Best Lightweight Sunscreen Summer 2025

by Sandy Joe Karpetz | Jun . 17 . 2025 | Beauty, Skincare

As a person who wears sunscreen religiously but also suffers from sensitive skin, I like to regularly post updates on my SPF preferences. A few years back, I wrote about my favourites at the time and a few have carried over but there are a few new ones in the mix. Here’s my list of the best lightweight sunscreen for summer 2025.

[Peruse my 2022 favourite here for reference]

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North American vs Asian Sunscreen

Here is a quick tip on a thing to note when reading the labels on sunscreen: North American and Korean sunscreen use the same number system for SPF rating. There is a difference in the UVA protection level rating though. Korea uses the PA system whereas NA will just call something “broad spectrum” in lieu of an actual number. The PA++++ indicates the UVA level.

Lightweight Face Sunscreen

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

If CeraVe made this SPF 50+, it would be my daily driver of sunscreens. It has a barely-there scent that disappears almost immediately after application. There’s no need for applying a moisturizer underneath this sunscreen as it’s hydrating enough without being heavy.

CERAVE – CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

QUICK FACTS
– Nearly unscented, it’s so light it disappears almost immediately.
– No white cast.
– Non-glowy finish (though not matte either).
– Ceramides & hyaluronic acid.

PRICING
CeraVe’s pricing on this item has remained reasonable over the past 3 years.
2022 pricing: $16.79 CAD for 50 mL = $0.34/mL
2025 pricing: $19.97 CAD for 52 mL = $0.38/mL

Also worth noting: this CeraVe lotion is the only product on the entire list that I was gifted by the brand.
Everything below was purchased by me in Japan or from Stylevana Canada.

K-Beauty Face Sunscreen Favourites

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Of all the sunscreens from my previous post back in 2022, the Isntree Watery Sun Gel is my most used and repurchased one. The formula is lightweight, scentless, and highly moisturizing while leaving no white cast. It creates an excellent base for when I spot conceal my face as well.

ISNTREE – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– No white cast
– Hydrating with 8 types of hyaluronic acid
– Leaves a slightly tacky texture after application but goes away as it absorbs

PRICING
2022 pricing: $27.29 CAD for 50 mL = $0.55/mL
2025 pricing: $33.14 CAD for 50 mL = $0.66/mL

Purchased by me.

J-Beauty Sunscreen Favourites

Nivea UV Super Water Essence Ex SPF 50+

This one is new to me as I purchased it while in Japan this past December. The consistency is similar to Purito however it has a strong scent to it. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the scent reminds me of generic skincare from the 90s. There’s a freshness to it but it a very 90s way.

Fortunately the scent does dissipate but for those who are sensitive, this isn’t for you. And I don’t believe there is an unscented version which is too bad.

NIVEA – UV Super Water Essence Ex SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– 90s cosmetic scent
– Cheaper to buy in Japan
– Hydrating
– No weird film or residue left behind

PRICING
$22.79 CAD for 80g = $0.28/g

Purchased by myself.

Nivea UV Super Water Gel Ex SPF 50+

Though this has “gel” in the name, it doesn’t accurately reflect the consistency. It’s on the watery side of gel. This formula variation from Nivea is also less scented than the Essence version.

NIVEA – UV Super Water Gel Ex SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– 90s cosmetic scent
– Cheaper to buy in Japan
– Watery gel consistency
– No weird film or residue left behind

PRICING
$23.99 CAD for 80g = $0.29/mL

Purchased by myself.

Lightweight Body Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Lotion SPF 60

I purchased this at Costco on a whim and I’m glad I did. Since then, the packaging has changed to a brown eco-friendly version. While it says for face and body, I prefer to use it exclusively on my body. The formula is lightweight with a faint scent (though it says its fragrance free) that’s almost imperceptible. Initially it leaves a white cast but disappears as it soaks in; it may be more obvious on deeper skin tones.

LA ROCHE-POSAY – Anthelios XL Lotion SPF 60

QUICK FACTS
– Dry touch finish + quick absorbing
– Lightly scented “fragrance free”
– Feels terrible if it gets in your eyes (which is why I prefer it as a body sunscreen)

PRICING
$36.95 CAD for 200 mL = $0.18/mL
(I have the old 150 mL version)

Purchased by myself.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50 Aerosol Spray

My exception to my preference of unscented skincare has to be the Alba aerosol sunscreen spray coconut scent. While aerosol sprays are also not my first choice for sunscreen, they come in handy when I’m solo and need fully body coverage. This is one of my repeat Costco purchases every summer when I see it in stock.

In addition to smelling like coconuts, it’s on the oily side when first applied. But, that dries down after a while so you’re not left sticky.[Side note: If you love smell of coconuts, might I suggest checking out the discontinued Body Shop perfume oil decants my sister and I are selling. We have all the classic scents: satsuma, oceanus (and many more) as well as coconut. I wrote a whole post devoted to white musk too!]

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 80 minutes
– HIGHLY coconut scented
– Very oily finish
– Easy to use
– Excellent coverage

PRICING
$27.99 CAD for a 2 pack of 177 mL bottles at Costco online = $0.08/mL

Purchased by me.

Favourite Sunsticks SPF

One of the very few good things that came of the pandemic for me, being introduced to Sun Sticks was one of them. Wearing masks required frequent sunscreen reapplications which I didn’t want to do with my unwashed hands while out and about. Sun Sticks made applying SPF throughout the day much easier and without mess.

Their cost per gram is usually higher than liquid sunscreens however, I find that they outlast them. Which to me, evens out the pricing.

Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

This year I have been cursed with the resurgence of my perioral dermatitis after years of being good. Why am I mentioning this? Because POD is the shittiest and can become easily inflamed by basic skincare products… sunscreen being one of them.

The Abib Airy Sunstick was the only SPF that didn’t make it worse. It’s scentless and non greasy. The curved applicator reminds me of a mini deodorant but the shape helps hug the contours of my face when applying it. I ADORE IT.

ABIB – Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 80 minutes
– Lovely texture + glides on easily
– Matte finish
– Curved applicator makes applying easier

PRICING
$38.03 CAD for 23g = $1.65/g

Purchased by myself.

Isntree Hyaluronic Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+

This is the stick version of my beloved Watery Sun Gel. The applicator is in a teardrop shape which makes it ergonomic when applying. It’s especially noticeable when applying sunscreen right below the eyes; the pointed side allows for precision. Unlike other sunsticks I’ve tested in the past, Isntree isn’t greasy; it has a matte like finish. And it’s unscented!

ISNTREE – Hyaluronic Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– 8 types of hyaluronic acid
– Glides on easily
– Matte finish
– Pointed tip for precision application

PRICING
$35.98 CAD for 22g = $1.64/g

Purchased by myself.

Best SPF Lip Balms

Once you try Japanese lip balm, it’s near impossible to be satisfied by anything else. This is especially true after experiencing their “melty type” lip balms. Heavenly! Here are my two favourites:

Nivea Deep Moisture Lip SPF 26 PA++

If you don’t want a glossy finish, best not to pick the “melty type” however, this is my personal favourite. It’s deeply moisturizing and comes in several flavours included unscented. The three flavours I tried and loved were: Olive & Lemon, Vanilla & Macadamia, and Honey.

Deep Moisture Lip:
– Olive & Lemon Flavor
– Honey Flavor

QUICK FACTS
– Not as glossy as the melty type
– No weird sunscreen taste
– Much cheaper if purchased in Japan

PRICING
Each flavour is a different price so here’s an average cost. The price does go down when on sale or if buying in multiples from Stylevana.
$12.50 CAD for 2g = $6.25/g

Melty Type Deep Moisture Lip:
– Vanilla Macadamia Flavor
– Honey Flavor

QUICK FACTS – Melty Type
– Extra glossy finish
– No weird sunscreen taste
– Much cheaper if purchased in Japan

PRICING – Melty Type
$11.74 CAD for 2.2g = $5.33/g

All purchased on my recent Japan trip.

Rohto Mentholatum Melty Cream Lip SPF 25 PA+++

Somehow this melty type balm is even glossier than the Nivea Deep Moisture. Aside from that difference, there are limited edition flavours each year but sadly I did not come across any while in Japan. I have used Milk Vanilla, Rich Honey, and Fragrance Free.

Melty Cream Lip
– Milk Vanilla
– Rich Honey
– Unscented

QUICK FACTS
– Small sleek packaging
– Doesn’t have a weird sunscreen taste to it
– Much cheaper if purchased in Japan

PRICING
$10.84 CAD for 2.4g = $4.52/g

All purchased on my recent Japan trip.