I Never Wore SPF Until I Discovered These Lightweight, Skincare-Infused Formulas

Australian SPF brand Ultra Violette creates formulas that take the stress out of applying (and reapplying) sun protection. The Luminising Skinscreen Serum proves this point, feeling lightweight and hydrating on the skin while also leaving it with a radiant, dewy finish. Alongside SPF50 protection, you’ll also find brightening vitamin C and pink algae to firm and hydrate. Plus, it’s got a lovely rose scent, which makes it feel extra luxurious.

While Hello Sunday describes this as a serum, most likely due to the cocktail of hardworking ingredients, I would say in terms of texture, it feels more like a lightweight cream, making it ideal for those who want their SPF to feel extra hydrating on the skin. The ingredients, however? Brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, amino acids to protect against environmental aggressors and calming aloe vera—this is an SPF and then some.

If you are looking for an ideal sunscreen for dark skin and have been burned (no pun intended) by SPFs with white casts in the past, you want to try a clear formula. Naked Sunday’s CabanaClear is a great option, applying transparent straight from the pump and when rubbed into the skin. Although it appears invisible, it offers SPF50 protection and an array of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and kaduka plum extract, known to firm and brighten, making it seriously hardworking.

It’s a known fact that Korean beauty brands are worlds ahead of the rest of us when it comes to formulas and innovation, so it should come as no surprise to find a Korean SPF on this list. SKIN1004’s Sun Serum is designed to offer serious hydration, making it a great lightweight SPF for those with dry or dehydrated skin. While it may be nourishing, however, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy and sinks in quickly with minimal residue.

At under £15, Garnier’s Invisible Serum is a great, affordable SPF. Although it applies white, it quickly sinks in, leaving no white cast on the skin and a slightly dewy finish. It’s also fragrance-free and designed with reactivity in mind, making it great for those who are looking for a suitable SPF for sensitive skin.

When I speak to people about whether they use SPF, one of the most common responses I hear is: “No, it gives me breakouts.” To these people, I recommend ZitSticka’s Megashade, an SPF designed for breakout-prone skin. The non-comedogenic formula blends together chemical and mineral sun protection, as well as tea tree to kill bacteria on the skin, and niacinamide to brighten dark spots for a complexion that’s protected and radiant.

Talking about radiance, if you know skincare brand Alpha-H, you’ll know that glowy skin is their MO. This SPF serum is no different, alongside SPF50+ protection, it also contains potent niacinamide, which works to illuminate the skin, improve skin texture and firm fine lines. Apply three fingers' worth onto moisturised skin for a complexion that appears brighter and more even over time.

While the other serums on this list are either clear or have a slight white tone, this skin tint contains SPF protection. There are 30 shades available, all of which offer a light layer of coverage while also providing skin with SPF30 protection. While I wouldn't suggest applying this alone, as we rarely apply enough foundation to achieve adequate sun protection, it makes a great additional layer in your beauty routine while also giving skin a light, dewy base, perfect for sunny days.

While I’d recommend opting for an SPF50 at most opportunities, if you do want something lighter, Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops are a great option. For this serum, protecting the skin is its main priority, so you don’t just get sun protection but also ectoin, which protects from environmental aggressors, and chia seed oil to defend against free radicals. This means that, over time, your skin will appear smoother, more hydrated and have a healthy, radiant glow.

I’m sure you know by now that UV rays can play a big part in the formation of lines and wrinkles on our skin, so using any SPF is a great way to combat this. Lancaster’s formula takes this a step further, however, as it’s also infused with dark-spot and skin-firming ingredients to further help repair sun-induced damage. I would say this feels slightly thicker than some of the serums on this list, but once it sinks in, you won’t notice you’re wearing it. It is, without question, one of the best lightweight SPFs for mature skin.