As we all know, wearing some sunscreen is preferable to none, and it's even better if you include it in your daily routine. But after users have passed that point, there's a whole new world of sunscreen to discover (which is continually developing and evolving). And we're constantly searching for the most innovative and excellent sunscreens on the market. Sunscreens have been known to play a vital role in preventing your skin from showing signs of aging.
Our experts' suggestions for the 12 best sunscreens at varying price points are listed below. Each of them may be used all over the body. However, we've classified them based on factors like suitable skin type, usage, and flexibility.
But before we dive into the best sunscreens for 2023, first look at the factors necessary for choosing an appropriate product.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen?
Consider the following factors when selecting the best sunscreen and SPF for you:
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB radiation protection:
UV radiation is to blame for 80% of noticeable skin aging. Exposure to these wavelengths can cause severe sunburns, skin damage, and perhaps skin cancer, as well as black patches and altered collagen development.
SPF 30 or higher:
Because most individuals don't apply sunscreen properly, it's essential to use at least SPF 30 to ensure appropriate coverage. You can also apply a product with an SPF of 50 or higher for added protection.
Active components:
The two types of sunscreen that you'll often have to pick from as your primary SPF agents are chemical and mineral sunscreens:
Chemical Sunscreens. UV rays are absorbed by chemical compounds and converted into heat. This allows the body to emit UV rays, which prevents the skin from burning. Because chemical sunscreens are water-resistant, they are preferred for swimming. While they are simple to apply and leave minimal residue, they require more frequent reapplication of sunscreen than physical or mineral alternatives.
Physical or mineral sunscreens offer a protective barrier that filters UVA and UVB rays. Applying dispersed zinc oxide or titanium dioxide components to your skin can be more difficult. They may leave a white cast, although they usually last longer than chemical solutions.
Formula type:
Lotions and creams are preferred over sprays because they stay longer on the skin and are more likely to establish a uniform protective layer over the skin. A cream may be preferable for dry skin. On the other hand, sprays are simple to use on children, but they may require a second layer.
Water-resistance:
It's critical to defend yourself during sweaty days or swimming sessions. However, there is no such thing as sweat proof or waterproof sunscreen. There are only "water-resistant for 40 minutes'' and "water-resistant for 80 minutes'' alternatives under current FDA guidelines. It must be reapplied after that period.
Your skin type:
If you have dry skin, search for chemicals like dimethicone, glycerin, aloe, and oils. Avoid alcohol-containing spray or gel sunscreens. However, those with oily skin should apply a mild sunscreen made of ingredients like silica or isododecane.
Best Sunscreen For Face
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50
The Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion provides more than just sun protection; it also offers soothing skin care. This non-chemical sunscreen lotion has a lovely, powdery-clean feel about it. The light tint mixes well with Fair to Light skin tones and is easily removed with water. This lotion is fragrance-free and specially intended for sensitive skin. It protects against UVA/UVB rays and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It contains natural Australian plant elements that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Best Sunscreen For Oily Face
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
With SPF 60 protection and no oxybenzone, this sunscreen is ideal for oily skin. Even in extreme heat and humidity conditions, sunscreen absorbs pore-clogging oil. It is developed using Cell-Ox Shield technology. Suitable for those with sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
The EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen soothes and protects sensitive skin. This sunscreen for sensitive skin is lightweight, sheer, and silky, with essential components that enhance the look of healthy-looking skin. This item is not sealed. EltaMD UV Clear is a thin, lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that dermatologists advise wearing for sensitive skin.
Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum with SPF 60+ sunscreen protects skin from the sun for more radiant skin. This oil-free face serum is undetectable on all skin tones. It protects against UV rays and environmental aggressors while aiding in skin tone evenness.
With broad spectrum, UVA/UVB protection, the moisturizing serum with SPF 60+ helps prevent sunburn. It prevents signs of skin aging caused by UV exposure, such as wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and drooping.
The skin-hydrating serum is lightweight and mild. It contains ginger extract to promote skin radiance and antioxidants to help battle environmental changes such as cold, ozone, and pollution. The non-greasy serum is colorless on all skin tones and free of oxybenzone, parabens, oil, and mineral oil. The serum is perfect for daily use because it is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion
A weightless lotion with a matte texture, Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50 offers simple, unnoticeable protection for your skin. Designed for the face, but it can be used anywhere you desire. It has a sheer appearance, yet it still provides effective and guaranteed coverage.
Best Sunscreen For Men
Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion
Neutrogena Sport Face protects your face during the most strenuous outdoor activities such as jogging and rowing! This athletic face lotion sunscreen recipe uses Helioplex Technology to give outstanding broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. Additionally, it withstands water (for up to 80 minutes), rubbing, sweat, and wiping, allowing you to continue being active without worrying about damaging your skin. It has an oil-free consistency, doesn't block pores, and is PABA-free.
Best Sunscreen For Kids
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum
This sunscreen absorbs quickly, is non-whitening, and is lightweight. It is specifically developed with 100% non-nano zinc to provide 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant coverage. Free of Formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond, walnut, and most common allergens makes it a perfect choice for babies. Plus, it is also environmentally friendly.
BestSunscreen For Everyday Use
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen provides effective UV protection without a thick finish. This Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen lotion absorbs quickly for a clean, ultra-light appearance and non-shiny finish. This oxybenzone-free sunscreen has Helioplex Technology, which provides excellent broad-spectrum protection against aging UVA and blistering UVB rays. This non-greasy solution is non-comedogenic, PABA-free, fast-absorbing, lightweight, and water-resistant.
Best Sunscreen For Body
Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion
The lotion has a broad-spectrum SPF 30, which can help protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. For up to 80 minutes, it is water-resistant. As a result, it may remain effective when sweating or swimming, making it perfect for usage during physical activities. Additionally, the lotion is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a matte finish. During outdoor activities, it is specifically designed for use on exposed skin, such as on the arms, legs, and torso.
Best Sunscreen For Face Under Makeup
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint lotion, developed in collaboration with dermatologists, delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with 100% mineral filter sunscreen and quickly leaves skin with a healthy shine without any white cast. 100% mineral sunscreen filters provide a protective coating on the skin's surface, assisting in the reflection of UVB and UVA radiation. With three essential ceramides that help repair the skin's natural barrier and seal in moisture, this non-greasy product delivers all-day hydration.
- Allergy tested
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Gentle on the skin
- Recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation
Best Sunscreen For Family
EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 Kids Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 is a sunscreen product specifically formulated for children's delicate skin. The sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 47, which means it can protect the skin from 47 times the amount of UVB rays that would typically cause sunburn. The sunscreen is water-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming and playing at the beach or pool.
One of the good things about this sunscreen is that it's formulated with transparent zinc oxide, which is the main component of a physical sunscreen. It works by reflecting the sun's rays away from the skin, which means the skin does not absorb it. UV Pure full-body sunscreen is perfect for daily use. This mineral-based product is free of scent, oil, parabens, and dyes and is non-comedogenic.
Best Sunscreen Spray
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 can help protect your skin from the harsh summer environment. When used as indicated, this beach-strength sunscreen spray is clinically shown to help guard against sun and water damage signs. It may reduce the risk of skin cancer caused by the sun. It provides better broad-spectrum protection against skin aging by UVA rays and skin burning by UVB rays thanks to an oxybenzone-free formula and Helioplex Technology. The easy-to-use spray enables no-mess application for your family's outdoor activities, making it ideal for on-the-go use. This SPF 50 spray sunscreen is weightless, PABA-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
What's the best way to apply sunscreen?
Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas 30 minutes before heading outside for maximum protection. The term "liberally" refers to one ounce, two tablespoons, or one tiny shot glass full of sunscreen for the body and a nickel-size dab for the face. It is recommended to spray sunscreen all over the skin before rubbing it in. Apply a second layer to help cover up any locations you missed the first time. To achieve complete coverage, spread the lotion/spray before getting dressed.
However, sunscreen is not a complete solution to UV damage regardless of the SPF level. Dermatologists suggest avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Conclusion
When selecting a sunscreen, you must consider several criteria. Some of them are:
- The SPF (sun protection factor)
- The kind of UV radiation it protects against (UVA or UVB).
- Water-resistant or not.
- Whether it is appropriate for your skin type.
Some common guidelines for selecting sunscreen include the following:
- Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and broad-spectrum protection (protection against UVA and UVB rays).
- If you plan on swimming or participating in a watersport, use water-resistant sunscreen.
- If you have sensitive skin, search for a sunscreen that is "fragrance-free" and "non-comedogenic" (it will not clog your pores).
- Wear physical sunscreen if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies (the ones containing substances such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). These creams are less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
- Consider the activity you want to engage in and select a sunscreen suited for that activity (e.g., a sport sunscreen for outdoor workout).
Applying enough sunscreen (at least 1 ounce or a shot glass full) and reapplying it every 2 hours or shortly after swimming or sweating is also vital.