No more sticky sunscreens, try the cooling gel formula that hydrates, protects and disappears

Gel sunscreens feel light, absorb quickly, and offer sun protection without the stickiness, perfect for Indian weather and daily routines that don’t slow down (Image: Canva)

Sunscreen once used to mean heavy creams and white patches, but not anymore. With growing awareness around UV damage, pigmentation and premature ageing, SPF has earned a permanent place in skincare routines. And leading this shift are gel sunscreens, designed for Indian weather and modern lifestyles.

People are embracing this new-age formula and how it’s changing the way they think about daily sun protection. “There’s a mindset shift,” says Malini Adapureddy, CEO and Founder, Deconstruct. “People don’t want just sun protection, they want comfort, texture, and skincare that works for their skin type and climate,” she explains.

Adapureddy believes this is why gel sunscreens are becoming popular. “They’re not heavy, they don’t leave a white cast, and they feel like skincare, not a chore. From teenagers learning about skincare to adults navigating city life, SPF is becoming something you want to apply, rather than something you feel you have to,” she says.

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The market has evolved. People are now reading labels and choosing textures. “We’ve moved past the one-size-fits-all idea of sunscreen,” says Adapureddy. “Gel formulas suit the Indian lifestyle, humid weather, sweat, pollution, long commutes, they tick all the boxes.”

Adapureddy shares reasons why gel sunscreens are redefining how people protect their skin:

• Goodbye thick, greasy formulas: Old-school sunscreens felt sticky and left a white layer. Gel-based options are light, quick-absorbing and easy to wear, even on hot and humid days.
• Feel fresh and breathable all day: Gel sunscreens suit all skin tones and don’t clog pores. They absorb instantly and stay on even when you’re sweating or moving about in the sun.
• Make sunscreen part of self-care: With ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin, gel sunscreens hydrate and soothe. “It doesn’t feel like a chore anymore, it feels refreshing,” says Adapureddy.

• Stay protected from commute to workout: These formulas are built for busy days, water-resistant, sweat-proof and long-lasting. Whether you’re at a desk or on a trek, they hold up.
• Skincare meets sun protection: The new generation of gel sunscreens includes added ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, so your sunscreen does more than just block UV rays.