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If you’ve been frustrated in the past by sunscreen formulas that leave a chalky residue behind, you might want to try what LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger calls not-seen sunscreen.
“Not-seen sunscreens provide high-quality, broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s cancer-causing rays without the telltale white cast many sunscreens leave behind. This residue can be due to the mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that block the sun’s rays,” says Dr. Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “When you have a sunscreen that feels good and looks good on your skin, you’re much more likely to wear it every day to give your skin the protection it needs.”
Here, we’ve gathered our most elegant and discreet face sunscreens that provide an effective defense from the sun’s damaging rays with a near-invisible finish.
“This is one of my all-time favorite not-seen sunscreens,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “In addition to offering great sun protection, it helps improve acne and discoloration with niacinamide and also provides some moisturizing and exfoliating benefits with hyaluronic acid and lactic acid.”
It’s a broad-spectrum hybrid formula, meaning it provides UVA and UVB protection with a combination of mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients (9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate). In addition to this untinted EltaMD formula, UV Clear is also available in a light tint and deep tint.
This all-mineral, untinted Colorescience sunscreen is a favorite of Dr. Schlessinger and has scored accolades for its innovative formula, including a 2024 NewBeauty Award for the Best Oil-Free Sunscreen and a 2023 recognition of Best Mineral Sunscreen from InStyle Magazine. It provides broad-spectrum protection with 10% zinc oxide and dries to a sheer, invisible finish on most skin tones. If your skin tends toward the drier side, you’ll love the hydrating formula that still feels lightweight going on.
If you prefer a multitasking sunscreen, get ready to meet your match with this 4-in-1 formula from Revision Skincare. A favorite of Nancy Schlessinger, LovelySkin Vice President, it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays with mineral sunscreen ingredients (2.5% titanium dioxide and 15.2% zinc oxide) while also brightening skin, boosting hydration levels and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This invisible sunscreen formula wears well under makeup and enhances your skin’s natural radiance without leaving a white cast behind.
The clear gel formula of this face sunscreen by Sonrei provides broad-spectrum protection with a 100% invisible finish and doubles as a makeup primer. In addition to providing broad-spectrum protection with a blend of chemical sunscreen ingredients (10% octocrylene, 5% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 2.5% avobenzone), it contains plant-based growth factors and antioxidants to help improve signs of existing sun damage such as dark spots and fine lines.
The name of this innovative Dune sunscreen was inspired by the way it effortlessly melts into your skin for a no-show finish on all skin tones. It contains two mineral-based sun filters (4.8% zinc oxide and 2.34% titanium dioxide) formulated with a proprietary micro-dispersion technology that makes it both fast-absorbing and light on your skin. Peptides, vitamin E and carrot seed oil help support your skin barrier and improve elasticity as well.
Another transparent gel formula that melts invisibly into skin, this face sunscreen from Allies of Skin protects with a weightless finish thanks to an effective blend of chemical sunscreen filters (3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 10% octocrylene and 5% octisalate). With up to eighty minutes of water resistance, this is a great go-to option for the pool. A blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients—vitamin C, green tea and licorice root—helps combat the free radical damage that causes visible signs of aging.
Created especially for oily or combination skin types, this invisible sunscreen for daily use from SkinMedica protects your skin without clogging pores or flaring acne. It’s a hybrid formula that gets its broad-spectrum protection from both mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients (12% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate). Perhaps best of all, it has a lightweight feel that wears well under makeup and leaves no trace of a white cast behind.
Are you interested in more personal recommendations from Dr. Schlessinger? You can browse some of Dr. Schelssinger’s top picks for antioxidant serums, eye creams, exfoliating treatments and more on the LovelySkin Blog.
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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