SPF Is Big Business—but Most of Us Still Skip It.
The sunscreen market is expected to surpass $13 billion globally by 2030, yet a recent Beach.com survey shows a major disconnect: 78% of Americans don’t wear SPF year-round, and 65% admit they skip it on cloudy days.
So, what’s stopping us?
For many—especially people with melanin-rich skin—it comes down to one thing: white cast. The chalky residue left by traditional formulas has historically excluded entire demographics from consistent use. But now, that’s changing.
“Clients come to me with hyperpigmentation and dullness, and often don’t realize the sun is the biggest culprit,” says celebrity aesthetician Candace Marino, known as The LA Facialist.
“SPF is your daily defense system. It’s not just about avoiding sunburn—it’s about protecting everything you love about your skin,” added Marino
The Cast-Free Revolution: These Sunscreens Get It Right
With the help of beauty-tech platform Haut.AI and recommendations from dermatologists, I evaluated dozens of sunscreens to find those that deliver real protection without leaving a chalky, gray finish. The result? A curated list of sprays, creams, sticks, and recovery products that work with your skin—not against it.
“You wouldn’t skip your moisturizer—so why skip sunscreen?” says Marino. “It’s the most anti-aging product in your routine, and now the formulas are finally catching up to what all skin tones need.”
Why Brown Skin Needs SPF, Too
While melanin offers some natural UV protection, deeper skin tones are still vulnerable to sun damage.
“Even darker skin can burn, and more importantly, it’s prone to long-term issues like hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and even skin cancer,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist and advisor for La Roche-Posay.
Watch the Full Review Video Here
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear daily. If you’re worried about a white cast (especially if you have a medium to deeper skin tone), here’s what Marino recommends looking for:
- Tinted or sheer formulas: These help blend into deeper skin tones without the chalky residue.
- Chemical sunscreens: Absorb UV rays and typically go on clear.
- Micronized or invisible mineral options: Especially great for sensitive skin.
- Texture matters: Choose based on your skin type—gel for oily, cream for dry.
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic: Best for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Marino suggests always patch testing first, and trying a few formulas to see how they wear throughout the day.
Top Dermatologist & Beauty Expert Recommendations
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid SPF 40
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- Neutrogena PureScreen Mineral UV Tint Liquid SPF 30
- Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
- Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40
- EltaMD UV AOX Mist
- Environ RAD Antioxidant Sun Cream
- Coppertone Every Tone Invisible Face SPF 50
Best SPF Sprays (Quick & Body-Friendly)
- Australian Gold Ultimate Hydration Continuous Spray SPF 30: Offers long-lasting hydration in a lightweight, non-greasy format.
- Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray: A fragrance-forward body mist that adds glow while delivering protection.
- Sol Labs Face + Body SPF 50 Spray: Reef-safe, dual-use spray that leaves no white cast.
- Espieve Body Spray SPF 25: Plant-based with a sheer finish, ideal for low UV exposure days.
- Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 (Grade A by Haut.AI): A viral mousse-like SPF that feels luxe and applies invisibly.
“Sprays used to be drying or overly perfumed, but these are hydrating, breathable, and easy to reapply,” says Marino.
Best SPF Creams, Lotions & Sticks (For Everyday Face Use)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Tone Daily Invisible Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50
- Refy Face Primer with SPF 50
- Sol Labs Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
- Coppertone Sport Face SPF 60
- Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
- Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Sun Cream
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
- Oars + Alps Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 35
- Key West Aloe Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30
- Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
“These are the new generation of sunscreens,” says Amy Peterson, founder of SkinCare by Amy Peterson. “If your sunscreen makes you look like a ghost, you’re not going to wear it. That’s why texture, tone, and finish matter just as much as protection.”
Why After-Sun Care Deserves More Attention
“We all need vitamin D—regardless of skin type—but you should still be careful,” says Dr. Robin L. Smith, global leader in regenerative medicine and co-founder of Exoceuticals. “Our After-Sun Treatment blends nutrient-dense exosomes with aloe to calm, moisturize, and reduce oxidative stress.”
Exosomes, the body’s natural messengers, are now being used to target inflammation and accelerate healing post-sun.
“Not all exosomes are the same,” Dr. Smith explains. “Where they come from and how they’re manufactured makes a big difference.”
“Don’t underestimate recovery,” adds Peterson. “Cooling the skin and replenishing moisture helps keep your barrier strong.”
Best After-Sun Recovery Products
- Exoceuticals® After-Sun Treatment: A luxe blend of human stem cell-derived exosomes and aloe that calms, hydrates, and speeds up post-sun recovery.
- Key West Aloe 100% Pure Aloe Gel: A clean, soothing gel made with 100% lab-certified aloe to relieve sunburn and rehydrate the skin.
- Australian Gold Soothing Aloe After Sun Cooling Mist: A refreshing spray that instantly cools and soothes overheated or sun-stressed skin.
- Amy Peterson’s Ice Roller: A simple yet powerful tool to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and refresh the skin post-sun.
Expert Application Tips You Might Be Skipping
- Two-Finger Rule: Use two full finger lengths for face and neck.
- Don’t Forget: Scalp, lips, ears, and hands.
- Final Step: Apply SPF last in skincare, before makeup.
- Reapply Often: Every 2 hours when outside.
“Even in colder months or under makeup, SPF is non-negotiable,” says Marino. “The sun doesn’t take a break—neither should your protection.”
The Bottom Line
Sun care isn’t seasonal—it’s a daily act of self-preservation. While SPF is big business, these formulas go beyond the hype to deliver inclusive, invisible protection you’ll actually want to wear.
“SPF is about preserving your glow—not just preventing burns,” Peterson adds. “These formulas finally let you do both without compromise.”