Best Facial Sunscreen Gels of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Facial sunscreen gels are a popular and effective option for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. These gels are lightweight and easy to apply, making them a great choice for everyday use. They are also non-greasy and absorb quickly, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and refreshed. Many facial sunscreen gels also contain moisturizing ingredients, helping to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. With a variety of SPF levels available, there is a facial sunscreen gel to suit every skin type and level of sun exposure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel Cover #TOP 1
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Cover #TOP 2
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel Cover #TOP 3
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Facial Sunscreen Gels

Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel

20-40250
Clear
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel Cover
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen| Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunblock with Vitamin E | Clear Gel | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) | Travel Friendly 1.7 oz

Sun Bum Face Gel is a lightweight sunscreen designed for daily use. Its clear gel formula provides a smooth, matte finish that feels almost invisible on your skin. Enriched with Vitamin E and antioxidants, this sunscreen keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours while effectively shielding you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s easy to incorporate into your morning routine; just apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 80 minutes. This product is suitable for all skin types and is dermatologist tested, ensuring you stay protected without compromising on care.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Hydrating with Vitamin E
Broad spectrum protection
Easy daily application

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Cover
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Oil Free Invisible Gel Formula Fragrance Free Water Sweat Resistant, 1.70 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is an oil-free invisible gel formula that provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. The active ingredients, including Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene, work together to offer 40 SPF sun protection, while the lotion's formula is water and sweat-resistant. The fragrance-free sunscreen lotion is suitable for both men and women and comes in a 1.70 fl oz pack. The product's lightweight formula contains Jojoba Esters and Shea Butter to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it an excellent choice for daily use.

What We Like
Oil-free invisible gel formula
Broad-spectrum protection with 40 SPF
Water and sweat-resistant
Contains Jojoba Esters and Shea Butter to hydrate and nourish the skin
Fragrance-free
#TOP 3

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel

ISN94074
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel Cover
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel 50ml, 1.69 fl oz | SPF 30 | Moisturizing Sunscreen | No White Cast | Lightweight | Mild Formula | Korean Skincare

The ISNTREE Sun Gel is a lightweight sunscreen designed for daily use, making it easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. It features a blend of chemical filters that provide effective sun protection without feeling heavy on your skin. Infused with ten types of hyaluronic acid, this gel offers deep hydration, ensuring your skin stays fresh and moisturized throughout the day. Plus, it guarantees a clear finish with no white residue, so you can enjoy sun protection without worrying about a chalky appearance. This combination of benefits makes it a convenient choice for anyone looking to protect and nourish their skin.

What We Like
Lightweight daily sunscreen
Hydrating with hyaluronic acid
No white cast
Easy to apply

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Sunscreen

1597495
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Sunscreen Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with SPF 25, Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Water Gel Face Lotion 1.7 oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer with SPF 25 Sunscreen is a lightweight, non-comedogenic, alcohol-, and oil-free formula that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This hydrating sunscreen fights the signs of tired, dull-looking skin and replenishes the skin with purified hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Suitable for all skin types, it can be worn alone or under makeup and is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.

What We Like
Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 25
Hydrates skin with purified hyaluronic acid
Contains antioxidants to fight daily aggressors like pollution
Lightweight, non-comedogenic, alcohol-, and oil-free formula
Suitable for all skin types and can be worn alone or under makeup
#TOP 5

Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF50

SOFIA BY ODE
Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF50 Cover
Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF50 PA+++ Sunscreen NEW

Nivea Water Gel Sunscreen offers impressive UV protection while feeling as light as water on your skin. It includes hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep your skin hydrated and shields it from dryness due to UV exposure. When applied, this sunscreen gives a slight glow and a silky texture, enhancing your skin's appearance without leaving a sticky residue. Its quick absorption means you can enjoy protection without the wait, making it a convenient choice for daily use.

What We Like
High UV protection
Lightweight and non-sticky
Moisturizing hyaluronic acid
Quick absorption
#TOP 6

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Invisible SPF 35

81807EU
Invisible
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Invisible SPF 35 Cover
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35, Lightweight, Gel-based Sunscreen For A Smooth Complexion, Doubles As A Makeup Primer, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Packaging May Vary

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Invisible SPF 35, also known as e.l.f. SPF 35 Sunscreen, is a lightweight gel-based sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast. This versatile product doubles as a primer, helping to blur imperfections and provide a smooth base for makeup application. The non-greasy formula ensures a comfortable feel on the skin, and it is water-resistant for added convenience. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like aloe and meadowfoam seed, this sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. With e.l.f.'s commitment to using quality ingredients, cruelty-free and vegan formulation, this sunscreen is a great choice for those looking for effective sun protection and a flawless complexion.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Doubles as a makeup primer
Broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection

The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel

The Derma Co
8904417307269
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel Cover
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel with SPF 50 & PA++++ | Provides Blue Light Protection | Suits Oily to Normal Skin | Men & Women | 1.06 Oz/30g

The Derma Co Sunscreen Gel offers comprehensive protection for your skin. With broad spectrum protection, it shields you from harmful UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin stays safe under the sun. Additionally, it provides blue light protection, which is essential for guarding against damage from screens and electronic devices. This sunscreen is non-greasy and fragrance-free, making it perfect for daily use without clogging your pores. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this formula delivers deep hydration while keeping your skin fresh and balanced.

What We Like
Broad spectrum protection
Blue light defense
Non-greasy formula
Hydrates oily skin
#TOP 8

TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

2581635
TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Cover
TULA Daily SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel - Broad Spectrum, Non-Greasy, Reef-Safe with Blue Light & Pollution Protection

TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a non-greasy and non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 that protects your skin from sun rays, pollution, and blue light. It contains probiotic extracts, pineapple, papaya, and wild butterfly ginger root that strengthen and even out your skin tone. This sunscreen is perfect for all skin types, wears well under make-up, and doesn't leave a white cast or greasy feeling. TULA offers a 30-day worry-free return policy.

What We Like
Non-greasy and non-comedogenic sunscreen
Contains probiotics and skin superfoods for healthy, balanced and glowing skin
Protects skin from sun rays, pollution, and blue light
#TOP 9

The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel

The Derma Co
FD-ZJ-230213-609
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel Cover
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel with SPF 50 & PA++++ | Broad Spectrum UVA/B & Blue Light Protection | Lightweight & Quick Absorbing with Vitamin E | 1.76 Oz/50g

The Derma Co Sunscreen Aqua Gel offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50 and PA++++, ensuring your skin is shielded from harmful UVA rays. It also guards against blue light emitted by screens, helping to prevent skin damage and disrupted sleep. This sunscreen is non-greasy and fragrance-free, making it perfect for those who dislike oily finishes. With 1% Hyaluronic Acid, it absorbs quickly and provides deep hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Safe and effective, it promises visible results in just a few weeks.

What We Like
Broad-spectrum UV protection
Blue light defense
Non-greasy formula
Quick absorption
Safe for all skin types
#TOP 10

Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer With SPF 50

82770
Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer With SPF 50 Cover
Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Face Moisturizer With SPF 50 - Prep, Hydration & Face Sunscreen Protection - With Vitamin E & Moringa Seed Extract - 1.0 Fl Oz

Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer With SPF 50 is a weightless armor for your skin combining broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen protection with a breathable, quickly-absorbed texture. It provides sun protection to help prevent sunburn and decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. The cooling Aquagel texture transforms into water-like gel that is highly breathable, quickly absorbed, and appears invisible on skin. The lightweight moisturizer is not greasy or sticky and leaves no white residue.

What We Like
Broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen protection
Highly breathable and quickly absorbed texture
Leaves no white residue
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a gel sunscreen?

Sonrei Sea Clearly Translucent Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 This water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen goes on with a consistency similar to a cleansing balm—a thick gel that melts and absorbs quickly into skin. That consistency would also make it great for anyone with skin on the dry side.

2. What is the best sunscreen gel?

12 Best Sunscreen For Oily Skin in India – Gel Based Sunscreen with No White Cast. Re'equil Ultra Matte Dry-Touch Sunscreen Gel.Derma Essentia Sunscreen Gel.Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Gel.IPCA Acne UV Gel.Suncros Soft Gel.La Shield Oil-Free Sunscreen Gel SPF 40+ PA+++Neutrogena Ultra Dry-Touch Sunblock.

3. What is a gel sunscreen?

Gel sunscreens are able to harness clear, bouncy formulas because they are chemical-based. This means that they protect you by absorbing the sun's rays so that our skin will not — unlike chalky mineral sunscreens, which serve as a liquid shield against the sun.

Editor's Notes

During our facial sunscreen gel research, we found 48 facial sunscreen gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 135,355 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial sunscreen gels list. We found that most customers choose facial sunscreen gels with an average price of $16.58.

The facial sunscreen gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial sunscreen gels, including Sun Bum, TJ's, IsNtree, Neutrogena, SOFIA BY ODE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.