New Wave of SPF: 9 Innovative Formulas to Try

Ask any dermatologist, makeup artist or beauty expert and they’re all going to tell you the same thing: Sunscreen is the one product that should always be a staple in your skin care routine regardless of the weather or season. While the sun makes life on this planet possible, it’s a widely known fact that UV radiation is bad news for our skin. That is why it’s important to make sunscreen application (and re-application every two hours) a habit as the majority of the photodamage your skin endures is a result of day-to-day activities.

In fact, even staying at home doesn’t guarantee complete protection from ultraviolet damage as UVA rays—which contribute to the suppression of the immune system, premature skin aging and skin cancer—is able to penetrate most glass windows. You are also exposed to blue light or high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by your TV screens, smartphones and indoor lighting. Studies have shown that blue light can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and potentially lead to signs of aging and free radical damage.

But even with the threats that UV rays pose to our skin and general health, sunscreens still don’t get the love they deserve for different reasons: They’re greasy, sticky or unwieldy. Fortunately, sunscreen formulas have come a long way. A new breed of sun protection is hitting the shelves and they come in all shapes, sizes and formulations. Say hello to some of the most innovative formulas on the market.

1. Supergoop!® Glow Stick SPF 50 1.23 oz.

Supergoop!® Glow Stick SPF 50 1.23 oz.

$16 Gift

78 reviews

$30.00

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Infused with Amazonian oils, antioxidants and a blend of fatty acids, this sunscreen stick hydrates and brightens your skin while making sure it’s fully protected against the sun’s harmful rays and visible light damage from your devices. It helps replenish lost moisture and leaves your skin with a healthy glow without the greasy residue.

3. COOLA Make-Up Setting Spray SPF 30 Green Tea and Aloe

COOLA Make-Up Setting Spray SPF 30 Green Tea and Aloe

40 reviews

$36.00

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Suitable for all skin types, this setting sunscreen spray not only prevents your makeup from slipping and sliding (and keeping your skin shine-free with its matte finish), it also prevents UV rays from harming your skin with its broad-spectrum sun protection. Its weightless 70-percent organic formula is infused with aloe vera and cucumber extracts that soothe inflamed, sensitive and irritated skin.

4. Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 (0.23 fl. oz.)

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 (0.23 fl. oz.)

$49 Gift

518 reviews

$79.00

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Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35: Infused with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and powerful proprietary blends Actineyes, Beautifeye, Aldavine 5x, Syn-Eye and Phytomoist, it restores sagging skin, brightens dark circles and reduces puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil 3.4 oz

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil 3.4 oz

117 reviews

$59.00

100ml

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Powered by Oribe’s Signature Complex (watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extracts) and potent oils and botanicals, this lightweight hair oil nourishes your hair and scalp while keeping them protected from oxidative stress, photoaging, keratin depletion and environmental aggressors that cause color-damage and dryness. It softens and moisturizes dry and damaged hair, repairs split ends and stimulates the hair cuticle while preventing further damage.

9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 100 (Various Sizes)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 100 (Various Sizes)

La Roche-Posay Gift

12 reviews

$26.99

90ml/3 fl. oz

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Formulated with the brand’s exclusive Cell-Ox Shield® Technology and prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide and glycerin, this oxybenzone-free sunscreen is all you need to give your face and body total protection from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Lightweight, water-resistant and fast-absorbing, it’s gentle-enough to use for those with sun-sensitive skin and children ages three and up.