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National Sunscreen Day 2025: From gel to stick, 10 must-have SPF products for summer

This National Sunscreen Day, make SPF part of your daily routine. Check out these best sunscreen options to try in summer 2025.

Published on: May 25, 2025, 15:00:00 IST
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Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.

This National Sunscreen Day, include the goodness of SPFs to your daily routine. (Adobe Stock)
This National Sunscreen Day, include the goodness of SPFs to your daily routine. (Adobe Stock)

Don't let harmful UV rays win this summer! As National Sunscreen Day 2025 approaches on May 27, it's the perfect time to upgrade your sun protection. This day serves as an alarm clock to remind you just how important it is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. With the rise in skin damage, pigmentation, and premature ageing caused by sun exposure, finding the right sunscreen is essential. Sunscreen shields your skin from these damaging effects and helps maintain its health and youthfulness. So, take a moment to reassess your sun protection habits and choose an SPF product that suits your skin type and lifestyle. Remember, consistent application is the key to glowing, protected skin all year round. Check out this list of the best sunscreen options for you.

National Sunscreen Day: 10 best sunscreens for every skin type

Sunscreen is essential for everyone, regardless of age, gender or skin tone. It helps to prevent skin cancer and premature ageing (American Academy of Dermatology Association). Here are some of the best sunscreen brands that you may try:

Experience ultra-light, broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light with Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. Its non-greasy, oil-free formula prevents shine and white cast and makes this best sunscreen perfect for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin. Water-resistant and dermatologist-tested, it may keep your skin safe from sun damage without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

Specifications

Concern
Sun protection
Skin type
Combination
Special feature
Dermatologically tested
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This lightweight, fragrance-free aqua gel sunscreen for face combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to deliver deep hydration while providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and blue light protection. Ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, this best sunscreen for women and men absorbs quickly without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel. It not only shields your skin, but also helps reduce fine lines and improve texture, making it a perfect daily sunscreen.

Specifications

Scent
Unscented
Skin type
All
Active ingredient
Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

Minimalist offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with advanced UV filters and multi-vitamins like niacinamide and vitamins A, B5, and E. This lightweight cream repairs sun damage while soothing and hydrating skin without any white cast or heavy residue. Tested clinically, it suits oily and dry skin alike, which makes it a reliable daily sunscreen that nourishes and protects simultaneously.

Specifications

Scent
Unscented
Skin type
All
Benefits
UV protection

Protect your skin from the sun, pollution, and blue light with this hydrating, non-sticky gel sunscreen. Enriched with papaya and vitamin C, this best sunscreen brightens skin while preventing tanning and damage. Its water-light texture feels weightless and leaves no white cast, making it perfect for all skin types. Vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free, it is a clean beauty choice for glowing, protected skin.

ALSO READ: Best SPF 50 sunscreen to slay summer 2025: Top 10 non-sticky picks that protect your skin from UV rays

Specifications

Scent
Papaya
Skin type
All
Special feature
Non-sticky

This ultra-resistant, fragrance-free fluid sunscreen from La Roche-Posay provides very high UVA/UVB protection with advanced long UVA defense, ideal for sensitive skin. Its invisible, lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue, sweat-resistant for active days. Moreover, this sunscreen is perfect for those who need strong, reliable sun protection that feels weightless and won’t irritate even the most delicate skin types.

Specifications

Scent
Unscented
Benefits
Sun protection
SPF
50

A convenient stick sunscreen designed for oily and combination skin, delivering high SPFprotection with a matte finish. Enriched with soothing mugwort and antioxidant-rich camellia, this best sunscreen stick calms irritation while fighting free radicals. Its non-greasy, shine-free texture makes it perfect for quick, mess-free touch-ups on the go without clogging pores or leaving a white cast.

Specifications

Scent
Green tea
Benefits
Smoothening
Skin type
All

This broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen stick protects against UVA/UVB rays while strengthening the skin barrier with strawberry extract, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. It minimises tanning, hydrates, and offers a mess-free application, making it easy to reapply anytime. Its lightweight, fragrance-free formula leaves no white cast, is suitable for all skin types and is perfect for daily sun defense.

ALSO READ: Best sunscreen lotion for sensitive skin: 10 options for light, non-greasy and soothing effect

Specifications

Concern
Sun protection
Skin type
Oily
Special feature
Paraben-free

LAKMÉ’s invisible sunstick offers powerful broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection with aweightless, non-oily texture and a super mattified finish. The tinted formula blends seamlessly on all skin tones, which makes it ideal for quick on-the-go application without any white cast. Moreover, this best sunscreen for oily skin is perfect for those who want reliable sun protection that feels light and invisible and controls shine throughout the day.

Specifications

Concern
Sun protection
Skin type
Combination
Special feature
Dermatologically tested

This fast-absorbing sunscreen spray provides broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection with zinc oxide and botanical extracts like rosemary and chamomile to soothe and hydrate skin. Its non-comedogenic, water-resistant formula shields from UVA, UVB, and environmental damage without stickiness. Ideal for men and women looking for high-level sun defense, this sunscreen spray feels refreshing and keeps skin moisturised all day.

Specifications

Scent
Aloe vera, chamomile
SPF
60
Benefits
UV protection

Protect your skin with this lightweight, quick-absorbing sunscreen body spray that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an instant cooling sensation. Infused with watermelon and aloe water, this best sunscreen spray soothes sun-exposed skin while being non-greasy and alcohol-free. Moreover, it is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which makes it perfect for active lifestyles and all skin types.

Specifications

Concern
Sun protection
Skin type
Dry
Special feature
Alcohol-free

Top features of the best sunscreens:

Best sunscreen

SPF & PA rating

Texture & finish

Key features / ingredients

Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF 50+ PA++++SPF 50+, PA++++Ultra-light, dry touch, non-sticky, no white castHelioplex tech, broad spectrum UVA/UVB, water resistant, suitable for oily/dry/sensitive, fragrance
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Aqua GelSPF 50, PA++++Ultra-light, non-greasy, no white cast, fragrance-freeHyaluronic acid (1%), Vitamin E, broad spectrum + blue light protection, non-comedogenic, suitable for oily/acne skin
Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++SPF 50, PA++++Lightweight cream, no white cast, non-greasyUV filters (Uvinul T 150, Avobenzone), multi-vitamins (A, B3, B5, E, F), broad spectrum, clinically tested
Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Gel SPF 50+ PA++++SPF 50+, PA++++Lightweight gel, hydrating, non-sticky, no white castHyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, APF tech (anti-pollution), broad spectrum + blue light protection, vegan & fragrance-free
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 SPF50+SPF 50+Invisible fluid, ultra-light, non-perfumedUltra-long UVA protection, water & sweat resistant, suitable for sensitive skin
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++SPF 50, PA++++Matte finish, non-greasy, stick formatMugwort (soothing), camellia (antioxidants), no white cast, ideal for oily/combination skin
Dot & Key Strawberry Dew SPF 50 StickSPF 50, PA+++Stick, non-greasy, invisible finishHyaluronic acid, ceramides, strawberry extract, strengthens skin barrier, minimizes tanning
LAKMÉ Sun Expert Invisible Sunstick SPF 50+ PA++++SPF 50+, PA++++Tinted stick, invisible, super mattified, non-oilyOn-the-go application, no white cast, suitable for all skin types
SunScoop Hydrating Face & Body Spray SPF 60 PA++++SPF 60, PA++++Lightweight fluid spray, quick absorbing, dewy finishZinc oxide, rosemary, chamomile, aloe vera, oat milk, octocrylene, avobenzone, no harmful chemicals
DOT & KEY Watermelon Cooling Body Spray SPF 40 PA+++SPF 40, PA+++Lightweight spray, non-greasy, cooling sensationWatermelon, aloe water, alcohol-free, broad spectrum UV protection, water & sweat resistant

What are the benefits of the best sunscreen?

This National Sunscreen Day, it is important to understand the benefits of using sunscreen to make the most out of this skincare product.

1. Cancer prevention: Regular use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and melanoma risk by 50% (Skin Cancer Foundation).

2. Prevents premature ageing: The best sunscreen for dry skin and also helps prevent premature ageing caused by the sun. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and age spots (Skin Cancer Foundation.)

3. Protects against UV rays: Applying the best sunscreen for face can keep your skin shielded from UV rays that cause sunburn and skin damage.

4. Prevents sunburn: Consistent use of sunscreen can also avoid painful sunburns and the redness, peeling and itching that come with it.

5. Protects against hyperpigmentation: It may even help prevent dark spots, uneven skin tone and melasma triggered or worsened by sun exposure.

Frequently asked questions
You must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher everyday. For an extended outdoor activity, use SPF 50 sunscreen 15 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen or approximately 30 grams of sunscreen, to fully cover the skin (American Academy of Dermatology Association).
If you have dry skin, apply cream-based sunscreen. For oily skin, gel sunscreens work the best. Sunscreen sticks are best used around the eyes.
Yes! Choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen designed for oily or acne-prone skin to avoid clogging pores while protecting against UV rays.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

  • Tanya Shree
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Tanya Shree

    Meet Tanya Shree! Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a flair for photography and visual communication, she is a stickler for detail. An avid reader and a shopping aficionado, she has a knack for spotting hidden gems and dissecting products. Her own passion to check out the best deals online matches her dedication to ensure our readers get information that is research-backed and fact-checked. With her clear, concise and reliable content, Tanya helps users make the best choice when it comes to choosing health and wellness products from the vast online pool.Read More

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