The beauty world has witnessed a remarkable shift in sun protection. Gone are the days of thick, white-cast-leaving sunscreens. In their place, sunscreen serums have emerged, offering a lightweight, hydrating alternative that feels virtually undetectable on the skin. These innovative formulas have taken the market by storm, becoming a staple in skincare routines worldwide.
Sunscreen serums are the epitome of effortless sun protection. They absorb quickly, leave no chalkiness, and are perfect for wearing under makeup. Imagine a hydrating serum with the added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection—this is the magic of sunscreen serums. Packed with moisture-boosting ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acidthese serums keep the skin hydrated without any heaviness or grease.
The Rise of Sunscreen Serums
The journey of sunscreen serums from niche to mainstream is a testament to their effectiveness. What was once a rarity found in French pharmacies or Korean beauty stores is now readily available in Sephoras and local drugstores across the U.S. This shift reflects a growing demand for skincare products that are not only effective but also enjoyable to use.
To identify the best sunscreen serums, the Cosmo team embarked on an extensive testing journey. From the sweltering streets of Miami and New York City to tropical vacations, these serums were put to the test in various conditions. The result is a curated list of the top sunscreen serums that deliver exceptional sun protection while enhancing your skincare routine.
Top Sunscreen Serums for Your Summer Skincare Routine
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fluid
Topping our list is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fluid. This sunscreen serum is a masterclass in sun protection and skincare. With a fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic formula, it delivers hydration and barrier support thanks to ingredients like glycerinniacinamideand hyaluronic acid. Antioxidants in the formula help defend against environmental stressors, making it a comprehensive shield for your skin.
Cosmo editor review“La Roche-Posay does sunscreen so well, I love just about any formula they dropped. But this one really impressed me—so much so, it was the only SPF I wore for four days in Miami and at the Miami Open. It glides on skin effortlessly without feeling sticky or goopy on skin. It also doesn’t pill, making it fantastic to wear under makeup.” —Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint SPF 45
For those who prefer mineral sunscreens without the white cast, the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint SPF 45 is a game-changer. This formula goes on sheer and is packed with skin-conditioning moisture that leaves skin looking glowy and fresh. Infused with glycerin and ceramides alongside zinc, it delivers reliable mineral sun protection while keeping the skin hydrated all day long.
Cosmo editor review“I’m mega impressed by this new mineral SPF from Summer Fridays. It makes my skin look plump, fresh, and dewy—but it doesn’t feel heavy either, a feat for something with such a strong sheen. This is thanks to the lightweight construction, and where the whole “mineral milk” thing comes in. The consistency is similar to a milky essence or toner, which really helps it spread evenly across my skin. But it provides the most gorgeous glow, all while protecting my face.”—BG
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firming SPF 30
sensitive skin requires special care, and the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firming SPF 30 is designed with that in mind. Packed with soothing colloidal oatmeal and aloethis serum-like formula calms the skin while delivering a boost of hydration. It supports the skin barrier, keeping your complexion comfortable and less prone to dryness and tightness after sun exposure.
Cosmo editor review“This is one of the rare sunscreens that genuinely feels good to apply—the texture is thin and fast-absorbing, and there’s zero weird SPF smell. I personally appreciate the screw-off top, too. It feels extra secure, so I can throw in my bag and trust there’s no risk of spills.” —Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, Social Media Director
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a lightweight marvel. Thanks to hyaluronic acid and glycerinit delivers impressive smoothing benefits. While it’s not full-coverage, the mineral formula comes in two flexible shades that subtly even out skin tone and blur the look of texture. Skin-balancing botanicals like rhodiola root and echinacea help minimize the appearance of pores, while barrier-supporting plant sugars keep skin plump and hydrated.
Cosmo editor review“I love the idea of Ilia’s iconic Super Serum skin tint, but it’s just too dewy for my combo skin. This new SPF from Ilia has the perfect finish, though. While the coverage is just a sheer hint of tint, the way it makes my skin look smooth and velvety all day long is simply amazing.” —Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director
Villeroy & Boch UV Expert Anti-Aging Fluid SPF 50
Technically labeled as a sunscreen milk, the Villeroy & Boch UV Expert Anti-Aging Fluid SPF 50 is a serum-y sunscreen thanks to its fast-absorbing texture. It sinks into the skin like a hydrating skincare step, delivering lightweight moisture alongside soothing aloe and barrier-supporting ectoin.
Cosmo editor review“Never in my life has a sunscreen blended into my dry skin as seamlessly as this SPF. I wear it on repeat while swimming and running, and it never leaves behind a white finish when mixed with water or sweat. And since it absorbs into the skin so nicely, it works just like a hydrating primer underneath any level of summer makeup.” —Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a derm-loved SPF that goes beyond traditional sun protection. Alongside high UVA and UVB protection, the antioxidant-rich formula helps defend against everyday environmental stressors like blue light damage and pollution. The fluid-like texture is ultra-sheer and weightless, sinking into skin instantaneously, so it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.
Cosmo editor review“I’ve been obsessed with this sunscreen ever since it came stateside last year. It has a water-light texture that glides into the skin with ease, and I love sweeping it along my hairline when my hair is in a ponytail—especially over the areas where I have freckles and sun damage, since it doesn’t leave behind any white cast. I also love that it protects from more than just sun damage.”—JH
The beauty team at Cosmo, led by Assistant Beauty Editor Jasmine Hyman, tested a range of new sunscreen serums to bring you the best options based on texture, ingredients, efficacy, and price. Their expertise ensures that you find the perfect sunscreen serum to suit your needs.
