The Best Innovation in Sun Protection of 2023

Written by Zoe Weiner and Kara Jillian Brown

Art Direction by Natalie Carroll and Alyssa Gray

Creative Direction by Jenna Gibson

Protecting your skin from the sun used to mean slathering on a thick, white paste and hoping for the best. Things have changed, to say the least. Now, formulations have improved, and there are entirely new ways to defend against UV damage.

Below, we've rounded up some of the techiest and most exciting new sun-protection products, all of which are paving the way for even more innovation to come. Whether you're looking for a mess-free way to stay protected, a product to remind you when it's time to re-apply, or the best darn UPF hat around, we've got you covered. Literally.

Shop award-winning SPF innovation

SPOTMYUV, UV Defense Sticker—$36 for 48 stickers

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Just because we all know we’re supposed to re-apply SPF every two hours doesn’t mean we actually remember to do it. With these stickers, though, there’s no longer an excuse to forget. Simply stick one onto your skin before you apply your SPF, then watch as it turns from clear to purple to clue you in that you’ve achieved proper coverage. As the sticker is exposed to UV light, it will fade from purple back to clear, letting you know that it’s time to re-up your sunscreen.

Pros

Aids in proper SPF application

Cons

Single-use product

Bluestone Sunshields x Pillowtalk Derm, Major Shade Full Lux Sunshield—$70

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This visor, which looks like something right out of Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, isn’t just meant to be a conversation starter on the beach (though it certainly will be that). It also offers UPF 50 to keep your face protected at all times. The visor is easily adjustable so you can wear it like a hat brim or a full-face covering, and is easy to see through while resisting heat and blocking 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Pros

UPF 50
Heat resistant

Cons

Difficult to travel with

Sun Patch, Under Eye UV Protection—$26 for 8 Patches

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The delicate skin under your eyes is highly prone to sun damage, which makes keeping it protected extra-important. But, slathering sunscreen in the area isn’t exactly appealing (hello, stinging eyes!). These patches make it easy to ensure the fragile spot is wholly protected by physically blocking out UV rays. The patches are made from zinc oxide-infused silicone, come in four fun colors, including neon blue, neon pink, neon yellow, and neon white.

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide-based silicone

Pros

Physical sun protection
Reusable
Water and sweat-proof up to 6 hours
Hypoallergenic
Gentle enough for sensitive skin

Cons

Highly visible

Pavise, UV Camera—$176

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It’s easy to miss a spot or two when applying your SPF, and this ultraviolet camera is here to help. Plug this tiny camera into the charging port on your iPhone and take a look at yourself in a now-blue screen. The camera makes the areas where you applied SPF appear darker, allowing you to make sure you have full coverage. Once you’re ready for bed, use this camera to ensure you rinsed off all your SPF before applying your nighttime serums and creams.

Pros