14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (2025)

Here's the thing about sunscreen: You need to wear it daily—all year—to protect your skin from damage and signs of aging. In the wintertime, you want to be extra diligent because UV rays are elusive, but they come through all the same.

"Ninety percent of aging skin is due to exposure to UV and visible light, so sun protection is essential—and that means broad spectrum protection," Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, tells Bazaar. "Broad-spectrum means that the product protects against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can lead to accelerated skin aging and potentially skin cancer."

Shop the Best Facial Sunscreens

Choosing the right sunscreen isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. You might have a body SPF you swear by, but what about your face sunscreen? (Because, yes, they are different.) "A face sunscreen differs from body sunscreen because it is formulated to absorb into your skin more easily," board-certified dermatologist Steve Xu tells Bazaar. "The skin on our face is much more delicate and thin compared to the skin on other parts of the body, therefore it is important to use sunscreen that is formulated for this specific area because it needs more protection."

Many brands offer SPFs blended with high-quality ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, tinted shades, and an array of vitamins and minerals to cover all your beauty basics. For those who seldom go outdoors, there are even formulas built with filters to protect against blue light. To help you find the right formula, we've scoured the market for the best ones worth adding to your cart. From oil-free formulas to options that won't leave a white cast behind, these SPFs certainly deserve their moment in the sun.

Best All-Around Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (8)Great for acne-prone skin
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (9)Leaves no white cast behind
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (10)Some think the thick formula does not look great under makeup

Powered by zinc oxide, a natural mineral that reflects and scatters UVA and UVB rays, EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen is an expert and editor-approved SPF for all skin tones. "[It's] one of my holy-grail SPFs," says Tiffany Dodson, Bazaar's associate beauty commerce editor. "As a person of color, I love that it never leaves my face with a white cast, and as a person with acne-prone skin, I love never having to worry about breakouts." Meanwhile, a roster of rockstar ingredients like niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and tocopheryl acetate work hard to reduce redness, increase moisture, and keep visible signs of aging at bay, respectively.

One satisfied customer writes: "A dermatologist recommended this product to me, when I went to her seeking treatment for rosacea. I’ve used it daily ever since. My partner does a lot of sailing, and this is the only product that doesn’t drip into his eyes on a hot sunny day. We also use the sport sunscreen in the tube. Not sticky or heavy. Great for water sports or merely daily life in NYC during the humid summers. Wonderful products." —KiKi

Best With a Tint

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (12)Fragrance-free
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (13)Oil-free
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (14)100% mineral filters
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (15)Only comes in four flexible shades

"This tinted facial sunscreen is great because of its SPF 50," says Xu. It leaves a glow on the skin with no white cast and has a gentle, non-greasy texture.

One satisfied customer writes: "Makes my skin look so good and it actually lasts all day! Make my skin look super flawless. It pairs well with all of my daily makeup items. It actually my favorite "foundation" at the moment, I use it every day!" —Haydee

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Best Eye Cream with SPF

Dr. Few Rejuvenating Eye + SPF 15

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (17)MD formulated
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (18)Can be reapplied throughout the day to refresh tired eyes
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (19)Innovative formula
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (20)The bottle is a bit large for travel

The skin under the eyes is thin, sensitive, and prone to sun damage and discoloration. This eye cream—created by oculoplastic surgeon Julius Few—is a great fix because it revitalizes the skin around the eye, while simultaneously protecting this delicate area from damaging UV rays.

One satisfied customer writes: "This eye cream is light but very hydrating. I'm outside a lot and I love knowing that I'm always protecting the delicate skin around my eyes." —Kim

Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (22)Water resistant broad spectrum SPF
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (23)Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (24)Niacinamide controls excess oils
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (25)Some reviewers wish the SPF was higher

"This is one of my favorites," says Xu. "It’s broad spectrum, so it protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s also packed with additional skincare ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that help keep your skin hydrated." Plus, it's water-resistant and great for those who are on the go.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have wanted to have more SPF in my routine and this has been a really easy way to do that. Rubs in fairly easily (better than most sunscreens), doesn't feel too heavy or greasy, and seems to protect my face in the summer sun." —Thomas

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Best Sunscreen Serum

Kiehl's Since 1851 Better Screen UV Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (27)Suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (28)Clinically demonstrated SPF 50+
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (29)Helps correct visible signs of aging like tone & texture
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (30)Some reviewers wish it was larger for the price point

This fragrance-free, lightweight sunscreen helps protect against sun damage and corrects early signs of aging. Xu likes that it doesn't feel heavy on the skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "This sunscreen is so lightweight and nice! I love it for my base before wearing my makeup and it pairs really well with the Ultra Facial Cream. Highly recommend." —Julia

Most Viral Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (32)Vegan
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (33)Can double as a primer
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (34)Works on an array of skin types
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (35)Some customers have noted that their skin broke out after using this sunscreen

Over 3,600 Ulta shoppers are raving about Supergoop's culty Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which is a great indicator of how effective it is. This SPF works for just about any skin type and uses a complex-derived meadowfoam seed and frankincense to leave your face protected. Not only is this face sunscreen built to block UVA and UVB rays, but its use of red algae also helps filter blue light, making this a great option for indoor and outdoor use. Plus, its grippy formula absorbs quickly, is practically invisible, and happens to make the perfect makeup primer.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this sunscreen for a few reasons. No white outcast, so universal everyone can wear this, and does not have a smell. This is my holy grail sunscreen from here on out."—Sally

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Best Brightening Sunscreen

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (37)Clear gel formula
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (38)Helps retain moisture
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (39)The scent is polarizing
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (40)Some people thought the formula was a bit watery

Shiseido, known for its cult-favorite SPFs, put a bright spin on its Urban Environment Sunscreen, which now includes skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. As the brand's first water-gel-in-oil clear emulsion sunscreen, this formula goes on clear, improves tone, and boosts hydration (think of it like a glass of orange juice for your skin) with an SPF of 42.

It turns out that the effect of this sunscreen extends far beyond a day in the sun. A study conducted by the brand shows that skin looks noticeably brighter and smoother after two weeks of regular use.

One satisfied customer writes: "This sunscreen is so light and easy to put on. It doesn’t make my skin oily and it even helps it feel more moisturizer. I am a big fan of this brand and this product lives up to their other great products." —Emtuck23

Expert Pick

Alstin SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with TriHex Technology

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (42)Has a grippy slip that will go well with makeup
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (43)Compatible with an array of skin types
Cons
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (44)Some people have noticed it's hard to spread and can leave a white cast behind

If you’re planning to pair your sunscreen with makeup, board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce recommends Alastin’s SilkShield All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, which is great for all skin types. "It feels incredible, like a makeup primer, and layers well with makeup, making it my daily go-to," she shares. "Plus, it has anti-aging peptides." Zinc oxide protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while ectoin can filter out blue light as well as repair existing sun damage. And, for that lit-from-within glow, the brand's signature TriHex Technology supports your skin's natural ability to produce elastin and collagen.

One satisfied customer writes: "I am very pleased with this product! I have been using for a little over a week. I love the satin feel and finish as you apply. It was a tad white when applied but blended in my skin quickly! It goes great under my makeup. I have very sensitive skin and unlike other brands I have tried, this sunscreen did not break me out whatsoever."—Chasity

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Best Sunscreen Drops

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

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Pros
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (46)Lightweight
  • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (47)Great for sensitive skin
Cons

    You don't have to slather on a thick lotion or cream to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays. Any serum devotee can appreciate the formula behind Dr. Barbara Sturm's SPF 50 Sun Drops, which have a similar, barely-there consistency. Four different sunscreen formulas work hard to protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays. Meanwhile, ingredients like vitamin E, beta-glucan, and cassia extract work together to combat premature photoaging while supporting natural skin renewal.

    One satisfied customer writes: "I use this product with my daily moisturizer and it really works as per the directions. Have been protecting my face from unwanted freckles." —Mero L.

    Best K-Beauty Sunscreen

    Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+

    Pros
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (49)Cooling
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (50)Free of harsh ingredients like parabens, formaldehydes, and phthalates,
    Cons
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (51)Many say it's too oily for oily skin

    You can't talk about K-Beauty best-sellers without mentioning this sunscreen from Dr. Jart. Its chemical formula, with ingredients like homosalate and octocrylene, converts UV rays to heat and releases them away from the skin. (Bonus points: It leaves a cooling sensation behind, making it a perfect choice for those warm summer months.) Thanks to an assortment of hydrating and collagen-building ingredients like lavender oil and silica, this liquid sunscreen will protect your face without drying out the skin.

    One satisfied customer writes: "Love this! Perfect for dry skin and works well with sensitive skin. No white cast that I have noticed. Doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily. Worth the money in my opinion." —Ginnig

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    Editors' Pick

    Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Defense SPF 40

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    Pros
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (53)Fast-absorbing
    Cons
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (54)Not ideal for those looking for a matte finish

    There's a reason Dr. Loretta's Universal Glow Defense SPF snagged a 2023 Bazaar Skincare Award. Its slightly tinted formula uses zinc to block harsh UVA and UVB rays. But why stop there? Great for all skin types, this award-winning liquid is specifically built to keep any visible signs of aging to a minimum.

    Antioxidant Lipochroman protects the skin from free radical damage, which is known to cause fine lines, dark spots, and collagen breakdown. Additionally, it combats environmental stressors. As the perfect finishing touch, a medley of botanical extracts, such as frankincense, gotu kola, white birch bark, and knotweed, will leave a radiant glow behind.

    One satisfied customer writes: "I’d heard so much about this product I knew I needed to try it and it did not disappoint. The texture is truly unique and very smoothing and calming feeling while still brightening. It’s a great base product and a pleasure to use. Recommending to all my friends and family." —Alexandra B.

    Best Sunscreen for Blue Light Protection

    Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++

    Pros
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (56)Safe for sensitive skin
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (57)Ingredients combat city pollution and blue light exposure
    Cons
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (58)Some reviewers find the formula to be a bit greasy

    Compatible with all skin types—including those with sensitive skin and eczema—this mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium oxide to guard against UVA and UVB rays expertly. However, those who live in a big city will particularly love the polymer matrix, a lightweight complex that blocks the adhesion and penetration of toxic pollutants. (Translation: This sunscreen can hold its own in a bustling metropolis.) As the cherry atop an already enticing option, a marigold-derived ingredient called lutein blocks up to 89 percent of blue light from screens.

    Admittedly, mineral sunscreens often get the reputation of being difficult to rub in. However, this lightweight liquid absorbs quickly.

    One satisfied customer writes: "This is seriously the best sunscreen ever. I recently decided it was time I started applying sunscreen every morning and had this one laying around that I had only used once or twice. I swear this is literally the secret to good looking skin. I have combo skin that leans more oily with pretty big pores, and I swear this blurs everything. A must buy!" —Jana J.

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    Best Matte Sunscreen

    Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45

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    Pros
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (60)Reef-friendly
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (61)Leaves no white cast behind
    Cons
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (62)For some, the formula feels heavy

    Consider this matte finish SPF 45 formula from Black Girl Sunscreen if you have oily or combination skin. It's built to reduce the appearance of premature aging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots—all without leaving a ghostly white cast behind. In addition to featuring a blend of hydrating ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil, it's also reef-safe and wears well under makeup. (Oh, and did we mention the formula is vegan and cruelty-free?)

    One satisfied customer writes: "Perfect matte finish. Goes well as a primer before makeup or the perfect matte natural skin. Love this product!!!" —Tia J.

    Best for Sun Damage

    Isdin Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

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    Pros
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (64)Fast-absorbing
    • 14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (65)Affordable
    Cons

      Think of mineral sunscreen as armor to physically protect your face from the sun. When it comes to his physical sunscreen of choice, Hartman opts for Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. "It's a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy," the derm notes.

      You might wear SPF to get sun protection in the here and now, but this formula has DNA Repairsomes, which is clinically proven to repair existing sun damage. Isdin thinks beyond the sun and infuses an antioxidant-rich vitamin E to combat environmental factors and early signs of skin aging.

      One satisfied customer writes: "Best mineral sunscreen ever and Ive tried them all. Blends in without any white cast leftover. Safe, gentle, non-pore clogging, and non greasy. This is my Roman Empire of sunscreens!" —Sarah F.

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      Meet the Experts

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      • Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist, and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
      • Mikelle Brown is the director of education at Face Foundrie.
      • Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, M.D., MS, FA, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
      • Steve Xu, M.D., MSc, F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist.

      What should you look for in a facial sunscreen?

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      There are a lot of face sunscreens on the market, so where to begin? With coverage, always. According to Geddes-Bruce—a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas—look to sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 for optimal protection.

      Mineral sunscreens, most commonly containing ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, use UV filters that sit on top of the skin to block rays from penetrating its surface. Chemical sunscreens use approved filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone to transform UV rays into heat when they're absorbed into the skin.

      "The next most important thing is to find one that looks good and feels great on your skin so that you use enough of it daily," she explains. "This may mean that its formula is non-greasy, doesn't cause burning or irritation when applied near the eyes, and doesn't have any offensive fragrance. Body SPFs are usually a 'get the job done' sort of product and because they aren't used as frequently, we don't mind if we have to spend a little more time rubbing them in."

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      How often should facial sunscreens typically be reapplied in a day?

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      According to Hartman, you should ideally reapply sunscreen every two hours if you're outdoors or sitting next to a window. And for those who are swimming or sweating, he suggests re-applying immediately after you dry off.

      Are moisturizers with sunscreen as effective as regular SPF when it comes to sun protection?

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      "Moisturizers with broad spectrum SPF 30 as a minimum are as effective as a sunscreen, with the caveat that you also need to reapply," Hartman adds. "You can’t apply your facial moisturizer with SPF in the morning and expect that you’ll get the same level of protection as you did when you first applied. I recommend either reapplying your moisturizer again or using a facial sunscreen throughout the day for maximum protection."

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      If a person naturally has a darker skin tone, do they still need to wear sunscreen on a regular basis?

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      According to experts, people with darker skin have some inherent sun protection factor through protective melanin. Thus, their skin can withstand more UV light exposure before triggering an immune response. However, darker skin can still be sunburned, which raises the risk of skin cancer, and it is also more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

      "The minimum erythema dose (or MED) required to induce damage is higher, but there is still a minimum that, once achieved, can lead to the same cascade of damaging reactions, which means it is still important for people with darker skin to wear sunscreen," Hartman says.

      Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

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      For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

      14 Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear In The Winter (2025)
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