The Best Innovation in Sun Protection of 2023
The Best Innovation in Sun Protection of 2023
Protecting your skin from the sun used to mean slathering on a thick, white paste and hoping for the best. Things have changed, to say the least. Now, formulations have improved, and there are entirely new ways to defend against UV damage.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the techiest and most exciting new sun-protection products, all of which are paving the way for even more innovation to come. Whether you’re looking for a mess-free way to stay protected, a product to remind you when it’s time to re-apply, or the best darn UPF hat around, we’ve got you covered. Literally.
Shop award-winning SPF innovation
Coola, Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen – $48
Best SPF moisturizer for dry skin
Drench your skin with hydration while adding a veil of protection with this water-cream foundation from Coola. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and coconut water to boost your skin’s water content while protecting your skin from the effects of UV light, blue light, visible light, infrared light, and pollution.
“Containing hyaluronic acid and coconut water, this sunscreen boosts moisture making it a great option for those with dry skin. I especially love that it absorbs easily and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.” —Dr. Garshick
“I usually have super dry skin, but didn’t at all while using this. I was hydrated and glowing.”—Alexis Reliford, director of social media
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Hyaluronic acid, Coconut water
Size — 1.5 ounces
- Chemical formula
- SPF 50
- Gel-cream texture
- Not water resistant
Bluestone Sunshields x Pillowtalk Derm, Major Shade Full Lux Sunshield—$70
This Zenon-looking visor isn’t just meant to be a conversation starter on the beach (though it certainly will be that), but it also offers UPF 50 to keep your face protected at all times. The visor is easily adjustable so you can wear it like a hat brim or a full face covering, and is easy to see through while resisting heat and blocking 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- UPF 50
- Heat resistant
- Difficult to travel with
Sun Patch, Under Eye UV Protection—$26 for 8 Patches
The delicate skin under your eyes is highly prone to sun damage, which makes it extra-important to keep it protected. But, slathering sunscreen in the area isn’t exactly appealing (hello, stinging eyes!). These patches make it easy to ensure the fragile spot is wholly protected by physically blocking out UV rays. The patches are made from zinc oxide-infused silicone, come in four fun colors, including neon blue, neon pink, neon yellow, and neon white.
- Physical sun protection
- Reusable
- Water and sweat-proof up to 6 hours
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Highly visible
It’s easy to miss a spot or two when applying your SPF and this ultra violet camera is here to help. Plug this tiny camera into the charging port on your iPhone and take a look at yourself in a now-blue screen. The camera makes the areas where you applied SPF appear darker, allowing you to make sure you have full coverage. Once you’re and ready for bed, use this camera to ensure you rinsed off all your SPF before applying your nigthtime serums and creams.
- Aids in proper SPF application
- Easy to use
- Expensive
- Must plug into phone
- iPhone only