8 Clear Sunscreens That Are Actually Invisible on Every Skin Tone, According to Dermatologists and Editors
White cast? I don’t know her.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
As our team’s resident Florida native and beauty editor, I’ve tried my fair share of sunscreens. But the biggest issue I have with SPF is that they leave behind the tell-tale sign of application: White cast—you know, that ghostly glow so many SPFs leave in their wake, no matter how much you rub it in. This ashy appearance is the bane of my existence, since many appear grey or purple on my caramel complexion. Not quite the seamless look I’m going for while outdoors.
However, there are clear sunscreens that don’t leave me embarrassed when I catch my reflection. These mostly chemical formulas go on entirely clear but still protect me from those harmful solar rays. Many are water-resistant for longer wear, and some even offer added skincare benefits like hydration and anti-aging. Whether you've got sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, there's a clear sunscreen for you.
SPF protects my skin from UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sunburn, and skin cancer. It comes in many forms, including spray sunscreens, SPF makeup, and nourishing options for mature skin.
Best Clear Sunscreens of 2026
- Best Overall Clear Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
- Best Budget Clear Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Lotion
- Best Clear Sunscreen for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 50
- Best Clear Spray Sunscreen: The Seaweed Bath Co. Sheer Mineral Sensitive SPF 50
- Best for Layering Under Makeup: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
What to Consider
Broad-Spectrum SPF
There are many factors to consider when shopping for sunscreen, but at the top of the list is choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. It’s what the American Academy of Dermatology recommends, and experts such as dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Margarita Lolis, MD, follow. "As long as a clear formula is providing this protection, then it is effective," she says.
So what does broad-spectrum actually mean? This type of sunscreen protects against the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays help prevent signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. UVB rays cause more serious damage, like burns and skin cancer. You’ll want protection against both types, especially since 1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation
Sunscreen Type and Active Ingredients
Most clear sunscreens are chemical sunscreens, though it is possible to find some mineral sunscreens (otherwise known as physical sunscreens), says Shayan Cheraghlou, MD, a resident physician at NYU School of Medicine in NYC. Both types will protect the skin, but in different ways because of their active ingredients. Here’s some insight according to the pros.
Mineral Sunscreen
- Active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Notably, physical sunscreens can appear clearer when the mineral (typically zinc oxide) is used as a nanoparticle to prevent the white cast that commonly occurs with physical blockers, says Dr. Cheraghlou.
- How mineral sunscreens work: They create a physical barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays away from the skin’s surface, dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD, told us in our guide to physical sunscreens.
- Pros: Mineral sunscreens offer instant broad-spectrum protection and are safer for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Cons: Mineral sunscreens are more likely to leave behind a cast on melanin-rich complexions. Don’t worry: Our beauty team tested these featured SPFs to ensure they’re truly invisible.
Chemical Sunscreens
- Active ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.
- How chemical sunscreens work: "Chemical filters absorb the sun's rays, deflecting their damage by turning them into heat," said Dr. Shokeen.
- Pros: They don’t leave behind an ashy finish to Brown and Black skin.
- Cons: They can irritate sensitive skin and require a 15-20 minute waiting period before being effective against sun exposure.
Water-Resistance
It's always a nice bonus when a sunscreen is water-resistant, especially if you plan to exercise or enjoy water sports, since it limits how often you have to reapply. Most water-resistant formulas are effective for up to 80 minutes. Just remember to reapply after a dip to ensure your complexion is well protected while outdoors.
Some SPFs, like EltaMD Clear, combine the active ingredients found in both types of sunscreen so you can enjoy the cosmetic elegance of a chemical sunscreen with some mineral protection that’s safer for sensitive skin.
How We Chose
We’ve been writing about clear sunscreens since 2022, and I’ve been covering SPF since 2019. I have tested hundreds of options over the past seven years in the quest for the best invisible sunscreens. I frequently consult dermatologists, which is exactly what I did to kick off my selection process. During my conversations with the pros, they shared their shopping guidance, including product recommendations. After answering my many questions about their personal testing experience and patient feedback, I used their guidance to refine the list of clear sunscreen contenders. As a quick reminder, they include: broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 30, research on the active ingredients of mineral and chemical sunscreens, and water resistance.
Next, I tested several of their picks and compared them to other sunscreens in our beauty closet and in my underbed bins. To ensure these SPFs are truly invisible on different skin tones and compatible with various skin types, I recruited a few editors and contributing beauty writers to share their testing notes. Ingredients, price, and overall efficacy were considered to determine which would best suit a wide range of needs and preferences. After polling the team about their month-long testing experience, I whittled down the list to the eight best clear sunscreens of 2026. These recommendations, which start at $12, include everything from holy grail picks we’ve been using for several years to new drops that blend impressive ingredients with high performance.
Meet the Experts
- Margarita Lolis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Hackensack, NJ.
- Shayan Cheraghlou, MD, is a resident physician at NYU School of Medicine in New York, NY.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Brandford, CT.
- Jeremy Brauer, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Purchase, NY.
- Marnie Nussbaum, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
Read More Editor-Tested Products
Best Wrinkle Cream | Best at Home Waxing Kit | Best Body Wash for Women | Best Lip Balm | Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin | Best At Home Laser Hair Removal | Best Hair Brush | Best Epilator| Best Microcurrent Device | Best Moisturizers With SPF | Best Powder Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Dark Skin Tones
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.

How Kerastase Chronologiste Supports Hair Health

All About XERF, Korea’s Popular Skin Tightener

Derm-Approved Face Washes That Editors Actually Use

How To Layer Sunscreen The Right Way




















