The 16 Most Innovative SPF Products You Need to Know About

By
Kaitlyn McLintock
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Kaitlyn McLintock
Kaitlyn McClintock contributed to Byrdie for over two years, most recently covering beauty news for the brand.
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Updated on Jan 18, 2022
Medically reviewed by
Lily Talakoub, MD, FAAD
Lily Talakoub
Medically reviewed by Lily Talakoub, MD, FAAD
Dr. Talakoub is a board-certified dermatologist with a special interest in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She also serves as a columnist for Dermatology News and previously worked as a medical writer for ABC News
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Sunscreen isn't what it used to be, and trust us, that's a good thing. We no longer have to pay a price for sun protection. We don't have to put up with greasy lotions, chalky residue, and sullen, gray complexions like we did in the past. No, today's SPF products are effective, lightweight, and barely detectable on the skin. What's more is that they come in almost every form imaginable, from sprays and mists to oils, highlighters, eyeshadows, and beyond. It's official: the new wave of sunscreen is here, and it's about time.

So, of course, we researched the products that go beyond the standard lotion and spray delivery method to revolutionize the way you protect your skin.

From SPF-infused eyeshadows to sunscreen drops and highlighter hybrids, these are the most innovative SPF products on the market.

In This Article

Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35

Supergoop Poof Part Powder

Supergoop
View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

Have you ever been sunburnt on your scalp? It's not pleasant. That's what this product aims to prevent. It's a 100% mineral sunscreen powder (SPF 45) that you spray onto your scalp just like dry shampoo, and it keeps any exposed skin protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also absorbs excess oil (so it really is just like dry shampoo) and volumizes the hair while it's at it. This is one of the only hair products you need to tote to the beach with you.

Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

View On Ulta

Here's another scalp-protecting product from Coola. This one protects the scalp and hair from heat, UV rays, and color fading with an antioxidant-rich SPF 30 formula that includes chemical sunscreen blockers as well as pro-vitamin B5 and monoi oil. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and 70% organic.

SACHAJUAN Hair In The Sun

sachajuan orange bottle

 Sachajuan 
View On Amazon View On Revolve

This UV-filtering product is a mix between a hair masque and a styling cream. It protects your hair and your hair color from damaging sun rays. It's also formulated with algae-based minerals and proteins, and it promises to help smooth and strengthen your hair.

Coola Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops

4.5
View On Nordstrom View On Ulta View On Coola.com

Coola's organic sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB light, as well as HEV (or high energy visible) light. That means it protects the skin from sun damage and electronic light damage. Each morning, add a few drops into your palm, press your hands together, and apply it onto the face and neck in upward strokes. It's quick and easy, and your future self will thank you for it.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops

View On Neiman Marcus

Dr. Barbara Sturm has created one of team Byrdie's favorite skincare lines. Her namesake Sun Drops are lightweight, hydrating, and provide SPF 50. Use the dropper to deposit a few drops of the lightweight liquid into your palms and press them into the skin. Or you can add a few droplets to your favorite moisturizer or foundation.

Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

View On Dermstore

Here's the problem with traditional SPF. You apply it in the morning and then you apply your makeup. Once your makeup is on, you don't want to re-apply a wet sunscreen because it will mess up your makeup. The solution is to use a powdered SPF that you can brush on over the top of your makeup. It's brilliant, right? This one from Tarte offers full-spectrum SPF 30 UVA and UVB protection.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon View On Dermstore

This brush-on powder SPF from Colorescience is something of a fan favorite. It provides protection from UVA and UVB light, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation, all at once.

Paula's Choice On-the-Go-Shielding Powder SPF 30

On-The-Go-Shielding Powder SPF 30

 Courtesy of Nordstrom 
View On Dermstore

This brush-on powder SPF from Paula's Choice is formulated with vitamin A, E, and C, as well as ceramides, and zinc oxide, so it treats the skin while protecting it with SPF 30.

ILIA Beauty Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20

ILIA Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder
View On Dermstore View On Credo Beauty View On Iliabeauty.com

Natural cosmetics brand Ilia also has a brush-on SPF powder, which is cruelty-free and vegan. What makes this one stand apart from the rest is its micro-fine pearl pigments, which reflect light for a glowy finish. However, since this product isn't SPF 30, it should be layered with other SPF to ensure you get enough sun protection.

Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50

4.8
Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50

Sephora
View On Sephora View On Dermstore View On Supergoop.com
Supergoop's Glow Stick Leaves Skin Dewy, Glowing, and Protected

Imagine a facial oil, a highlighter, and a sunscreen all-in-one. That's exactly what this glow-boosting product is. It hydrates the skin with a combination of moisturizing oils, protects the skin with SPF 50, and imparts a shimmer-free dewiness wherever it's applied. Seriously, swipe it over your cheekbones before heading out in the sun to achieve the dewiness of your dreams.

What Our Testers Say

“Supergoop’s Glow Stick doubles as a sunscreen and highlighter to leave your skin bright and dewy. If you're looking for a lightweight, multitasking SPF that’s perfect for everyday wear, this is for you.” — Melony Forcier, Product Tester

Petiue SPF HIghlighter

View On Petiue.com

If you prefer your highlighter to be less oily, and more shimmery, try this sunscreen-highlighter hybrid product. Swipe it on the high points of your face (including your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow) for extra radiance and SPF 45 sun protection. We like its subtle peppermint scent, which is especially refreshing on meltingly hot summer days. Just make sure to apply other SPF to the places on your face where you're not using this product.

Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30

View On Nordstrom

Another SPF-infused eyeshadow comes courtesy of Supergoop!. This cream eyeshadow comes packaged in a travel-friendly pot and is easy to apply using only your fingers. It awakens the eye area with a sheer wash of color and an illuminating shimmer finish. It's formulated with rose, Roman chamomile, jasmine, and sunflower extracts, and it also provides the delicate eye area with antioxidant benefits.

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

View On Sephora

An easy way to add an extra layer of sun protection after applying your skincare and makeup products is to finish up with a spritz of an SPF setting spray. This one from Kate Somerville offers SPF 50, as well as a soft-focus matte finish (which makes it great for people with oily skin).

Soleil Toujours Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30

View On Dermstore

This setting mist from Soleil Toujours offers SPF 30, as well. It's formulated with aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea, so it soothes and smoothes the skin, too.

Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lipstick SPF 30

View On Kaplanmd.com

Dr. Kaplan is a dermatologist who practices out of Beverly Hills. His namesake skincare line is full of noteworthy products, and this SPF lipstick is one of them. Apply one layer for a semi-sheer wash of color or multiple layers for an opaque finish. We like how it feels so creamy and hydrating on the lips while keeping them protected from the sun.

EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31

View On Skinstore.com

EltaMD is one of our favorite sun care brands, thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy products. We like this hydrating SPF 31 lip balm. Unlike so many others on the market, this one is completely water-resistant.

We Tested 51 Sunscreens and These Are the Best 12

What to Look for in an Innovative SPF Product

What It Protects Against

When shopping for an SPF product, look at what it claims to protect against. Generally, sunscreens will give you UVB protection but not every sunscreen will protect you against UVA rays. To ensure that you're protected from UVA rays, look for SPF products that are labeled broad-spectrum. This means that they have a variety of sunscreen filters to cover a broad range of UV rays.

SPF Level

Dermatologists recommend wearing SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UV rays, which is considered adequate, while SPF 15 only blocks 93%. No SPF level will block out 100% of UVB rays, so you should combine your SPF product with sun protective clothing, too.

Water Resistance

Although sunscreen can never be fully waterproof, some sunscreens are water-resistant. This refers to the sunscreen's ability to remain on the skin while you're in the water. Generally, water-resistant sunscreens are effective between 40 to 80 minutes. You'll have to check with the specific product you're using to make sure you know when to reapply.

FAQ
  • How often should you reapply an innovative SPF product?

    Just like any other sunscreen product, you will need to reapply at least every two hours, and if you've been excessively sweating or have been in the water, you should apply more frequently. The good news is these products have made it easier to reapply without disturbing your hair, makeup, and more.

  • When should you use an innovative SPF product?

    Typically you should use an SPF product every day. The sun never takes a day off. In fact, 80% of the sun's rays can still peek through clouds on particularly dreary days.

  • Should an innovative SPF product replace your actual sunscreen?

    It depends on the product and how you use it. For example, if you have an SPF eyeshadow or highlighter, you will still need sunscreen for the rest of your face, so you're fully protected. However, something like a sunscreen stick or SPF powder can be used all over the face in lieu of your regular bottle of sunscreen—just make sure you're using enough.
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. How to Decode Sunscreen Labels. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels.

  2. Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen.

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