23 Best Sunscreens Without a White Cast (Tested and Reviewed in 2024)
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Let's talk about the only type of sunscreen we can all universally agree is the best of the best: sunscreen without white cast. If you're here, I'm guessing it's because you've been ~burned~ by some less-than-ideal SPFs in the past that left you looking like a chalky nightmare. You already know you should be wearing a daily sunscreen (ahem, two people die from skin cancer every hour), but that's extra difficult when most sunscreens leave behind a white residue, right? So in my quest to make sure you protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer always and forever, I found all the best sunscreens that won’t leave behind a white cast. Get ready for tinted sunscreens (think: lightweight makeup with SPF), clear sunscreens, water-proof sunscreens, and super silky serum-sunscreen hybrids that feel more like high-end skincare than anything else.
And to help me cut through the SPF noise, I caught up with dermatologists and an aesthetician to explain which sunscreens leave a white cast, how to avoid them, and how to pick the best one for your skin type. Because at the end of the day, having a sunscreen that you like enough to actually wear matters. So let’s dive in.
Our top picks for the best sunscreens without white cast in 2024:
Best High-Tech Sunscreen Without White Cast
Neova SmartSkincare Silc Sheer 2.0 Tinted Sunscreen
Read more
Keep reading for all of our picks, including favorites from dermatologists and aestheticians, as well as team Cosmo go-tos.
Pros
Practically universally loved by dermatologists
Lightweight formula that's suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin
Cons
Can sometimes pill with certain moisturizer or foundation formulas
Considered the holy grail of all sunscreens by beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson, deputy beauty director Lauren Balsamo, and myself, EltaMD UV Clear is genuinely the GOAT. This creamy, chemical sunscreen formula might look white when you pump it out of the tube, but it smooths on entirely clear on every single skin tone. Oh, and if our obsession doesn't convince you, just take it from dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, who pretty much exclusively recommends this to her patients, regardless of skin type.
- SPF: 46
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "I've been using the Elta MD all this summer and couldn't be more pleased with the results. I still wear a hat because we all know no sunscreen protects 100%, but most importantly, my skin has actually gotten clearer."
Pros
Gel formula helps smooth my skin under makeup
Feels extremely lightweight, IMO
Cons
Some reviewers with sensitive skin found it a bit irritating
There's a reason this chemical sunscreen became a cult-favorite overnight: The clear gel formula absorbs into your skin without a trace, leaving you with the broad-spectrum protection of SPF 40. Plus, it's formulated with lightweight ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter to hydrate without the usual grease or shine.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "It absorbs into my skin immediately with no greasy or sticky residue… and I can apply my makeup immediately. Best of all: it has no odor, and it has not caused a single breakout."
Pros
Has a light tint that helps blend into skin tones
Cons
One of the most expensive sunscreens on this list
If you like a sunscreen that doubles as really-good skincare, call off the search. "Neova’s Silc Sheer is a game-changer," says board-certified dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, who recommends it to patients all the time. "It helps prevent burns and reduce dark spots like other sunscreens, but also has added DNA-repair technology that goes an extra step to protect the skin from cancers."
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral and chemical
Glowing customer review: "I love sunscreen and consistently have a handful that I rotate daily, until I got this. Smooth formula, not greasy, melts into the skin. It is lightly tinted so it just neutralizes some redness. It’s perfect under makeup, or without because it leaves a beautiful satin finish. My skin has been smooth and plump and glowy. The perfect daily sunscreen."
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
![Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1708531487-71eOsJFjV-L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Filled with oils and butters to help moisturize skin
Cons
Might be a lil heavy for some oily skin types
Aesthetician Ivey Rogers says many of her clients love this moisturizing chemical sunscreen, so I immediately added it to my rotation. Turns out, it's loaded with moisturizers (like aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter) that really nourish and soften my skin. It's so hydrating that I actually skip moisturizer on the days I'm wearing this.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "It's lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs beautifully into the skin. No more dealing with that dreaded white cast that many sunscreens leave behind. This sunscreen truly lives up to its promise of no white residue, which is a huge win for me."
Urban Skin RX SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30
![SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30 SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1710355910-urban-skin-rx-even-tone-daily-defense-moisturizer-65f1f5ad95679.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Has a dewy finish that reviewers love
Combines SPF with antioxidants to help protect skin
Cons
Have to rub in for a few minutes to help sheer out the white cast
"This is my absolute favorite sunscreen," says Rogers. "I love it because it's the first totally mineral sunscreen I've used that goes on completely sheer." She loves using it as a moisturizer in the mornings (since it's loaded with safflower seed oil to help moisturize), but also uses zinc oxide to block UV rays, as well as fights free radical damage and inflammation with antioxidant-rich grapefruit extract. "It gives my skin a beautiful glow when I apply it too," she adds.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "Love how after applying this I don’t need to wear makeup because this leaves my face glowing with no white residue. This is now the only SPF I’d use for my face."
Pros
Leaves a pretty glowy finish that testers, including Deanna, loved
Uses peptides to help smooth and firm your skin over time
Cons
Contains coconut oil, which can break out some with sensitive skin (unfortunately, this happened for me, sad)
You already know you need sunscreen every single day if you wanna limit fine lines and wrinkles. But this formula actually helps plump and firm your skin too with peptides. TBH, temporary deputy beauty director Deanna Pai calls this her holy grail sunscreen because it entirely blends into her tan skin tone. It combines chemical and mineral filters to help protect her skin from UVA and UVB rays without feeling goopy or looking ghostly.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Chemical and mineral
Glowing customer review: "I adore this sunscreen. I am very reactive to many ingredients in sunscreen, but this one screams clean. This does not pill. It covers smoothly, is not drying, and provides a fabulous primer for those with sensitive skin. I will not be without it, if I can help it."
Pros
Less than $20 (!)
Mineral formula that doesn't leave a white cast, according to reviewers
Cons
Feels a little sticky on my skin (but goes away in about 15 minutes)
Don't wanna spend a ton on sunscreen? I completely understand, which is why I urge you to pick up Solar Mate from Bubble. This inexpensive mineral formula goes on sheer and smooth, protecting my skin from UVA and UVB rays and moisturizing with raspberry seed oil.
FWIW, my 11-year-old cousin told me this is her favorite sunscreen, so if you care about impressing the teenagers on your family vacay this summer, roll up with this in your beach bag.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "This is the best suncreen I've ever used!! I use it all the time and it never makes you look pale, I definitely recommend!!"
Pros
Doubles as a moisturizer and sunscreen
I love the lightweight gel-cream consistency
Cons
Some reviewers said it pilled with their serums
Not to be a teacher's pet or anything, but if beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson likes a product, I immediately grab it from the closet and try it myself... and that's exactly how I discovered this would become my go-to after she featured it in her column, Yours. Mine. Ours. It requires zero rubbing in and gives my skin a pretty glow, c/o hyaluronic acid and beta glucan.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "This has got to be the BEST SPF I have ever tried! I like to wear SPF every day, but have had such a hard time finding the right one that wears well both by itself and under makeup. This is 1000x better than any of the higher-end products I have tried."
Coola Refreshing Water Cream Face Moisturizer with SPF 50
![Refreshing Water Cream Face Moisturizer with SPF 50 Refreshing Water Cream Face Moisturizer with SPF 50](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686161032-61NEP09-viL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Feels entirely weightless on my skin once I blend it in
Quickly absorbs
Cons
Some reviewers wished it left them a bit more glowy
I look for clear sunscreen formulas that hydrate and plump my skin without making me look oily... which was, shockingly, a challenge until I found this bb. This watery cream immediately sinks into skin, leaving behind no residue, yet it seriously moisturizes with hyaluronic acid and coconut water. I pat this onto my face in the mornings when I want to look fresh-faced and hydrated AF.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "This is by far the best sunscreen and moisturizer I’ve ever used. It’s so easy to apply light and weightless. Has very little scent and is conveniently packaged to use the product. 10 outta 10 for me!"
Pros
Non-aerosol spray has great coverage and doesn't require much blending in
I love the classic Vacation scent (smells like coconuts and banana)
Cons
Scent might be a bit too strong for some
FYI: This non-aerosol sunscreen spray isn't just the best-smelling sunscreen on the planet—it totally is—but it also has no white cast at all whatsoever. I spray it my entire body (which is really easy, by the way—the mister covers a lot of surface area), then blend it in with my fingers to get all the coverage. This duo also comes with a casual Vacation air freshener for your car.
- SPF: 50+
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "I’m obsessed with this sunscreen. It’s more natural than others. The spray comes out evenly and thick enough first try. I don’t have to go over a spot to make sure it’s covered."
Pros
Has a v high SPF
Doesn't leave a greasy residue on my skin
Cons
Can be a teensy bit sticky in my experience
Sunscreen sticks are my go-to when I'm out and about and feel the sun's rays beating down on me. But pretty much every other formula I've tested leaves me an oily mess—*except* this Shiseido stick. Instead, it goes on clear and lightweight, giving my skin an ever-so-subtle glow that doesn't make my skin look greasy. And now you simply have no excuse to not reapply your sunscreen, k?!
- SPF: 50+
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "“Great product! No white cast, easy to use over or under make up. On the go and makes my skin look hydrated as well.”
Pros
Gel formula goes on clear
Large bottle goes a long way, in my experience
Cons
Some reviewers didn't love the minty scent
My toxic trait as a beauty editor is loading up my face with all the SPF in the world but neglecting my body. But I simply have no excuse now that I found this gel body sunscreen from Dune, which sinks in as soon as I rub it on with zero white cast. It's also quite moisturizing too, thanks to olive, avocado, and coconut oils.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "This stuff is absolutely great. I'm a little darker so never really cared for sunscreen too much, especially since most of it is pasty and leaves white casts. I found this as a possible solution and bought a bottle for a Bali trip, and this worked amazingly. Absorbs quickly, goes on clear, smells good, and keeps me protected."
Pros
Gives my skin a little glow under makeup
Cons
Some people didn't love the noticeable shimmer particles
Winner of Cosmo's 2023 Clean Beauty Award for sunscreen, this mineral formula is so damn glowy and ~juicy~. It's packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help plump and hydrate your skin for a smooth, soft complexion. FYI: Hailey Bieber is obsessed with this one too, so obvi it blew up on TikTok.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "Love this stuff! It always jazzes up my skin just a little, making it look better than it did before applying. Def a fan!"
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
![Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683654892-619LhHSBBpL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Mattifies my skin
Has an invisible finish
Cons
Prob too drying for dry skin types
I am an O.G. La Roche-Posay sunscreen stan, but I've used barely any other formula besides this one since I took it on a trip last summer. This sheer, dry-touch, matte finish SPF is perfect for my oily skin, since it absorbs quickly—and actually blurs and keeps me from getting greasy throughout the day.
- SPF: 60
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "I have oily skin, and it definitely mattes the oils. Even after a day of working and I feel like I'm sweating I'm still not shiny and oily. And great skin protection with the SPF."
Pros
The least expensive sunscreen on this list
Easily available at nearly every drugstore
Cons
I wish more product came in the tube (or a larger tube was available)
This gel sunscreen comes highly recommended by our editors who love that they can get a smoothing, lightweight SPF for less than $15. It leaves a slightly matte finish on your skin, so doubles as a makeup primer in a pinch. FWIW, many reviewers dub it a dupe for the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (IMO, Supergoop is a bit more smoothing on my skin, but this one is a quarter of the price, so take your pick).
- SPF: 35
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "I was given a tube of this as a gift and ran out and had to order more. Love putting this on my face before I put on my makeup. It's not the typical thick sunscreen and I find this very effective."
Pros
Blends into tan, dark, and deep skin tones without a white cast, according to reviews
Helps moisturize with squalane and shea butter
Cons
A couple of reviewers wished it were more moisturizing
I know what you're thinking: A mineral sunscreen without white cast? More likely to get a new Rihanna album. But like magic, Cay Skin (by Winnie Harlow, btw) figured it out with these mineral SPF 30 drops. The formula might look white when I drip a few drops into your palm, but it blends immediately into my medium skin with a lightweight finish that helps hydrate my skin with squalane.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "The Mo’ Bay Mineral Sunscreen Drops did not disappoint. Though it applies white, it settles into your skin seamlessly with the natural radiance that Cay is known for. It’s so lightweight & it also makes a great base for makeup application. I’d highly recommend!"
Pros
Combines both chemical and mineral filters to help protect skin without causing a white cast
Absorbs into my skin immediately
Cons
Has a traditional chemical sunscreen-y smell that some testers didn't love
When it comes to blending in, chemical formulas can't be beat. "Chemical formulas are often cosmetically more acceptable for all skin tones," says Dr. Lupo. That's why a product that combines both, like this Cocokind SPF, is so dreamy. Both deputy beauty director Lauren Balsamo and I swear by this chemical/mineral combo because it feels extremely lightweight on our skin, leaving a soft finish behind, but doesn't irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical and mineral
Glowing customer review: "This one is by far my favorite SPF. It doesn't feel sticky, it goes on silky smooth, and disappears within seconds with no residue. I also feel it hydrating my skin, so it doesn't feel as dry or chappy as with other sunscreens."
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Face SPF 30
![Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Face SPF 30 Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Face SPF 30](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1710361921-61fJ2YlJd3L.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Practically disappears as I massage it into my skin
Cons
The consistency is a bit too thick for the spray format, per my testing
Sure, You could spray this directly onto your face and rub in, as this is called an SPF mist. But it's definitely more of a serum texture, IMO. I personally spray it onto my palms, then blend in with my fingers on my face. It's extremely lightweight and watery, which makes it absorb into my skin quickly with zero residue or greasiness at all.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
Glowing customer review: "The liquid itself is more watery and lighter than Hawaiian Tropic's other sunscreen but also has a lower SPF rating. I do like how it feels when applied in that it doesn't feel like I just applied sunscreen. The bottle itself is small and very portable."
Naked Sundays 100% Mineral Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+
![100% Mineral Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+ 100% Mineral Collagen Glow Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50+](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1710361868-naked-sundays-spf-50-65f20bdc3ac3b.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Pros
Blurs and primes my skin for makeup
Cons
Consistency is a wee bit thick, IMO
Prefer a five-minute makeup routine? Combine your moisturizer, SPF, and makeup primer step in one with this sunscreen from Naked Sundays. It blurs my pores and gives me a slight glowy finish on top of preventing sun damage and burning.
- SPF: 50+
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "My sensitive 65-year-old skin loves this product. It sinks right in and works wonderfully under foundation. I'm out in the sun daily, and the SPF gives perfect protection."
Pros
Reviewers with sensitive skin swear by this gentle formula
Cons
Some testers said it left their skin a lil greasy
“This is a really nice and elegant mineral sunscreen,” says board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, which, hey, is what we all want from a mineral formula. Not only does it have a generous SPF 40, but it also disappears completely as you rub it into your skin—and it's a great sunscreen for sensitive skin, given that it’s fragrance-free.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
Glowing customer review: "As a darker-skinned person, I have been on a mission to find a mineral sunscreen that is water-resistant with no chalky white cast and no sticky feeling AND no annoying fragrance. This one ticks all the boxes and it's very impressive that it wears so elegantly with 20% zinc oxide in the formula."
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.
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