9 Lightweight Sunscreens To Wear Indoors

At this point, you hopefully know that you should be lathering up with sunscreen whenever you’re outside during daylight hours. But, what about when you’re spending the day indoors at the office or, in the age of COVID-19, hanging out at home? You need UV protection on those days, too. Rather than waste time thinking about when and where you should be wearing sunscreen, it’s time to consider it a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine. No matter the weather, no matter your plans, no matter the time of year, UV rays are hitting — and, without protection, damaging — your skin.

A far cry from the ashy, greasy, and sticky formulas of yesteryear, the market is ripe with cosmetically elegant sunscreens that are perfect for wearing alone or layering under makeup. Whether you prefer chemical or physical sunscreen is up to you, just make sure it is broad-spectrum and a minimum of SPF 30. Oh, and there are plenty of innovative multitasking products that make touching up (aim for every couple of hours) a breeze.

Read on to shop the sunscreens that you’ll actually look forward to applying every day.

Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40

If you want to streamline your morning routine, wear this radiant formula alone to blur imperfections and enjoy a lit-from-within glow that manages to illuminate and mattify. Or, use it as a primer under foundation. Either way, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, niacinamide, and sea lavender mean perpetual dewiness from the inside out. $36, supergoop.com

Renee Rouleau Weightless Protection SPF 30

This two-in-one mineral sunscreen and moisturizer combo lives up to its name. The gentle zinc oxide formula is ideal for sensitive and oily skin types because it doesn’t feel greasy, cause breakouts, or clog pores. Mix in a few drops of your favorite foundation for a DIY tinted moisturizer. $57.50, reneerouleau.com

Brush On Block Translucent Mineral Powder SPF 30

Ideal for touch ups, this portable dry powder sunscreen and kabuki brush duo (it also comes in tinted versions!) can be applied to bare skin or act as an oil-absorbing setting powder to keep your complexion protected and makeup looking fresh all day long. $32, brushonblock.com

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This dermatologist-fave mineral formula features antioxidants, lactic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to keep the complexion clear, hydrated, and smooth for a true skincare-suncare hybrid that goes on sheer (no small feat for a zinc sunscreen) without residue. $36, dermstore.com

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50

Consider this drugstore find a drink of water for your complexion. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated for eight hours, and the gel-lotion formula dries down instantly and invisibly. The translucence is especially great for darker skin tones. $14.99, ulta.com

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Bronze SPF 50

Enjoy a faux glow with this pearlescent mineral sunscreen that is bronzing and illuminating, in addition to protecting the skin from UV rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Basically, it’s exactly what your complexion needs if you sit in front of a screen all day. $39, lovelyskin.com

SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34

Treat and prevent sun damage with this lightweight, zinc-based lotion that features an antioxidant complex to protect against harmful infrared rays, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture. Shea butter, meanwhile, nourishes and moisturizes. $68, dermstore.com

Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30

This ultra-fine mist does it all — offering sun protection, hydration, and makeup setting powers all in one. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple; juniper, date palm, and peony extracts protect the skin barrier against free radical damage; and aloe vera soothes. You have no excuse not to spritz all day $36, sephora.com

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

This sensitive skin-friendly mineral option also protects against oxidative damage and neutralizes free radicals thanks to algae and sunflower sprout extract. Mix it with the brand’s antioxidant-rich D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops for a sunkissed glow — sans sun. $34, sephora.com

All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.