Over the last five years, facial sunscreens have really upped their game. With more SPF filters now available on the Canadian market, they've shifted from being strictly sun protection to full-on skincare products that still deliver strong, broad-spectrum defense. I am completely here for it.
So, here are my top five facial sunscreens this summer. All of which have an SPF of 50 and can be found at your drugstore.
1. Shishido Ultra Sun Protector Clear Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Reasons why I love this sunscreen is it is a clear stick, which means zero white cast or blending is needed. It, as a result works great on the hubby's beard and he now carries one around with him. It works well in really hot weather and doesn't bother my eyes. It is just really convenient to have with me all the time to apply and touch up as needed. It feels like nothing on my skin once I rub it in.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
2. Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen*
This is a rich sunscreen with a mild tint that's meant to work for all skin tones. It works well with mine, and that's all I can personally speak to. It's hydrating and feels luxurious on the skin, it is great for days I want to skip moisturizer entirely and just wear sunscreen. The tint is subtle, so I usually still add concealer on top, but I do love how it evens out my rosacea-prone skin.
Active ingredients: Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone
3. Eucerin Complete Hydration Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50*
This one has a fluid, almost runny texture that blends into skin quickly. I really like how light it feels, it's my go-to when my skin wants a lighter touch of hydration, like on very humid days.
It isn't as thin in consistency as some other face sunscreens, the ones you shake and hear a little ball bounce around, but it is much thinner than 90% of the face sunscreens I've tried out.
Active ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone
4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50
I did a full review of this one a while back (read it here), and it's still a favourite. It feels like genuine skincare rather than sunscreen, light, not heavy, stays put in hot weather, and (this is the big one) doesn't burn my eyes. I'm one of those people whose eyes water for hours if sunscreen gets in them from sweat or rubbing, so this matters a lot to me.
I've since confirmed with coworkers who tried it that yes, it really is that good. Bonus: it's made in Canada.
Did I mention you can pick a four pack up at Costco? This is by far the best deal and how I buy mine.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50*
This stick isn't just a favourite of mine, my niece, nephew, and their mom all love it too. It glides on smooth and creamy while still feeling light on the skin. It's mineral-based, and on my skin tone it leaves no white cast, though it does take a little blending. It's fairly hydrating, so I save it for less humid days, and it stays non-greasy.
My hubby used this stick for the few years he worked outdoors at a golf course and liked it more than any other stick he'd tried at the time. His only complaint was that it would sometimes leave a bit of white in his beard, which is why he's since switched to the Shishido stick (the clear one).
I also love that the sensitive version is free of fragrance and several other common irritants.
Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, sunscreen is the one skincare step I'm never willing to skip, and I'm grateful we finally have options that feel this good to wear. Whether you want something clear and grab-and-go, rich and skin-evening, light as air, or fragrance-free for sensitive skin, there's a formula out there for you. I'd love to hear what's in your sunscreen rotation this summer!
