Brandon Jenkins/Amazon
Believe it or not, one of the most frequent arguments my partner, Brandon, and I have is over sunscreen. Specifically, when he does not wear it during long hours spent painting murals professionally in perennially sunny Southern California. After finishing a day hanging off walls that reflect UV rays directly into his face, I can see the damage the sun has inflicted on his skin in the form of burns, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. My distress is not derived from vanity but from the statistical reality that men are twice as likely to die of melanoma as women. Despite this, it has been hard for him to get into the habit of applying SPF until now. After countless SPF formulas I have forced upon him, one is finally good enough for him to actually want to use and reapply.
$20 at Amazon | $22 at Ulta
Like many folks who work outdoors in the heat, Brandon said his biggest aversion to sunscreen is that his face is already sweaty, so he does not want to apply a formula that makes the problem worse because it is heavy or greasy. He finds that the Sun Bum Daily Gel sunscreen bears none of these textural qualities that inhibit regular SPF use. In fact, he claims, “it does not really feel like I am wearing anything.”
He is not the only one who thinks the Sun Bum sunscreen is as undetectable as it claims. “It also is not greasy or slick once applied, which is like a holy grail as far as I am concerned. My glasses no longer slide off my face as a result of wearing sunscreen,” one Amazon customer wrote in a review. According to Brandon, the water-resistant, clear gel formula goes on with a silky feeling and dries down to a completely matte finish, which is good for facial sweating or oil-prone skin.
“I tend to sweat when I exercise, and it does not run when applied,” one reviewer on Amazon claimed.
Many are also making the comparison between the Sun Bum $20 invisible sunscreen and Supergoop’s much pricier yet similar Unseen Sunscreen formula, both of which offer SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection.
Amazon
The Sun Bum SPF 50 clear gel sunscreen contains vitamins E and C.
The Sun Bum Daily Gel sunscreen also contains nourishing vitamin E and vitamin C, two antioxidants that can help protect skin further against damaging environmental stressors, while an infusion of coconut and seed oils helps hydrate. Even if you are someone who does not work out in the elements, this daily screen appears to be the SPF of choice for many, including those who wear makeup or who just want to steer clear of those “sensory-ick” sunscreen formulas, as one reviewer put it. You can read more from happy Sun Bum customers or simply add this sunscreen to your arsenal before your next sunny day outdoors.
$20 at Amazon | $22 at Ulta
Promising Amazon Reviews
“Don’t judge but back in the day I used to use Avon’s face perfector because it really cut down on the shininess of face oil and it also had SPF. It made your face look matte without any other makeup. And I am pleased that this gel is similar. No face grease. It is not even really a gel—it instantly feels powdery (somehow?) in your hand, thus it is non-greasy. It leaves your face shine-free and protected.” — DonkeyDoug
“No sensory ick! I have been looking for ages for a sunscreen that does not give me the sensory ick. This is clear, so it does not look weird if I accidentally leave a small glob at the edge of my face like others do. It did not smell weird or overwhelming, which is a huge bonus! It also is not greasy or slick once applied, which is like a holy grail as far as I am concerned. My glasses no longer slide off my face as a result of wearing sunscreen and I am not overwhelmed by perfumes when I use it. I am a convert! I wish there was a whole body version of this sunscreen because while not having the sensory icks about sunscreen for my face is so excellent, I really do need the same for my arms and other body parts. My only reservation about this product is the cost. I wish the price were more in line with drugstore brands because I really love it and wish I could justify using it every day as well as using it on my arms, neck, chest, etc.” — Dan G
“I rarely give an SPF with moisturizer a try. I stay with the same product that I have used for many years, but this intrigued me. The container itself is great for traveling or on the go. When applying to my face, it blended in nicely and felt silky. It is a clear gel that fades into your skin. The only drawback is that you do not know how much you are applying or if it is covering your entire face, so be sure to use a plentiful amount so you have the SPF protection. It also blends in well if I have not shaved in a few days. Even though the product is fragrance-free, there is a slight scent based on the ingredients. If you have oily skin or like a light SPF, definitely give this a try!” — Aaron
“This sunscreen is probably the best what I have used so far. Many other sunscreens have a problem either with smell, not being good enough for the sun, or being sticky or oily. This one feels matte on my skin and not oily at all. The product size is quite small for the price but I am willing to pay for a good product.” — Mrs A
$20 at Amazon | $22 at Ulta
More Weightless Gel Sunscreens to Consider
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
This cult-favorite sunscreen from Supergoop is arguably the product that put this trendy sun care brand on the map. It is renowned for its clear, lightweight, and unscented formula that will not leave behind an irritating white cast but still offers broad-spectrum protection. It is also an oil-free formula, great for anyone who might have sensitive or acne-prone skin, and layers seamlessly beneath makeup or can be worn on its own. $38 at Amazon, $38 at Sephora, $19+ at Nordstrom.
Tula Protect + Glow Sunscreen Gel
The Tula Protect + Glow sunscreen gel offers a subtle glow-boosting finish alongside its broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30. It even protects against damage from blue light. This lightweight and breathable formula also contains ingredients like enzymatic pineapple, papaya, and probiotics that work behind the scenes to brighten skin and improve texture. $38 at Target, $38+ at Ulta.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Perfect for those with dry skin and fans of dewy finish sunscreens, Isntree's white-cast-free and skin barrier-strengthening daily SPF boasts eight different types of hyaluronic acid, a crowd-pleasing humectant that can draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated for longer. The hypoallergenic formula is also compatible with sensitive or compromised skin and has been a popular pick among K-beauty fans for many years. $16 at Yesstyle, $18 at Olive Young, 2-pack $34 at Stylevana.
