SVR Sun Secure Creme SPF 50+ is a popular choice at French pharmacies. The matte formula provides excellent sun protection without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The balm-in-gel texture is lightweight and invisible on the skin, making it ideal for days spent outdoors or at the beach.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream SPF 50+ is known for its ultra-creamy formula, perfect for those with dry skin. The Netlock Technology creates a protective film on the skin’s surface to shield it from sun exposure. This sunscreen offers excellent sun protection while moisturizing the skin.
Evy Daily Defense Face Mousse SPF 50 is a beloved Swedish sunscreen with a cloud-like texture. The fragrance-free formula strengthens the skin barrier and protects against free radicals. It is lightweight and works well under makeup, making it a versatile option for daily wear.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ is a sought-after Australian sunscreen brand known for its high-quality formulas. This sunscreen acts as a moisturizer, primer, and sunscreen all in one, with a satin-like finish that is perfect for normal to dry skin types.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ is a K-beauty favorite with soothing ingredients like rice extract and niacinamide. The hydrating formula is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. It absorbs quickly and does not leave a white cast or oily residue on the skin.
Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is a lightweight Korean sunscreen with a jelly-like texture. It is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, but suitable for all skin types. The sunscreen applies smoothly without leaving a white cast and works well under makeup.
Purito Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++ is a Korean sun lotion designed for dry, sensitive skin. The hydrating formula soothes irritated skin and provides SPF protection without a sticky finish. It is lightweight and leaves no white cast on the skin.
NIVEA UV Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ is a Japanese sunscreen with a toner-like consistency. The non-greasy formula feels comfortable on the skin and dries down quickly without leaving a residue. It is suitable for all skin tones and types, making it a versatile option for daily wear.
The United States has fewer sunscreen options due to the stringent regulations set by the FDA. Compared to Europe, Korea, and Australia, the U.S. has fewer approved UV filters, limiting the variety of sunscreens available to consumers. The FDA approval process for new sun filters is extensive, costly, and time-consuming, leading to a lack of innovation in American sunscreen products.
In Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world, sunscreens are classified as cosmetics, making it easier for beauty brands to access a wider range of UV filters. This allows for more innovative formulas and better sun protection options for consumers. While experts support the FDA’s classification of sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs for safety reasons, they acknowledge the limitations it imposes on sunscreen innovation in the U.S.
The differences in sunscreen formulations abroad are not only due to filter options but also historical preferences and priorities in sun protection. European and Asian countries have a long history of lightweight, daily wear sunscreens that protect against both UVB and UVA rays. In contrast, the U.S. historically prioritized water resistance and UVB protection, resulting in heavier sunscreens with a thicker consistency. The introduction of broad-spectrum standards in the U.S. in 2011 highlighted the disparities in sun protection between American and foreign sunscreens.
While it is possible to purchase foreign sunscreens in the U.S., authenticity and storage conditions are concerns when buying from overseas. Reliable retailers like Olive Young, Care to Beauty, Stylevana, and Cult Beauty offer foreign sunscreen options, but shipping times may vary. Dermatologists and cosmetic chemists express frustration over the lack of innovative sunscreen options in the U.S. and advocate for greater access to foreign sunscreen formulas for American consumers.