Best Facial Sunscreen Gels of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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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
Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel Sunscreen Cover #TOP 2
Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel Sunscreen
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Cover #TOP 3
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Facial Sunscreen Gels

#TOP 1

Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel

20-40250
Clear
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Face Gel Cover
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Clear Gel Face Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - Travel Size 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
#TOP 2

Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel Sunscreen

Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel Sunscreen Cover
Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Face Gel, Clear Sunscreen, Hydrating & Nourishing, Water-Resistant, Fragrance-Free, Travel Size, 1.7 Fl. Oz.

The Vacation Crystal Face Gel offers a clear, invisible sunscreen that blends seamlessly on all skin tones, so you won’t have to worry about any white residue. Its lightweight, breathable texture feels like you’re wearing nothing, making it comfortable for daily use. Plus, it works as a blurring primer, smoothing your skin and minimizing pores while helping reduce fine lines, giving you a flawless makeup base. With strong SPF 50 protection that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this gel keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays, making it perfect for outdoor activities and travel.

What We Like
Invisible on all skin tones
Lightweight, breathable texture
Doubles as blurring primer
High SPF 50 protection
Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Trader Joe's Fair Trade
Lesngsa
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 4

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Sunscreen

1597495
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Sunscreen Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel Face Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 25, Hydrating Facial Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid, Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic 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

Naked Sundays CabanaClear SPF 50 Serum

CABCLEAR30US
Naked Sundays CabanaClear SPF 50 Serum Cover
Naked Sundays SPF 50 Clear Facial Sunscreen Serum – CabanaClear™ Invisible Water Gel SPF for Sensitive Skin, Lightweight, Fragrance-Free Daily Face Sunscreen, 30ml

The Naked Sundays SPF 50 Serum offers strong daily protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays with its clear, lightweight gel formula that won’t leave a white cast on your skin. It’s especially great if you have sensitive or breakout-prone skin, as it’s free from fragrances and silicones that could irritate you. The water-gel texture feels very light and absorbs quickly, so you won’t feel sticky or heavy, making it easy to wear every day or under makeup. Plus, it includes hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E to keep your skin moisturized and healthy while protecting it.

What We Like
Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
Fragrance-free, gentle formula
Lightweight, quick-absorbing gel
Hydrating ingredients included
#TOP 6

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel SPF 40

White
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel SPF 40 Cover
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40, Facial Sunscreen & Moisturizer, Vitamin E, Matte Finish, Makeup Primer, Travel Size, 80 Minutes Water-Resistant, 1.7 oz

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Gel offers broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, helping you shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn and premature aging. Its clear gel formula is lightweight and invisible on all skin tones, so you can apply it without worrying about a white cast. This sunscreen also features vitamin E and Helioplex technology, which work together to provide strong daily defense against sun damage while nourishing your skin. Plus, it has a matte finish that keeps your face shine-free and acts as a smooth base for makeup, making it a convenient part of your daily routine.

What We Like
Broad spectrum SPF 40 protection
Invisible, clear gel formula
Vitamin E antioxidant
Matte finish and makeup primer
Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
#TOP 7

Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++

SKIN AQUA
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ Cover
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ - 110g - Pack of 2

The Skin Aqua Moisture Gel Sunscreen offers excellent hydration thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid and collagen, which helps keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. With a strong SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating, you get top-tier protection from both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. The sunscreen spreads smoothly and evenly, so you won’t have to worry about white streaks or a sticky feel. Plus, its water-resistant formula makes it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming or sports, ensuring your skin stays protected even when you’re active.

What We Like
Hyaluronic acid hydration
High SPF 50+ protection
Non-sticky, even application
Water-resistant formula
#TOP 8

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel

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

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
#TOP 9

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

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35 Gel Sunscreen

81808EU
Invisible
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35 Gel Sunscreen Cover
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35 Mini, Lightweight, Gel-based Sunscreen For A Smooth Complexion, Doubles As A Makeup Primer, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The e.l.f. Suntouchable SPF 35 is a lightweight gel sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones. It also works as a makeup primer, helping to smooth your skin and keep your makeup in place longer. The formula feels non-greasy, so you won’t have to worry about a heavy or sticky sensation throughout the day. Plus, it’s water-resistant, which means it can handle sweat or light water exposure. Enriched with aloe and meadowfoam seed, this sunscreen nourishes your skin, making it suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types.

What We Like
Lightweight gel formula
Makeup primer benefits
Non-greasy texture
Water-resistant
Skin-soothing ingredients
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 67,644 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 $18.15.

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, VACATION, Trader Joe's Fair Trade, Neutrogena, Naked Sundays. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.