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One of the marks of healthy skin is a radiant complexion—and the best sunscreen for glowing skin is key to achieving next-level luminosity. After all, multi-step skin-care routines, facials, and even dietary changes won't make a difference if you aren't protecting your skin against UV damage.
Over the years, we've witnessed constant innovation, with South Korean formulas at the forefront, continually challenging chemists to incorporate cutting-edge filters that provide heightened protection against UVA and UVB rays and greater stability. As a bonus, some of these formulas leave dewy finishes that rival our favorite highlighters and skin tints.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40, $38
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40, $60
- Best Chemical Sunscreen: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, $22
- Best Sunscreen Spray: Kopari Beauty Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42, $39
- Best for Oily Skin: Lion Pose Ghost-Buster 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42, $46
- Best for Dry Skin: The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30, $15
- Best Tinted Sunscreen: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow, $50
With so many sunscreens to choose from (thank goodness, because we're picky about our SPFs), we've made it our mission to help you determine the best sunscreen for glowing skin for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes sunscreen glowy?
- How do I pick the right sunscreen?
- How much sunscreen should I apply?
- Meet the experts
- How we review and test products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Supergoop Glowscreen
Why It's Worth It: Supergoop Glowscreen won a Best of Beauty Award in 2020 but it's still an Allure editor favorite to this day. This lightweight sunscreen effortlessly blends into all skin tones and leaves a subtle pearlescent finish—originally available in just one champagne shade called Sunrise, we're now blessed with a suite of four shades after Pink Pearl, Bronze, and Deep Bronze joined the sun-protection party. All Glowscreens are infused with SPF 40 protection as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-plumping vitamin B5, and nourishing niacinamide that helps diminish the look of hyperpigmentation. At Allure, we obviously don't condone tanning so Glowscreen is our preferred means of mimicking the effects of being out in the sun. The proof is in the name!
Tester Feedback: Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis says she "fell in love with how this sunscreen looked on [her] skin alone" and often skipped foundation to get the full glowy goodness. Commerce editor Sarah Han, who loved the original Sunrise and wanted to see how Golden Hour would look on her lighter Asian skin tone, had this to say: "I've always shied away from self-tanners but this SPF warms up my skin tone beautifully, and produces similar results without any commitment." Hello, beauty hack.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid, sea lavender, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: Opulent, delightfully smooth, and giving off a distinct "lit from within" glow, Dr. Loretta's Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40 doubles as a hydrating, barrier-protecting moisturizer and features a pinky tint that transforms skin from dull to radiant. It also fights free radical damage and environmental stressors, like blue light, with the antioxidant lipochrome and ectoin. For those unfamiliar, ectoin is an amino acid found within and derived from several types of bacteria—to be precise, "it's an extremolyte, which is extracted from extremophilic microorganisms, and helps protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions," board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, previously told Allure.
Tester Feedback: "I've been a long-time user of mineral sunscreen, but no formula is as elegant as this," says shopping director Shanna Shipin, who's been using Dr. Loretta's Universal Glow since it launched in 2023. "It has an amazing light-reflecting luminosity that blurs the skin while providing straightforward zinc oxide protection," she adds. There's a pink-peach tint to the formula that Shipin was initially skeptical of; she tends to use medium-tan formulas and thought it may be better suited for those with lighter skin tones. "I was so wrong; it melts in instantly, leaving nothing but a beautiful veil of glow behind," she attests.
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, lipochrome, ectoin | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: The luxurious feel sets Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 apart from traditional SPF formulas, boasting a silky texture reminiscent of those found in premium K-beauty brands—and with a PA++++ rating, it performs like one, too. PA ranges from PA+ to PA++++ and "the greater the number of plus signs, the better the level of protection against UVA rays (which visibly ages us)," Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure.
Dew-Glow contains skin-loving ingredients like squalane for hydration, niacinamide to even tone, and vitamin C to help brighten and fend off free radicals. This combination of moisture and protection leaves skin with the prettiest sheen that wears well alone or as a makeup primer. Fun fact: The cap can be used to measure 0.25 teaspoons of product, which is the dermatologist-recommended amount for the face. (If you're also covering your neck, double that to 0.5 teaspoons or two capfuls.)
Tester Feedback: Han frequently recommends this relatively affordable chemical sunscreen to friends who want a nourishing, dewy formula that feels weightless and wears well underneath makeup—a.k.a. the full package in her eyes. "It gives my skin an instant brightening boost and acts as an illuminating primer if I choose to wear makeup," she attests.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, squalane, niacinamide, vitamin C | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Skin: Lion Pose Ghost-Buster 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42
Why It's Worth It: Developed by Harvard-trained dermatologists, Lion Pose's Ghost-Buster Sunscreen has an exceptionally smooth texture, masking the typical graininess associated with mineral-based SPFs. Squalane imparts a soft and moisturizing feel, transforming it into a lightweight, nourishing lotion rather than a traditional sunscreen. It also contains glutathione, an antioxidant tripeptide that protects skin from free radicals. Ghost-Buster's universal golden tint leaves skin radiant without looking oily or greasy, no matter your skin type.
Tester Feedback: "A mineral sunscreen with a true glowy finish is hard to come by but Lion Pose rises to the challenge—and crushes it," says Han, who is also a fan of the nourishing ingredients that lie within it. "This one is my favorite for when I'm not wearing makeup," says Allure contributor Kat Suico. "It leaves my skin looking like I just had the best facial."
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, squalane, glutathione | Fragrance-Free: No
Best Sunscreen Spray: Kopari Beauty Sunglaze Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42
Why It's Worth It: Kopari Beauty Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42 is a fast-absorbing formula in a convenient non-aerosol spray bottle that makes application a dream. Shake the bottle to reveal stunning rose gold pigments that leave your skin looking like it’s golden hour, no matter where you are—it's no wonder the visually enticing formula has gone viral on social. Apart from being fun to apply, the all-over formula contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help keep skin hydrated and improve brightening.
Tester Feedback: Han is pretty picky about body sunscreens because so many feel heavy and sticky on the skin, but this one feels light and airy, even after multiple layers and rounds of rubbing. Bonus: It has a warm, sugary coconut-like scent that smells like a vacation in a bottle.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Fragrance-Free: No
Best for Dry Skin: The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 is a moisturizer and SPF all-in-one. In addition to providing sun protection, the founders aimed to incorporate an ingredient that could hydrate the skin without causing pilling when layered with other skin-care products or makeup. Enter polyglutamic acid, also known as PGA. This powerhouse ingredient can absorb four times the amount of water compared to hyaluronic acid, cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobo previously shared with Allure. It instantly sinks into the skin, leaving a dewy sheen that sits well under makeup.
Tester Feedback: The entire staff was buzzing when The Inkey List revealed that they were launching a sunscreen—after all, it won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the Steals category and a One to Watch seal. Both Trakoshis and Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director, attested that the formula didn't pill underneath their usual base makeup and left behind a pretty sheen. Though it should be the bare minimum for all sunscreens, former associate news editor Gabi Thorne was relieved that she "didn't have to rub it endlessly to make sure it blended into [her] brown skin" and said that it absorbed quickly without residual stickiness.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, ensulizole, octisalate, octocrylene, polyglutamic acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes
More Glowy Sunscreens We Love:
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow
Why It's Worth It: Available in three shades (Universal, Warm Glow, and Bronze Glow), Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow seamlessly merges into your skin to enhance your natural glow, regardless of tone. Bonus: It's packed with skin-care gems like vitamin C, vitamin E (which helps stabilize the former), and niacinamide—hardworking ingredients you don't find in your typical sunscreen. As such, this multitasker consolidates the essential steps of an ideal morning skin-care routine—think brightening serum, hydration, and sunscreen—with just a few pumps.
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Under Makeup: StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle GlowFector SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: With SPF 30, Strivectin GlowFector SPF 30 Instant Illuminating Lotion Broad Spectrum safeguards against UVA, UVB, and blue light. It's packed with argan oil for hydration, turmeric extract for environmental defense, and licorice and marshmallow root for radiance. The formula features auto-adaptive pearl extract for a luminous glow. In addition to combating pollution, the French rice germ extract in this product also reduces the effects of blue light. Traveling soon? This one-ounce tube meets TSA requirements.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, argan oil, turmeric, licorice, marshmallow root, french rice germ extract | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: The Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50 stands out as the epitome of zinc and iron oxide-based formulations. Its advanced broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ filters effectively ward off sun damage and blue light-related concerns, while its champagne hue leaves the perfect glow for the dewiest-looking base without a white cast. This SPF also contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients like silver ear mushroom extract and bisabolol.
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, bisabolol, niacinamide, silver ear mushroom extract | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Evening Skin Tone: Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Why It's Worth It: Tula's Protect + Glow SPF 30 combines comfort and effectiveness, making daily application a breeze. This nongreasy gel formula reveals a pearly consistency and lends a cooling sensation while quickly melting into the skin. Beyond its sun protection benefits, pineapple and papaya extracts help promote even skin tone, imparting a luminous, I-just-worked-out finish.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, pineapple extract, papaya extract | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Most Nostalgic: Vacation SPF 30 Baby Oil
Why It's Worth It: Vacation SPF 30 Baby Oil was inspired by the charming (if not slightly regrettable) "tanning with baby oil" trend we all remember. Carlos Huber from Arquiste Parfumeur crafted the subtle fragrance named Baby Oil Accord, offering a sophisticated interpretation of the timeless baby oil scent. It will quickly become your go-to for a delightful broad-spectrum oil experience crafted with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, like jojoba oil, vitamin E, calendula, and chamomile to hydrate and replenish skin—as well as bisabolol to soothe and help minimize irritation from the sun.
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, jojoba oil, vitamin E, calendula, chamomile | Fragrance-Free: No
Best Flexible Shades: Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow
Why It's Worth It: The developers took three years to create this lightweight mineral formula with advanced PA+++ board-spectrum filters that instantly absorbs into the skin. For reference, Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow comes in two shades, Fair-Medium and Medium-Deep, that sheer out to a beautiful glowy finish that leaves virtually no white cast. It protects skin from stressors like blue light and free radicals using rice extracts, vitamin C, and resveratrol while containing a peptide complex that plumps and firms skin. The deeper shade is perfect for evening out your skin tone if your face is lighter than your body.
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, rice extracts, vitamin C, resveratrol | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a sunscreen glowy?
"The main ingredients that give the sparkly glow effect are silica and mica," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. For added dewiness, hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin can help achieve that look, he notes.
How do I pick the right sunscreen?
First off, your sunscreen must have broad-spectrum protection that meets the recommended minimum rating of 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Luckily, protection and glow come in chemical and mineral options, as well as inclusive shades. Even mineral-based sunscreens, which often get a bad rep for leaving white and grey casts, come in innovative formulas that leave almost no trace on the skin.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
"A good sunscreen is designed so that half a teaspoon of product can be applied to the face and neck without cakiness or greasiness," Elyse Love, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, confirms. Add an extra teaspoon for each arm or leg, front and back. Also remember: UV protection doesn't end with the first application. "Reapply every two hours at a minimum but more often if sweating or emersed in water," Miam-based board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, previously explained.
Sunscreen best practices, of course, apply whether you're staying indoors or venturing outside. "There is a bit of a trade-off working from home as you may now be getting more blue light exposure," says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "UV light, especially UVA, can travel through windows, so unless you have zero windows in your home, you are still susceptible to UV damage." Make sure you're adhering to the dermatologist-recommended amounts of sunscreen if you have direct sun exposure, period.
Meet the experts
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of skin-care brand Dr. Idriss
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City
- Roberta Del Campo, MD, a based board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida
- Elyse Love, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best glowy sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Want more product recs for glowing skin? Keep reading:
- 14 Best Moisturizers With SPF That'll Plump and Protect Skin
- What Is "Glass Skin" and How Can You Get It?
- 18 Best Peptide Serums & Moisturizers for Smoother, Plumper Skin
- 11 Best Self-Tanners for a UV-Free Glow All Year Round
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