Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, jojoba oil, vitamin E, calendula, chamomile | Fragrance-Free: No
Best Flexible Shades: Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow
Why It’s Worth It: The developers took three years to create this lightweight mineral formula with advanced PA+++ board-spectrum filters that immediately absorbs into the skin. For reference, Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow is available in two shades, Fair-Medium and Medium-Deep, that sheer out to a fantastic glowy finish that leaves virtually no white solid. It protects skin from stressors like blue light and free radicals using rice extracts, vitamin C, and resveratrol while containing a peptide complex that plumps and firms skin. The deeper shade is ideal for evening out your skin tone in case your face is lighter than your body.
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, rice extracts, vitamin C, resveratrol | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a sunscreen glowy?
“The essential ingredients that give the sparkly glow effect are silica and mica,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. For added dewiness, hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin might help achieve that look, he notes.
How do I pick the best sunscreen?
First off, your sunscreen should have broad-spectrum protection that meets the advisable minimum rating of 30, in response to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Luckily, protection and glow are available chemical and mineral options, in addition to inclusive shades. Even mineral-based sunscreens, which regularly get a nasty rep for leaving white and gray casts, are available modern formulas that leave almost no trace on the skin.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
“A great sunscreen is designed in order that half a teaspoon of product will be applied to the face and neck without cakiness or greasiness,” Elyse Love, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, confirms. Add an additional teaspoon for every arm or leg, back and front. Also remember: UV protection doesn’t end with the primary application. “Reapply every two hours at a minimum but more often if sweating or emersed in water,” Miam-based board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, previously explained.
Sunscreen best practices, after all, apply whether you are staying indoors or venturing outside. “There is a little bit of a trade-off working from home as it’s possible you’ll now be getting more blue light exposure,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “UV light, especially UVA, can travel through windows, so unless you will have zero windows in your house, you’re still prone to UV damage.” Make sure you are adhering to the dermatologist-recommended amounts of sunscreen if you will have direct sun exposure, period.
Meet the experts
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founding father of skin-care brand Dr. Idriss
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City
- Roberta Del Campo, MD, a based board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida
- Elyse Love, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors have a look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when crucial, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each product that’s included in each review, we depend on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to assist us vet the ingredients and formulas.
