Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
Surely we all know by now that SPF is one of the most crucial steps in a skin-care routine. But for anyone with drier skin—or anyone who just loves a dewy finish—opting for the best glowy sunscreens might be a better choice to help you achieve both protected and radiant skin. It’s a win-win! But glowy sunscreens are not one-size-fits-all; different formulations can actually give you varying types and levels of glow. Some formulas use shimmery pigments for a pearlescent, reflective glow. Others use emollients or bronzy tints to create a glazed, shiny effect.
Common emollients, which strengthen your barrier and minimize transepidermal water loss (also known as TEWL), include glycerin, ceramides, and squalane. On the other hand, “optical pigments, such as mica and synthetic fluorphlogopite, which reflect light upon light application,” give off that instant sun-kissed glow, says Arizona-based dermatologist Karan Lal, DO.
Our Top Glowy Sunscreens
- Best Chemical Overall: Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, $18
- Best Mineral Overall: Ranavat Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+, $65
- Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen SPF 50, $40
- Best for Dry Skin: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA +++, $36
- Best for Oily Skin: Saie Sunvisor SPF 35, $38
- Best for Discoloration: Eucerin Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30, $35
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What makes some sunscreens glowier than others?
- Are glowy sunscreens more moisturizing?
- What ingredients should someone look for in a glowy sunscreen formula?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
From chemical to mineral formulas and creamy textures to portable sticks and facial sprays, you are bound to find a glowy formula that suits your preference and lifestyle. Below, we gathered our favorites.
Best Chemical Overall: Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
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Innisfree
Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: When you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s pretty much guaranteed to not leave behind a white cast, chemical SPFs are a good place to start. They are formulated without mineral zinc filters found in mineral sunscreens, allowing them to blend more invisibly. The Innisfree Daily Defense UV sunscreen uses cica, a soothing ingredient rich in amino and fatty acids that helps to calm redness and is even known to treat minor burns and skin conditions like eczema. It also uses green tea and sunflower oil to hydrate the skin.
Allure commerce writer Tasha Nicole Smith applying the Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Tasha Nicole Smith
Smith after applying the Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Tasha Nicole Smith
Allure contributing writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Innisfree Daily Defense UV Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from commerce writer Tasha Nicole Smith
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“I have been using this sunscreen for the last few years, and it has never done me wrong. While I have heard from friends that the glowy finish might lean a bit greasy, that has never been the case for my dry skin. I love how dewy my face looks immediately after I apply it, and the glow lasts for a few hours. When it wears off completely, I usually take that as my sign to reapply. It is also one of the few formulas I’ve tried that doesn’t cause my sensitive skin to break out or leave a filmy residue. It wears a lot like a moisturizer, and I’ll never say no to an extra boost of hydration.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, commerce writer
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I was a huge fan of Innisfree's original Daily UV Invisible Sunscreen SPF 36, so naturally, I got a little nervous when I heard it was being reformulated. (Why mess with a good thing, right?) Thankfully, the new version is every bit as good as I remember, only now with higher SPF 50+ protection. It still has that silky, lightweight texture I loved about the original, blends in without a trace of white cast, and feels like absolutely nothing on my skin—in the best way. The updated packaging now specifies that it's for both face and body, but I've always used Innisfree's sunscreens from head to toe anyway.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: avobenzone (2.5%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (4.3%)
- Other key ingredients: cica, sunflower oil, green tea
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best Mineral Overall: Ranavat Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Ranavat
Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
Amazon
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Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Ranavat Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: If you prefer mineral sunscreens, there are many options out there that won’t leave you with the dreaded chalky white cast. Ranavat’s Best of Beauty Award-winning Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen not only blends smoothly, but it also uses saffron to brighten the skin, helping to fade the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. It also moisturizes the skin using squalane, and though it does use zinc oxide to protect from harmful UV rays, the formula is still lightweight with a luminous finish.
Han before applying the Ranavat Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Ranavat Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I’m notoriously picky when it comes to mineral sunscreens—if it doesn’t dry down to a near-invisible finish upon initial application, or worse, it pills (either on its own or underneath makeup), I rarely give it another chance. (Ok, usually, once more—and I'll keep my a.m. skin-care routine more minimal to see if that's the culprit of the pilling.) Anyways, I could instantly see why this Ranavat SPF won a Best of Beauty Award. While it's a bit of a splurge compared to other tried-and-trues, it's such an elegant formula that I could see myself shelling out—or gifting an older lady in my life who'd really appreciate a moisturizing, sensitive-skin-friendly formula. I love the subtle tint because it really helps the formula blend in seamlessly and without a white cast—but the brightening effect (from saffron, ooh la la) is the clear winner. I'm not used to mineral sunscreens leaving a dewy finish, and now my standards have been raised." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- SPF rating: 50+
- UV filters: zinc oxide (12.3%)
- Other key ingredients: saffron, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen SPF 50
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen
Amazon
La Roche-Posay
Why it’s worth it: This formula uses the brand's patented Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, a combination of UVA/UVB filters and Senna Alata leaf extract, a botanical derived from a tropical flowering shrub native to Africa and Southeast Asia, known to defend the skin's top layer against sun damage. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVAir also uses thermal spring water to soothe the skin, along with niacinamide and glycerin to give it its glowy finish.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I know better than to put a heavy sunscreen on my oily, acne-prone skin, and this lightweight option did right by me. The thin texture absorbed quickly, and it felt like nothing on my skin. Even better: While some acne-friendly sunscreens leave my skin looking flat, this gave me a dewy—but not too shiny—glow. The bottle also fits neatly in my travel bag, so it's been a go-to for travel." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu
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“It feels very milky to me and smooth when I apply it. I've noticed its long-lasting impact now that summer's over. I have dry spots and hyperpigmentation, but paired with the La Roche-Posay moisturizer, it's been saving my skin. Thankfully, it goes a long way, and I always apply it to my neck and the backs of my hands.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%
- Other key ingredients: Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, Senna Alata leaf extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best for Dry Skin: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA +++
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Then I Met You
Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Amazon
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Essences are huge in K-beauty, so it’s only logical that the Korean brand Then I Met You would bring some of that lightweight luminosity to its sunscreen. Usually, essences are defined by their watery, toner-like textures, but in the Essence Light Sunscreen, the perks are bundled into an airy lotion that blends, hydrates, and protects like a pro. Fermented sake supports this chemical-filter SPF, working alongside heavy hitters like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and provitamin B5 for a hydrated, radiant finish. As it shields your skin from UV rays, this sunscreen also helps soften dark spots and fine lines, which we can always get behind. Just a heads up: One tester noted it stings a bit around the eyes, so be mindful if you’re prone to irritation in those areas.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA +++
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA +++
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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"I'll admit: The first time I tested this sunscreen, I thought it was too glowy for my combo skin and often-shiny forehead. I know! I've since made peace, a.k.a. I'll usually skip moisturizer and apply this bad boy right after my a.m. antioxidant serum," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "The hyaluronic acid, galactomyces ferment filtrate (derived from fermented sake, hello SK-II vibes), and provitamin B5 provide plenty of hydration. The formula is very juicy and takes a beat to rub in, so don't be deterred by how white it comes out of the tube—it doesn't leave a hint of white cast once I've worked it in completely. All you see is radiance—you're welcome." —Sarah Han, commerce writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%)
- Other key ingredients: ceramides, fermented sake, hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best for Oily Skin: Saie Sunvisor SPF 35
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Saie
Sunvisor
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: There’s a glowy finish, and then there’s Saie Sunvisor’s glowy finish. This multitasker imparts comprehensive SPF protection with enough sheen to give that bare-faced-but-better look. Loaded with hydrators and brighteners like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and encapsulated vitamin C, this formula uses a mineral filter to go easy on sensitive skin. The brand says to warm this sunscreen up between your fingers before applying—the longer you rub, the more transparent it will become once it hits your face. Our tester found that she didn't have any issues with blending, even on her mineral-tan complexion, and that it didn't leave her naturally oily skin looking extra shiny.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Saie’s Sunvisior
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Saie’s Sunvisior
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“As an oily-skinned girl, I don’t usually seek out a radiant finish—but this is the exception. I use it more as a tinted moisturizer since I love my standard, everyday sunscreen, and consider the SPF a bonus. The tint gives light coverage for days I'm not doing much and meshes well with my skin tone, which is a medium-tan with neutral undertones—and usually looks chalky with mineral filters. I love that the finish makes my skin look fresh, not flat.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- SPF rating: 35
- UV filters: zinc oxide (15%)
- Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, encapsulated vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best Pearlescent: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40
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Supergoop
Glowscreen SPF 40
Nordstrom
Dermstore
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Why it's worth it: The lightweight, ever-blendable Supergoop Glowscreen first caught our attention in 2020 and promptly snagged a Best of Beauty Award. And years later, it's still a staple in our regimens. This pearlescent formula is available in four finishes—Sunrise, Pink Pearl, Bronze, and Deep Bronze—each infused with SPF 40 protection and ample skin-loving ingredients. Hyaluronic acid hydrates, vitamin B5 plumps, and niacinamide diminishes the look of hyperpigmentation over time. Beyond the radiance boost, Glowscreen is a lovely base for your makeup, which is extra motivation to rub it on. Keep in mind that this stuff is on the more shimmery side, so if you're after a more subdued glow, there are better options for you. Glowscreen comes in several different iterations, like this one for your whole body, this one as serum-y drops, and this one as a stick (convenience for the win).
Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Supergoop’s Glowscreen
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis after applying the Supergoop’s Glowscreen
Angela Trakoshis
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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"Truthfully, I fell in love with how this sunscreen looked on my skin alone. But to give a full review, I layered it on my everyday makeup routine, and it totally worked. The sunscreen meshed well with all of my base products like my concealer and blush, and they layered on flawlessly with no patchiness or pilling at all. I even found myself skipping foundation because I really just wanted all the glow this product gave." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 40
- UV filters: avobenzone (3%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%)
- Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sea lavender, vitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 4
Best for Discoloration: Eucerin Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30
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Eucerin
Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: It’s one thing for sunscreen to shield against sun damage; it’s another thing for a sunscreen to actively treat the dark spots that pop up as a result of it. That’s where the Eucerin Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30 comes in. “It contains Thiamidol to help visibly reduce dark spots over time, alongside broad-spectrum sunscreen to help prevent their reappearance when used as directed,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Because of its skin-care properties, this sunscreen helps to even skin tone to offer a natural radiance instead of a dewy or shimmery glow.
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (8%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (9%)
- Other key ingredients: thiamidol
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 70
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Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 70
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Some may think that to get a dewy finish out of a sunscreen you have to pile on the product. This sunscreen is weightless and applies with a pillow-soft feeling, thanks to the brand’s aptly titled Cloud-Tech technology. According to Dr. Gohara, the glow, on the other hand, comes from “micro-peptides and antioxidants that help defend against sun-induced collagen loss and support smoother-looking skin.” The patented micro-peptides are two times smaller than traditional peptides, allowing them to travel up to 10 surface layers deeper into the skin to support collagen production and elasticity.
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 70
- UV filters: avobenzone (3%), bemotrizinol (6%), homosalate (15%), octisalate (5%)
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best for Reapplying: Anua Invisible Glow Finish Sunstick SPF 50
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Anua
Invisible Glow Finish Sunstick SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For sunscreen to be most effective, it’s important to reapply—according to experts, every two hours is ideal. Anua’s Invisible Glow Finish Sunstick comes in a stick formula that makes it easy to toss in your bag for easy application without the mess or the risk that it will spill all over your purse. According to Dr. Gohara, this sunscreen “has panthenol, ceramide NP, and hyaluronic acid, which help to add a little glowy cheekbone contour. It’s more of a pocket-size touch-up than generous, even sunscreen coverage.”
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: avobenzone (2.7%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%)
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Best for Under Makeup: Versed Skin Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
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Versed
Skin Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: While many sunscreens have a creamier texture, Versed Skin’s Good Daily Defense has a lightweight gel-cream formula that leaves skin moisturized and bouncy while still wearing well under makeup. It uses Shorea stenoptera seed butter, more commonly known as ilipe butter, a vegetable fat extracted from the nuts of the Shorea stenoptera tree that is known to lock in moisture, soften the skin, and leave behind a natural dew. According to California-based cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam, this formula doesn't utilize any color additives, but it leaves my skin super glowy and dewy-looking.”
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 50
- UV filters: Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 7.30%, Octisalate 5.00%
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Shades: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes some sunscreens glowier than others?
There are a couple of factors that make sunscreens glowier than others. Lam breaks them down:
- Effect pigments: These can add shimmer or sheen to the product, or a little bit of tint or bronze, depending on what color is used.
- Particular emollients: UV filters need to be solubilized in emollients to create a functional and stable formula, and some of these emollients have high refractive indexes, which creates that "glazed" shiny appearance to the skin.
Are glowy sunscreens more moisturizing?
“Often there’s overlap, because hydrating ingredients can give skin that plump, dewy appearance. But shine is not a hydration test. A sunscreen can look luminous because of reflective pigments without being particularly rich or moisturizing. I’d judge by the ingredient list and how your skin feels several hours later. If your cheeks look radiant but feel tight, you may still need moisturizer underneath. Think of shimmer as the statement earring; hydration is the comfortable outfit doing the heavy lifting,” says Dr. Gohara.
What ingredients should someone look for in a glowy sunscreen formula?
“Look for glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw in water, emollients such as squalane to soften the skin, and dimethicone for a silky, smooth finish. Panthenol also helps attract and retain moisture, while ceramides support the skin barrier. For an immediate light-catching effect, look for mica or synthetic fluorphlogopite, a manufactured mica-like ingredient. You don’t need every ingredient on the list: think of it as a recipe, where the right balance matters more than how many ingredients you squeeze into the bowl,” says Dr. Gohara.
Meet the experts
- Amanda Lam is a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut and a clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
- Karan Lal, DO, is a board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Arizona.
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 sunscreens for glowing skin, 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.
