Of all of the skin care merchandise that it’s a must to use, none are extra very important than SPF. For that reason why, I subscribe to the conclusion that the most productive sunscreen is the sunscreen that you simply in reality need to make use of—and in 2025, it is by no means been more straightforward. From lotions and sunscreen sticks to SPF sprays and SPF serums, SPF now is available in all kinds of codecs, designed to enchantment to each pores and skin sort (those are the perfect SPFs for greasy pores and skin, BTW) pores and skin tone (those sunscreens for darkish pores and skin may not depart a white solid) and fear, wether you might be pimples-prone or on the lookout for an SPF for delicate pores and skin. So it doesn’t matter what your choice—matte texture, invisible end, mineral components, fragrance-free, tinted—there in point of fact is one thing for everybody.
For most of the people, a light-weight, hydrating, invisible components ticks all the bins, which is why SPF waters have rapid turn out to be one in every of my favorite tactics to offer protection to my pores and skin. They do not really feel heavy, depart greasy residue or a white solid, and maximum are very moisturising and excellent for the use of on-the-go or making use of over make-up.
Ahead, to find my evaluations of the perfect SPF waters, attempted and examined.
What Is An SPF Water?
SPF waters have a viscous, transparent components, which is perfect implemented to the surface by the use of a sprig. They’re formulated to be hydrating and really feel light-weight at the pores and skin and continuously comprise moisturising components like hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Formulas might range, however maximum SPF waters supply solar coverage in opposition to UVB rays, which motive sunburn, and UVA rays, which give a contribution to long-term pores and skin harm.
How To Apply SPF Waters
As maximum are implemented by the use of a sprig or mist, I would not suggest the use of SPF waters as your sole type of solar coverage—they are perfect for top-ups. Simply spray-on right through the day to handle your coverage. Read up on our information on methods to observe SPF to ensure your pores and skin is carefully secure.
How I Tested
Over the previous few weeks I’ve trialled various SPF waters for each face and frame, striking them to the take a look at below and over make-up, on vacation, on the seaside, and on lengthy paintings days. These are the most productive of the bunch, for each pores and skin sort and fear.
The Best SPF Waters
- Best for over make-up: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
- Best for frame: Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Water SPF 50
- Best for greasy pores and skin: Naked Sundays Cabanaclear Water Gel Serum SPF 50
- Best for dry pores and skin: Bioré UV Invisible Face Mist
- Best for delicate pores and skin: Coola SPF 15 Organic Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
1. Best for over make-up: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
Ultra Violette
Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist
Best for: Normal to dry pores and skin.
Few other people need to reapply a cream or serum sunscreen excessive in their make-up, which is why SPF waters for the face are ideal for topping up solar coverage right through the day. This specific spray has an ultra-fine mist that may not disturb make-up, and it hydrates pores and skin and boosts glow within the procedure. Ever because it introduced this has been a purse staple for me. It’s light-weight and completely invisible, so is absolute best for making use of over make-up—and I additionally to find it is helping to set make-up and revive basis that is beginning to glance a bit cakey by way of 3pm.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-tacky end.
Cons
- Strong perfume and alcohol content material.
(Image credit score: @thatgracegirl)
Grace dressed in Ultra Violette Preen Screen.
2. Best for frame: Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Water SPF 50
Lancaster
Sun Beauty Body Water SPF 50
Best for: Dry pores and skin.
If you might be on the lookout for a mild, non-greasy frame sunscreen, that is it. The bi-phase components comprises nourishing components like squalane and buriti oil to melt and moisturise pores and skin while it protects.
Pros
- Provides top solar coverage.
3. Best for greasy pores and skin: Naked Sundays Cabanaclear Water Gel Serum Spf50
Best for greasy pores and skin
Naked Sundays
Cabanaclear Water Gel Serum SPF 50
Best for: Oily to aggregate pores and skin.
A gel-textured, water-based SPF is absolute best for oilier pores and skin sorts. This has a silky-smooth texture which melts into pores and skin with out leaving any chalky residue or white solid. What’s extra, it is formulated to forestall clogged pores and breakouts.
Pros
- Clear, gel-based components that absorbs briefly.
4. Best for dry pores and skin: Bioré UV Invisible Face Mist
Bioré
UV Invisible Face Mist
Best for: Dry pores and skin.
Due to their ultra-hydrating formulation, SPF waters are massively really useful for dry and dehydrated complexions. This in point of fact weightless components quenches thirsty pores and skin and feels right away refreshing—a must have for summer time.
Pros
- Lightweight mist appropriate for reapplication.
5. Best for delicate pores and skin: Coola SPF 15 Organic Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
Coola
SPF 15 Organic Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
Best for: Normal to dry pores and skin.
This SPF water simplest has a solar coverage issue of 15, so it is indubitably one for top-ups, moderately than day by day put on. However in case you have specifically sensieitve pores and skin, it ticks numerous bins. It’s a mineral components, alcohol-free, and comprises soothing components like aloe vera and coconut water.
Cons
- Lower SPF coverage (SPF15) might not be enough for extended solar publicity.
(Image credit score: @thatgracegirl)
6. Best for on-the-go: Gun Ana Uv Body Mist SPF 50
Gun Ana
UV Body Mist SPF 50
Best for: All pores and skin sorts.
The key with spray-on SPF waters is to make sure that the spray has excellent protection and does not simply disappear into the air prior to it hits your pores and skin. This one delivers on each entrance, and due to the addition of cucumber and mint it smells improbable.
Pros
- Easy software for frame protection.
7. Best for simple software: Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50
Best for simple software
Vichy
Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50
Best for: Normal to dry pores and skin.
Vicky has an impressively intensive vary of SPF waters, my favorite of which was once this one—formulated with hyaluronic acid for deep and lasting hydration. It can be utilized on each face and frame, and has a non-staining components, so may not depart marks or residue on garments.
Pros
- Hydrating components that absorbs properly.
Cons
- May really feel oily at the face for some customers.
8. Best for glow: Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF 50
Best for glow
CLARINS
Sun Care Water Mist SPF 50
Best for: Sensitive pores and skin.
Clarins’ Sun Care vary features a gel, a stick, and an SPF water, so you’ll reach complete protection solar coverage from head to toe, actually. I specifically preferred the use of this ultra-light water spray to offer protection to my scalp.
Pros
- Suitable for delicate pores and skin.
9. Best for top-ups: Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF 50+
Best for top-ups
Caudalie
Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF 50+
Best for: Normal to dry pores and skin.
This bi-phase sunscreen comprises each oil and water, so have to be shaken prior to software to turn on the components. It’s each refreshing and nourishing, and can be utilized on face, frame, and scalp.
Pros
- Suitable for delicate and eczema-prone pores and skin.
Cons
- May sting if it will get into the eyes.
10. Best for only make-up: Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Coco & Eve
Daily Watergel SPF 50
Best for: Dry to aggregate pores and skin.
Part water and section gel, this majorly glow-boosting sunscreen is one in every of my favorite formulation to put on below make-up. It provides pores and skin a mushy texture and radiant end, and feels extremely hydrating, fighting make-up from turning cakey or having a look dry.
Pros
- Moisturising with a dewy end.
Cons
- May be too glossy for the ones who prefer a matte end.
11. Best for day by day put on: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+
Thank You Farmer
Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+
Best for: Normal to dry pores and skin.
This cult Okay-beauty sunscreen is some other water-gel components. Again, the ones with dry and dehydrated pores and skin will take pleasure in the hydration-boosting components, nevertheless it works properly for all pores and skin sorts and issues.
Pros
- No white solid and layers properly below make-up.
Cons
- Contains perfume and alcohol.
12. Best reasonably priced SPF water: Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF 50+
Best reasonably priced SPF water
Garnier
Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super Uv Protection Mist SPF 50+
Best for: All pores and skin sorts
If you might be on the cheap, then Garnier’s SPF mist is a smart approach to top-up your SPF right through the day. It delivers a positive mist that calmly coats the surface and is the very best length to stay on your purse.
Eleanor’s assessment: “I always keep this SPF water in my bag for top-ups on the go,” says Who What Wear UK cosmetic editor, Eleanor Vousden. “It lightly mists the skin, making it great for topping up over makeup or spritzing on any areas that need extra protection while you’re out and about. The nimble size means it fits easily in my bag too.”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we all know that cosmetic isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have examined hundreds of goods, together with skin care, make-up, hair and nails, through the years and paintings intently with depended on professionals—dermatologists, makeup artists and main trade insiders—to verify each information is well-researched, inclusive and related to you.
We focal point on formulation that ship, whether or not they’re reasonably priced favourites or luxurious investments. Our product variety is in keeping with tangible effects, factor expertise and what we’d in point of fact suggest to a chum.