Let’s be real—sunscreen used to be an afterthought. That sticky white gloop you slathered on before hitting the beach? Yeah, we’ve evolved since then.
In 2025, SPF is no longer just a summer essential—it’s a daily non-negotiable. But with skincare TikTok exploding, FDA regulations tightening, and dozens of new global formulas hitting the market, knowing what’s safe, effective, and actually feels good on your skin has gotten trickier.
This year, new-gen Korean chemical sunscreens are stealing the show with elegant, invisible finishes and calming skincare ingredients. Meanwhile, the mineral side of things is leveling up, with zinc formulas that finally don’t leave you looking ghostly. Water resistance? Check. Sensitive-skin safe? Check. Budget buys and luxury flexes? Got those too.
We tested the most-hyped, most-recommended, and most derm-approved SPFs of 2025 and ranked them based on feel, finish, performance, and practicality. Whether you need a sporty sunscreen that can survive a surf session or a dewy finish that makes your skin look glazed (but not greasy), we’ve got your back.
🧾 The Lineup: 3 Best Sunscreens of 2025
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🥇 1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Original Formula)
Best Korean Chemical Sunscreen for Daily Glow
Best For: Normal to dry skin, makeup wearers
Filters: New-gen chemical filters
Highlights: Lightweight, dewy finish, probiotic-based
Why It’s King:
This viral K-beauty sunscreen delivers hydration, glow, and serious SPF 50+ protection—without any stickiness or cast. It feels like skincare, layers beautifully, and gives that effortless glass-skin finish. The only downside? You’ll likely need to buy it from overseas, as it’s currently unavailable through US retailers.
What Users Say:
“No white cast. No irritation. Just glow.”
✅ Pros:
- Dewy, moisturizing texture
- Layers under makeup like a dream
- High SPF protection, no cast
❌ Cons:
- Harder to find in the U.S.
- Needs reapplying for outdoor wear
Verdict:
🔥🔥 Certified GOATED – Still the standard for skin-first sunscreen.
🥇 2. Mad About Skin Protect & Hydrate SPF 50
Best Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen
Best For: Sensitive or dry skin, all-day wear
Filters: New-gen chemical
Highlights: 100ml size, doubles as moisturizer
Why It Hits:
Think of this UK-made gem as your minimalist, no-fuss daily SPF. It moisturizes, protects, and doesn’t leave any residue behind—plus the tube is huge. One of the most elegant chemical sunscreens for daily use on any skin type.
What Users Say:
“It’s become my morning moisturizer AND sunscreen. No sting, no scent.”
✅ Pros:
- Affordable per ml
- Lightweight, non-greasy
- No pilling under makeup
❌ Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Harder to find outside of Europe
Verdict:
🔥👍 Worthy Add-to-Cart – Best value daily SPF for sensitive skin.
🥇 3. Freaks of Nature SPF 30 (by Kelly Slater)
Best for Outdoor & Water Resistance
Best For: Surfers, athletes, outdoor workers
Filters: Mineral
Highlights: Sweatproof, water-resistant, reef-safe
Why It Works:
Formulated for surfers, this thick but effective SPF brings water resistance, high coverage, and skin-barrier friendly ingredients. It’s the SPF you want when you’re in the sun for hours—designed to stay put through sweat, surf, and sun.
What Users Say:
“I wore it surfing in Costa Rica. Didn’t burn, didn’t sting.”
✅ Pros:
- Great for face & body
- No eye burn
- Eco-conscious
❌ Cons:
- Slight white cast on deeper skin tones
- Bulky packaging
Bonus Picks for Every Need
- Round Lab Birch Juice Sun Cream – For that glass-skin finish lovers swear by.
- Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – Primer + SPF in one. Ideal under makeup.
- Jumiso Waterfull SPF – Great for oily skin, feels like nothing on.
- Biossance Squalane + Zinc – Mineral, but make it silky.
- The Ordinary Mineral SPF (TBD) – Budget option for die-hard fans of the brand.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 – Drugstore staple, solid for light wear days.
🧍♀️ Who Should Get What?
| User Type | Best Sunscreen |
|---|---|
| Glow-Getter + TikTok Trend Watcher | Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun |
| Daily Low-Key Wear | Mad About Skin Protect & Hydrate |
| Outdoor Athlete or Surfer | Freaks of Nature SPF 30 |
| Sensitive Skin Queen | Jumiso Waterfull or Kinship Self-Reflect |
| Budget-Conscious Shopper | Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 |
💧 Durability & Sweat Test Showdown
👉 Winner: Freaks of Nature SPF 30
📌 Breakdown:
- Freaks of Nature – Built for action and long wear
- Supergoop Unseen – Great for layering and all-day makeup
- Mad About Skin – Best for desk-to-dinner versatility
- Biossance Mineral SPF – Rare non-greasy zinc winner
📌 Why Beauty of Joseon Is the Best?
- Skin-loving ingredients like probiotics + rice extract
- Invisible, non-greasy finish
- Elegant Korean formulation with high UVA/UVB protection
- Layers beautifully with makeup or other skincare
🎯 Conclusion:
All of these sunscreens are legit, but if you want the best skin feel, daily glow, and wearability — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun still reigns supreme in 2025.