I've tried hundreds of sunscreens—these 11 are completely invisible on my skin.

      We are likely all aware of the significance of SPF. Regardless of the weather—be it rain, wind, or sunshine—sunscreen is a daily necessity for shielding your skin from the UVA and UVB rays produced by the sun. As a beauty professional, I've experimented with numerous SPFs, and finding one that doesn't leave a white cast has certainly been a significant challenge. While this is manageable when I have a full face of makeup, on days when I go makeup-free, a sunscreen that results in a chalky residue on my darker skin is a true nightmare.

      Struggling with the same issue? No need to worry, as the days of streaky, ashy faces that feel heavy and greasy are behind us. A wide variety of sun protection formulations now exist that are lightweight and, importantly, nearly invisible on the skin. This leads me to question how these invisible SPFs stack up against conventional sunscreen formulas and whether they genuinely provide effective sun protection. To gain clarity on this topic, I consulted with dermatologist Dr. Mary Sommerlad to address my pressing queries.

      What is SPF?

      Dr. Sommerlad explains, “SPF stands for sun protection factor and serves as a measure of how much protection a sunscreen formula provides against sunlight rays that can burn the skin and contribute to skin cancer, particularly ultraviolet B (UV-B). In the UK, SPF is usually represented as a number, such as 30 or 50, indicating that, when applied correctly, your skin takes 30 or 50 times longer to burn than it would without any protection. Given that the amount of UVB reaching the skin fluctuates throughout the day, it's easier to conceptualize SPF 30 as blocking approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. This distinction is crucial, particularly for those who have had skin cancer, work outdoors, or engage in outdoor activities. However, SPF does not convey the level of UVA protection the sunscreen offers. UVA leads to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer; thus, it is essential to choose broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 that also provide good UVA protection, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones.”

      Why Do Some SPFs Leave a White Cast?

      “A white cast is frequently observed in mineral sunscreens or hybrids with an abundance of inorganic/mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These filters rest on top of the skin and have a naturally white appearance. For those with deeply pigmented skin, the stark contrast between natural skin tone and the pale appearance of the sunscreen creates a more pronounced white cast. This is especially noticeable in 100% mineral sunscreens or hybrids with high zinc oxide content, as well as in thicker formulations (e.g., creams or pastes rather than liquids/gels),” Dr. Sommerlad states.

      Are Chemical or Mineral SPFs Better for Avoiding White Cast?

      Dr. Sommerlad asserts that “Chemical sunscreens outperform mineral SPFs in terms of avoiding white casts, as their filters do not reflect visible light. They employ filters that have been extensively tested and possess a strong safety profile with minimal absorption into the body. Micronized mineral sunscreens may also result in reduced white cast since the zinc has been processed to a smaller particle size, which is important for those seeking a mineral-only sunscreen.”

      The Best SPFs Without White Cast:

      - Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh SPF50+ (£16)

      - Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating SPF50 (£21)

      - Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control SPF50+ (£22)

      - Best for Mature Skin: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Ageing SPF50 (£30)

      - Best Affordable SPF: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF50+ (£14)

      - Best Luxury SPF: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF50 (£49)

      1. **Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5**

       Best Overall SPF Without White Cast

       SPF Factor: 50+

       Formula: Watery lotion

       Mineral or Chemical? Chemical (organic)

       Fragrance-free? Yes

       Key Ingredients: 30% rice seed water, vitamin B5, green tea, artichoke leaf extract

       **Pros**: Extremely hydrating and lightweight.

       **Cons**: Individuals with dry skin may need to pair it with another moisturizer.

       After seeing Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ on my TikTok feed for months, I finally decided to give it a shot. It was noted to be a non-white-cast formula, but I genuinely didn’t anticipate it being as invisible as it was. Moreover, during hot weather, applying SPF can often feel heavy and sticky