The Best 5 Sunscreen Serum of 2025
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I don’t know about you, but I’ve always struggled with finding the perfect sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy, greasy, or leave that dreaded white cast. That’s why I’m obsessed with the latest trend in sun protection: sunscreen serums! These lightweight innovations combine the power of skincare with necessary UV protection, making them perfect for everyday use—especially under makeup.
If you’re tired of traditional sunscreens clogging your pores or making your face look like a ghost, keep reading to discover my top picks for the best sunscreen serums that will revolutionize your skincare routine.
The Best Sunscreen Serums
Best Sunscreen Serums: Here’s What You Need to Know
What Is a Sunscreen Serum?
Traditional sunscreens often come in thick, creamy formulations that can feel heavy on the skin. Sunscreen serums, on the other hand, deliver sun protection in a lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid that feels more like a skincare product than traditional sunblock. They typically contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and can easily be incorporated into your existing skincare routine.
The beauty of sunscreen serums is that they often contain additional skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightness, or antioxidants to combat free radical damage. It’s like getting a two-in-one product that both protects and treats your skin!
Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen Serums
Just like traditional sunscreens, it come in both chemical and physical formulations. Chemical sunscreen serums absorb UV rays through active ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate, while physical (or mineral) sunscreen serums create a barrier with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflects the rays away from your skin.
If you’re concerned about using non-toxic products, you’ll probably want to opt for mineral-based sunscreen serums. These tend to be gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation. Plus, many people prefer them because they’re more environmentally friendly and reef-safe.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen Serum
When shopping for a sunscreen serum, there are a few key factors to consider:
- SPF Level: Look for at least SPF 30, though SPF 50 provides even better protection.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Skin Type Compatibility: Choose formulations designed for your specific skin concerns, whether that’s oiliness, dryness, or sensitivity.
- Added Benefits: Many sunscreen serums include bonus ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, or hydrators.
- Texture: The best sunscreen serums absorb quickly without leaving any residue.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
If you’re trying to keep things clean and non-toxic, you might want to avoid some common chemical sunscreen ingredients:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
These chemicals not only stay in your system for weeks after application but can also harm coral reefs and marine life. Mineral alternatives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide effective protection without these concerns.
The 5 Best Sunscreen Serums
1-Espoir White Cast Zero Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+
If you’re looking for a sunscreen serum that feels like actual water on your skin, this is it! The Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum has the most incredible texture—it’s super runny and absorbs instantly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated but not sticky. Despite being a chemical formula, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all.
What sets this apart from other sunscreen serums is how well it works under makeup. It creates this smooth, almost primer-like finish that helps my foundation apply beautifully. The “White Cast Zero” claim is absolutely true—there’s no trace of white residue, even on deeper skin tones. This has become my go-to for everyday wear, especially during the warmer months when I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing multiple layers on my face.
Available at Amazon ($24)
2-TruSkin Sunscreen Serum for Face SPF 40
This is one of my favorite mineral sunscreen serums because it manages to provide the benefits of zinc oxide without leaving a significant white cast. The formula is slightly tinted, which helps it blend seamlessly into most skin tones. I’m really impressed with how lightweight it feels compared to most mineral sunscreens.
What I love most about this sunscreen serum is that it’s packed with additional skincare benefits. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. It’s like getting your entire morning skincare routine in one product! The formula is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin types. If you’re looking for a clean, non-toxic option that doesn’t sacrifice on texture or wearability, this is a fantastic choice.
Available at Amazon ($24)
3-ZitSticka MEGASHADE Sunscreen Serum for Face SPF 50
Calling all my acne-prone friends! This sunscreen serum was specifically formulated with breakout-prone skin in mind, and it shows. The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula contains 4% niacinamide to help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation, making it perfect for those who struggle with sunscreen-induced breakouts.
The texture is somewhere between a traditional serum and a lightweight lotion—it absorbs quickly but still provides enough hydration for my combination skin. I love that it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any potentially irritating ingredients. While it is a chemical sunscreen, it’s formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it slightly “cleaner” than some other chemical options. The only downside is that it can leave a slight sheen on the skin, which some might mistake for oiliness.
Available at Amazon ($38)
4-KORA Organics Silky Sun Drops, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Serum
This high-end sunscreen serum is worth every penny if you’re serious about clean beauty and effective sun protection. KORA Organics, founded by Miranda Kerr, has created a luxurious mineral sunscreen serum that combines non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing organic ingredients like green tea, sea buckthorn, and rosehip oil.
The formula has this gorgeous silky texture that melts into the skin, leaving a beautiful dewy finish that looks incredible both alone and under makeup. Being a mineral formula, it’s perfect for sensitive skin types and is completely reef-safe. What impresses me most is that it actually improves the texture and appearance of my skin over time—the antioxidant-rich ingredients provide protection while actively benefiting my skin. This is the sunscreen serum I recommend to friends who prioritize organic ingredients and don’t mind investing in a luxurious, effective product.
Available at Amazon ($57)
5-Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum SPF 60
This one is a game-changer for those with oily or combination skin! The formula is incredibly lightweight and feels like nothing on the skin. I love how quickly it absorbs—there’s no greasy residue whatsoever. This is a chemical sunscreen, so it doesn’t leave any white cast, which is perfect for deeper skin tones or for wearing under makeup.
The SPF 60 provides excellent protection, and I appreciate that it’s also formulated with antioxidants to help fight free radical damage. The only downside is that it contains some of those chemical filters that aren’t considered “non-toxic,” but it’s a solid option if you’re more concerned about texture and wearability than clean ingredients.
Available at Amazon ($10)
Why Switch to a Sunscreen Serum?
If you’ve been struggling to find a sunscreen that you genuinely enjoy applying daily, a sunscreen serum might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. The lightweight, fast-absorbing textures make them perfect for layering with other skincare products and wearing under makeup.
Plus, many sunscreen serums offer additional skincare benefits that go beyond basic sun protection. Think of them as the multitaskers of your skincare routine—they protect while also treating concerns like dehydration, dullness, or uneven texture.
Remember, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use consistently. If traditional formulas have been holding you back from proper daily sun protection, these innovative serums might just be the solution to keeping your skin protected and healthy for years to come.
Have you tried any of these serums? Which ones are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
