Best Facial Sunscreen Serums of 2025

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

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Facial sunscreen serums are a must-have for anyone looking to protect their skin from harmful UV rays while also nourishing it with beneficial ingredients. These lightweight formulas are designed to be worn under makeup and provide a layer of protection that won't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. Many facial sunscreen serums also contain antioxidants and other ingredients that help fight against free radicals and environmental stressors. They come in a range of SPF levels, making it easy to find the perfect one for your skin type and daily needs. Whether you're spending the day outdoors or just running errands, a facial sunscreen serum is an essential step in any skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60+ Face Serum Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60+ Face Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Cover #TOP 2
Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with SPF 60+ Cover #TOP 3
Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with SPF 60+
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Facial Sunscreen Serums

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60+ Face Serum

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60+ Face Serum Cover
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60, All Day Facial Sunscreen Serum with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Fragrance-Free, Oxybenzone-Free, 1.7 oz

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60+ Face Serum is a lightweight facial sunscreen serum that provides all-day hydration and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Its non-greasy and fragrance-free formula is oxybenzone-free and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for everyday use. The serum also acts as a makeup primer, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains vitamin E that nourishes the skin. Use it liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

What We Like
High SPF 60+ protection
Moisturizing properties
Lightweight and odorless
#TOP 2

Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+

Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Cover
Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+, Invisible Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide, UV Filters to Shield UVA & UVB, Helps Correct Visible Signs of Aging, Boosts Skin Radiance - 1.7 fl oz

Kiehl's UV Serum SPF 50+ is a lightweight sunscreen that offers robust protection against harmful UV rays while also addressing early signs of aging. With its Collagen Peptide, it helps improve your skin's texture and tone, making it ideal for anyone looking to enhance their skin's appearance. This invisible formula is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, ensuring a seamless application under makeup. Plus, it boosts your skin's radiance, leaving you with a healthy glow throughout the day.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Boosts skin radiance
Suitable for all skin types
Invisible finish
#TOP 3

Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with SPF 60+

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Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with SPF 60+ Cover
Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen with Green Tea, Broad Spectrum SPF 60, Non-Comedogenic Face Sunscreen for Lightweight UVA/UVB Protection, Oxybenzone- & Fragrance-Free, 1.7 fl. oz

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays while preserving its natural moisture barrier with Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen. This lightweight, non-greasy face sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 60+ helps prevent sunburn and fight signs of aging due to UV exposure. Its Helioplex Technology provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while green tea leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and breathable. The fragrance- and oxybenzone-free formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and it works well as a makeup primer that blends in invisibly on all skin tones.

What We Like
Provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection from harmful UV rays
Preserves skin's natural moisture barrier and fights signs of aging due to UV exposure
Lightweight, non-greasy, and invisible on all skin tones, making it a great makeup primer
Contains green tea that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and breathable
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it great for outdoor activities
#TOP 4

ZitSticka MEGASHADE Sunscreen Serum

ZSK-FGS-M001-02-AA1US
30ml
ZitSticka MEGASHADE Sunscreen Serum Cover
ZitSticka MEGASHADE Sunscreen Serum for Face w/SPF 50-30ml UVA/UVB Protection - Ideal Skin Care for Breakout Prone & Sensitive Skin - Lightweight & Dermatologist Tested

ZitSticka MEGASHADE Serum is a lightweight sunscreen serum that provides impressive hydration and UV protection for your skin. It maximizes the absorption of nutrients and minerals, allowing you to enjoy time outdoors without worrying about skin damage. The silky smooth texture seamlessly blends onto the skin, providing even coverage while leaving your skin feeling silky, soft, smooth, and refreshed. This sunscreen is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, nourishing and safeguarding it against UV rays. With its lightweight texture and convenient dropper bottle, it is easy to apply and blend into your skin. Dermatologist tested, this sunscreen is gentle on breakout-prone, fair, dark, oily, dry, and sensitive skin. Elevate your skincare routine with the advantages of SPF protection.

What We Like
Impressive hydration and UV protection
Silky smooth texture
Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
#TOP 5

d'alba Piedmont Waterfull Sunscreen Serum

d'alba Piedmont Waterfull Sunscreen Serum Cover
d'alba Piedmont Waterfull Tone-Up Sunscreen Serum BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 + Korean Sunscreen for Face, All Skin Tones, Sweat Proof Formula (1.69 fl.oz.)

The d'alba Waterfull Sunscreen offers a unique serum-like texture, providing a dewy finish while delivering SPF 50+ protection. This sunscreen combines mineral and chemical UV filters, ensuring smooth application without irritation, making it ideal for your daily routine. You’ll enjoy all-day hydration thanks to its aqua-rich essence and pink glow technology, which leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant without any greasy residue. Plus, its universally flattering pink hue enhances your natural tone, serving as a perfect base for makeup, so you can look and feel your best every day.

What We Like
SPF 50+ protection
Hydrating formula
Seamless application
Universally flattering hue

CeraVe SPF30 Facial Moisturizer

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SPF 30
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe SPF30 Facial Moisturizer Cover
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 | Oil-Free Face Moisturizer with SPF | Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides | Non-Comedogenic | Broad Spectrum Sunscreen | 3 Ounce

Protect and hydrate your skin with CeraVe SPF30 Facial Moisturizer. Its micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves a non-greasy finish. Use it as the last step in your morning skincare routine after other products have been absorbed. This oil-free day cream contains Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's moisture and Niacinamide to help calm skin. Its MVE Technology delivers hydration throughout the day. Moreover, it contains three essential ceramides that help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. Recommended by dermatologists, it is suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

What We Like
High-quality
Easily absorbed
Improves skin texture and appearance
Protects from sun damage
Great value for the price
#TOP 7

Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF

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2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF Cover
Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF, Daily Protective Serum, 29 SPF Moisturizer & Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion, Zinc Oxide Mineral Face Sunscreen, Sun Skin Care, Reef Safe, 2 Oz.

Mad Hippie Sunscreen is a mineral face lotion that protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Its broad-spectrum SPF 29+ shields your skin against UVA/UVB rays, making it a perfect daily protective serum. This clear and clean silicone-free zinc sunscreen contains beneficial ingredients that help combat oxidative stress, and it is water-resistant, so it stays on your skin during exercise or while swimming at the beach. To get the most out of it, apply it as the last step in your morning skincare routine and reapply after swimming or exercise. Mad Hippie's mission is to create more beauty on the planet, and they do that by making beautiful skin and sun care that gives back to conservation and empowerment projects.

What We Like
Broad-spectrum SPF 29
Water-resistant
Contains beneficial ingredients
#TOP 8

PELO Naturals SPF50 Sunscreen Serum

PELO Naturals
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
PELO Naturals SPF50 Sunscreen Serum Cover
PELO Naturals Sunscreen Serum For Face SPF50, Skin Protection, Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide, Fast-Absorbing, Dewy Finish Primer, Lightly Scented

PELO Sunscreen Serum is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that offers powerful SPF 50 protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This dual-action product not only shields your skin from the sun but also acts as a makeup primer, hydrating and smoothing your skin for a perfect makeup application. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it features a gentle, non-comedogenic formula free from toxic chemicals. Plus, its travel-friendly size makes it easy to take along wherever you go, ensuring your skin stays protected and fresh throughout the day.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Dual-action primer and sunscreen
Suitable for all skin types
Travel-friendly size
#TOP 9

Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum SPF 30

850026256154
Cranberry
Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum SPF 30 Cover
Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum, 30 SPF Moisturizer & Mineral Sunscreen for Face, Zinc Oxide Mineral Face Sunscreen, Sun Skin Care, Water Resistant, Reef Safe, 1.02 Oz

Mad Hippie Sunscreen Serum is designed to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while providing hydration. This lightweight face serum features zinc oxide, which effectively shields your skin from oxidative stress. It's also water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming or exercising. Suitable for all skin types, its non-nano zinc oxide ensures that the protective particles remain on your skin until you're ready to wash them off. For optimal results, apply it as the final step in your morning routine and reapply as needed throughout the day.

What We Like
Effective UV protection
Hydrating formula
Water-resistant
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 10

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50

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1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 Cover
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with SPF, Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen and Vitamin C & E, Oil Free Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, Moisturizing Sun Protection

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 is a breakthrough water-based serum that provides advanced protection and visibly improves the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture. This daily face sunscreen and anti-aging serum protect against sun damage and premature aging while visibly smoothing and blurring fine lines, wrinkles, and pores for an even complexion and younger-looking skin. The powerful antioxidant complex of Baicalin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E helps protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV rays. It has a sheer finish, is oil-free, and leaves your skin feeling fresh.

What We Like
Provides advanced protection and visibly improves the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture
Protects against sun damage and premature aging
Powerful antioxidant complex of Baicalin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E helps protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays
Sheer finish, oil-free, and leaves your skin feeling fresh
Water-based serum for a fresh and invisible finish on your skin
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use face serum with sunscreen?

So it should be serum (the lightest product always goes on first), then moisturizer, then sunblock. And yes, between serum and moisturiser, serum goes on first. If you are also using an essence, that would go on before the serum. Another rule of thumb: wait a minute between putting on each product.

2. Can serum replace sunscreen?

Well, the answer is absolutely NOT! Although both SPF and the citrusy serum have similar properties, their individual effects on our skin cannot be denied. They will only bring more good news when used together.

3. Is SPF serum effective?

If you've ever used a serum, you'll know that a little bit goes a long way—so how effective are sunscreen serums? Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California, says they sunscreen serums are a great addition to your skin-care routine when used correctly.

Editor's Notes

During our facial sunscreen serum research, we found 48 facial sunscreen serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 407,501 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial sunscreen serums list. We found that most customers choose facial sunscreen serums with an average price of $18.40.

The facial sunscreen serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial sunscreen serums, including Neutrogena, Kiehl's, ZitSticka, d'alba Piedmont, CeraVe. 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.