All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The best sunscreen is the one that you’re actually going to use in your skin-care routine. This leaves you with the important task of finding a handful of sunscreens that aren’t greasy or sticky, work with your skin type, and don’t leave you looking like a ghost. “Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product, as there’s nothing that damages the skin as much as the sun,” Dr. David Kim, MD, MS, cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City previously told SELF. “You could be using very expensive moisturizer and vitamin C serums, but if you’re constantly getting UV exposure and your skin is constantly getting damaged, you’re not fully benefiting from your other skin-care products.”
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, in general, you should look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays. You should also pick something with SPF 30 or above. “The American Academy of Dermatology and dermatologists in general recommend SPF 30 and higher because that provides 97% of the UVB protection,” Dr. Kim previously explained.
What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
What makes mineral and chemical SPF different from each other comes down to the way they block UV rays. “The key difference is referring to the active ingredient that’s actually screening the sun,” Dr. Jerome Potozkin, MD, founder and practitioner at PotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Center in California previously told SELF. “Mineral sunscreens typically have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the two key ingredients. So with the mineral SPF, the sunscreen actually sits on the skin’s surface and reflects the light hitting the skin.” Mineral sunscreens are reef-safe options since they don’t include oxybenzone and octinoxate. (The FDA notes that those chemicals are safe for human use, but keep those sunscreens for poolside or day-to-day use only.)
“[Chemical sunscreens] absorb the heat from the UV and dissipate it. So the chemical filters don’t physically block the UV from penetrating the skin, but rather absorb the damage caused by the UV,” Dr. Kim previously told SELF. Many of the chemical sunscreens on this list use reef-safe chemical filters like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, so you can use them at the beach. In general, as SELF has previously reported, there’s nothing inherently better about one type of sunscreen than the other.
Below, we used dermatologist guidance to find the best sunscreen you can buy for your face and body. We divvied up the list by chemical and mineral formulations and added in some options for oily, acne-prone, and dry skin. We also threw in some of our favorite spray sunscreens, SPF moisturizers, and sunscreen sticks for good measure. And while these will be your summer staples, we highly, highly recommend stocking up for year-round use.
Best Sunscreens for Face
Derms agree unequivocally that you should wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even if your makeup also has SPF, it’s raining outside, or it’s the dead of winter. Sun protection is a must whether you can see the sun’s rays or not.
Ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid are nice additions, and if you’ve already got some sun damage from past sunburns (hello, all of us), select a sunscreen that also contains antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help fight discoloration. An important note: You don’t need extra ingredients in your SPF, especially if you layer on other skin-care products in the morning.
If you have rosacea or eczema-prone skin, opt for mineral over chemical sunscreens, as they’re naturally less irritating, according to Dr. Kim. Folks with sensitive skin should also avoid dyes and parabens and opt for fragrance-free choices.
These broad-spectrum sunscreens use reef-safe avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene to protect against sun damage. Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a cult favorite because it has an invisible, fast-absorbing formula. The brand’s new Watery Lotion is a good option for every skin type and tone, thanks to skin barrier-strengthening ingredients and a non-greasy finish. Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion has more than 1,000 five-star reviews to boot, and it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Coola is a growing household name when it comes to sun protection; its face lotion comes in a few heavenly scents and most of the brand’s ingredients are organic.
These mineral SPFs are all emollient, meaning they rub in easily, which reduces your chances of dealing with a white cast on your skin. Bliss’s Block Star invisible mineral sunscreen won a SELF Beauty Award for its oil-free formulation and matte finish. Biotech skin-care brand Ourself has mineral sunscreen formulated with peptides to prevent premature aging, plus antioxidants to fight discoloration. Dr. Kim likes SkinCeuticals formulation because it’s very liquid-y, blends in well, and a little goes a long way. CeraVe’s skin-care products are packed with skin barrier-loving, protective ceramides, and the mineral sunscreen is no different. Plus, it has a thicker formulation so that it stays put all day long.
If you deal with acne and breakouts, you want a sunscreen that doesn’t exacerbate the issue. These SPFs are formulated with ingredients that target breakouts and discoloration, like niacinamide and vitamin C. Plus, they’re all lightweight and oil-free, so they won’t clog your pores. Murad’s Correct & Protect serum and EltaMD’s UV Clear offer mineral SPF protection, while La Roche-Posay and Dermalogica are solid chemical SPF options.
Similar to acne-prone skin, oily skin needs an SPF that’s oil-free, dry-touch, and fast-absorbing. Neutrogena makes an excellent drugstore option that has chemical filters and is oxybenzone-free. EltaMD’s UV Sport uses the brand’s proprietary invisible zinc oxide to protect, all while staying put even when you’re sweating or swimming.
Dry skin needs to soak up all the moisture—without adding an oily sheen. Black Girl Sunscreen’s moisturizing chemical SPF is formulated with jojoba, cacao, and avocado. Plus, it’s reef-safe and paraben, and fragrance-free, making it a solid pick for folks with sensitive skin. Tatcha’s The Silk Sunscreen has a lighter, hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide, plus mineral protection from zinc oxide.
Based on our dermatologist guidelines, when looking for an SPF moisturizer, you should keep an eye out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide, plus a hearty SPF. Saie’s Slip Tint combines a moisturizer, mineral sunscreen, and foundation for a triple threat that gives you the no-makeup makeup look. Grown Alchemist makes a lightweight mineral SPF moisturizer that’s suitable for year-round use. Paula’s Choice is similar, but with chemical filters, if that’s more your jam. Mele’s Dew The Most moisturizer has chemical filters and is formulated for darker skin tones, so you won’t see any kind of white cast.
Best Sunscreen for Body
If you’re going for a mineral sunscreen and you’re worried about it blending in (since they generally have thicker, more pasty textures), Dr. Kim recommends looking for one with the emollient vitamin E. You might also want to look for a body sunscreen with soothing aloe. As with facial sunscreen, look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and if you’ll be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant formulation.
These beloved sunscreens are a breeze to apply, offer broad-spectrum protection, and are water- and sweat-resistant. Supergoop’s Play lotion is a SELF favorite for its watery formula that soaks in quickly. For a budget-friendly dupe, turn to Neutrogena’s Beach Defense lotion. Supergoop’s Glowscreen gives your skin a subtle shine, making it a great pick for outdoor weddings and vacations. Coola’s SELF Beauty Award–winning body sunscreen goes on smoothly, and our testers noted that it really helps prevent sunburn on long park days. La Roche-Posay’s milky face and body sunscreen is a derm favorite because it’s suitable for all skin types and is formulated with antioxidants for an extra boost against hyperpigmentation.
It’s not easy finding a mineral body sunscreen that’s easy to blend in. Hawaiian Tropic’s milky mineral sunscreen is a 2021 Healthy Beauty Award winner for that reason. Supergoop’s Play mineral SPF is also supremely emollient, and it’s enhanced with green algae, a powerful antioxidant, and nourishing tucuma butter. For sensitive skin-friendly options, turn to Cetaphil’s gentle body sunscreen formulated with vitamin E and prebiotics, or Blue Lizard’s budget-friendly option that reviewers say feels weightless on the skin. Neutrogena’s and La Roche-Posay’s mineral sunscreens are beloved by derms and consumers thanks to their fast-absorbing, soft-to-the-touch feel.
Sunscreen sprays are handy in a pinch, but we suggest not relying on them (a common sunscreen mistake) for your main SPF. Lather up with lotion formulas before you hit the beach, pool, or the trails, and tote some spray with you to make reapplication easier. Just please, for the love of everyone, don’t spray against the wind. Supergoop and Vacation make chemical spray sunscreens that are reef-safe, smell divine, and are easy to rub in. Banana Boat’s mineral sunscreen spray is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s ideal for everyone, but especially folks with sensitive skin. Bare Republic’s Clearscreen won a SELF Beauty Award for its invisible formula, affordable price, and tropical scent.
Sunscreen sticks are concentrated, emollient formulations that are perfect for stashing in your beach bag or camping duffel. They’re great for little bits like noses, knees, elbows, and lips. Both of these options are SELF Beauty Award winners—a vigorous nod to their effectiveness. Cetaphil’s mineral option is excellent for sensitive skin thanks to the mild ingredients, plus it goes on without a white cast (no lifeguard nose here!). Coola’s SPF 30 chemical sunscreen stick smells like coconuts and is formulated with skin-loving oils to nourish while it protects.
Related:
