Let’s Talk About Sunscreen
When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, there is no one size fits all, but there are many factors to consider.
First and foremost, you want to pay attention to both UVA (premature aging) and UVB (burn damage) protection levels, and don’t go lower than SPF 30 if you plan on spending a day at the beach.
In addition to SPF levels, what makes a sunscreen stand out from the crowd are its ease of spray and rubbing in, level of greasiness, scent, and water resistance.
With summer right around the corner (and the trips outside that follow), there is no better time than now to dive into the best sunscreens for warm-weather fun.
So, without further ado (and with much trial and error), here is a list of the ten best sunscreens to help you brave the heat without damaging your skin. Spoiler alert: there is a clear No. 1.
No. 10 - Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Neutrogena is a brand you can trust to keep your skin protected. Its line of sunscreen’s are continually top performers when it comes to preventing sunburn. What makes CoolDry Sport stand out is its ability to also keep you protected while you work out.
CoolDry Sport boasts 80 minutes of water resistance, which minimizes any issues that could be caused by sweating or getting wet, and it’s high SPF will keep you protected from the sun.
One critique is it’s consistency, which is thicker and makes it so you can really feel it on your skin. It becomes less noticeable after a few minutes, but you can definitely tell that you have a thin layer of something on.
I would recommend this for anyone looking for a sunscreen specifically designed for when you work out.
No. 9 - Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50
The first mineral-based sunscreen on our list, this offering from Australian Gold provides excellent sun protection at a friendly price. Mineral lotions are notorious for being more expensive, as they tend to last longer after being applied.
What makes Botanical Sunscreen stand out is its smooth texture, which goes on light and doesn’t leave much residue, a common problem with mineral-based sunscreens.
While it definitely did not leave my skin feeling greasy, I admit it left a subtle white glow that only got more visible after I went in the water. Still, for what it is, and at its price point, it doesn’t get much better in terms of mineral-based sunscreen options.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to use a mineral-based sunscreen, as long as you don’t mind looking a bit “applied.”
No. 8 - Classic Body Sunscreen Guava Mango SPF 50
This sunscreen from Coola is close to perfection for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s thin formula is meant for your body but is gentle enough to use on your face as well. Its light texture will leave you feeling like you have nothing on your skin.
Classic Body Sunscreen Guava Mango has a maximum 80 minutes of water resistance and rubs in fast without leaving any white residue. My one complaint is the scent. While it smells fruity and delicious, this stuff also packs a punch. Make sure to be in a well-ventilated area when you apply because the scent will linger.
I would recommend this sunscreen to anyone who is looking for something that is gentle on sensitive skin and enjoys smelling like a tropical paradise.
No. 7 - No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
The first and only gel offering on the list, this chemical-based sunscreen from Julep is designed specifically with your face in mind. It has a lightweight formula that won’t leave any residue or your skin feeling greasy.
No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen is perfect for all skin types and tones and rubs into your skin easily so you won’t have to worry about it running into your eyes or nose. It’s light formula is designed to work with sensitive skin and won’t cause breakouts.
With an SPF 40 level of protection you can feel comfortable knowing your face won’t get burned when you are out in the sun. One thing to note is this sunscreen is not water resistant, so you’ll want to stay out of the water and avoid engaging in activities that can make you sweat a lot.
This is a great choice for anyone looking specifically for face protection and hoping for the “invisible” look.
No. 6 - Light As Air Reef Friendly Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50
Made by the ever-popular Banana Boat, Light As Air Reef Friendly Sunscreen Lotion stands out from the crowd mainly because of how it smells. Known for producing sunscreens that smell good, this offering will take you straight to the cabana with its pina colada-inspired scent.
Light As Air also lives up to its name in the texture department, and will leave your skin feeling untouched and free of residue. You can also feel entirely comfortable putting clothes on over this sunscreen, knowing it won’t transfer from your skin onto fabric.
Its water resistance time of 80 minutes will keep you safe in the ocean and will keep your skin safe from burning with a SPF level of 50. It also is lighter on your wallet than the other sunscreens on this list, coming in at under $16 on Amazon.
I would recommend this sunscreen to anyone that wants to be well-protected, smell great (but not overpowering) and feel light as a feather.
No. 5 - Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
So, full disclosure: I love La Roche-Posay sunscreens. Slight bias aside, what makes this lotion stand out is that it not only packs a punch at SPF 100, but it goes on completely invisible as well.
Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face has no scent and uses a milk lotion formula that is designed for even the gentlest skin. This stuff is perfect for both children and adults and will keep your skin fully protected and hydrated.
Despite being the only milk lotion on our list, this stuff goes on completely clear and won’t leave any white residue behind, making it perfect for all skin tones. It has a water resistance rating of 80 minutes, making it perfect for beach outings on especially hot days.
I would recommend this sunscreen to anyone that wants extra protection from the sun with a lightweight lotion that won’t leave a scent or a mark.
No. 4 - Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
The second mineral sunscreen on our list, this zinc-oxide lotion from Colorscience is perfect for anyone looking for a luxury mineral lotion, so long as you aren’t on a budget.
Coming in at just under $35 dollars on Amazon, Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield has an SPF level of 50 and guarantees 80 minutes of water resistance.
Its gentle formula is perfect for all skin types and goes on as clear as possible for a mineral-based sunscreen. It will leave a slight sheen after application, but it’s not super noticeable and can actually give your skin a nice silky finish.
Sunforgettable is the perfect sunscreen for anyone willing to pony up a little extra cash to get what I would consider one of the best mineral-based sunscreens on the market today.
No. 3 - LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30
One of the first questions I always get asked about sunscreen is what can go on your face. No matter what type of skin you have, the last thing you want to do is apply greasy lotion to skin susceptible to breaking out.
LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen by Vichy goes above and beyond when it comes to sunscreen you can feel comfortable putting on your face. It will set you back $39 online, but, in my opinion, is worth every penny.
Both allergen and paraben free, LiftActiv has a light texture that goes on smooth and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. It won't interfere with your makeup, doesn’t cause breakouts and leaves no white residue.
It does have a slight scent, which can be a dealbreaker for some who won’t want to put a lotion with fragrance on their face, but I didn’t find it to be an issue. It also is not water resistant, so try and stay out of the water if you can.
LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen is perfect for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line facial sunscreen that does the job of protecting from sunburn even at its lower SPF 30 rating.
No. 2 - Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
The first-and-only spray sunscreen on the list is also one of the most popular, with this offering from Sun Bum besting the competition when it comes to delivering sun protection in mist form.
What makes Sun Bum stand out from the beginning is the sleek wood finish spray bottle, which has perfect summer beach vibes. Also known for its tropical scent, Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray is what you want a sunscreen to smell like.
The bottle itself sprays evenly and continuously so you don’t miss a spot, and the solution itself won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or covered in white residue.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray has a water resistance time of 80 minutes and delivers strong protection from UV rays with an SPF 50 rating.
Like any aerosol product, make sure not to spray directly in your face when applying.
I would recommend this sunscreen to anyone in the market for a spray sunscreen that wants to smell like summer.
No. 1 - Antioxidant + Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
When it comes to sun protection, this offering from Hawaiin Tropic stands out from all the rest. Its lightweight non-greasy texture will leave your skin feeling healthy and protected, no matter the activity.
AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion comes with an SPF 50 to keep your skin safe from damaging UV rays and also happens to be the least expensive sunscreen on the list: available for under $10 right now on Amazon.
It boasts a water resistance time of 80 minutes, which goes perfect with its mild scent that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the beach. Its light formula also rubs in easily without leaving any white residue behind.
I would recommend this lotion for anyone looking for the perfect all-around sunscreen for summer fun and beyond.
To view more healthy skin tips and product reviews make sure to visit my blog at www.skinvestigative.com.