radiant finish—without any white cast or color whatsoever.
FWIW, I'm currently in the process of converting my mom into a daily sunscreen wearer (she's a product of the '80s, okay?!), and I gave her this formula to persuade her. And it's working: She's a huge fan and brings her tube everywhere she goes now, noting that it doesn't feel or look like the sunscreen she grew up with at all.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Ectoin, arginine, pineapple extract
- SPF: 30
Glowing customer review: "I have been using the TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel for several weeks now and I must say, I am in love with this product! It's incredibly lightweight and non-greasy, which is perfect for my oily skin. The formula is easily absorbed and doesn't leave any white cast or residue on my skin."
Pros
- Doesn't pill or feel sticky on my skin
- Makes reapplying sunscreen on the go extremely easy
Cons
- Stick can be a lil crumbly when you apply it, according to a few reviewers
TBH, one of the hardest formats to find a clear sunscreen formula for me was stick sunscreen. But this one from Live Tinted is completely clear (you can even see it above in the tube!), leaving a lovely glowy finish on my skin. It's not sticky at all, either—I just swipe it on my nose, under-eyes, forehead, and shoulders every few hours I'll be in the sun to keep my skin protected.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- SPF: 50
Glowing customer review: "I am a person who does not like the way sunscreen feels and smells, but because of the way this product is portable and is a solid stick and the lightest scent ever I use it so much. When I put it on my skin doesn’t feel sticky and my skin looks dewy, I love it."
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5
Best Clear Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Helps moisturize my skin with oils and glycerin
Cons
- Likely too heavy for oily skin types
Hey, not all clear sunscreens have to be matte gels. You can also try a creamy, water-based sunscreen like this formula from Belif. It's loaded with oils and extracts to help moisturize your dry skin, leaving behind a soft, radiant glow to your skin without the dreaded white cast of the typical, cream-based SPF.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Dimethicone, orange peel oil, glycerin
- SPF: 50
Glowing customer review: "This sunscreen is outstanding. I've tried all the others, and they're all good, but this Belif sunscreen is next-level as far as texture, thickness, and scent. It doesn't have that sunscreen scent, it's not globby or greasy, leaves no residue, no pilling, has zero white cast, and is simply a pleasure to put all over my face."
6
Best Clear Mineral Sunscreen
Herbivore Star Seed Silicone-Free 100% Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Doesn't leave a white cast, which is fab for a mineral formula
- Feels lightweight on my skin
Cons
- Can take a minute to blend in if you use a lot
Your skin absorbs chemical sunscreen filters, where they neutralize and convert UV rays into heat before they're released from the body, according to esthetician Ivey Rogers. “This process is usually problematic for those with sensitive skin, so opting for a completely mineral sunscreen is best,” she says.
However, mineral sunscreens create a physical block between your skin and sun, hence the usual ghostly film it can leave on medium to deep skin tones. Enter this sheer mineral SPF 30 from Herbivore. While this sunscreen doesn’t look clear when I squeeze it out of the tube, it completely blends in with my skin tone and looks invisible once I massage it in.
- Type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hemp seed oil, chia seed oil
- SPF: 30
Glowing customer review: "This sunscreen is lightweight and also hydrating, easy to apply, and absorbs quickly. It also doesn’t leave a white cast. The package is super cute! Works well with my skin tone. I normally use it before I put my makeup on.'
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Pros
- Has the lightest texture of any of the sunscreens I've tested
Cons
- Some testers said it's a bit drying
Sure, I’m a beauty editor, but it doesn’t mean I always like the feeling of a goopy, heavy sunscreen on my face. When I want the lightest possible SPF, I always go for this watery sunscreen from Biore. It has a thin consistency that quickly absorbs into my skin, ultimately feeling like I put nothing on.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, arginine
- SPF: 50
Glowing customer review: "This product has the best consistency. It’s a nice watery feeling that absorbs very quickly. With spf 50 no less! This is now my go-to face, neck, and chest SPF."
8
Best Clear Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Starface World Clear As Day SPF 46 Invisible Sunscreen Gel
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Oil-free (!)
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a teensy bit oily at first (but dries down matte)
Good: I wear sunscreen every single day, without fail. Bad: Heavy, thick sunscreens clog my pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads. So I switched to this clear, oil-free sunscreen from Starface (you know, the brand who makes your fave star pimple patches). It’s ultra-lightweight and has never once caused a breakout on my acne-prone skin. And I especially love the matte finish it leaves.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Dimethicone
- SPF: 46
Glowing customer review: "I absolutely love this stuff. It’s legitimately THE ONLY facial sunscreen I’ve ever used that didn’t cause me to break out. And I’ve tried a lot of them. If you’re sensitive or acne prone, try it!!"
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Pros
- I love the silky serum texture
- Soothes my skin a lil bit with allantoin and bisabolol
Cons
- Has a very glowy finish, which some testers didn't love
Why not add a clear face sunscreen to your skincare routine that doubles as a hydrating serum? This reef-safe sunscreen face serum from Venus Williams’s brand, EleVen, provides SPF 35, looks transparent on all skin tones, and will leave your skin feeling hella hydrated. And if you've got sensitive skin, this formula is pretty soothing, thanks to allantoin and bisabolol.
- Type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Allantoin, bisabolol, orange peel oil
- SPF: 35
Glowing customer review: "This serum is somewhat of a miracle for a sensitive skin like mine! I am always on the hunt for a lightweight mineral sunscreen that will not feel thick or heavy. This is a complete game-changer. 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen, watery texture that sinks right in, and leaves a velvety finish that is ideal for under makeup."
Pros
- Leaves my skin super moisturized and soft with oils
Cons
- Might be a bit too heavy for oily skin types
This Black-owned sunscreen brand is incredibly moisturizing, thanks to sunflower seed and avocado oils. Once applied, you will be left with protected AND hydrated skin. The brand was made specifically for melanated skin to address gaps in the skincare and beauty industry, and this formula delivers: It leaves absolutely no white cast behind and helps protect the skin against UV’s harmful effects.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil
- SPF: 30
Glowing customer review: "I think I'm on my fifth or sixth tube, I don't even remember. No matter what sunscreen I use, I always come back to this one. The scent isn't overwhelming, and it sinks in well so, it doesn't mess with my makeup. I have oily, acne-prone skin, and it doesn't break me out or make me look like a greasy mess."
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Pros
- Doesn't wash off in water or sweat, per reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers said it's a bit hard to wash off
If your vibe is more beach volleyball and kickball league than sipping margs by the pool, you’ll def wanna opt for a water-resistant formula like this one from EltaMD. It has a similar lightweight, clear consistency to the O.G. UV Clear (a team Cosmo favorite for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone folks), but also is water- and sweat-proof for up to 80 minutes.
- Type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc oxide
- SPF: 47
Glowing customer review: "Great sunscreen! Used it recently on a trip to Mexico and it stayed on all day, even while sweating and having my purse strap rub over it. It rubs in easily without leaving a white cast and washes off in the shower with only a light scrub."
Pros
- I love the lightweight water-gel consistency
Cons
- Some reviewers wished the bottle were clear
Gel sunscreen and oily skin are simply a match made in heaven, IMO. And I can attest: This Glossier SPF 35 is my absolute favorite in the depths of summer when my skin is constantly sweaty and greasy from the humidity. It has a watery, gel texture that feels as lightweight as a serum, but gives me broad-spectrum sun protection. Plus, it helps keep my skin matte all day long.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Orange peel oil, vitamin E
- SPF: 35
Glowing customer review: "This is one of the best SPF’s I use. No white cast, soaks into the skin barrier well, and is SPF 30! I love love this product!"
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Pros
- I love the shimmery shine it adds to my skin
- Comes in a large bottle
Cons
- A couple of testers said it stained their white bathing suits
I went through an entire bottle of this clear, oil-based body sunscreen last summer and already have another one on deck for 2024. It makes my skin look so radiant—thanks to the oils and gold shimmers in the formula—but also keeps my skin healthy in the sun with SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection. I slather this all over my arms, legs, back, and chest when I’m out by the pool, at the beach, walking around the city, or chillin’ outside at the park, and constantly get compliments on my glowy skin.
- Type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, hibiscus oil, coconut oil
- SPF: 50
Glowing customer review: "This product is smooth and silky when applying. My skin feels softer after just a couple days of using this."
How does clear sunscreen work?
There are two different types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, works by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays (think: like a mirror). Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays, converts them into heat, and then releases them from the skin. And then you’ll find that there are sunscreens that contain ~both~ physical and chemical components to maximize the sun protection benefits—a two-for-one kind of deal.
When it comes to clear sunscreen, you’ll typically find that the transparent, gel-like consistencies are chemical-based formulas. Because chemical sunscreens don’t contain a physical presence, they can be made into a clear, lightweight formula that doesn’t give off a white cast. However, there are clear, mineral sunscreens as well (see above!). These products will often appear slightly white but will blend into the skin completely clear upon application.
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How to choose the best clear sunscreen for you:
Consider your skin type
It’s important to note that chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause irritation. As a rule, if you have sensitive skin, stick to a physical sunscreen. Meanwhile, those with oily or acne-prone skin may find that a chemical sunscreen works best. A sunscreen formula containing both physical and chemical components is suitable for most skin types and ultimately depends on your preference. If you've got über-sensitive skin, test a tiny bit on the back of your neck and let it sit for 24 hours to make sure it's A-okay before massaging it over your entire face.
Look for SPF 30 or higher
Make sure you're opting for an SPF of 30 or higher for your face and body, which is the overall recommendation from every dermatologist I've ever spoken to (and I interview them for a living!). "Your skin’s color or tone and photosensitivity will determine the length of time that SPF, or sun protective factor, can protect you from UV rays and skin damage," plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD, previously explained to Cosmo. If you know you'll be outside for longer periods of time, consider a higher SPF and reapply frequently—every two hours or whenever you get out of the water and dry off, she explained.
Meet the experts:
- Ivey Rogers is a licensed aesthetician in Charlotte, NC and the lead aesthetician with Urban Skin RX. She's an expert in working with all skin tones and types.
- Alexis Parcells, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Parcells Plastic Surgery in Eatontown, NJ and New York, NY, and a clinical instructor at RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey. Dr. Parcells is also the founder of Sunnie, a topical medical-grade skincare line that consists of cleansers, scar-reducing treatments, lash and brow serums, and acne products. She was previously interviewed about organic sunscreens.
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Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from sunburned lips to moisturizers for acne-prone skin. She's an expert in sunscreens without white cast after testing dozens of formulas on her medium skin tone, consulting with dermatologists and aestheticians, and chatting away with other Cosmo staffers and beauty editors about their go-to formulas.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, like pregnancy-safe sunscreens and tinted sunscreens. She compiled this list after researching makeup bags, testing tons of them for herself, and reading reviews.
Beth Gillette
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.