When it comes to safeguarding our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, the importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated. The best sunscreen products serve as essential shields, offering protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With an ever-expanding array of options on the market, the quest for the perfect sunscreen can be overwhelming.
This list is carefully curated to cater to various skin types and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking a lightweight formula for everyday use or a water-resistant option for outdoor activities, these exceptional sunscreens will help you stay sun-safe without compromising comfort or style.
When the summer sun is shining, and the air is warm, it can be the ultimate mood booster! According to a study, the average American is in a good mood for 59 percent of the season. But 57 percent admit they never wear sunscreen while outside, neglecting to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. And 22 percent leave their sunglasses at home. Unfortunately, a whopping 96 percent of people say they don’t wear sunscreen every day.
So, if you’re trying to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines, you should wear a daily sunscreen and protective clothing. For recommendations on which products make a great lather, check out our list of expert picks for the best sunscreens for your face and body. If you think we missed your favorite, let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Face Sunscreen, Most Recommended by Experts
1. Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF 50 Lotion
The New York Post says this reef-safe sunscreen is an Amazon customer favorite: “This [sunscreen] offers SPF 50 protection, broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant … The Supergoop! PLAY Everyday lotion is a reef-safe choice that will keep our planet clean as well. This sunscreen is made with zinc or titanium, which are known not to affect the reef as opposed to chemical sunscreens. This Supergoop! sunscreen has more than 6,000 raving reviews on Amazon and has an impressive 4.7-star rating.”
“It offers broad-spectrum protection, it doesn’t clog your pores, and it’s also rich in antioxidants. The non-greasy sunscreen even protects your face from infrared rays! Above all, you’ll love that all skin types and darker skin tones can use this sunscreen without worrying about it leaving behind a white cast,” adds Best Products.
Wirecutter says this bottle will last for weeks. Even better, it’s moisturizing, nicely scented, and affordable, they write.
2. Banana Boat Light as Air Face Weightless Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Good Housekeeping thinks this could be your daily go-to for face protection: “A perfect everyday SPF that feels like (almost) nothing on skin and won’t leave behind a sticky film, Banana Boat’s lotion was a winner in GH Beauty Lab testing. It earned the highest marks for not creating a film on skin, being tacky, running into eyes or causing tearing and for its light, ‘tropical’ scent.”
“Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is our favorite chemical sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone. It’s fairly runny and lightweight and blends seamlessly into a variety of skin tones. Although it contains added fragrance, it’s not strongly scented. It’s water resistant for up to the maximum-allowable claim of 80 minutes (per FDA guidelines) and costs far less per ounce than our physical sunscreen picks,” claims Wirecutter.
According to Byrdie, this product is “made without oxybenzone or octinoxate and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this classic formula will give you all the nostalgic feels—once you catch a whiff of the banana fragrance.”
3. EltaMD Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
Prevention.com says this pick is just what the doctor ordered: “Recommended by several dermatologists we spoke to, this fragrance- and paraben-free lotion feels lightweight on the skin and won’t clog pores, making it a top choice for anyone with acne-prone skin. What’s more, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid (a humectant that pulls water to the skin) for an extra dose of hydration. ‘Ninety-nine percent of patients I recommend it to say it’s the best sunscreen they have ever used,’ adds Dr. Markus.”
“Derms love this formula for its powerful blend of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soothe skin. It’s also oil-free and won’t clog pores. Our tester noted how well it blended into her skin and stayed put throughout the day, including after exposure to water,” writes Byrdie.
Many reviewers also like this brand’s sport sunscreen for the body. A New York Post reviewer writes, “This sport sunscreen provides great coverage for those who enjoy outdoor and water activities as it provides SPF50 broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.”
The List: Best Body Sunscreens, According to Experts
1. Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
People.com ranks this as the best sport sunscreen: “So you live an active lifestyle and need a sunscreen that can keep up? Cue this one from Hawaiian Tropic Island, the perfect companion for surfers, hikers, and pool-goers alike. We noticed the high volume of product you get with this product considering the low price tag. Even though this formula has a thicker consistency, our tester said ‘it absorbed quickly.’ It also did not leave a film on the skin. With an 80-minute water- and sweat-resistant claim to back it up, consider this your next beach bag must-have for outdoor activities.”
InStyle adds, “As far as sport sunscreens are concerned, you’ll want to look for something that stays in place, no matter how much you sweat. This pick from Hawaiian Tropic does just that with the help of broad-spectrum SPF 50. Whether you’re on the court or field, on the waves, or in the pool, this one keeps skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays for up to 80 minutes.”
Allure also likes other products from this brand: “Hawaiian Tropic’s Antioxidant Sunscreen Lotion is formulated with good-for-you antioxidants like green tea extract to nourish as it shields skin from damaging UV rays. The silky, lightweight lotion goes on smoothly and smells just like you’re on the shore of a tropical island (and not confined to the office).”
2. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Real Simple recommends this reef-safe pick for everyday protection (even on beach days!): “The best body sunscreens shield from both UVA and UVB rays. Those that pull this important double-duty protection against sunburn and premature aging are known as broad-spectrum sunscreens, and Sun Bum’s water-resistant formula is the one that tops our list. Approved by dermatologists as an oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, this Sun Bum sunscreen is as good for everyday sun protection as it is for long days having fun in the sun.”
“Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Lotion is more than just a chemical sunscreen. This moisturizing lotion’s main skin-care ingredient is vitamin E, an antioxidant known for tackling free radicals, therefore preventing oxidative damage. Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, previously told Allure that this vitamin can assist the skin in healing at the cellular level ‘from sun damage to healing support for scars or burns,’” Allure explains.
Not a lotion person? The Strategist points out this also comes in a spray bottle. “In addition to being protective, it’s moisturizing and contains nourishing vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing properties.”
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55
The Strategist says this should be part of your sun care routine: “This sunscreen from Neutrogena came up most frequently, recommended by six experts we spoke to … Its benefits are clear: It’s been around forever (time-tested), it’s relatively inexpensive (so you can stock up and not worry about generously slathering it on every two hours), and you can buy it pretty much anywhere.”
“Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion is the best sunscreen I’ve ever tried — and I’ve tried plenty in my time. At 55 SPF, it’s a perfect everyday protection level — for those with even more sensitive skin, they also make a SPF 100. But putting it on is easy: just a dollop for your nose and cheeks does the trick, and you can feel it rubbing in. But the best part is, once I rub it in, it doesn’t feel greasy, slimy, or gross. No, instead it feels like I didn’t even put sunscreen on,” writes The Daily Beast.
According to Real Simple, “The Ultra Sheer formula uses the brand’s proprietary Helioplex formulation for broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, but it is indeed light enough to absorb quickly. It also applies smoothly, leaving your skin soft and dry to the touch. Because it’s not heavy, it’s perfect for wearing every day, but it’s strong enough for when you’re on the beach, at the pool, or enjoying other outdoor activities.”
We hope this list helps you enjoy the sun safely!
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Sources:
- New York Post
- Best Products
- Good Housekeeping
- Wirecutter
- Prevention.com
- Byrdie
- People.com
- InStyle
- Real Simple
- Allure
- The Strategist
- The Daily Beast
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.