The Best Sunscreen Gel Formulas for an Invisible, Matte Finish

Sunscreen is one of the products that are ideal for helping in preventing damage caused by the sun which include sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Whereas previously only thick creams and sprayed lotions with an oily slippery feeling on the skin have been the choice of the sun protective product, new gel types are now being developed to give the ideal silky non-greasy feel on the skin.

Buying of sunscreen gel

While focusing on the buying of sunscreen gel, the following aspects should be put into consideration:

SPF 30+: To achieve a clear complexion and flawless skin , dermatologists advise that when going out in the sun one should wear sunscreen with SPF not less than 30 and BROAD SPECTRUM.

Water-resistant: Choose a water-resistant or waterproof gel formulation for a sunscreen if you are likely to perspire or immerse in water. This way the formula will not easily be washed or wiped off making the writing durable enough for the intended purpose.

Skin types: It is important to note that there are some gel sunscreen products, which are developed for the face or the body. There are different types of scrub available in the market, specifically targeted at different skin types. Some consumers might have specific needs for mild products or products that do not contain any fragrance or are hypoallergenic.

Skin concerns: Wearers with sensitive skin may look for products containing ingredients such as antioxidant SPF gels or collagen enhancing skin protection. For oily skin, it is more appropriate to use oil-less gel sunscreens.

Texture: The lighter the texture of the gel formula it can actually create a more breathable and less pilling effect and can glide beautifully on skin without any white cast or greasiness.

List of best sunscreen gel formulas

In this search for the best sunscreen gels which provide protection together with their application, we gathered the following list after narrowing the options through the study of formulations and reviews.

Best Overall: Allies  of Skin The One Invisible Sunscreen Gel SPF 50

This chemical formula for gel sunscreen is developed by Singapore-based skincare company Allies of Skin and it not only offers a physical and chemical barrier against UV radiation but also contains antioxidants in its composition. It includes crystals of bisabolol for relaxation, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for moisturizing.

Readers state the gel offers great mattifying properties, while making skin ready for make-up and having a cool sensation when applied. It’s an excellent reef-safe choice that doesn’t include oxybenzone and octinoxate in its formula. The Allies of Skin sunscreen gel is the best of all the invisible feel SPFs this is because of its supreme blendability, protection level and it also offers hydration to the skin.

Best for Face: Sun Bum Daily Sunscreen Gel SPF 50

Another oil-free facial sunscreen gel product from Sun Bum is ideal because it is sheer enough that you can apply it under your make-up or just wear it alone without feeling greasy. The vitamin E-enriched formula provides the skin with the nutrition and care it needs while guaranteeing the gentleness of the skin on the face and neck area. has 80 minutes of water resistance making it suitable for wearing while at the beach. In fact, pearlescent is just a very soft glow, which does not make the skin look oily or greasy.

Best for Body: Dune The Body Guard Invisible Gel Sunscreen SPF 30 

Dune suncare especially targets skincare products that are not rich in water and do not contain the fragrance of most sunscreens. This invisible formula for the body is lightweight, goes on easily and does not feel greasy when applied unlike some sun protection creams and lotions. The hypoallergenic formula also leaves no traces of oil and does not clog pores, which is known as non-comedogenic. Drinking tea of Elderberry and Radish Root is helpful and healing and weakens pains and aches.

Best Hydrating: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

If you like your sunscreen with added hydration, please see this gel sunscreen by Korean skin care brand Isntree. This one comes packed with three types of hyaluronic acids as well as moisturizing plant extracts that help to prevent the skin dryness and reduce the look of fine lines due to the lack of moisture. It has a kind of stickiness when applied to the skin but when absorbed, it makes the skin glow softly. The alcohol-free formula is also good for those with easily irritated skin or acne-prone skin that may still benefit from a hydrating boost without weighing the skin down.

Best Finish: Bask Daily Invisible Gel Sunscreen SPF 40

Bask produces sheer sunscreen gels that give skin a moist look as well as borrowing the work of foundation to give the skin a radiant look. You can get them with any tint or without tint for your own preference. Colloidal oatmeal helps to reduce inflammation, and vitamins E, argan oil, and shea butter moisturizer. There is also a Bask on the Beach Gel variant that is good for 80 minutes of water activity. Reviewers also noted that both the clear and brown versions do not leave a white cast or greasy feel on the skin, which makes Bask gels a safe bet if you wish to get protection with a transparent look.

Best Scent:Vacation Orange Gelée Sunscreen Gel SPF 30

For a tropical pick me up, smooth on this scented sunscreen gel from Vacation Simply. This refreshing and engaging fragrance of orange, mandarin orange, tangerine, lemon, and lime essential oil makes it seem like summer no matter where it is being used. The formula hydrates with glycerin that gives skin a smooth feel. It gives skin an enviable beach cabana glow and shields it from the dangerous UV rays at the same time.

Best Anti-Aging: Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum SPF 30

Launching this plumping gel serum, Coola adds plant collagen and four kinds of hyaluronic acid, as well as chemical sunscreen activities to combat signs of aging on top of warding off new damage. The formula feels so cool when it is applied and the moisture it provides lasts till the skin is rough during the day. Cypress leaf extract prevents the look of pores to bring the skin’s smooth and velvety finish. The tinted one is for the medium-deep skin tone only and has a sheer coverage with a universal bronze colour on it. Having a protective ability, this anti-aging gel serum will leave skin moisture sealed in!

How gel sunscreen works

But, before we proceed to understanding how gel sunscreen works, let us briefly touch on the concept of a gel as a base for sunscreen.

The reasons for sunscreen gel to be in a lightweight formulation are high alcohol, silicone, and polymer content responsible for developing quick-drying and wear formulations for regular use. The majority of gel sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and, octisalate instead of the mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Synthetic UV protectants use two major categories; Chemical UV filters work by absorbing the sun’s rays before they can harm the skin while physical blockers bounce off the rays and scatter them. When it comes to mineral sunscreens, as far as I know, they are deemed safer for the skin, especially the sensitive skin type, but the right chemical SPF is equally good.

Is Gel Sunscreen as Effective as Cream/Spray?

Texturization is not a critical factor in assessing the efficiency of sun protection when evaluating formulations of the same products. A gel with SPF 50 will be more effective than lotion or spray with SPF 30 even though both of them belong to the same protection level. As long as the gel contains an SPF 30+ and the gel is applied correctly, it offers the same amount of protection as any other sunblock.

However, the light formula of these gels also addresses the common issues of inadequate coverage or messiness and white cast. Less sunscreen applied reduces the overall SPF by a significant degree; thus, gels could allow users to apply more adequately. Just bear in mind that wrinkle treatments are often less viscous than creams and sprays, and will need to be reapplied more frequently.

Advantages of using a gel sunscreen

Here are the main upsides gel sunscreens offer over other formats:

Invisible feel: They dry up very fast and do not leave your skin with sheen, tackiness, or a white layer that is characteristic of some lotions. Due to their grease-proof nature, they are perfect for use as makeup bases and for applying and layering other care products.

Breathable: It is non-greasy and will not cause any breakouts or cause any pimple formation on the face especially on the T zone. Gel sunscreens are effective but allow skin to breathe and be free throughout the process.

Hydrating ingredients: Some gels have added humectants including glycerin and hyaluronic acid or oils that moisturize as they shield. This not only helps to avoid the need for a separate moisturizer but also provides a way of reducing any redness.

Antioxidants: In addition, some gel SPF products contain antioxidants for defending skin such as vitamin C and green tea extract for an anti-aging bonus.

Pleasant formulas: In general, gel sunscreens feel lighter and more comfortable than other types that are thick, waxy or contain heavy oils. If applied to the skin majority dries up immediately meaning they do not make skin feel tacky.

Right method to enhance the effectiveness of the gel sunscreen

The strategies that have been discussed below will help to enhance the effectiveness of the gel sunscreen by applying it in the right method.

Ideal sun protective benefits from the chosen sunscreen gel can only be obtained when adequate amounts and the required frequency are applied. Here are some best practice application tips:Here are some best practice application tips:

– When using it, do not apply the gel directly on the skin but on the palms initially. Crisscross fingertips over palms, then lightly stroke or press over the entire face. Therefore, when the product is applied on the hands it is warm and thus does not cause an uncomfortable feeling of coldness.

-Rub it on the skin 15 mins before exposing the skin to sun to permit the cells in the skin to absorb the constituents of the lotion.

– The product should be applied on the skin at least twice when bathed or when one came from swimming, having a sweat or when the skin was rubbed. If required, set a phone alarm so that one can remember the time for waking up. Gel formula is fast absorbing thus, its use requires more applications than the waterproof creams.

– Rub the gel on enough to ensure all body parts that have been exposed to sun rays are covered with it; it only requires about 1 ounce to give you the stated SPF protection level. That’s roughly the equivalent of one jigger, or the volume of alcoholic beverage usually poured in a shot glass. Using it sparingly can significantly reduce protection while applying too much modestly raises it.

– Ensure to be cautious on areas that most people neglect to cover during shaving and which may easily get burnt such as ears, lips, back of the neck, tops of feet and the in between the eyebrows. Applying a lip balm or a stick sunscreen on the lips is good.

– Many types of gel sunscreen should be stored at low temperatures, and sunscreen should be checked for expiration annually. This results in the reversal of the amount of sun protection over time as the formula fades.

Meet The Sunscreen Experts

A specific vital decision made when using skin care products is whether to apply a cream or use a spray. The skin experts of Florida-based L’Core, which is an emporium of skincare products have all the information you need on sunscreen. The husband and wife team Anitra and Corey Lopes with dermatology knowledge and tropical botany experience created effective clean suncare products that can be used by children and adults of all skin types. Their Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 and Sun Serum Gel SPF 30 are both tinted, offering protection from the mineral base of non-nano zinc oxide and additional fruit and botanical extracts.

The Lopes share why gels make excellent face and body formulas: “These gel sunscreens are non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic and can be used daily by most skin types; they provide comfortable protection that doesn’t clog pores and cause breakouts. The gel formulas also sink into the skin quickly and do not leave behind a greasy or sticky feeling especially for the face. Gel formula also layers and builds nicely under make up and does not pill.”

Anitra recommends gel SPFs for physical activity: “Gel sunscreen textures are ideal for those who perspire a lot during running or any exercise because it has a cooling effect. The point to note is that, after you wipe down the sweat, it is advisable to apply the gel sunscreens again since the lighter formula takes a shorter time to be absorbed.”

Corey adds that scalp gels help protect bald spots: “For the balding men, look for sunscreen gels that have specifically been designed for the scalp. Like when washing your hair, spread the gel on the skin and massage till it is fully absorbed before wiping off the excess gel with a towel. This will help to shield areas of skin that are most exposed on the head.”

Wanna protect your skin ready for feather like gel? By following this guide, the portions of advice and recommendations outlined next, you will be able to achieve hassle-free sun protection and have fun in the sun. On top of it, apply another layer of gel SPF as frequently and as generously as you would like to go throughout the day without having to reapply and stress about it. You just need to look at the following factors: protection against UV as well as pollution, and the feel of the lotion without forming a layer of grease or turning white. Hence, it is possible to protect more by using the correct sunscreen gel but feel nothing on your skin.