Serum to SPF Powder: Homegrown Sunscreens For An Indian Summer

If there is one thing that all skincare enthusiasts and doctors agree on, it’s the fact that sunscreens need to be an indispensable part of your daily routine. The need for daily use of sunscreen includes protecting your skin from fine lines, and wrinkles and even preventing skin cancer. While the need for wearing sunscreen at all times, unless you are at home and in the shade, has become more popular in recent times, the actual adoption of wearing it is much less popular. But as a hot summer dawns upon us, it is more important than ever to start wearing sunscreen. 

One of the most issues that many face while trying to find the sunscreen that works for them, is the finish of the product. While some sunscreens leave a white cast, others might sting the eyes for some people. There are also worries about certain sunscreens ‘pilling’ when used in bigger amounts. But with the increasing focus on using sunscreen, many homegrown brands have released sunscreens that cater to the needs of Indian skin - from varying formulations that range from serum to powder and those with finishes that include tinted and clear sunscreen. The following are the products on our radar. 

Moisturising Sunscreen: Dr Sheth’s Ceramide and Vitamin C Sunscreen

This particular sunscreen can be considered instafamous, as it has become a cult classic among skincare influencers in India. Infused with ceramides and Vitamin C, this sunscreen is lightweight, and brightening. It is also beloved for leaving no white cast and moisturising while having SPF 50 PA+++. Since it features ceramide, it is also great for protecting your skin barrier. 

You can learn more about this product here.

Sunscreen-infused Foundation: Harkoi Mineral Matte Sunscreen Foundation

Featuring 8 different shades, including those with different undertones, the Harkoi Mineral Matte Sunscreen foundation is a great all-inclusive product. With SPF 35+ PA+++, this product is a sunscreen foundation, made especially for Indian skin. The brand claims that the product works as a primer, sunscreen and foundation, with a light texture and smooth finish. The product is also infused with Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E and Phytosqualene. 

You can learn more about this product here.

Powder Sunscreen: Sandiva SPF Powder 

While this powder might only feature SPF 30+ PA+++, it is a great product to top up on sun protection while on the go. This product comes in 4 different skin match shades that work for Indian skin tones and is infused with sandalwood dust. The product not just offers the benefits of SPF, and the finish of natural skin; it even has the wonderful fragrance of Sandalwood. This sunscreen powder is best used when layered on top of your heavy-duty, higher SPF sunscreen for maximum sun protection. 

You can learn more about this product here. 

Sunscreen Serum: 82E Turmeric Shield

The latest launch from Deepika Padukone’s skincare brand 82E is the Turmeric Shield Sunscreen serum with SPF 40 PA+++. The product is fast-absorbing, fragrance-free and claims to be extremely lightweight. It is infused with the antioxidant benefits of turmeric and is said to soothe the skin as well. While there are a lot of varying sunscreens in the market, a super lightweight serum format is hard to come by and Turmeric Shield is one of the very few that is currently available in India.  

You can learn more about this product here.

Sunscreen with Sheen: Friday Feeling Golden Hour Sunscreen with Shimmer

This particular product combines the benefits of a traditional sunscreen with the appeal of a summery sheen. The Golden House sunscreen from Friday Feeling is slightly tinted and has a shimmery finish, in addition to the SPF 30+ PA+++ protection it offers. The lightweight product also features humectants and antioxidants to keep the skin healthy and deeply moisturised. The brand claims that it works great to be layered under foundation for imparting a slight glow to your makeup.  

You can learn more about this product here.

Body Sunscreen: Sun Scoop Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty sunscreen with SPF 60+ PA+++, this one is your best bet. The fluid sunscreen in a spray format is great for the body and the face and has a creamy texture that is easily absorbed. Infused with Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Oat Milk, it is a soothing product that offers a cooling sensation to the skin on application. The product also claims to be pilling and transfer-proof, which is especially important as a body sunscreen. 

You can learn more about this product here.

Gel Based: Solved Labs Invisible Screen 

The idea of a completely clear, gel-based sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ seems almost like wishful thinking. But the Solved Labs Invisible Screen features a transparent gel formula that can protect one from sun and UV damage and has a smooth, primer-like finish. While it does face silicon, it is a great product for those who are looking for an invisible sunscreen that provides superior protection, while layering well under makeup. The product is infused with Vitamins A, B, C and E, and claims to be suitable for all skin types. 

You can learn more about this product here.

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