I'm Lazy—These 10 Sunscreen Serums Save Me Time and Money (and Sun Damage)
I didn't start wearing daily sunscreen until I was in my 20s. I know, I know… I should have known better. Actually, I did know better. I just wasn't focused on that (very important) part of my skincare routine yet. Instead of applying it each day, I would reserve it for languid beach days, long hikes, and any other time I knew I'd be out in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Basically, I did the bare minimum.
Since then, I've mended my ways, and I apply SPF 30 or higher every single day. In hindsight, I have sunscreen serums to thank for this improvement. Sunscreen serums are just what they sound like—hybrid products that combine traditional sunscreen with active ingredients to treat and protect the skin in one fell swoop. Since they combine two products and two steps in one, they make my morning skincare routine simple. As someone who has a tendency to be lazy and take the path of least resistance, trust me when I say these products can save you time, money, and, most importantly, sun damage. Keep scrolling to see 10 sunscreen serums to shop now.
This is the first sunscreen serum I ever used, and it's been a rom-com love story ever since. Its lightweight, creamy texture sinks into my skin each morning, and I rest assured knowing it's providing my skin with SPF 30 along with antioxidant-rich spinach and green tea to help neutralize damaging free radicals.
I love La Roche-Posay products, and this sunscreen serum is no exception. It's a lightweight water-based formula that never clogs my pores. It contains vitamins C and E, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture. It also shields my skin with SPF 50. What's not to love?
The milky texture of this sunscreen serum feels lightweight and hydrating. My skin basically drinks it up. With non-nano zinc, algae, blue sea kale, sea aster, and raspberry and moringa-seed oils, it protects the skin while treating it to antioxidants and moisture.
This SPF 30 serum is formulated with antioxidant-rich hydrating ingredients that help the skin look plump and bouncy. I love its milky texture that feels almost imperceptible on the skin.
This sunscreen serum was formulated specifically for oily, breakout-prone skin. It contains a mix of chemical and mineral blockers as well as good-for-skin ingredients such as niacinamide, ferulic acid, colloidal oatmeal, Kakadu plum, tea tree, and hyaluronic acid.
A budget-friendly option, Neutrogena's new sunscreen serum provides SPF 60 infused with vitamin E for soft, smooth skin. It's also noncomedogenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
This sunscreen serum uses a mix of watermelon and hyaluronic acid to boost water levels in the skin, providing a plumping effect. Wear it alone or layer it under moisturizer for dewy (and protected!) skin.
This is one of my favorite sunscreen serums for one reason: its focus on skin-brightening vitamin C. It mixes high-potency vitamin C with SPF 40 for a two-in-one product that protects the skin while targeting dark spots and dullness. It's genius.
Here's another vitamin C–infused sunscreen serum. This one is lightweight and hydrating and has a slight citrus scent. Normally, I avoid fragrance, but I don't mind it in this case since it doesn't irritate my skin and smells so fresh and summery.
A sunscreen serum that was made for all skin types and tones, this one promises to never leave a white cast and provides SPF 35. The addition of prickly pear helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
Shop Eight Other SPF Products I Love
This SPF moisturizer makes my skin look so glowy.
I'm also a fan of this brush-on SPF from Supergoop, which I use in lieu of a traditional mattifying powder.
I wasn't kidding about my love for La Roche-Posay.
This sunscreen gives my limbs a subtle radiance thanks to finely milled shimmer particles.
True to the name, the scent of this sunscreen makes me feel like I'm on vacation.
If you prefer a matte finish, this is the sunscreen for you.
Next, Here's How I Edited Down My Skincare Routine and Got the Best Skin of My Life
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
-
Experts, Editors, and the Internet Agree: These 12 Serums Unlock Hyper-Speed Hair Growth
Long! Strong! Healthy!
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
A Facialist Practically Begged Me to Use This High-Tech Serum—My Skin Transformed in 30 Days
The before-and-after pictures are shocking.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I Discovered Korea's Best-Selling Vitamin C Serum, and It's Only $20 on Amazon
It uses an ingredient that has 10 times more vitamin C than lemons.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I Tried 3 Celeb-Recommended Vitamin C Serums—This One Came Out on Top
For bright, glowy skin.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Winnie Harlow Doesn't Leave the House Without This SPF Body Spray and Nude Lip Liner
SPF is key.
By Maya Thomas
-
We're Jet-Setting Beauty Editors—Of Course We Have a List of Our Favorite Travel-Size Sunscreens
Adorable minis ahead.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Vacation's New SPF Body Shimmer Is Quite Literally Liquid Gold
The only three-in-one summer staple I need.
By Shawna Hudson
-
My Skin Barrier Was So Damaged Until I Found This $28 Serum on TikTok
All I have to say is wow.
By Shawna Hudson