Of all the skincare products that it's important to use, none are more essential than SPF. For that reason, I subscribe to the belief that the best sunscreen is the sunscreen that you actually want to use—and in 2025, it's never been easier. From creams and sunscreen sticks to SPF sprays and SPF serums, SPF now comes in a wide variety of formats, designed to appeal to every skin type (these are the best SPFs for oily skin, BTW) skin tone (these sunscreens for dark skin won't leave a white cast) and concern, wether you're acne-prone or looking for an SPF for sensitive skin. So no matter what your preference—matte texture, invisible finish, mineral formula, fragrance-free, tinted—there really is something for everyone.
For most people, a lightweight, hydrating, invisible formula ticks all of the boxes, which is why SPF waters have fast become one of my favourite ways to protect my skin. They don't feel heavy, leave greasy residue or a white cast, and most are very moisturising and ideal for using on-the-go or applying over makeup.
Ahead, find my reviews of the very best SPF waters, tried and tested.
What Is An SPF Water?
SPF waters have a viscous, clear formula, which is best applied to the skin via a spray. They're formulated to be hydrating and feel lightweight on the skin and often contain moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Formulas may vary, but most SPF waters provide sun protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to long-term skin damage.
How To Apply SPF Waters
As most are applied via a spray or mist, I wouldn't recommend using SPF waters as your sole form of sun protection—they're best for top-ups. Simply spray-on throughout the day to maintain your protection. Read up on our guide on how to apply SPF to make sure your skin is thoroughly protected.
How I Tested
Over the past few weeks I've trialled a variety of SPF waters for both face and body, putting them to the test under and over makeup, on holiday, at the beach, and on long work days. These are the best of the bunch, for every skin type and concern.
The Best SPF Waters
- Best for over makeup: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
- Best for body: Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Water SPF 50
- Best for oily skin: Naked Sundays Cabanaclear Water Gel Serum SPF 50
- Best for dry skin: Bioré UV Invisible Face Mist
- Best for sensitive skin: Coola SPF 15 Organic Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
1. Best for over makeup: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
Best for: Normal to dry skin.
Few people want to reapply a cream or serum sunscreen over the top of their makeup, which is why SPF waters for the face are perfect for topping up sun protection throughout the day. This particular spray has an ultra-fine mist that won't disturb makeup, and it hydrates skin and boosts glow in the process. Ever since it launched this has been a handbag staple for me. It's lightweight and totally invisible, so is perfect for applying over makeup—and I also find it helps to set makeup and revive foundation that's starting to look a little cakey by 3pm.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-tacky finish.
Cons
- Strong fragrance and alcohol content.
Grace wearing Ultra Violette Preen Screen.
2. Best for body: Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Water SPF 50
Best for: Dry skin.
If you're looking for a light, non-greasy body sunscreen, this is it. The bi-phase formula contains nourishing ingredients like squalane and buriti oil to soften and moisturise skin whilst it protects.
Pros
- Provides high sun protection.
Cons
- Limited availability.
3. Best for oily skin: Naked Sundays Cabanaclear Water Gel Serum Spf50
Best for oily skin
Best for: Oily to combination skin.
A gel-textured, water-based SPF is perfect for oilier skin types. This has a silky-smooth texture which melts into skin without leaving any chalky residue or white cast. What's more, it's formulated to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Pros
- Clear, gel-based formula that absorbs quickly.
Cons
- Small size.
4. Best for dry skin: Bioré UV Invisible Face Mist
Best for: Dry skin.
Due to their ultra-hydrating formulas, SPF waters are hugely beneficial for dry and dehydrated complexions. This truly weightless formula quenches thirsty skin and feels instantly refreshing—a must-have for summer.
Pros
- Lightweight mist suitable for reapplication.
Cons
- Limited availability.
5. Best for sensitive skin: Coola SPF 15 Organic Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
Best for: Normal to dry skin.
This SPF water only has a sun protection factor of 15, so it's definitely one for top-ups, rather than daily wear. However if you have particularly sensieitve skin, it ticks a lot of boxes. It's a mineral formula, alcohol-free, and contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut water.
Pros
- Refreshing feel.
Cons
- Lower SPF protection (SPF15) may not be sufficient for prolonged sun exposure.
6. Best for on-the-go: Gun Ana Uv Body Mist SPF 50
Best for: All skin types.
The key with spray-on SPF waters is to ensure that the spray has good coverage and doesn't just disappear into the air before it hits your skin. This one delivers on every front, and thanks to the addition of cucumber and mint it smells incredible.
Pros
- Easy application for body coverage.
Cons
- Expensive price point.
7. Best for easy application: Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50
Best for easy application
Best for: Normal to dry skin.
Vicky has an impressively extensive range of SPF waters, my favourite of which was this one—formulated with hyaluronic acid for deep and lasting hydration. It can be used on both face and body, and has a non-staining formula, so won't leave marks or residue on clothes.
Pros
- Hydrating formula that absorbs well.
Cons
- May feel oily on the face for some users.
8. Best for glow: Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF 50
Best for glow
Best for: Sensitive skin.
Clarins' Sun Care range includes a gel, a stick, and an SPF water, so you can achieve full coverage sun protection from head to toe, literally. I particularly liked using this ultra-light water spray to protect my scalp.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Expensive price point.
9. Best for top-ups: Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF 50+
Best for top-ups
Best for: Normal to dry skin.
This bi-phase sunscreen contains both oil and water, so must be shaken before application to activate the formula. It's both refreshing and nourishing, and can be used on face, body, and scalp.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Cons
- May sting if it gets into the eyes.
10. Best for under makeup: Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Best for: Dry to combination skin.
Part water and part gel, this majorly glow-boosting sunscreen is one of my favourite formulas to wear under makeup. It gives skin a smooth texture and radiant finish, and feels incredibly hydrating, preventing makeup from turning cakey or looking dry.
Pros
- Moisturising with a dewy finish.
Cons
- May be too shiny for those preferring a matte finish.
11. Best for daily wear: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+
Best for: Normal to dry skin.
This cult K-beauty sunscreen is another water-gel formula. Again, those with dry and dehydrated skin will benefit from the hydration-boosting formula, but it works well for all skin types and concerns.
Pros
- No white cast and layers well under makeup.
Cons
- Contains fragrance and alcohol.
12. Best affordable SPF water: Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF 50+
Best affordable SPF water
Best for: All skin types
If you're on a budget, then Garnier's SPF mist is a great option to top-up your SPF throughout the day. It delivers a fine mist that evenly coats the skin and is the perfect size to keep in your handbag.
Eleanor's review: "I always keep this SPF water in my bag for top-ups on the go," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "It lightly mists the skin, making it great for topping up over makeup or spritzing on any areas that need extra protection while you're out and about. The nimble size means it fits easily in my bag too."
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
-
Plot Twist: My Dewiest Summer Skin Came Courtesy of This Unexpected ProductIt's the number one essential for the season.
-
I've Perfected the Art of Packing a Beach Bag—These 12 Beauty Products Are EssentialTowel down, SPF on.
-
Tatcha's Cult-Favorite Sunscreen Promises a Silky, Weightless Finish, so I Tried It for 4 WeeksI'm all set for summer.
-
If You Hate the Way Sunscreen Feels, Let Me Introduce You to This Trending AlternativeThe only product I want to wear right now.
-
I Tried a Viral Korean SPF After Billie Eilish's Aesthetician Recommended It—Spoiler Alert, I'm ObsessedIt's my new go-to formula.
-
This SPF Is a Constant Sellout Risk in London and Paris—I Swear Its New U.S. Version Is Even GlowierIt transformed my skin in 20 days.
-
Alix Earle's Comment Section Is Swarming With "What Body Shimmer Is That?!"—Here's the RevealI sense a best seller.
-
Merit's New SPF Is 1000% Worth the Hype—It Makes My Skin Look AirbrushedI even bid farewell to my foundation.
