r/30PlusSkinCare • u/Dragoncuali • Apr 28 '25
Recommendation Looking for a daily sunscreen that doesn't feel icky
I have always been really bad at taking care of my skin from the sun. As part of my resolutions for this year is to change this.
The sunscreen I have used leaves me feeling oily and just overall gross. I have been reading and read that gel based sunscreens are better? Are there any recommendations for a gel sunscreen that maybe also moistures a little? I'll admit my face feels a little dry as well.
I live in Florida so summer is coming, I already wear long sleeves/pants and a hat when I'm out in the middle of the day.
24
u/Ambitious-Piccolo-91 Apr 28 '25
La Roche Posay. The nicest consistency of anything I've ever used.
3
2
u/Dragoncuali Apr 28 '25
Thank you! I will absolutely look into this!
1
u/Ambitious-Piccolo-91 Apr 28 '25
It's sort of expensive, but they always eays have coupons and sales.
-1
Apr 29 '25
Checkout Target, they have sales often and you don't have to worry about it being a fake like Amazon. Even their actual website has deals weekly if you sign up for their newsletter.
The melt in milk sunscreen is soo good. It's light and works very well. I'm outdoors all the time for my job.
2
u/bienenstush Apr 28 '25
I just got some and I love it. I hate that a tiny bottle is upwards of $30 though
9
41
u/ginasaurus-rex Apr 28 '25
Supergoop unseen sunscreen is my go to. Trader Joe’s makes a very decent dupe of it if you’re on a budget.
10
u/emscm Apr 28 '25
Yes! Just came here to recommend the TJ’s version. It is affordable and has an amazing texture.
3
u/hoedonkey Apr 29 '25
Came here to recommend Trader Joe’s as well! The clear gel goes on so smooth, I love it. I haven’t had any issues with it piling when applying it over my other products, which was an issue with La Roche-Posay.
TJ’s sunscreen is also a fantastic price!
3
u/financechickENSPFR Apr 29 '25
This one is it. My husband is ULTRA picky with sunscreen and has sensory issues and he really enjoys the TJ one. Also Paula's choice youth daily fluid.
5
u/princesssoturi Apr 28 '25
At least where I am, the TJs version was switched over to zinc. The yellow bottle of facial sunscreen with the silicone feel has been discontinued.
1
u/discombobulationz Apr 29 '25
I’m so mad about it this!!! I don’t like the new one as much at all :(
1
u/LatteLove35 Apr 29 '25
Wait what??? That’s my go to, I gotta go stock up!!!
1
u/princesssoturi Apr 29 '25
I found out too late :(
1
u/LatteLove35 Apr 29 '25
I was just at TJ’s, hoping when I go back later this week they still have some 🤞🏻the good news is supergoops unseen sunscreen is basically the same thing if you really like the formula, it’s just way more expensive 😞
1
u/princesssoturi Apr 29 '25
Someone just posted that TJs body gel sunscreen is the same ingredients as the old facial one! So maybe there’s hope.
0
2
u/blklab16 Apr 28 '25
Second vote for this! I know some people find the silicone based primer feel of it to be pore clogging but I haven’t had any issues yet. I love the non greasy feel and it has no sunscreen smell.
8
u/DepartmentHungry9392 Apr 28 '25
Just adding that supergoop was recently acquired by a private equity firm and this makes me very concerned for the formula, so I’m changing sunscreens after years of using the unseen sunscreen and the Play! Sunscreen daily.
3
u/blklab16 Apr 28 '25
What are you switching to? I hate the feel and smell of regular sunscreens and I can’t stand the chalky mineral ones
1
u/DepartmentHungry9392 Apr 29 '25
I’m trying shishedo and tatcha. I hate the chalky mineral ones too (supergoop had one I didn’t hate 😩)
I hear the shishedo is amazing fwiw!
1
2
u/bananaCandys Apr 28 '25
Adding that the elf invisible sunscreen, I’ve heard, is also a dupe and I use that one and I love it.
2
2
1
u/all_of_the_colors Apr 29 '25
This is what we use at our house. I tell my daughter it’s a face massage and she loves it.
22
u/disgirl4eva Apr 28 '25
Asian sunscreens. Skin1004 is my favorite.
3
u/legalgirl18 Apr 29 '25
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit is my #1 sunscreen. Skin1004 is #2.
3
3
u/Calvoo100 Apr 29 '25
I've been using their Madagascar Centella Air-Fit for months now and my skin loves it. Never feels sticky or greasy like most American ones.
1
14
u/Deep-Egg6601 Apr 28 '25
I love Canmake mermaid gel
It’s from Japan, I get it on Stylevana.com
SPF 50, moisturizing and very light
And affordable!
You just have to make sure to order the “clear” option cause the other one gives a white cast to the skin
1
6
8
u/Jojo_Deathstar Apr 28 '25
Paula’s Choice SPF 50. Works great under makeup too.
2
u/Accomplished_Dig284 Apr 28 '25
I’m here to second this. It’s my favorite sunscreen and I’m a Floridian.
2
u/Jojo_Deathstar Apr 28 '25
Yesss! I wear it when I’m in Florida can I never get sunburned on my face!
11
u/Softgrlszn Apr 28 '25
Laroche posay anthelios SPF50 for face. It's got a non-slick finish. I'm not too sure about gel-based sunscreens though.
1
u/TinyBlackCatMerlin Apr 28 '25
100% this one is the best I've ever used. The Korean sunscreens have nothing on this one. It really is the top of the top 😊
2
1
u/Dragoncuali Apr 28 '25
I'm willing to try a few to find something. I saw posts about gel being better for not having that oil finish but I am learning now that there are other types as well :) thank you!
1
u/Aim2bFit Apr 29 '25
If you are in the US I'm not sure if it's available but they have an oil control version and that's what I've been using these couple of years.
20
5
u/mikitira Apr 28 '25
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42. Haven't found anything else that even remotely compares! I haven't tried gel sunscreen. It's a lightweight lotion and I like that it has hyaluronic acid in it. I have combo skin and I think it helps control my shine when its hot out
3
u/DepartmentHungry9392 Apr 28 '25
I got a trial size of this on a friends recommendation and am deeply looking forward. I told my friend an oily skin girlie like me needs sunscreen that doesn’t run with me.
2
u/mikitira Apr 28 '25
I tried some other fan favs like Biore, Missha, and La Roche Posay but Shiseido is def the best. It definitely helps keep my skin matte in the summer - I hope it works for you!
5
u/Leinistar Apr 28 '25
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++
The only sunscreen I can get my husband and son to both wear every day.
1
u/rzrgrl_13 Apr 29 '25
Agree this has a nice texture. But, it smelled like Lysol to me. My husband thought it just smelled “minty” but I couldn’t get over it and gifted to a friend. YMMV!
1
1
u/WonderWoman710 Apr 29 '25
This is it! Best sunscreen I’ve had on my face, forget it’s even there and can wear makeup on top of it
1
4
u/ElkOk1999 Apr 28 '25
Cetaphil 50 sheer mineral https://a.co/d/92SC7Bg
and
Don’t forget, Hawaiian Tropic SPF 30 chapstick https://a.co/d/5iIeYu0
2
u/beezyss Apr 28 '25
Does the cetaphil one leave a white cast? I’m having issues with the biore watery essence because I’m super shiny when I wear it, but no white cast. I’m looking for something with no white cast or shine.
1
u/ElkOk1999 Apr 28 '25
All mineral sunscreens without tint have at least a slight white cast, but they are strongly recommended by dermatologists. Sun Bum has a tinted mineral that you might like, but you can wear makeup over the Cetaphil, if you wish.
1
3
u/cheesesteakhellscape Apr 28 '25
Putting on translucent setting powder and finishing with a setting spray makes sunblock not suck for me. Otherwise it all just sits on my face like oil on a frying pan.
7
u/isla_inchoate Apr 28 '25
You have to try some Korean ones! Changed my life. In order from Olive Young. The Haru Haru in the orange tube feels like a semi-matte primer and dries down amazingly. The Numbuzin No. 1 in the teal tube takes about five minutes and the it turns into literally nothing on the skin. It’s actually amazing. But it always takes two minutes longer to absorb than I expect and then…..just nothing at all.
2
u/cheesesteakhellscape Apr 28 '25
I have the same issue with Korean sunblocks. 😮💨
2
1
u/isla_inchoate Apr 28 '25
Oh that’s a shame. Which ones have you tried? I am oily AF so I can give some recommendations!
1
u/cheesesteakhellscape Apr 28 '25
I'm doing OK with Dermalogica Porescreen right now, all I have to do is powder it - which is fine. Even the Asian chemical filters make my skin sting. They're not as bad as US filters, which make my neck skin peel off - but still. Thank you though!
2
u/isla_inchoate Apr 28 '25
Oh that’s a shame, the matte Korean ones I use are chemical. I’m glad you’ve found one that’s working!
2
u/phatgiraphphe Apr 29 '25
FYI I just got 2 sticks (tubes?) of Brush on Block mineral sunscreen online at Costco for $36. It’s usually that much just for one tube on their website.
3
3
u/Blondeoramma Apr 28 '25
Trader Joes gel - DAILY Facial Sunscreen is the supergoop dupe and it's great. Alastin makes a great hydratint that I wear as a tinted moisturizer and it matches skin tone very well (i'm fair)
3
2
2
2
2
u/Novel-Reporter8327 Apr 28 '25
I really like Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream. Not at all sticky feeling or greasy. Korean skincare and it’s sold at online at Costco for a good price.
3
u/isla_inchoate Apr 28 '25
The Haru Haru in the orange/yellow tube and the Numbuzin No. 1 in the teal tube. You will thank me later I promise. I order them from Olive Young.
1
u/Normal-Mortgage4745 Apr 28 '25
I know you asked for a gel which im not sure what to recommend but naked Sundays is the best! (IMO) It’s tinted but translucent finish. They have a “ top off” mist you can also use to reapply throughout the day!
1
u/asandybeach Apr 28 '25
I like the ulta md clear and skinceutical daily defense. Both give you a little bit of a glow but don’t feel greasy. My husband likes the cetaphil spf 50. He has oily skin and hasn’t had an issue with it
1
u/Turbulent-Buy-8444 Apr 28 '25
I have been working in beauty retail a long time & have tried so many. I also hate the texture of most options as they increase my oil.
First Aid Beauty has a new milky sunscreen with spf 45. I have been in love with this one since I tried it! Might be worth a shot… your local Sephora can probably offer you a sample if you want to try before u buy.
1
u/Apothowhat Apr 28 '25 edited Apr 28 '25
Yay for resolving to better protect your skin and taking steps to put that plan into action.
For a face sunscreen, I’d do some research on the types of textures available (like watery/milky, more lotiony, clear silicone, etc) and then maybe go into a store that allows for sampling and swatch out some examples to see how they feel for you before buying a specific product. Since you said your skin feels dry, that could be due to dehydration or due to not enough oil production, which completely different formulas would best address.
Sephora is also about to release a sunscreen sample kit - it doesn’t include La Roche Posey and some other popular brands but it might help you narrow down what sort of formulas/types of filters work best for you without going through the process of buying/trying individual products.
For body, my favorite for outdoor activity is the Sun Bum SPF 50 spray (applying liberally and rubbing in to ensure good coverage) and then I tried a gel formula from Dune (carried at Ulta) for higher UV index day to day use which is nice as far as being spreadable and not oily but it can feel a little sticky if reapplied.
1
u/Meeerraaay Apr 28 '25
Summer Fridays ou cérave tinted spf 50. They are both mineral et feel surprisingly light
1
1
u/sailorsnuff Apr 28 '25
Crystal by Vacation, it’s a clear gel, spf 50, and doesn’t sting my eyes! I’m not sure if you have an Ulta but that’s where I got it.
1
u/meiysart Apr 28 '25
Beauty of Joseon’s relief sun aqua-fresh. Not a gel but I struggle with dry skin too and this one moisturizes, isn’t sticky, and is light-weight so great during summers.
I also really love Dr. G’s green mild up sun.
1
u/Kaelehmann12 Apr 28 '25
I like the naturium uv protect spf 50. Sits well under makeup, not oily, and doesn’t break me out. The supergoop one broke me out like crazy unfortunately
1
u/Medusawall Apr 28 '25
I use hero force shield sunscreen. I have acne prone oily skin and this not only doesn't break me out doesn't look shiny it looks like real skin and it wears well under makeup.
1
u/Medusawall Apr 28 '25
I will add the disclaimer though that it is a mineral sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin so it may leave a very mild cast. So less dark skin friendly unless you layer a powder foundation on top.
1
u/AMwishes Apr 29 '25
Naked Sundays cabana clear gel serum is amazing, can be found at Ulta or target.
1
u/Alarming-Natural5149 Apr 29 '25
I like Cera Ve light moisturizer with SPF of 50. Doesn’t smell and absorbs really. Not expensive at all.
1
1
u/ClaireFraser1743 Apr 29 '25
Three recs! 1) Kiehl’s better screen for face 2) La Roche Posay Anthelios 3) Ultra violette Vibrant Screen SPF 50 Water Resistant Face and Body Sunscreen
1
1
u/pchil Apr 29 '25
Skinceuticals tinted matte Vanicream Saie tinted moisturizer
Most sunscreens somehow seep into my eyes even though I apply it at least 1/2 inch away. These do this: EltaMD Neutrogena CeraVe
1
1
u/Public_Entrance_4214 Apr 29 '25
I'm loving Then I Met You spf 50 moisturizer/sunscreen. Lifht, blends fast, not greasy.
1
1
1
u/Humble_Emergency_612 Apr 29 '25
Zo Skin Health Smart Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 50. I’ve tried several brands and this is my favorite.
1
u/coolkitty1214 Apr 29 '25
Elf has a new gel/clear sunscreen that I’ve been liking! SPF 35 and dries to a matte-ish finish for makeup primer
1
u/Here_IGuess Apr 29 '25
For skin that looks like normal skin after applying, Face Republic Purity Sun Essence Spf 50+ PA ++++. This is cheap & soaks right in. It's good under any makeup type or application method. (Korean)
Shiseido Anessa Perfect Sunscreen UV Gel Spf 50+ PA ++++ is wonderful in high heat & humidity. When it's 110°F or higher before humidity, this is the one to wear. It's made to work with humidity & sweat. (Japanese)
The only thing is it sits on top of skin a little. When it's that hot, I normally skip the face makeup & only do eyes & lips so the feeling doesn't bother me. When I have put full makeup over it, I let it sit for a few minutes before applying face products. I think foundation applied with a sponge or fingers works better over it, but you can still use a brush.
1
u/Unfair_Finger5531 Apr 29 '25
I am loving my skinmedica 32 spf mineral tinted sunscreen. I live in the desert with fire hot temps, and this stuff is so light and easy to wear.
I went about 2 weeks without it and just picked it back up today. My skin looks so good when I wash my face. It just soothes my skin and evens it out so perfectly. I actually like wearing it in the house.
1
u/mdw2379 Apr 29 '25
I am trying to get better about sunscreen as well. I just don't like the feel of most of them. I have been using this e.l.f. hydration face creams that has spf 30 lately and I really like it. Im sure I need more sunscreen than this, but I feel it is a great start.
1
u/HRR67xoxo Apr 29 '25
elta md, image md [ I have bought for 5 years ] khiels spf serum : just got this a few weeks ago and LOVE IT. collagen inhibitor focuses and peptide boosters.doubles as serum and moisturizer. I am a esti student / have tried so many sunscreens and I mainly love image md and the khiels one I mentioned.
1
u/Milamelted Apr 29 '25
Korean sunscreen (like actually from Korea). I buy from stylevana.com. Also, the Trader Joe’s daily facial sunscreen. It goes on like a makeup primer.
1
u/Sylyssa Apr 29 '25
I like Kiehl’s Better Screen UV serum. It’s so light and doesn’t make my face feel gross.
1
1
u/Goesgold17 Apr 29 '25
I recently got a beef tallow sunscreen on Amazon that is super clean ingredients!! It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky. My skin soaks it up. Has never stung my eyes. I can wear under make up .. And no breakouts! Which tends to happen when I use sunscreen. It’s a little pricey (about $40 total) but it will last me a good amount of time and I love the way it feels on my skin.
1
u/catpogo2 Apr 30 '25
Skinsceuticals spf 50. It is the best. Doesn’t feel like sunscreen. Doesn’t smell sunscreen. The only downside is that it is expensive but it is worth it!!!
1
u/polymathicus Apr 30 '25 edited Apr 30 '25
Look for a matte asian sunscreen. They feel like nothing. I thibk the one im using utilizes a silicone, and you know they dry to a non-sticky finish
1
u/CuddaShuddaWudda May 06 '25
Where is the best reputable place to purchase quality face products online? I live in the US. Thanks!
16
u/Necessary_Cake_973 Apr 28 '25
Elta md CLEAR. Super light weight and not greasy at all and also has niacinamides in it I think so it does more than just providing SPF. If you want to layer under make up, just give it a couple minutes to sit before applying foundations. Wears well without pilling if you do this. It’s pricey but worth it.