Sunscreen Serums Are My Favorite Summer Beauty Hack—9 I'll Always Restock

This serum takes out top spot for a few reasons. For starters, I spent a few weeks testing this serum out and was genuinely surprised how well it worked on my sensitive skin. It doesn't leave a greasy finish and there's no harsh smell either, so naturally, it became a staple in my routine.

"This is a good pick for someone who wants higher SPF protection without a heavy feel," says board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Jeannette Graf, MD. "It also includes collagen peptide and other skincare-focused ingredients, so it helps support the skin while protecting against UV damage." It's also recommended for mature skin, according to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Danny Guo, MD, who points outs that the collagen peptides in this serum hydrate fine lines.

Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, no harsh smell, no white cast

Cons: None

SPF level: 50

Key ingredients: Collagen peptide

Type: Chemical

Size: 1.7 oz

Customer review: "It goes on smoothly, doesn't smell weird, and doesnt make my brown skin look ashy or gray. It also feels moisturizing."

If a lightweight feel is essential, consider something like serum from Skinceuticals. "SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum mineral protection in a sheer, lightweight tinted formula," says board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD. "It blends easily into the skin and gives a natural finish, making it especially useful for patients concerned about discoloration or a visible white cast."

Pros: Natural finish, evens skin tone

Cons: Comes in only one shade

SPF level: 45

Key ingredients: Artemia salina, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, translucent color spheres

Type: Mineral

Size: 1.7 oz

Customer review: "I have used this product for several years and am extremely pleased with it. The tint is perfect for my skin tone, it absorbs quickly and has a very light feel on your face. It's sun protection is excellent. Highly recommend."

"This is actually great for all skin types, and this adds antioxidants like vitamin C and E for extra protection," says Guo. Reszko agrees, adding that it has a lightweight feel that layers well with skincare and makeup. Plus, it contains niacinamide to support even skin tone over time.

Pros: Can be worn under makeup, evens skin tone

Cons: Pump may get stuck for some

SPF level: 45

Key ingredients: Baicalin, vitamin C, and vitamin E 

Type: Chemical

Size: 2.4 oz

Customer review: "I am forty years old, and my skin has never felt better. I love that the moisturizer is non-scented and glides on so smoothly. It leaves my face looking hydrated, soft, and beautifully glazed. My skin feels amazing after using it!"

For an affordable drugstore option, try Neutrogena's Clear Face Serum Sunscreen. "It's great for acne-prone skin because it contains green tea extract, an antioxidant shown to have acne-fighting properties, and bisabolol to calm inflammation," says board certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD. "In addition, silica and oil-absorbing ingredients give this formula a matte, non-greasy finish."

Pros: Affordable, soothing, fights acne

Cons: May be too strong for sensitive skin

SPF level: 60

Key ingredients: Helioplex Technology

Type: Chemical

Size: 1.7 oz

Customer review: "This is by far my favorite face sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and usually break out from other ones, but this one feels great on my face and protects it. Not at all oily and even adds a bit of a glow to your skin after application."

If you want a sunscreen that's mineral and has no white cast and favors dry skin, consider this tinted dewy serum from Bloomeffects. "This combines broad-spectrum sun protection, with humectants, emollients, and barrier-strengthening and protecting ingredients to hydrate and soften skin," says Shah. "Antioxidants and calming ingredients complete this multitasking product, and the dewy finish immediately revives the appearance of dry skin."

Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, hydrating

Cons: Not ideal for oily skin

SPF level: 50

Key ingredients: Proprietary Dutch Tulip Complex, Triple Plum Blend, non-nano zinc oxide, shiitake mushroom, tocopherol, allantoin, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, and propanediol

Type: Mineral

Size: 1 oz

Customer review: "This sunscreen is light, non irritating and gives the most incredible glow. I've never used a mineral sunscreen that has checked all boxes like Bloomeffects. I've already bought more for backup!"

This Super Serum Skin Tint has been raved about b editors everywhere, so it's no surprise that experts love it too. "This is ideal for anyone who wants to simplify their morning routine because the tinted formula gives natural looking coverage for those who don’t want to wear foundation," says Graf. She adds that you get to benefit from the SPF while also getting a radiant, skin-like finish.

Pros: Available in 30 shades, natural finish

Cons: Pricey

SPF level: 40

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide 

Type: Mineral

Size: 1 oz

Customer review: "This is my holy grail for coverage, glow, hydration, and SPF sun protection. I get compliments on my skin all the time. It’s been some trial and error to find the right color and I think a couple of shades suit me just fine especially considering I’m a bit lighter in the winter. Big fan!"

Pairing sunscreen with makeup can sometime be a challenge, but this Coola serum is proof that it can be effortless. "This is one of my favorite options for achieving a glowy, dewy look," says Graf. "It’s incredibly lightweight and layers well under makeup, making it especially nice for dry skin types that need an extra boost of hydration."

Pros: Works well with makeup, dewy finish

Cons: Pricey, may pill for some

SPF level: 30

Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, aloe arbadensis leaf juice, butyloctyl salicylate, and glycerin

Type: Chemical

Size: 1.15 oz

Customer review: "I looove this as an everyday sunscreen underneath makeup or on its own. It gives a beautiful light glowy finish. It's not oily or sticky. I went through the bottle in one month and already repurchased. I might have to just subscribe and save since this is definitely going to be a staple for me."

Another affordable K-beauty option on our list is this pick from Guo. "Skin1004's Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum contains SPF 50 and broad spectrum," he says. "Its unscented and has centella asiatica, which is a great combo for sensitive skin."

Pros: Soothing, lightweight

Cons: Not ideal for acne-prone skin

SPF level: 50

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract and hyaluronic acid

Type: Chemical

Size: 1.69 oz

Customer review: "This is the only sunscreen that has not made my eyes water, made my skin break out, and does not pill with any of my moisturizers. Have only used this sunscreen for 2 years and haven't needed or wanted to try another!"

Whether you have skin concerns like wrinkles and dark spots or just want to take preventative measures, you can't go wrong with this formula from Image Skincare. "This is a great everyday option because it gives lightweight mineral SPF protection while also evening out the skin with a really natural-looking tint," says Graf. "I love that it feels more like skincare than traditional sunscreen, and the added antioxidants and hydrating ingredients give skin a healthy, glowy finish."

Pros: Prevents premature aging, lightweight

Cons: Pump can be finicky

SPF level: 30

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide 

Type: Mineral

Size: 1 oz

Customer review: "I’m not one to put sunscreen on my face everyday. This has changed my mind! I use it daily as a primer under makeup or alone. It smooths my skin, and the tint seems to be perfect for my skin to even out my skin tone."