Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body

As your body's largest organ, your skin needs care and protection just as much as any other part of your body. That’s why sun protection is a crucial step in any skincare routine for healthy-looking skin. Everyone should wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily, regardless of gender, age, or skin tone. Proper sun protection can help minimize the risk of skin cancer and premature signs of skin aging caused by the sun’s harmful rays, when used as directed and combined with other protection measures. Including a hydrating sunscreen in your skincare routine can help ensure that your skin is protected and also remains hydrated and healthy-looking.

Mineral sunscreen filters (sometimes called physical sunscreen filters) are made from naturally-occurring minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They work by creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. This helps block and scatter harmful UVA and UVB rays before they penetrate your skin. Mineral sunscreens are generally considered to be gentler on your skin, which is why they tend to be used in baby sunscreens and preferred by people with dry skin, sensitive skin, and eczema.

Chemical sunscreens are made using ingredients that act like a sponge on your skin’s surface—helping to absorb harmful rays and release them as heat. The most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens typically have a cosmetic elegance and non-chalky finish that make them less likely to leave a white residue than some mineral sunscreens.

Hybrid sunscreens are made using both mineral (physical) and chemical sun filters. By combining the both types of UV filters, hybrid sunscreens can offer the benefits of a mineral sunscreen with the cosmetic elegance of a chemical sunscreen. These sunscreens have a lightweight formula that rubs in easily on most skin tones. Hybrid formulas also offer a gentle, versatile, non-greasy sunscreen option that’s suitable for most skin types.

CeraVe's Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 can be applied on both your face and body. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s best to apply roughly two tablespoons of sunscreen—about the equivalent of one shot glass—to any exposed areas on your face and body.¹ For your face alone, apply approximately a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen. If you’re using a sunscreen stick or spray, it’s recommended to apply liberally until you can see a visible sheen on your skin. Always follow the directions on the product packaging to see how much sunscreen body lotion or face lotion to apply and how often to reapply.

Yes. Just like chemical and mineral sunscreens, hybrid sunscreen formulas must also be reapplied regularly in order to be fully effective. We recommend applying our Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. If you’re swimming or sweating, reapply every 80 minutes. Otherwise, reapply at least every two hours when spending time outdoors.

Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is an ultra-light hydrating sunscreen formula that goes on white to help guide an even and proper application. Despite its lightweight, easy-to-spread formula, this hybrid sunscreen should always be applied per the product label and expert guidelines.

Absolutely. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily face and body care routines to help protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends applying a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days, along with other protective measures (like wearing a hat and staying in the shade).²

Yes, CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Always remember to reapply this product after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Our Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is developed with dermatologists and suitable for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.  

This product is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) and is deemed suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

Both CeraVe sunscreens provide effective protection from the sun's harmful rays while delivering hydration to the skin. We recommend using Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen if you prefer a face or body sunscreen that is 100% mineral, meaning that there are no chemical sun filters used. For a sunscreen with a mineral filter that also provides the cosmetic elegance commonly found in chemical sunscreens, we suggest using CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen. Additionally, we recommend our Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen if you’re looking for a water resistant product that can be used on both your face and body.

CeraVe's Hydrating Mineral Sheer Tint is a 100% mineral face sunscreen with a universal tint. Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is our first-ever hybrid sunscreen formula created for use on both the face and body. For a facial sunscreen that will provide a natural, healthy-looking glow, we suggest trying our Hydrating Mineral Sheer Tint. Or, if you’re looking for a water-resistant hybrid sunscreen that can be used on both the face and body, we recommend trying our new Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen.

Zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen ingredient that can help protect your skin against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. It works by forming a physical barrier to UV light and reflecting the sun's rays away from the skin. Zinc oxide is often used in both face and body sunscreen formulas to suit all skin types, including sensitive skin.

1. “Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging.” Skin Cancer Foundation, 2022.
2. “Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10 Sept. 2021.