Sunscreen Oil Is the SPF Hack to Avoiding a White Cast—Here are the 10 Best
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Don’t mistake this sun-protecting product with tanning oil.
Ultra
Not to be confused with tanning oil—which actually heightens sun exposure to promote an unhealthy tan—sunscreen oils pack a mighty dose of SPF to shield your skin from the sun while moisturizing. Best of all, they don’t leave behind any streaks or a frustrating white cast.
“Sunscreen oils are generally chemical-based because the oil vehicle is ideal for providing a clear, vanishing application without the whitish film that mineral-based sunscreen lotions are prone to,” explains Deborah Spey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Additionally the oil itself can be infused with hydrating and antioxidant ingredients, such as marigold extract, aloe vera, grape seed, acai, argan, and coconut oils.”
Long story short, since the oil itself is clear and formulated with clear SPF (versus physical sun blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), the end result is an invisible product that vanishes into the skin and lends a luminous glow.
Dr. Spey says you should still reapply every two hours, or every time you get out of the water or have been sweating. Also, make sure you’re using a sunscreen oil with an SPF of 30 or higher and don’t confuse them with a tanning oil, which does the opposite of what you want.
Keen on trying one? Here are 10 of the best on the market.
Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50
Loaded with antioxidants, this hydrating body oil protects your skin from the sun with SPF 50 while shielding from free radical damage. It’s a lightweight formula that lends the perfect amount of glowy sheen, and it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil Broad Spectrum for Melanin Rich Skin SPF 30
Mele was developed specifically to fill the gap in skincare for Brown and Black people. Its No Shade sunscreen oil has an SPF 30 and delivers a streak-free, ultra-glowy finish. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving behind a film of oil or residue.
Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30
Retro-inspired Vacation is known for its incredible smelling, photogenic sunscreens and its Chardonnay Oil is no exception. Formulated with chardonnay grape seed oils, it has a clear finish, has an SPF 30, and has a luxurious old school beachy scent. Plus, it's compliant with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104.
Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30 with Sea Moss and Squalane
Model Winnie Harlow launched Cay Skin in 2022 with the goal of making sure everyone had access to sunscreen without a white cast that they actually looked forward to applying. The brand’s Isle Body Glow does exactly that. The non-greasy formula features coconut, argan, and grapeseed oils along with nutrient-dense sea moss and hydrating squalane.
Kopari Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 45
For a dose of shimmer along with your sun protection, slather on Kopari's Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow. It packs an SPF 45, has a luxurious and lightweight consistency that melts onto skin, and is also transfer proof. The subtle shimmer effect will make you feel like a glowy goddess wherever you’re headed.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil
If you prefer a spray-on sunscreen oil, try this option from Sun Bum. It has an organic coconut oil base that deeply hydrates skin, and protects with an SPF of 30. It's also vegan, cruelty free, and is Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant.
Coola Classic Liplux Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
Your lips need SPF, too, and sun care brand Coola can help with that. Made with 70% certified organic ingredients and lightly tinted, this shiny, organic lip oil delivers an SPF of 30 to shield your lips from skin cancer and sun-related premature aging.
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Oil Mist SPF 30
Here's another spray on option for you, which is perfect for touch ups and hard-to-reach spots. The dry oil formula has a non-greasy, super lightweight feel but still lends an SPF 30 and 12 hours of moisture.
Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum
Yep, there are even sunscreen oils for your face. Naked Sunday’s invisible sun serum formula features watermelon seed oil as its primary ingredient along with jojoba seed oil, squalane, kakadu plum, and tomato fruit extract. Along with protecting your face from the sun, it doubles as a grippy, skin-smoothing primer.
Soleil Toujours Solstice Shimmer Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
For another luminizing sunscreen oil, try this shimmer-infused sunscreen oil from Soleil Toujours. It leaves behind a subtle glow that catches the light in the prettiest way, plus it boasts nourishing key ingredients such as acai, cotton seed and sunflower seed oils, and ultra-moisturizing cupuaçu butter.
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
