Sunscreen Trends on TikTok: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Let’s cut to the chase: Sunscreen is huge on TikTok right now. Like, if you haven’t seen all the viral sunscreen trends on your For You Page, have you even been on TikTok lately? 😂 As a makeup artist, I’m all about the beat face, but girl, keeping your skin healthy comes first. Sunscreen is the unsung hero of the skincare game, and TikTok has taken it from granny’s morning goop to absolute must-have. But not all sunscreens trending on TikTok are created equal, so let’s spill the tea on What’s Hot and What’s Not in the sunscreen world!

Seriously, the way TikTok moves trends… one minute you’re watching dance challenges and the next, your whole skincare routine is switching up (for the better, hopefully 😅). So let’s dive in and check out what’s legit and what’s kinda sus when it comes to sunscreen rumors flooding our feeds.

Why Sunscreen Is Basically Your Skin’s Bestie

Let’s get this out of the way: Sunscreen is the moment. Honestly, it should be a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. Not just when you’re at the beach—think every day when you’re running errands or even just grabbing that iced coffee (let’s be real, you’re getting the iced matcha latte ✨). The sun, my friend, doesn’t take a day off. It can clobber your skin with UV rays even when it’s cloudy.

And did you know UV rays are the No. 1 cause of premature aging? Like, yikes, I want my skin to be snatched when I’m 40, not serving grandma vibes, you feel me?

Here’s a quick reminder of why slathering on SPF matters:

Okay, that’s my PSA, now let’s get into the TikTok-approved trends—what’s fire 🔥 and what’s just so-so.

What’s Hot: Sunscreen Sticks—THE Ultimate Effortless SPF

If you thought slathering sunscreen all over your face was annoying, TikTok found a whole hack for you! Sunscreen sticks are 100% getting their moment, and I am here for it. Portable, mess-free, and application is easy-peasy. You just swipe it across your face, and boom, sunscreen’s on. No squeezing tubes or spreading with your hands.

One of the biggest faves on #BeautyTok is the Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+. This one’s a game changer because it’s literally transparent and doesn’t leave a crusty white cast. Blonde girls and POC, rejoice—you already know we’re not here for sunscreen that looks like you dipped your face in flour. 🕊️

Seriously, the sunscreen stick trend has pulled through. You can slide this in your purse or even pocket because it’s lowkey that small, and the next time you’re out in the sun, just whip it out and swipe it on (boss move).

“If you’re too lazy to reapply sunscreen, a stick is like *the* life hack you need in your life.”

Not So Hot: DIY Sunscreens… Just No. Please.

Okay, fam… if you’re thinking about whipping up your own sunscreen with some oils you saw on TikTok, I’m gonna give you one word of advice: no.

There’s been this unfortunate DIY trend where some users mix up coconut oil or even essential oils into a concoction and call it SPF. Sis, not only does this do zero for protecting your skin, but you could actually be damaging it worse with an oil slick combo that attracts more UV rays. TikTok user @thenotexpertdoctor did a whole takedown of this dangerous trend. We need to leave this behind, like… now.

Listen, skincare is important, so please leave the DIY to slime tutorials and not something that involves your literal face.

What’s Hot: Sunscreen Over Makeup—With the Right SPF!

So, I know all my glam girls are always asking, “How do I reapply sunscreen when I’m slaying a full beat?”

TikTok came through for us here too, babes. Introducing… powder sunscreen. Yup, this is another super hyped trend, and it’s pretty legit! You can just dust it all over your face during the day, and it leaves no sticky mess or greasiness. Game-changer.

Popular options like Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 are designed specifically to layer on top of makeup or even fresh bare skin if you’re doing a no-makeup look.

Here’s a little tip, though: Even though powder SPF is cute or whatever for touch-ups, it shouldn’t be your main sunscreen. You still need a solid sunscreen base (like a cream or lotion) to truly keep those rays off your skin for real.

Not So Hot: The Too-Good-To-Be-True SPF Foundation

Real talk: Some TikTokers are showing off foundations or primers with SPF, making them look like this all-in-one miracle product. I get it—anything that makes your life easier sounds appealing. But babe, some of these products really don’t give you the full protection your skin deserves.

Most makeup with SPF only has an SPF factor of 15 or 20, and you’d have to layer it on so thick, you’d look like you applied foundation with a spatula to get enough protection. Plus, we know most of us don’t cake on foundation like that.

You’re still going to want to use a real sunscreen underneath your makeup—and just use the one in your foundation for a little extra boost.

“Don’t rely on SPF in your foundation alone—your skin deserves better, babe.”

What’s Hot: SPF That Slaps on ALL Skin Tones

Let’s have a moment of silence for the countless times a girl has had to rub in sunscreen that makes her look like a ghost, especially for melanin queens. 🙅🏽‍♀️ Not cool. Finally, TikTok is uprising on this, and brands are stepping up to provide better diversity in textures and finishes.

Gel formulas, for example, are now hitting the market that work on every skin tone without turning you into Casper. One super-recommended option all over TikTok is Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. It blends in with no white cast whatsoever.

Another fave that’s blowing up is the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. It’s this invisible gel formula that glides on smooth, making it perfect for anyone.

Also, many skincare creators are pushing brands like EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 because it doesn’t break you out, no matter your skin type, whicheees chef’s kiss.

Not So Hot: SPF Face Masks—For Sun Protection?

Now if you’re like me, during quarantine mask life, you probably saw all kinds of skincare hacks. But one trend that has me shook is the SPF-infused face masks. Like, okay… I get that face masks were a major look during those times, but masks designed solely to block the sun? They’re kind of sus.

While getting cute with your mask game is one thing, don’t be skimping on applying proper real sunscreen underneath. Some TikTok users were saying that sun masks replace the need for traditional sunscreen, and that’s just a hard pass. 😬

What’s Hot: Water-Resistant Sunscreens for the Beach & Pool

Okay okay, I know most of us probably heard the myth that when you’re in the water (pools or ocean), you’re immune to the sun. Hate to break it to you, that’s false —and the sun’s still getting you lol.

But no fear, TikTok put me on to some magic. Water-resistant sunscreen is blowing up and making sure you stay protected even when you’re out there doing cannonballs or dipping your toes in Malibu. Look for products that say “water-resistant” for 40 or 80 minutes on the label.

Alrighty, gorgeous babes! That’s your 411 on suns(tractt signs w arms crossed