16 of the best SPFs that won't make your skin look ashy (2024)

All skin tones need SPF. Fact. But if you find that suncreams leave an ashy or white cast on your skin, it can be off-putting to wear one. Luckily, SPF formulations have come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years – packed with skincare actives, radiance-boosting ingredients and skin tone adapting pigments that ensure that ashy, white cast is a thing of the past.

Why do melanin-rich skin tones need to wear SPF?

'All skin tones can be damaged by the skin,' says consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. 'Melanin-rich skin is still very much vulnerable to sun exposure and is more prone to pigmentation and textural changes but may be put off by SPFs that leave a white cast. Luckily, there are options available on the market today that have an invisible finish making them suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types.'

So, if you're looking for the best SPFs that won't leave a white cast – you've come to the right place. Below, we round up the best new sunscreens that promise broad-spectrum protection without leaving behind any tell-tale ashy colours…

Best SPFs that don't leave any white cast

1/ Heliocare 360° Water Gel

Loved by skin experts and dermatologists, Heliocare's SPFs are beloved in the beauty industry. This water gel formula has been developed with a completely transparent finish, meaning it's suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI.

2/ La Roche Posay UVMUne SPF 50 Invisible Fluid

Easily absorbed and lightweight, this broad spectrum SPF sinks into the skin beautifully and wears well underneath make-up thanks to its non-greasy finish. There's zero white cast or ashy finish meaning it's perfect for those with melanin-rich skin.

3/ SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen

Another SPF that's heralded by dermatologists is this Skinceuticals formula. Enriched with 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide, it also helps to reduce the appearance of discolouration and age spots, while UV filters help to prevent further damage.

4/ Naked Sundays SPF 50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum

This brilliant SPF serum is completely translucent, mitigating any risk of ashiness or white cast. Formulated with squalane and jojoba, it's lightweight and hydrating on the skin and is perfect for use every day under make-up.

5/ Dermalogica Skin Care Porescreen SPF 40

Enriched with a sheer tint to give skin a radiant-looking finish, this clever mineral sunscreen not only protects against UVA and UVB rays, but also provides a blurring, primer-like effect.

6/ Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection SPF 50 Daily Moisturiser

So much more than your average SPF moisturiser, this glow-inducing daily primer is boosted with a supported blend of antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin in one. Your complexion is left dewy-looking and radiant, without a hint of SPF in sight.

7/ Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Lightweight Skinscreen

Another favourite for an undetectable finish: this brilliantly lightweight fluid from the masters of SPF: Ultra Violette. Powered by a co*cktail of skin-loving ingredients, it includes vitamin C, amino acid, vitamin E and niacinamide to soothe, hydrate and protect the skin in one. And of course, it's totally undetectable on the skin.

8/ Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. SPF50 Watery Lotion

If you hate the feeling of SPF on your skin, this could be a great option for you. It gives the skin a refreshing, cooling feeling and is ultra-lightweight – so there's no sticky or tacky feeling left behind.

9/ Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50

Glossier's SPF has a been a best-seller for a long time now, however after listening to community feedback the brand have made a few changes. Firstly, it's now an SPF50 rather than 30, meaning protection is even greater.

Formula aside, the packaging has had a makeover, too. The plastic bottle has been replaced with a tube allowing for an impressive 60% more product than the original, which is why its new price is £32 rather than the £25. As for the finish? It's akin to a primer in that it has that silicone feel, so a great shout for oily skins and it gives a mattifying effect and helps to lock makeup in place.

10/ Mecca Cosmetics To Save Face SPF50+

Aussie made, you know this is going to come brimming with some stellar protection given their rising temperatures and high levels of UV radiation. A huge hit in the land of Oz (one is sold every 60 seconds) it's now finally available in Blighty and well worth seeking out. While it has a slightly pinkish hue – it melts into the skin seamlessly, feels uber hydrating and doesn’t leave a white cast.

11/ Dr Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

If you're frequently dealing with breakouts or have a complexion that's temperamental, then say hello to this derm created SPF that calms and soothes irritated skin while keeping it protected from UV rays.

12/ Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF50

Also featuring niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the sunscreen helps the skin retain moisture, which wards off those pesky dry patches that rock up by midday. The formula also helping to minimise pores, reduce redness and improve skin texture over time.

13/ Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer

Not only does this not leave a white cast, it offers us a glow like no other. We're not talking major shimmer, just a hint of highlight that makes skin look as though you've been basking in that golden hour holiday light. Billed as primer, it anchors makeup brilliantly, too.

14/ Trinny See The Light SPF50

A hardworking hero, the filters used in this formula are photostable, meaning they have a strong resistance to energy and light. Therefore, this SPF 50+ moisturiser works diligently to fend off the nasty effects of all types of rays. There's also white tea leaf and raspberry leaf extracts to replenish moisture so that your skin doesn't dry out by mid morning.

15/ Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Gel

If you're constantly in and out of the pool, or love to work up a sweat outdoors then this SPF is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and provides the highest UVA/UVB protection.

Deploying some clever tech, the SPF features a protective and breathable 25% 'Second-Skin Aloe Membrane Complex' that remains invisible and weightless even when applied and reapplied generously, meaning you don't have to worry about clogged pores. Finally, it's also supercharged with ingredients usually reserved for serums such as Vitamin C, Green Tea, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, which help to fight off oxidative stress and keep skin looking healthy.

16/ Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50

If you're riding the water cream wave at the moment and loving the glass-like finish they offer, then this is the SPF for you. It feels unbelievably weightless on your face and leaves skin looking juicing and fresh, thanks to the oodles of hyaluronic acid and it's watery texture.

Related Stories

1. Glowing skin: 37 expert tips on how to get a luminous complexion
2. Here's why you should be using a hand cream with SPF
3. These are the best lip balms with SPF to shop for summer