Your winter skincare routine doesn't work in summer. Heavy creams feel greasy in humidity, and skipping sunscreen is the single worst thing you can do for your skin. Summer skincare is about switching to lighter textures, adding proper sun protection, and adjusting your routine to handle sweat, heat, and increased UV exposure. We've tested products across our skincare guides to find the best summer-ready essentials.
The foundation of any summer routine is a good sunscreen — check our sunscreen guide for detailed picks. Layer it over a lightweight gel moisturizer and you've covered the two non-negotiables. Everything else is gravy.
UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Transparent Zinc Oxide and Hyaluronic Acid,
EltaMD holds a 4.6-star average across 43,285 verified Amazon reviews. Mandarella wrote: “I’ve tried a lot of face sunscreens over the years, and EltaMD UV Daily really stands out. It feels incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving any white cast, which is a must for me. I love that it…”
- This hydrating face sunscreen with
- Can be worn alone or under makeup and is
- Infused with Hyaluronic Acid
- This face sunscreen is TSA approved and
What we like
- This hydrating face sunscreen with transparent Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection and helps protect dry, combination,…
- Can be worn alone or under makeup and is the perfect facial sunscreen for daily commutes and year-round sun protection; use it as part of…
- Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrating sunscreen moisturizer helps skin retain moisture for a softer feel and reduces the appearance…
- This face sunscreen is TSA approved and comes in a convenient travel-size pump bottle that easily fits in handbags, beach bags, and carry…
Watch out for
- No common complaints in top verified reviews
RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer with SPF 50 Sunscreen, Face
Paula's Choice holds a 4.5-star average across 2,258 verified Amazon reviews. Sean Bozarth wrote: “I’ve tried a lot of moisturizers with SPF, and this one really stands out. It’s incredibly lightweight and feels almost like nothing on your skin, which I love, especially if you don’t like that heavy sunscreen…”
- This ultra-light
- A powerful blend of antioxidants work
- This sheer face sunscreen contains key
- This lightweight formula is ideal for
What we like
- This ultra-light, oil free face moisturizer with SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, shielding your skin from sun damage
- A powerful blend of antioxidants work together to counteract fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration & loss of firmness by defending from…
- This sheer face sunscreen contains key nourishing ingredients that lock hydration into skin without a heavy feel.
- This lightweight formula is ideal for combination, oily & breakout-prone skin types. Its satin-matte finish leaves skin feeling smooth and…
Watch out for
- going back to my moisturiser cerave and sunscreen supergoop separately
- Arrived quickly, good product however if you have dry skin, deffo need to use a good moisturiser before using this
Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral
Thrive Natural Care holds a 4.5-star average across 1,617 verified Amazon reviews. theboot wrote: “Impressed. I was prepared to deal with some serious white cast given such a high mineral content. But this stuff rubs in almost undetectable after 30 seconds. Made me question if it would really be that effective. Been…”
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN 23
- SPF 50 BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION - All
- NATURAL SPF PROTECTION - SPF 50 Sunscreen
- EFFECTIVE HEALTHY INGREDIENTS – No
What we like
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN 23.5% NON-NANO ZINC OXIDE - Minimal white cast, rubs in easy, faster absorption and less greasy compared to…
- SPF 50 BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION - All natural mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. Safe & healthy…
- NATURAL SPF PROTECTION - SPF 50 Sunscreen powered by Thrive’s antioxidant rich Costa Rican super-plants, Juanilama, Fierrillo & Coralillo,…
- EFFECTIVE HEALTHY INGREDIENTS – No chemical sunscreen filters, benzene free, cruelty-free, vegan, PABA-free, GMO-free, paraben-free, no…
Watch out for
- I really wanted to love this product but it dried out my skin
Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush SPF 30 | Beach Essentials, Zinc Oxide
Hawaiian Tropic holds a 4.2-star average across 6,357 verified Amazon reviews. Julie M wrote: “Some mineral powder sunscreens make me itchy, this one did not. It is light and didn't weigh down my skin or clog pores. It went right over my makeup like a setting powder but feels fine to wear with no make up as well.…”
- BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN — 100% mineral
- TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN — This face
- TRANSLUCENT MATTE FINISH — Lightweight
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED — This
What we like
- BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN — 100% mineral SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection without chemical UV filters
- TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN — This face sunscreen provides coverage that can be used under makeup as a face primer, over makeup as a finishing…
- TRANSLUCENT MATTE FINISH — Lightweight vegan sunscreen formula with naturally sourced sea minerals absorbs excess oils and leaves matte…
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED — This non-comedogenic sunscreen formula won’t clog pores and features a light tropical scent
Watch out for
- I had to switch to a different product because I kept having defective device issues
- The system of the product is no good, meaning when you open the cup the product is falling everywhere and there’s no
Weightless Hydration Lotion Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, 1.7oz | Travel Size
Hawaiian Tropic holds a 4.6-star average across 12,611 verified Amazon reviews. Kim LP wrote: “Great sunscreen and it is travel size! This suscreen is 30 spf, has a yellow tint, which works well as a facial sunscreen, while toning redness. It mixes well with three types of foundations. It is not sticky, absorbs…”
- WEIGHTLESS FACE SUNSCREEN SPF 30 feels as
- TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN - Broad spectrum
- WON'T CLOG PORES — Hawaiian Tropic face
- THOUGHTFULLY FORMULATED — Cruelty free
What we like
- WEIGHTLESS FACE SUNSCREEN SPF 30 feels as if it's barely on plus provides 12-hour hydration
- TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN - Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection helps prevent sun damage; water resistant up to 80 minutes makes it the…
- WON'T CLOG PORES — Hawaiian Tropic face sunscreen is a hypoallergenic, oil free and noncomedogenic sunscreen
- THOUGHTFULLY FORMULATED — Cruelty free plus PETA Certified sunscreen; dermatologist-tested SPF face sunscreen that’s free from oil and…
Watch out for
- No common complaints in top verified reviews
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint, Tinted Mineral
CeraVe holds a 4.4-star average across 70,323 verified Amazon reviews. Caroline wrote: “I’ve been using this tinted mineral sunscreen and I’m really impressed so far. The texture is lightweight, easy to apply, and blends nicely into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It gives a subtle, natural glow…”
- Available in 3 flexible tinted shades
- Can be worn alone or under makeup as a
- Dermatologist-developed to blend skincare
- Ceramides are found naturally in the skin
What we like
- Available in 3 flexible tinted shades that blend into a range of skin tones leaving skin with a natural, healthy glow. Formulated with…
- Can be worn alone or under makeup as a tinted primer with SPF 30. Suitable for all skin types, including dry skin, sensitive skin, oily…
- Dermatologist-developed to blend skincare with suncare. Formulated with Niacinamide to help calm skin and Hyaluronic Acid to help retain…
- Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and can become damaged with sun exposure. All CeraVe products are formulated with three…
Watch out for
- Honestly, this stuff is a lot shinier than I'm going for
- Deze zonnebrand is goed voor mijn gevoelige huid
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen,SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen,
COSRX holds a 4.5-star average across 4,255 verified Amazon reviews. MammaJ wrote: “Just tried this product, and I’m very pleased with the results so far! (I have combination oily dry skin, sensitive to scents, not acne prone to new products)I was expecting it to be on the smaller side, and it isn’t as…”
- Daily Vitamin E Sunscreen
- Soft
- Key Ingredients
- How to Use
What we like
- Daily Vitamin E Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a daily essential and should applied at all times when going outdoors, regardless of the weather.…
- Soft, Comfortable Texture & No Whitecast: The Vitamin E Sunscreen features a lightweight texture that leaves no whitecast on the skin,…
- Key Ingredients: SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) protects and strengthens skin. Cacao fights…
- How to Use: Apply as the last step of your skincare routine and before applying makeup. It is highly recommended to apply the sunscreen at…
Watch out for
- No common complaints in top verified reviews
Skincare Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30, for Dullness & Sun
TULA holds a 4.6-star average across 3,090 verified Amazon reviews. Seara Marcsis wrote: “I tried this for the first time because of the spring sale and WOW. This stuff is amazing. It feels so light and makes my face GLOW. Love love love!”
- Your busy life shouldn’t leave your skin
- 90% of users agreed skin feels protected
- As the final step in your AM skin
- Suitable for all skin types
What we like
- Your busy life shouldn’t leave your skin vulnerable to UV rays and pollution. Replenish your skin's natural balance and restore its…
- 90% of users agreed skin feels protected and is glowing*. Provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 with a non-greasy finish.
- As the final step in your AM skin wellness ritual, apply liberally to the face 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours for…
- Suitable for all skin types, specifically targeting dullness and sun damage to provide a luminous, healthy-looking finish without a white…
Watch out for
- No common complaints in top verified reviews
All Good Sunscreen - Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Reef Friendly, SPF
All Good Makes Everything Better holds a 4.5-star average across 1,351 verified Amazon reviews. Steve M. wrote: “I'm sensitive to many scented products - gives me a headache. This sunscreen goes on great, turns clear when you rub it in, has a very mild, mineral scent. I bought this for surface time when scuba diving. It says it's…”
- No more burning eyes
- All Good suncare products meet
- LIGHTWEIGHT
- This face and body sunscreen blends in
What we like
- No more burning eyes. Sweat it out hiking, running, biking; this sports sunscreen won't run into your eyes. Water-resistant up to 80…
- All Good suncare products meet broad-spectrum standards and reef-friendly criteria. The natural sunscreen does not include chemical UV…
- LIGHTWEIGHT, NON-GREASY & HYDRATING: Our SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion covers the basics (broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and…
- This face and body sunscreen blends in clear, doesn’t clog pores, and hydrates with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. Natural…
Watch out for
- It is very liquid and runny
Airy Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ Broad Spectrum, Semi-Matte Sunscreen
Abib holds a 4.5-star average across 3,027 verified Amazon reviews. TheFaceLadyG wrote: “I’m 52 and post-menopausal with mature, dry skin, and this Abib Airy Sunstick has become my absolute go-to for sunscreen reapplication. I travel with it, keep one in my purse, and even keep one in the car because it’s…”
- Helps protect skin from UVA & UVB rays
- Helps control excess sebum while keeping
- Formulated with ectoin to help protect
- Glides on smoothly with a clear
What we like
- Helps protect skin from UVA & UVB rays with high SPF50+, supporting daily sun defense while maintaining a comfortable skin condition.
- Helps control excess sebum while keeping skin balanced with a smooth, shine-free finish.
- Formulated with ectoin to help protect skin, while allantoin and sunflower seed oil help keep skin calm, balanced, and comfortable.
- Glides on smoothly with a clear, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly into all skin tones without leaving residue or heaviness.
Watch out for
- No common complaints in top verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I change my skincare routine for summer?
The main changes are: switch to a lighter moisturizer (gel or water-based instead of cream), use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days), add an antioxidant serum (vitamin C protects against sun damage), and increase cleansing frequency if you sweat more. You do not need to overhaul everything — just adjust texture and add sun protection. Keep using retinol at night if you already do, but apply extra sunscreen the next morning.
What SPF should I use in summer?
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and is sufficient for daily use. SPF 50 blocks 98% — the difference is marginal. What matters more than SPF number is: applying enough (a full shot glass for your body, a nickel-sized amount for your face), reapplying every 2 hours during sun exposure, and choosing broad-spectrum protection (covers both UVA and UVB). A SPF 30 you reapply beats a SPF 70 you apply once and forget.
Can I use the same moisturizer in summer and winter?
You can, but you will be more comfortable if you switch. Winter moisturizers tend to be thick creams with heavy occlusives (like shea butter) that feel greasy in humid summer heat. Summer moisturizers are lighter gels or water-based lotions with hyaluronic acid that hydrate without feeling heavy. If you have oily or combination skin, the switch is especially worthwhile — heavy creams in summer can clog pores and increase breakouts.
Do I need sunscreen if I work indoors?
Yes, if you sit near windows. UVA rays (which cause aging and skin cancer) penetrate glass. Standard office windows block UVB but not UVA. If your desk is near a window or you drive regularly, you are getting significant UVA exposure. Apply a lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer in the morning — many daily moisturizers now include SPF, making it effortless to add to your routine.
What causes summer breakouts and how do I prevent them?
Summer breakouts are primarily caused by increased sweating, heavier sunscreen formulas, and humidity clogging pores. Prevention: use non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) sunscreen, wash your face after sweating, switch to a gel cleanser, and avoid touching your face. If you are prone to body acne, shower immediately after workouts and use a salicylic acid body wash on your chest and back. Lightweight, oil-free products are your summer foundation.
The Bottom Line
Summer skincare doesn't need to be complicated. Switch to a lightweight gel moisturizer, apply SPF 30+ every morning, and add a vitamin C serum if you want extra protection. Cleanse twice daily to manage sweat and sunscreen residue. That's it — four products, five minutes, and your skin is protected through the hottest months. Every product we recommend has been tested in our detailed buying guides.
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