Every morning routine should end with sunscreen. It is the single most studied step in skin care, and the one dermatologists agree on more than any other — a broad-spectrum SPF worn daily does more for the long-term look of skin than almost anything else you can add.
We don't make one yet. That is a deliberate choice, and we want to be transparent about it.
Why we don't offer a sunscreen — for now
In the United States, sunscreen is not a cosmetic. It is an over-the-counter drug, regulated by the FDA and held to a different standard of testing and labeling than a serum or a moisturizer. Bringing one to market responsibly means broad-spectrum testing, SPF validation, stability data, and manufacturing under drug-grade conditions.
We built SORREL & CO on a simple rule — we ship a product only when the evidence behind it is settled. A sunscreen is the clearest place that rule applies. Rather than rush a formula to fill a gap in the routine, we would rather point you to the sunscreens that already meet that bar, and add our own when — and only when — it earns its place.
What to look for in a daily sunscreen
- Broad-spectrum — protection across both UVA and UVB. The label will say so directly.
- SPF 30 or higher — the widely recommended minimum for the face.
- A texture you will actually wear — the best sunscreen is the one you reach for every day. Fluids and lightweight lotions tend to layer cleanly over the Dew Cream or Renewal Cream.
- Mineral, chemical, or hybrid — mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the surface and suit reactive or easily-irritated skin. Chemical and hybrid formulas often feel lighter and blend more cleanly under makeup. All of them work when they are broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher.
- Fragrance — if your skin runs reactive, a fragrance-free formula is the safer daily choice.
A few we would point a friend to
These are not paid placements, and we have no affiliation with any of them — just well-formulated options that meet the criteria above and are widely recommended by dermatologists.
- EltaMD UV Clear — a light, fragrance-free formula with niacinamide, popular with breakout-prone and sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios — an elegant everyday line, with fluid and tinted options that wear well under makeup.
- CeraVe or Avène mineral SPF — gentle, zinc-based choices for skin that runs dry or sensitive.
- A tinted mineral SPF — if you want a little evening of tone, a tint also helps reduce the faint white cast mineral filters can leave.
Whichever you choose, apply it as the final step of your morning routine — after your moisturizer — and reapply through the day when you are outdoors.
When we do offer a sunscreen, it will be because it meets the same standard as everything else we make. Not a day before.