Today, sunscreen lotions aren’t the only products that lend us protection from the sun. We’ve now got SPF-infused foundations, BB creams, and yes, sunscreen serums to give us easier ways of piling on sun protection.

What are sunscreen serums?

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Sunscreen serums are, as their name suggests, serums that are mixed with SPF. They contain skin-loving ingredients like other serums do, but also help to shield your skin from the sun.

Can you replace sunscreen with sunscreen serums?

On their own, these multi-tasking products might not be sufficient for protecting your skin from relentless UV rays outdoors, unless you really slather them on.

But, they offer a great way for you (lazy bums) to integrate sunscreen into your morning routine, especially when layered with other SPF-infused products.

If you wear makeup regularly, you can top your sunscreen serum with an SPF-infused foundation to make sure there’s an even layer of protection. Or, you can reapply your lightweight sunscreen serum throughout the day for added protection without ever experiencing a greasy, tacky feel.

Best sunscreen serums in Malaysia

Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF40 Serum

sunscreen serums supergoop daily dose

This lightweight sunscreen from Supergoop! combines chemical SPF and brightening vitamin C in a cute little bottle.

It tackles hyperpigmentation and discolouration that often accompanies UV exposure with the brightening benefits of vitamin C. This key ingredient also lightens dark scars and evens out your skin tone.

You’ll also find other star actives like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in the formula, alongside unexpected ingredients such as Kakadu plum, a powerhouse antioxidant that protects the skin from blue light, so you can say hello to radiant, glowing skin.

Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF40 Serum retails for RM225 on Sephora.

Zitsticka Megashade Sunscreen Serum SPF 50

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The Megashade sunscreen serum doesn’t just protect your skin from sun damage, but prevents clogged pores and acne too!

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin and plumps it up, while brightening niacinamide reduces the look of blemishes and dark spots for clearer, more radiant skin.

It’s just what you should expect from Zitsticka, the skincare brand that offers only acne-fighting or breakout-preventing products to help you achieve clear, trouble-free skin.

Zitsticka Megashade Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 retails for RM260 on Shopee.

Anessa Sun Dual Care Day Serum SPF50+/PA++++

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While Anessa already offers all kinds of SPF products, from silky milks to watery gels, we’re still excited that the brand has just launched its Sun Dual Care sunscreen serum!

No ordinary sunscreen serum, this one also reflects these light rays to give your skin a golden-hour glow. With a pale pink tint, your complexion will take on a subtle rosy radiance – it’s a true skin glow-up.

Even better, it also reduces fine lines and wrinkles for more youthful-looking skin.

Anessa Sun Dual Care Day Serum SPF50+/PA++++ retails for RM161.40 on Lazada.

Innisfree Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++

sunscreen serums

Rosemary extract is the hero ingredient in Innisfree’s Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen. Great for reducing inflammation, this ingredient soothes and depuffs the skin, as well as turns back the clock on tired, ageing skin.

So, glide this sunscreen serum smoothly over your skin. It’ll hydrate, reduce fine lines, and brighten – all whilst giving your skin the sun protection that it needs!

Innisfree Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen retails for RM105 at Innisfree stores in Malaysia.

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

sunscreen serums

Trust Neutrogena to give us a reliable sunscreen serum at a drugstore price.

The Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and is infused with antioxidants so that it prevents UV rays from hitting the skin whilst combating the effects of sun damage on the skin.

The sunscreen serum glides smoothly onto the skin and leaves no white cast. It’s also infused with ginger to help even skin tone, and give you a flawless, glowy finish!

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ retails for RM108 on Shopee.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50

sunscreen serums

La Roche-Posay’s sunscreens have got to be one of the best in the market, and the same goes for its Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with SPF 50 Sunscreen.

This sunscreen serum goes hard on its serum formula. It visibly improves the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture due to all the antioxidant goodness it contains.

It also absorbs easily into the skin, so you can wear it paired with a moisturiser or under your makeup with total ease.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50 retails for RM265 on Shopee.

Bioré UV Anti-Pollution Body Care Serum SPF 50+ Extra Moist

sunscreen serums

We tend to apply serums to our face and neck, but Bioré’s UV Anti-Pollution Body Care Serum Extra Moist sounds the bells and reminds us that taking care of the skin on the rest of our bodies is important too!

Formulated for the body, Bioré’s sunscreen serum tops sun protection with hydration so that your skin is at its best, from head to toe.

Bioré UV Anti-Pollution Body Care Serum SPF 50+ Extra Moist retails for S$10.90 instead of RM32.72 on Guardian.

Andalou Naturals SPF 30 Age Defying Facial Serum

sunscreen serums

If you love using natural botanical ingredients on your skin, then Andalou Naturals’ SPF 30 Age Defying Facial Serum is the one for you.

This Age Defying Facial Serum, like all other Andalou Naturals’ products, uses the brand’s signature Fruit Stem Cell Science.

It blends bioactive stem cells from the Heirloom Apple, Grape, and Swiss Alpine Rose, to name a few, to protect the skin, restore radiance, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Andalou Naturals SPF 30 Age Defying Facial Serum retails for RM103.80 on Shopee.

Rodial SPF 50 Drops Anti-Blue Light & Pollution

sunscreen serums

Most of us sit in front of our screens all day, even if we’re not outside under the sun, which is why we need Rodial’s Anti-Blue Light & Pollution SPF 50 Drops.

Light and weightless on the skin, this sunscreen serum shields the skin not just from UVA/UVB rays but also from blue light that comes from our laptops, phone screens, as well as the sun.

It’s also bursting with antioxidant-rich butterfly bush so that your skin has another defence against free radical damage, as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so your skin can drink up!

Rodial SPF 50 Drops Anti-Blue Light & Pollution retails for US$60 (approximately RM264) on Selfridges. Shipping fees apply. 

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum

sunscreen serums

Looking for a chemical sunscreen serum to layer alongside a physical sunblock? Turn to the Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum that melts effortlessly into the skin, leaving your skin feeling light and free.

Made with antioxidant-rich spinach, green tea, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, the sunscreen serum really delivers a shot of skin-loving goodness to your face.

It also leaves a slightly glowy finish, that makes your skin look (not just feel) all the more healthy under the sun!

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum retails for RM118 on Sephora.

Featured image credit: Zitsticka and Innisfree