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Whether you enjoy frequent picnics in the park, are often jetsetting to a tropical beach somewhere, or just love working remotely on your back porch, there’s one thing you're seriously going to need: A quality sunscreen for both the face and body.
And that holds true on cloudy days, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Daily sunscreen use is important for two main reasons: Skin cancer prevention and anti-aging,” says dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City.
Peep a few of the best sunscreens, below:
What to consider:
- SPF number: Look for the number 30 or higher, according to dermatologist and Women's Health advisor Mona Gohara, MD.
- SPF type: The type of SPF you choose (mineral or chemical) is totally up to personal preference. If you are acne-prone or prefer a sheer application with no white cast, a chemical sunscreen might work best for you according to dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. And if you have sensitive skin, or want your sunscreen to start working immediately application, she recommends a mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and for the skin to absorb, and are fine to use in moderation, says dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD. But mineral sunscreens are typically more highly recommended by derms. "Physical blocking sunscreens, sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium, protect against a broader spectrum of rays," adds dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD. Another bonus of using a physical sunscreen is that its ingredients are safer to use during pregnancy.
- Key ingredients: "Look out for niacinamide, which calms the skin and improves skin tone and texture," says Dr. Love. Other than that, look for ingredients that support your skin type and goals. For example, if you want to brighten your skin, you'll look for something with vitamin C in it. If you have dry skin, seek out hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
- Broad spectrum: "When a sunscreen has broad spectrum SPF in it, it means the skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Gohara, so you'll want to choose a sunscreen with that phrase on the label.
How we selected:
Women’s Health editors and contributors are constantly testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated cosmetics and skincare products, including sunscreens. For this story, our team consulted several dermatologists and a handful of WH staff members for feedback to narrow down the best sunscreens. Our final selection includes a variety of chemical and mineral formulas that offer adequate sun protection for all skin types.
Ahead, we polled dermatologists in addition to our staff to get their favorite sunscreens on the market. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there's something on our list for you.
1
Best Overall
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40
Pros
- No white cast
- Unscented
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Supergoop! is a favorite among dermatologists and consumers for its super-clear formulas—and rightfully so! This all-over version of the brand's star product—the Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40—does the same thing its predecessor does: it goes on invisible, feels velvety and weightless, and offers out-of-this-world sun protection.
"So many sunscreens have given my skin this heavy, greasy feeling right after I apply them, and on a really hot day in the sun, sometimes that can make you feel even hotter," says WH senior beauty editor, Danielle Jackson. "This formula is so light that I almost forgot I even had it on. It really makes you feel like you're not wearing anything."
SPF Level | 40 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Chemical |
Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (10%) |
Consistency | Gel |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Comes in one shade
With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's no surprise that CeraVe's oil-free lotion has the heart of former Women's Health editorial assistant, Olivia Evans, who loves that it gives her face a gorgeous, natural glow. Dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, gives it a rave review, too. “I never ever leave home without sunscreen! I love using this tinted formulation for its lightweight coverage."
SPF Level | 30 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral |
Active Ingredients | Titanium dioxide (5.5%) and zinc oxide (10%) |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | No |
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Pros
- Great for dry, sensitive skin types
- Loved by our editors and dermatologists
Cons
- Will leave a white cast on darker skin tones
Dr. Campbell is a fan of EltaMD's sunscreen, as are Lindsay Geller, Women's Health's lifestyle director, and Amanda Lucci, our deputy editor of content strategy. "It contains hyaluronic acid, so I love recommending it to patients with drier skin types," says Dr. Campbell.
Note: Our editors with medium to dark skin tones say this leaves a white cast on their skin.
SPF Level | 40 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral |
Active Ingredients | Zinc oxide (9%) and octinoxate (7.5%) |
Consistency | Moisturizer |
Reef Safe | No |
Pros
- Doubles as a makeup primer
- No white or purple cast
Cons
- May not be the best option for people with oily skin
Tired of white casts? This sunscreen brand—founded by a Black woman—was created with darker skin tones in mind. "There's nothing more disappointing than being excited to test a new sunscreen, only for it to leave a white or purple cast on your skin," says Jackson. "This formula is perfect: it blends in seamlessly and I never have to worry about looking like a ghost in the hours after application."
A bonus: it has a matte finish, meaning that it can double as a primer and save you a step in your pre-makeup skincare routine.
SPF Level | 45 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Chemical |
Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%),homosalate (10%),octisalate (5%), andoctocrylene (10%) |
Consistency | Gel |
Reef Safe | Yes |
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Pros
- Hydrates the skin
- Available at mass retailers
Cons
- Can sting if it touches the eyes
"It’s all about the base. I look for creamy formulas that are hydrating," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD, FAAD. This cream formula has an average of 4.6 stars on Amazon with over 11,000 ratings, and reviewers with sensitive skin love how it leaves their skin feeling velvety soft.
Though I wake up a little greasy in the morning, my skin dries out after showering—must be that New York water," says WH commerce editor, Jasmine Gomez. "I love this sunscreen because it hydrates my skin, giving it a healthy glow that also makes a great base for my makeup."
SPF Level | 60 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Not specified |
Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (7%) |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | No |
Pros
- Water and sweat resistant
- Portable stick format
Cons
- Slightly greasy
"Neutrogena's sunscreen stick is great product for those on the run," says Dr. Goldenberg. It's easy to apply or reapply and has SPF 50 with water-resistance, so people with active lifestyles really love it—just check the 5,000 positive ratings on Amazon.
SPF Level | 50+ |
---|---|
SPF Type | Not specified |
Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (15%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (10%) |
Consistency | Stick |
Reef Safe | No |
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7
Best For Reversing Sun Damage
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50
Pros
- Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Can actually reverse some sun damage
Cons
- Expensive
"Isdin's SPF contains ‘repairsomes,’ which help with reversing sun damage in skin cells," says Dr. Goldenberg. That makes this a great pick for anyone who has some hyperpigmentation or sun spots, especially because the formula has a glowy, tinted finish.
SPF Level | 50 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral |
Active Ingredients | Zinc oxide (10.7%) |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | No |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Protects against light from your devices
Cons
- May be irritating if you have acne or sensitive skin
Senté Invisible Shield has both a tinted and untinted option, both of which are quick to absorb and have a weightless feel on the skin, according to dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD. "An added bonus is that this formula contains an advanced antioxidant blend that protects against high-energy visible or blue light," he adds.
SPF Level | 52 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral |
Active Ingredients | Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | No |
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Pros
- Can hold up during an intense workout
- Won't irritate sensitive skin
Cons
- Not exactly fragrance-free
If you need something that'll last through an intense indoor or outdoor workout, assistant social media editor, Isabel McMahon, thinks this should be your go-to since it's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
"I put this on before I play outdoor basketball, and because it is SPF 50, I never have to worry about sun damage,"she says. "I also have fairly sensitive skin, but this formula is dermatologist-tested and safe for kids and has never given me any trouble."
That said, McMahon's only con is that, even though there's a fragrance-free claim on the label, it still "has a typical sunscreen smell, though its not overpowering."
SPF Level | 50 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Chemical |
Active Ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (13%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (10%) |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Pros
- No white cast
- Silky serum texture
Cons
- Can pill on the skin
Dr. Farhang recommends the Unrivaled Sun Serum from EleVen by Venus Williams. "It's a great SPF serum that is 100 percent sheer mineral," she says. Since it's a serum, it's another super lightweight formula that people with oilier skin types love.
SPF Level | 40 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Not specified |
Active Ingredients | Zinc oxide (10%) |
Consistency | Serum |
Reef Safe | No |
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Pros
- Can suit multiple skin tones
- Mineral sunscreen actives with a high SPF value
Cons
- Expensive
A personal favorite of dermatologist Candace Spann, MD, she likes that PCA Skin's SPF offers SPF protection with a high-tech tint. It's been specifically formulated to adapt to your skin tone once you rub it in, so it's suitable for a wide range of complexions.
SPF Level | 45 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral/physical |
Active Ingredients | Titanium dioxide (7.6%) and zinc oxide 8%) |
Consistency | Cream |
Reef Safe | No |
Pros
- Easy to reapply over makeup
- Portable formula
Cons
- Expensive
Dry sunscreen is perfect for reapplication over makeup, especially if you tend to run a bit oily. “I have very fair and sensitive skin, so if I go more than a few hours without reapplying sunscreen, I'll burn up quickly," says WH associate news editor, Charlotte Walsh. "This is the perfect midday touch-up. I'll apply it over my makeup a few hours after I originally applied sunscreen, and it keeps me protected all day. Plus, there's no shiny cast like with many other sun protectants, leaving me with a matte complexion!"
According to Dr. Campbell, sunscreen should always be reapplied every two hours. "This allows reapplications without messing up makeup," she adds. "Plus, it travels well."
SPF Level | 50 |
---|---|
SPF Type | Mineral |
Active Ingredients | Titanium dioxide (22.5%) and zinc oxide (22.5%) |
Consistency | Powder |
Reef Safe | No |
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Meet the experts:
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Women's Health advisor.
- Elyse Love, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm in New York City.
- Fatima Fahs, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist at Dermatology Specialists of Canton in Michigan.
- Caren Campbell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in the Bay Area.
- Ranella Hirsch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, MA.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
- Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, and reconstructive Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Tucson, AZ.
- Candace Spann, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV.
Is sunscreen alone enough to do the trick?
Probably not. Sunscreen works best when paired with physical protection measures such as hats, shirts, and seeking shade, according to Dr. Goldenberg. They all have to work together to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays.
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How do I pick the best sunscreen for my skin type?
You’ll want to keep an eye out for certain key phrases on the label. “If you have sensitive skin, look for ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ formulas,” advises Dr. Nussbaum. “If you’re acne-prone, look for a sunscreen that’s ‘non-comedogenic’ and oil-free. For more sensitive skin types, I recommend using a physical, mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause skin irritation.”
Addison Aloian
Assistant Love & Life Editor
Addison Aloian is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health and a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT). She covers all things lifestyle, astrology, relationships, and fitness. In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City, and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
Mara Santilli
Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more. She’s a Fordham University graduate who also has a degree in Italian Studies, so naturally she’s always daydreaming about focaccia.
Neha Tandon
Former Senior Commerce Editor
Neha Tandon is the former senior commerce editor of Women's Health. She has written for New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good.