Outdoors

7 Best Sunscreens

After 14 hours of research evaluating 82 products, we picked La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Facial Sunscreen Fluid as our top choice.

The benefits of sunscreen are simply immeasurable. The best sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays which can cause sunburn, wrinkles, brown spots and skin discoloration, and, in extreme cases, even cancer.

So the use of sunscreen will protect your skin, keeping it looking young and fresh. And who doesn’t want that?

Now:

It may seem easy and convenient to just grab the cheapest bottle of sunscreen you can find at your local drug store, but we caution against that.

Why? Because many sunscreens do not live up to the claims made on the label. In fact, Consumer Reports recently tested and rated more than 60 sunscreens and found that 28 of them didn't meet the claimed SPF.

What’s the bottom line?

In order to help you find a sunscreen that’s both safe and effective we have researched sunscreens, tested products, and read hundreds of reviews to bring you a list of the best sunscreens on the market today.

Whether you live in a warm climate where sunscreen is a daily necessity or just need to have a tube on hand for summer or that vacation, our list has got you covered.

Best Mineral Sunscreen

Coola Suncare Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Matte Tint

Get from Amazon

Save: $14 (39% OFF)

0 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

53 Bought

Why People Love it

Lightly tinted
Preservative-free
Water resistant

0 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

53 Bought

ProsCons

This award winning sunscreen will give your skin an immediate line-smoothing matte finish, while effectively fighting signs of aging and protecting from sun damage.

The price. Yikes.

Details

Details: This farm to face sunscreen is rich in antioxidants and will protect skin from harmful UV rays, while also fighting signs of aging. It's lightly tinted, preservative free, water resistant, and provides a natural, particle-free finish. This stuff is formulated for all skin types and tones, including those that are especially sensitive or oily.

Ingredients: Coola is unscented and lightly tinted. It's made with natural Rose Hip Oil, rich in Vitamin C. It also features naturally calming Primrose and Flax Seed Oils, which deliver abundant Omega-3 and Gamma-linoleic acid to improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture. Natural Shea Butter smoothes and hydrates while the Phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates skin.

Price: At $22 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, this stuff comes out to nearly $13 an ounce. Ouch. However, if you're looking for a mineral sunscreen that will protect against sun damage and make skin look younger, it's well worth the investment.

Learn more:Coola Suncare Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Matte Tint »

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin and Acne Prone Skin

Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Get from Nordstrom

0 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

62 Bought

Why People Love it

Sheer and lightweight
Tinted to enhance the natural skin tone
100% mineral based

0 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

62 Bought

ProsCons

Not only is this product 100% mineral based, but it also features a gentle, lightweight formula that sensitive and acne-prone skin will find non-irritating and comfortable. But don't just take our word for it Refinery29 rated this one of the best facial sunscreens available.

At $38 for this 1.7 ounce bottle, this stuff is pretty pricey. Even for our list.

Details

Details: This sheer, lightly tinted sunscreen delivers powerful UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection that helps prevent sunburn and decreases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by the sun (wrinkles, sagging, dark spots). And it’s gently formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Ingredients: The number one ingredient in this 100% mineral based sunscreen is Titanium Dioxide, which is a naturally occurring mineral with a high refractive index to physically block UV rays. It's much gentler than other UV absorbing chemical sunscreens, making it most appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin. This sunscreen is also infused with antioxidant-powered Vitamin E, which helps fight the effects of damaging UV rays. As an added bonus its fragrance free, paraben free, chemical filter free, and includes a universal tint which has been chemically tested and safe for sensitive skin.

Price: At $38 for a 1.7 ounce bottle, this is one of the most expensive sunscreens on our list, though definitely worth it for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Learn more:Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense SPF 50+ Sunscreen »

Best Stick Sunscreen

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Sunscreen Stick

Get from Amazon

0 User Score

4.01 Editor Score

58 Bought

Why People Love it

Perfect for face, lips, and ears
No white residue left behind
Contains soothing cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil

0 User Score

4.01 Editor Score

58 Bought

ProsCons

Regardless of what you're doing outdoors, you can easily fit this teeny sunscreen stick in your pocket to have at the ready. Everyone loves this sunscreen stick, not only because it effectively protects against UV rays, but it also keeps skin feeling smooth and moisturized all day long.

Can really only be used on the face, lips, and ears. Though, at under $10, we're totally okay with that.

Details

Details: Don’t let the small size of this sunscreen stick fool you, it's packed with hydrating ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil, plus it goes on clear and leaves skin soft and dry. The stick design is perfect for face, lips, and ears and it won't leave hands feeling gross and oily. As an added bonus, this sunscreen stick also helps to prevent dark spots, uneven skin tone, and premature aging. What more could you ask for!

Ingredients: The key ingredients in this sunscreen include: cocoa butter which acts as a natural moisturizer, leaving skin soft and silky while also combating premature aging; shea butter which deeply moisturizers and soothes dry skin while acting as a moisture barrier to keep skin hydrated; and coconut oil which is rich in lauric acid, as well as poly and mono saturated fats to hydrate deeply and leave skin with a natural glow.

Price: At just under $9, this is one of the cheapest sunscreens on our list. In our opinion, this sunscreen is a serious steal.

Learn more:Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Sunscreen Stick »

Best Sunscreen for Kids and Babies

Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion (3 Ounce)

Get from Amazon

Save: $2 (40% OFF)

0 User Score

4.37 Editor Score

66 Bought

Why People Love it

Pediatrician recommended
Won't sting or irritate little eyes
Keeps your little one's skin fully moisturized

0 User Score

4.37 Editor Score

66 Bought

ProsCons

We here at Faveable understand and appreciate the importance of your child's well-being is, so we spent a little extra time looking for the best sunscreen for children and babies. Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 is not only affordable and easy to find at any local CVS or Walgreens, but it is proven to provide water resistant protection for up to 80 minutes.

Not as water resistant and moisturizing as the label claims.

Details

Details: Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand and has been praised by both Consumer Reports and Allure magazine for living up to its SPF claims and providing unrivaled UV protection for children and babies. Its tear free, dermatologist and ophthalmologist approved, and the moisturizing formula is created with aloe to help prevent dryness and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Ingredients: Features a hypoallergenic and ultra-gentle formula with zinc oxide that's free of fragrance, oil, and dye - perfectly gentle for your little one. The active ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Zinc Oxide, so we can't say this formula is totally natural. Sorry. However, if you're looking for something that provides strong and effective UV protection, we strongly recommend going with a chemical based formula.

Price: At just over $3 for a 3 ounce bottle, this is one of the most inexpensive sunscreens on our list.

Learn more:Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion (3 Ounce) »

Best Sunscreen for Face

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce for Sensitive Skin and Children SPF 50

Get from Amazon

0 User Score

4.06 Editor Score

320 Bought

Why People Love it

Hydrates and moisturizes
Stays on skin all day, no matter the elements
Perfect for any and all outdoor activities

0 User Score

4.06 Editor Score

320 Bought

ProsCons

We seriously love Shisido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion, but don't just take our word for it - Cosmopolitan and Total Beauty both agree. This SPF 50+ sunscreen features a proprietary WetForce technology that forms a water-repellant film on your skin to keep you protected, even when wet. Plus, it won't irritate sensitive skin, so it's safe for you and your kids all day long.

Some users report it's very thick and may take some time to rub in. Also, make sure you buy directly from Amazon to ensure you're purchasing an authentic product.

Details

Details: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ WetForce is water resistant up to 80 minutes and features a nourishing cream formula which will defend the skin against powerful UVA/UVB rays. It prevents from sunburn, dryness, premature signs of aging, cell damage, and fine lines. It's not sticky and goes on invisible, and, as an added bonus, it hydrates and maintains optimal moisture to ensure softness. A sunscreen that both moisturizes and protects from harmful UV rays? Now who can say no to that!

Ingredients: The primary ingredients in this mineral based and chemical-free formula are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Features a WetForce technology with Ionic Mineral Sensor, providing continual protection when exposed to water or sweat. Also includes Aloe Extract which provides a soothing effect and the SuperVeil-UV 360 creates a thin veil of even coverage.

Price: Although the cost of this product on Amazon is $31.50, that's for a 3.3 ounce bottle. So this isn't even close to the most expensive sunscreen on our list. Plus, given that this product is mineral based and chemical-free, we think this stuff is well worth the price.

Learn more:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce for Sensitive Skin and Children SPF 50 »

Most Comfortable Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55

Get from Amazon

Save: $5 (43% OFF)

0 User Score

3.86 Editor Score

311 Bought

Why People Love it

Dry to the touch
Dermatologist recommended
Ultra-light, shine-free finish

0 User Score

3.86 Editor Score

311 Bought

ProsCons

Well, to begin with, Neutrogena is the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand, so you know their products have got to be good. What we love most about Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is that it's non-greasy and absorbs instantly, while effectively protecting against sun damage.

Some users report quality control issues, so just be sure you're getting an authentic product if you order from Amazon. Additionally, some reviewers weren't crazy about the small.

Details

Learn more:Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 »

Best Sunscreen Overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Facial Sunscreen Fluid

Get from Amazon

0 User Score

4.88 Editor Score

177 Bought

Why People Love it

Fast-absorbing
Ultra-light texture with a matte finish
Water resistant

0 User Score

4.88 Editor Score

177 Bought

ProsCons

La Roche-Posay is currently one of the industry leaders when it comes to sunscreen, so we really struggled to narrow down which La Roche-Posay product to include on our list. However, when our research led us to the Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Facial Sunscreen time and time again, we simply had to give it a try. And, boy, are we glad we did. This product not only provides skin superior protection from UV rays, but it's also super light-weight and non-greasy. Really, what more could you ask for in a sunscreen?

If you're looking for something natural, this product is definitely not that. And some users report that this sunscreen may stain clothes yellow, so beware.

Details

Details: Named one of the best sunscreen brands by Consumer Reports, La Roche-Posay is a leader in UVA protection research, so you know this stuff has got to be good. This fast absorbing sunscreen features a weightless texture, matte finish, and broad spectrum SPF 60 advanced protection. It's suitable for all skin types and recommended by 25,000 dermatologists worldwide. So if you're looking for a sunscreen approved for daily wear and safe enough for even the most sensitive skin, you have got to give this stuff a try.

Ingredients: Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield XL antioxidant technology. It's also tested on sensitive skin, paraben free, and fragrance free. However, this stuff does contain a number of chemical ingredients including Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone. So if you're looking for something natural, this is not the product for you.

Price: At just over $22 for 1.7 ounces, this stuff is not cheap. However, if you're looking for something safe enough for daily use, even on the most sensitive of skin, this sunscreen is well worth the investment.

Learn more:La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Facial Sunscreen Fluid »

By: Jenna Holtz

Jenna is an Iowa native and former Chicago resident who is currently living her best life in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and fur baby. She has a BS in Political Science from the University of Iowa, as well a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Jenna has a passion for running, brunching, home decor and, of course, her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. When she isn’t writing, Jenna loves to read just about anything she can get her hands on.

Jenna covers everything from health and beauty to home and lifestyle, you name the product, she’s likely tried it. So if you’re looking for ways to beef up your beauty regimen or enhance your humble abode, Jenna is your go to girl.

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