The answer’s an emphatic yes! And here’s some science to back that up: clouds filter out sunlight, but up to 80% of wrinkle-causing UV rays manage to still get through. Plus, UV rays can bounce off clouds and hit your skin directly. Bottom line: you should wear sunscreen on cloudy days.
If you have oily skin, you need a matte, sweat-proof SPF formula to stay cool and sun-protected this summer. These sweat-proof, non-shiny sunscreen formulas comfortably sit right under your makeup without budging. A super light texture and compact sizes make these sun protection products a must-have summer essential. Here are Nykaa’s best matte sunscreen picks for this season.
1. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel Pa+++ SPF – 50
Enriched with Horse Chestnut, Comfrey and Vanilla extracts, this innovative sunblock lotion protects against all forms of sun-induced damage and is most recommended for normal and oily skin. Perfect if you prefer all-natural, herbal formulas.
2. Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF 50
Finally, a high SPF cream that doesn’t feel like one. The specially created micro-emulsion formula helps distribute the sunscreen more evenly over your skin. Result: a smooth, matte effect! And while the SPF protects your skin from the outside, the specially blended cocktail of antioxidants helps your skin fight the harmful effects of UV from within.
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++
Its lightweight protection offers a matte finish and gently glides onto the skin for a smooth finish. Mexoryl XL and SX and Vitamin E form its active ingredients and protect skin from sun damage.
4. Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying this sunscreen lotion that will keep you fresh and glowing throughout the day and give the perfect mattifying finish. The lightweight gel formulation is perfect if you have oily skin prone to breakouts
5. VLCC Matte Look Sun Screen Lotion SPF 30
Enriched with Ayurvedic essential extracts, Jojoba Oil and Germinated Wheat Oil, this sun cream is completely safe for your skin. Its non-sweat formula prevents skin tanning and the creamy texture blends with your skin without making it sticky.
6. Cos-IQ Outdoor Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 Pa++++
If you’re reluctant to wear sunscreen because it turns into a greasy, pasty mess thanks to humidity and hyperactive oil glands, this sunscreen is here to put an end to this ordeal. As India’s first-ever serum-based hybrid sunscreen, its oil-free formula has a water-like consistency that absorbs into the skin without leaving any white cast. It’s also water-resistant which gives your skin unhindered, resilient sun protection.
7. Wishcare Invisible Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ Pa++++
If you prefer one-and-done skincare products, Wishcare’s Invisible Sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA++++ is all you need for your daytime skincare routine. It’s formulated with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to moisturise and hydrate the skin and niacinamide to soothe inflammation and control oil production. It has a mix of physical and safe chemical UV rays filters to not only provide sun protection but also tackle issues like hyperpigmentation and premature ageing.
8. Foxtale SPF 70 PA++++ Mattifying Sunscreen
This is the best sunscreen to give your skin a generous dose of vitamins while giving it long-lasting sun protection. It has SPF 70 to keep your skin protected from UV rays for longer hours. Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) improves skin texture and brightens, vitamin B5 (panthenol) softens the skin while boosting the natural skin barrier, and vitamin E protects the skin from free radical damage and pollution.
9. Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen SPF 50+ Gel
Tired of congested, clogged pores from heavy sunscreens? Switch to soothing, mattifying gels like the one from Fixderma. Its oil-free SPF 50 formula is specifically made for oily, acne-prone skin. This opaque gel-based sunscreen gel has filters like zinc oxide to prevent sun damage while Neo Heliopan Hydro and SunCat DE prevent UVA and UVB rays from entering the skin.
10. LANEIGE Watery Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Love K-beauty? The Laneige Watery Sun Cream gives a solid case for being a part of daytime go-to skincare products. It has a lightweight, watery consistency that is immediately absorbed into the skin, leaving the skin feeling hydrated, and soft without any white cast. Plus, it comes in travel-friendly packaging.
Ingredients To Look For In a Matte Sunscreen
- Sun filters: Look for safe sun mineral sun filters like titanium oxide and zinc oxide that prevent sun rays from entering the screen. Chemical filters like octocrylene absorb sun rays and release them from the body through heat.
- Niacinamide: Controls oil production and gets rid of acne marks.
- Asiatica Centella: Also known as cica or Gotu Kola, research published in 2013 reveals that components like asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside are what make cica an effective plant-based ingredient to tend to wounds, inflammation, redness, and burns. That’s why it’s added in anti-acne serums to soothe red, painful zits.
- L-Ascorbic acid: This is the most potent and well-studied form of vitamin C, and is considered to be the most stable form of vitamin C. It's a great addition to sunscreen as it helps brighten the complexion and fights free radical damage.
- Hyaluronic acid: Found in almost every skincare product, this humectant seals in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated.
How To Apply Sunscreen
- Follow the 2-finger rule while applying sunscreen. Dispense the sunscreen onto the lengths of your index and middle fingers. This amount will cover your face, neck, and ears for maximum sun protection.
- Don’t forget the body. Use a lightweight sunscreen gel that will easily absorb into the skin. It’s recommended to use 30ml of sunscreen to cover the body.
- If you have oily skin, go for a sunscreen that has a water consistency. If you want to get rid of any shine, use a sunscreen powder that will mattify the skin while giving extra sun protection.
No matter the skincare regime, sunscreen is the ultimate skin saviour if you want skin that looks even-toned, youthful, and healthy. We hope you bookmark this curation on the best matte sunscreens for sun protection that stays put.
