While we all know the importance of wearing SPF every day, it’s still a skincare product that divides opinion. A quick survey of my friendship group ahead of writing this article revealed only two out of the six of us applied sun protection daily, with one not even applying it to her face while on holiday.
The reason? Well, there were many, however, the answer that everyone seemed to agree on was that most sun creams just didn’t feel comfortable on their skin. They felt heavy, greasy and often resulted in breakouts, leading them to skip application altogether. As a beauty editor who writes about the importance of wearing SPF regularly, I can't put into words just how important wearing SPF is, but particularly summer SPF products, when the UV index is high. So, I’m sure you can imagine my face as they broke this to me. I knew I had to spring into action.
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
You see, while sun protection may have gotten a bad reputation in the past, that’s no longer the case. Beauty brands have taken notice and introduced a new wave of formulas that not only deliver the sun protection we need but are also packed with other skin-loving benefits. These new-gen products combine the lightweight, skincare-ingredient-packed nature of facial serums with sun protection. These SPF serums feel ultra-lightweight on the skin, sink in quickly and leave no white cast, making the process of applying and wearing SPF no more uncomfortable than your favourite serum or moisturiser.
But, don’t just take my word for it. I spoke with consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips, to find out everything we need to know about serum sunscreens, including if they're as effective as the cream formulas of the past. Here’s what he had to say…
What Are Serum Sunscreens?
“A serum SPF, sometimes called a ‘sunscreen serum’, is a skincare product that combines the benefits of a serum with the protection of a sunscreen,” says Dr Phillips. “Typically, they’re made of more lightweight formulas than normal SPFs, and also offer other benefits such as hydration or brightening. Serum SPFs can be used either in place of a regular serum or as the final step of your skincare regimen.”
What Are the Benefits of SPF Serums?
“There are a number of benefits of using a serum SPF,” says Dr Phillips. “SPF serums usually have less chance of leaving a white cast than traditional sunscreen formulations, because their formulations minimise the visible residue that most sunscreens are associated with. They’re also lightweight and fast-absorbing, and often contain additional ingredients that benefit the skin, such as vitamins and antioxidants. Some also include ingredients that offer additional benefits, such as helping to address premature ageing, as well as brightening and hydrating the skin.”
Are Sunscreen Serums as Effective?
“Serum SPF can be as effective as a traditional SPF formula, especially if you choose one with a high factor,” says Dr Phillips. “Like traditional SPFs, you do need to ensure you are applying and reapplying enough product to get the full UV protective benefits. Serum SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine [they are under-makeup SPFs], and applied liberally to the face and neck. They also need to be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.’’
Now that you know all about serum sunscreens and their effectiveness, you’re probably wondering what the best ones are. To help, I’ve created an edit of my favourite formulas. From serum sunscreens that help brighten, formulas designed to hydrate and even tinted SPFs, these are the best serum sunscreens for all price points, skin types and tastes.
The Best SPF Serums
1. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum
Ultra Violette
Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum
Australian SPF brand Ultra Violette creates formulas that take the stress out of applying (and reapplying) sun protection. The Luminising Skinscreen Serum proves this point, feeling lightweight and hydrating on the skin while also leaving it with a radiant, dewy finish. Alongside SPF50 protection, you’ll also find brightening vitamin C and pink algae to firm and hydrate. Plus, it’s got a lovely rose scent, which makes it feel extra luxurious.
2. Hello Sunday The One That’s A Serum SPF50
Hello Sunday
The One That’s A Serum SPF50
While Hello Sunday describes this as a serum, most likely due to the cocktail of hardworking ingredients, I would say in terms of texture, it feels more like a lightweight cream, making it ideal for those who want their SPF to feel extra hydrating on the skin. The ingredients, however? Brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, amino acids to protect against environmental aggressors and calming aloe vera—this is an SPF and then some.
3. Naked Sundays CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50
Naked Sundays
CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50
If you are looking for an ideal sunscreen for dark skin and have been burned (no pun intended) by SPFs with white casts in the past, you want to try a clear formula. Naked Sunday’s CabanaClear is a great option, applying transparent straight from the pump and when rubbed into the skin. Although it appears invisible, it offers SPF50 protection and an array of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and kaduka plum extract, known to firm and brighten, making it seriously hardworking.
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+
SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+
It’s a known fact that Korean beauty brands are worlds ahead of the rest of us when it comes to formulas and innovation, so it should come as no surprise to find a Korean SPF on this list. SKIN1004’s Sun Serum is designed to offer serious hydration, making it a great lightweight SPF for those with dry or dehydrated skin. While it may be nourishing, however, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy and sinks in quickly with minimal residue.
5. Garnier Ambre Solaire Invisible Serum Super UV SPF50+
Garnier
Ambre Solaire Spf 50+ Super Uv Invisible Face Serum
At under £15, Garnier’s Invisible Serum is a great, affordable SPF. Although it applies white, it quickly sinks in, leaving no white cast on the skin and a slightly dewy finish. It’s also fragrance-free and designed with reactivity in mind, making it great for those who are looking for a suitable SPF for sensitive skin.
6. ZitSticka Megashade SPF-50 Breakout-proof Sunscreen Serum
ZitSticka
Megashade SPF-50 Breakout-proof Sunscreen Serum
When I speak to people about whether they use SPF, one of the most common responses I hear is: “No, it gives me breakouts.” To these people, I recommend ZitSticka’s Megashade, an SPF designed for breakout-prone skin. The non-comedogenic formula blends together chemical and mineral sun protection, as well as tea tree to kill bacteria on the skin, and niacinamide to brighten dark spots for a complexion that’s protected and radiant.
7. Alpha-H Dawn to Dusk SPF50+ Serum
Alpha-H
Dawn to Dusk SPF50+ Serum
Talking about radiance, if you know skincare brand Alpha-H, you’ll know that glowy skin is their MO. This SPF serum is no different, alongside SPF50+ protection, it also contains potent niacinamide, which works to illuminate the skin, improve skin texture and firm fine lines. Apply three fingers' worth onto moisturised skin for a complexion that appears brighter and more even over time.
8. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
ILIA
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
While the other serums on this list are either clear or have a slight white tone, this skin tint contains SPF protection. There are 30 shades available, all of which offer a light layer of coverage while also providing skin with SPF30 protection. While I wouldn't suggest applying this alone, as we rarely apply enough foundation to achieve adequate sun protection, it makes a great additional layer in your beauty routine while also giving skin a light, dewy base, perfect for sunny days.
9. Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops SPF30
Kora Organics
Silky Sun Drops SPF30
While I’d recommend opting for an SPF50 at most opportunities, if you do want something lighter, Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops are a great option. For this serum, protecting the skin is its main priority, so you don’t just get sun protection but also ectoin, which protects from environmental aggressors, and chia seed oil to defend against free radicals. This means that, over time, your skin will appear smoother, more hydrated and have a healthy, radiant glow.
10. Lancaster Sun Perfect Unifying Serum SPF50
Lancaster
Sun Perfect Unifying Serum SPF50
I’m sure you know by now that UV rays can play a big part in the formation of lines and wrinkles on our skin, so using any SPF is a great way to combat this. Lancaster’s formula takes this a step further, however, as it’s also infused with dark-spot and skin-firming ingredients to further help repair sun-induced damage. I would say this feels slightly thicker than some of the serums on this list, but once it sinks in, you won’t notice you’re wearing it. It is, without question, one of the best lightweight SPFs for mature skin.
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