Ask any dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare enthusiast you know what the golden rule of skincare is and the answer will likely be “always wear sunscreen.” But how do you know which one is right for you? “Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you will use, meaning that as long as you find one that you like and will be able to apply and reapply, that’s what’s the most important,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, tells ELLE.com.
But before you head to your nearest store, your sunscreen should also check off a few boxes. “When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to make sure it is SPF 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum coverage, meaning it provides coverage against UVA and UVB rays,” Garshick adds. For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified derm at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, explains that “a mineral-based SPF with zinc or titanium dioxide is favorable, as they sit on the surface of the skin forming a barrier to protect you against UV radiation.”
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that blends easily, try chemical sunscreens “formulated with avobenzone and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays and keep them from penetrating the skin,” Shirazi says. Water-resistant sunscreens are best for those who sweat easily or are planning to spend the day by the water. “Choosing the best vehicle, whether it’s a spray, gel, cream, or powder, comes down to skin type. Generally, those with oily skin types prefer lighter formulations in a gel or powder form whereas drier skin types prefer a more emollient cream formula,” she also says.
Regardless of your age, you should wear sunscreen. “Sunscreen is recommended for all ages greater than six months. Before six months, it is best to avoid direct sun exposure to the sun, by seeking shade whenever possible and wearing sun-protective clothing,” Garshick explains. What’s more, most people opt out of wearing sunscreen on gloomier days, but whether there’s sun, rain, or snow outside, you can still be exposed to sneaky UV rays. A derm-approved way to apply your sunscreen is the two-finger rule, “which refers to applying sunscreen along the length of two fingers—the index and middle finger,” she says. “It is important to remember hard-to-reach areas like the scalp, ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet. Sunscreen is recommended as the last step of your skincare routine prior to makeup application.”
Now that we’ve covered sunscreen 101, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. Ahead, the 20 best sunscreens that skincare obsessives and experts love.
1 Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30
The best type of moisturizers are the ones that feel lightweight on the skin and give you a healthy glow. Bolden’s Brightening SPF moisturizer does just that with the help of vitamin C.
2 Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
“This is the ONLY sunscreen I like to use regularly,” one reviewer wrote. Why? Because the Unrivaled Sun Serum is a godsend for deeper skin tones who are fed up with sunscreens that leave a white cast. No white cast, no greasy finish, no worries!
3 Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Garshick recommends Colorescience’s sunscreen because its formula addresses a slew of concerns, from UVA/UVB to blue light to pollution and infrared radiation. “It is available in 4 different shades, making it easy to blend with your skin for natural coverage, and uses iron oxide pigments to adapt to your specific tone, without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it good for all skin types,” she explains.
4 Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30
As the name suggests, Mele’s Dew The Most Moisturizer is designed for those who like a little extra glow with their face cream. The cream has SPF 30 to protect against UV and blue light, while vitamin E nourishes even the driest skin.
5 Unseen Sunscreen
A bestseller for good reason, the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen goes on so light and clear, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. The non-greasy formula also makes it easier to re-up every few hours.
6 Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
“This drugstore favorite is an easy-to-find, lightweight sunscreen that offers tinted mineral protection, while still being easy to rub in as it leaves behind a natural matte finish,” Garshick says. It also serves as a great base for makeup.
7 Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46
This sunscreen from DRMTLGY is as nourishing as it is protective, courtesy of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. “It is oil-free and is great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin,” according to Garshick.
8 Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
The gel-based formula of Tula’s sunscreen glides on like a dream and melts into the skin without leaving any evidence. Plus, the smell of pineapple and papaya brings you closer to the warm summer days ahead.
9 Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45
Black Girl Sunscreen dialed down the radiance component of its hero product to create a matte offshoot that packs the same punch—sheer coverage, water resistant, and fragrance-free—all while protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
10 Classic Face Sunscreen SPF50 Unscented
Besides sun protection, Coola’s face sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer due to the addition of its plant protection complex, which consists of red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract.
11 Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
For the frequent flyer, this sunscreen fits perfectly in your travel bag so you can re-apply as often as you’d like. It also comes with a cushion so you can apply the product without getting your hands messy. “As a mineral sunscreen, it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and provides protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light,” Garshick says.
12 UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A favorite of Dr. Shari Sperling of Sperling Dermatology, EltaMD’s UV Clear is great for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it contains lactic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and more to keep skin woes at bay.
13 Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
“This SPF 50 sunscreen works to protect the skin while also hydrating the skin as it contains hyaluronic acid,” Garshick says. “It also incorporates niacinamide, which is soothing and helps to improve skin tone. It is lightweight and absorbs easily without leaving the skin feeling greasy.”
14 Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
Hyaluronic acid and spirulina work together to hydrate and nourish the skin. And with SPF 42, Shiseido’s sunscreen protects the skin and also works well as a primer.
15 Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals’ Physical Fusion is a tinted mineral sunscreen that offers light coverage and a great dose of sun protection.
16 Solar Stick SPF 40
Dr. Robert J. Friedman, of MD Solar Sciences, recommends the MDSS Solar Stick, as it’s convenient and portable. “This non-whitening formula glides on flawlessly and delivers powerful mineral protection that is perfect for on-the-go applications,” Friedman says.
17 The Silk Sunscreen Mineral SPF 50
Fans of Tatcha’s Silk Primer will be happy to add the newest addition to the family, the Silk Sunscreen, to their makeup routine. The inclusion of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid keep your skin silky smooth.
18 Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen lives up to its name. The product is a milky texture that absorbs into the skin, has a lightweight feel, and non-greasy dry-down.
19 Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum
Resting Beach Face applies so smoothly and sinks into the skin effortlessly. Spinach, green tea, and hyaluronic acid moisturizes your skin all day long so your skin is not only protected, but super-hydrated.
20 UV Clear Powder SPF
“If you have a hard time reapplying a cream in the middle of the day, I recommend using an SPF powder brush like Sunkissed SPF50,” Shirazi says. “It’s also great at absorbing oil, adding coverage, and reducing shine.”
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