Consider me an advertiser’s dream because I’m a sucker for any skincare product marketed as “milky.” Milky toners? Of course. Milky serums? You bet. Milky cleansers? Give me 14 of ’em. Luckily for me (not so much for my wallet), milky skincare products are showing no signs of slowing down, especially during the summer when smooth, lightweight hydrators basically become prized beauty possessions. After all, the thought of applying a rich, creamy lotion makes me want to face-plant onto my AC unit (it’s a casual 100°F here in New York as I write this), even when it comes to essential products like sunscreen. I know it’s nonnegotiable, but why does it have to be so sticky?
Lo and behold, milky marketing is at it again—enter sunscreen milks. These thin, liquidy SPF solutions have skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s really not difficult to see why. They make your skin look deliciously dewy (never sweaty), wear beautifully underneath makeup, and don’t skimp on essential protection. Below, discover the 11 formulas I can’t stop slathering on.
The Best Sunscreen Milks, at a Glance
What Is Sunscreen Milk?
Imagine the most lightweight yet hydrating sunscreen you’ve ever tried—that’s sunscreen milk in a nutshell. True to their name, these formulas have a watery consistency that melts into the skin upon application, leaving behind a noticeable glow. While you can find skin-like finishes, most sunscreen milks fall on the dewy side of the spectrum. Sunscreen milks come in both mineral and chemical formats and can be tinted or clear, so they’re pretty versatile depending on your SPF preferences.
You can wear them any time of year, but they’re practically made for sweaty summer days when you can barely fathom the thought of layering multiple serums. They’re so hydrating that you could theoretically skip moisturizer entirely if you’re looking for a super-streamlined skincare routine spiked with nourishing actives like niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It’s as if your beloved milky toner just so happens to boast a heaping dose of SPF.
The Best Sunscreen Milks of 2025
Best Overall: 111Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
For those looking to really streamline their skincare routine, I can’t recommend this mineral milk enough. I know it’s pricey, but it’s also infused with sophisticated, serum-level actives: polyglutamic acid, which minimizes the evaporation of water from the skin during sun exposure; plant extracts to reduce signs of inflammation; white mulberry root to fend off oxidative stress and prevent hyperpigmentation; and NAC Y², 111Skin’s patented trio of super antioxidants that stimulate collagen and address skin aging at the cellular level.
In short, this formula doesn’t just protect your skin from harsh UV rays; it actually repairs sun damage that’s able to sneak its way in. As for the application, I can attest that it’s absolutely divine—thin and milky with no pilling whatsoever.
Customer review: “I’m obsessed with this sunscreen—love the texture. Zero white cast or greasy feel.”
Best for Dry Skin: Sunsolve MD LipidRestore Volumize + Restore SPF 40
Sunsolve MD
LipidRestore Volumize + Restore SPF 40
SPF: 40
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
Remember when I promised that lightweight sunscreen milks are actually deeply hydrating? For those who remain unconvinced of their moisturizing power, I present to you Sunsolve MD’s LipidRestore—a high-absorbent, skin-plumping formula that imparts a bouncy, silky finish. It’s perfect for dehydrated, easily irritated complexions in desperate need of barrier repair, and it enhances skin texture without feeling too greasy.
Customer review: “This product is amazing! I struggled to find a face sunscreen that wasn’t sticky. The texture is soft and the ingredients were great for my sensitive skin.”
Best Under Makeup: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen
Summer Fridays
ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
If it has “milk” in its name, you can bet your bottom dollar that the consistency will be delightfully serum-like. Summer Fridays really hit it out of the park with this SPF, in my humble opinion (other beauty editors would agree), as it dries down to a natural, skin-like finish and wears incredibly underneath makeup. It never pills and instead provides a nice, hydrated base for your subsequent skin tint, BB cream, etc. In case you need another reason to snag it, both Pamela Anderson and Hailey Bieber count themselves as fans.
Customer review: “My skin sucks this SPF right up! It’s so silky. No pilling. So smooth.”
Best for Oily Skin: Isdin Fusion Water Magic
SPF: 40
Type: Chemical
Size: 1.7 ounces
True to its moniker, this Isdin sunscreen fuses to the skin instantly, depositing a soft, nongreasy finish. If you find milky sunscreens to be way too shiny for your liking, trust me—you’ll fall in love with this one. It somehow remains intensely hydrating without making your skin look (or feel) oily. FYI: Nicola Peltz Beckham loves it too, noting that “it’s really pretty under makeup.”
Customer review: “I’ve used other Isdin sun products and here’s another one I’m loving! I’m amazed how lightweight and sheer this product is, it literally melts into my skin without leaving a white cast or greasy feeling. I apply it under my makeup and it doesn’t impact my foundation throughout the day. Love that it not only protects my skin from the sun, but also from damaging blue rays from phone and computer use. Overall I’m impressed with this product and definitely recommend it.”
Best Tinted: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon
Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
SPF: 40
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
Korean beauty brands were debuting sunscreen milks long before they became super buzzy (K-beauty is consistently ahead of the curve), and this tinted number from Beauty of Joseon is an absolute dream. With 12 sheer, gorgeous shades, a Goldilocks finish (not too dewy, not too matte), and a silky, serum-like texture, it quickly became my ultimate beauty-bag staple. It’s my favorite tinted option at the moment, no doubt!
Customer review: “I absolutely love this tinted SPF. It matches my skin perfectly [and] the instructions on matching your skin are easily understandable. It doesn’t even feel like anything on my skin, which is super important to me. I won’t wear foundation, because I hate the way it feels. My skin wants to breathe, and this allows that to happen. I couldn’t be happier. I will be repurchasing.”
Best Invisible: Beekman 1802 Solar Milk Clear SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel
Beekman 1802
Solar Milk Clear SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Size: 1.7 ounces
Okay, this technically has a gel—not milky—consistency, but I do lump it into the sunscreen-milk category due to its triple milk complex (goat, coconut, and rice milk, to be specific). These creamy actives nourish and restore the skin barrier, pink algae extract brightens skin tone, and arginine (an amino acid) keeps your complexion looking firm and taut. It has a completely clear application that actually serves as a makeup-gripping primer, so you can go ahead and apply your favorite skin tint or foundation right after massaging it in.
Customer review: “I have been searching for nearly a decade for an incredible sunscreen. That doesn’t feel greasy and doesn’t smell. This is by far the best product I have tried. It does not feel greasy and goes well under makeup!”
Best Value: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
Dr. Jart+
Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Size: 3.4 ounces
I repeat: Korean sunscreens have always been ahead of the game. This milky confection from Dr. Jart+ is arguably the biggest bang for your buck at 3.4 ounces, and it has a radiant finish that somehow makes your skin look more polished and healthier than before. In terms of the application, it spreads like an absolute dream, and that lightweight, liquidy consistency instantly melts into the skin.
Customer review: “Very nice sunscreen product. Feels light on skin and spread very well. A really good blind buy.”
Best for Combination Skin: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
Kate Somerville
Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
With its precise tip, you can easily squeeze out the correct amount of sunscreen (that’s two fingers’ length, folks!) before massaging the serum-like formula into your skin. Along with non-nano zinc oxide, these drops contain ectoin, which is a skin soother known for coddling and hydrating sensitive complexions. Don’t be turned off by the slight tint you see upon application. That’s just the sheer mineral pigments, and they’ll turn sheer (and very glowy) as you massage in the product.
Customer review: “This is my daily sunscreen under makeup, It’s very hydrating and dewy. I’m 40 and prefer my makeup to be glowy rather than dry. This is the perfect base, no cast, still feels light and super moisturizing. Maybe not for oily skin but great for dry or combination (I’m the latter).”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vacation Shake Shake Mineral Milk SPF 50 Sunscreen
Vacation
Shake Shake Mineral Milk SPF 50 Sunscreen
SPF: 50
Type: Mineral
Size: 1.7 ounces
Vacation is known for its nostalgic, innovative packaging (consider this your sign to try the brand’s viral whipped cream–inspired SPF mousse), and this Mineral Milk certainly ticks that box. It features a shaker ball that effortlessly mixes the proprietary ZincWater formula into a lightweight, milky texture along with a flip spout to ensure a mess-free application. With hyaluronic acid, ceramides, cucumber, white tea, and aloe vera, it soothes the skin as it protects against UV rays. No lie, it’s practically a salve for angry, sensitive complexions.
Customer review: “I have only been using this product for a few days, but I can tell already it’s a winner. I have sensitive, rosacea-prone skin and have spent so much $ trying to find a good base SPF for my face. I think I’ve finally found it!! It goes on easily, sinks in, and feels good once dry—with or without additional makeup.”
Best Korean Sunscreen: Mediheal Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum Blemish Repair
Mediheal
Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum Blemish Repair
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Size: 1.76 ounces
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Korean sunscreens are supreme. The filters are more sophisticated, the formulas are exceptionally skin loving, and the textures are out of this world. Case in point? This serum from Mediheal, which features niacinamide, centella asiatica, and madecassoside (an antioxidant-rich active derived from centella asiatica) to actively heal blemishes and fade dark spots while protecting sun-exposed skin.
It’s currently only available in Korea, but Olive Young, a major Korean beauty retailer, does ship to the U.S.—a major life hack considering beauty editors clamor to get their hands on Korean sunscreens whenever they find themselves abroad. You also score free shipping if you spend over $60, so take this as a sign to stock up on all your K-beauty favorites.
Customer review: “Hard to explain how unique this feels when you are applying it. Does not feel like a sunscreen at all, feels more like a serum treatment. I [love] this line and use it in toner pads, daily masking and sunscreen now.”
Best Lightweight Cream: Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture SPF
TULA Skincare
24-7 Moisture SPF
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Size: 1.5 ounces
No, this is not a sunscreen milk, but it’s so featherlight and hydrating that I couldn’t help but include it in this list. It’s marketed as a day cream, but the consistency is quite serum-like, in my opinion. It’s fast-absorbing and noncomedogenic and disappears upon application—like you’re wearing nothing at all.
Customer review: “This is AMAZING!! I will continue to order this! I’ve tried other ‘name brand’ products and this is the only one so far that looks and feels like I don’t have the moisturizer on! Forever customer!”
