If you have some beach trips marked on your calendar this summer, remember to pack sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting five or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk for melanoma—the most common type of cancer in the United States.
We’ve reviewed some of the most popular sunscreens on the market to bring you our top picks for the best sunscreen products for adults and kids. Read on.
How We Tested and Compared These Products
When comparing the different brands of sunscreen on the market, the two main things we were interested in were: Do they work? Are they safe?
The products needed to offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for skin cancer prevention, have a sunscreen SPF of 30 or higher, be suitable for a wide range of skin types, and be ideal for everyday use.
Best Sunscreen Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 46
- Active ingredients: Octinoxate, zinc oxide
- Skin type: Acne-prone, sensitive, rosacea
- Application: Face sunscreen
- Water-resistant: No
What We Like About It
EltaMD is no stranger to the skincare industry. It is one of the top dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brands because it is effective in protecting your skin against sun damage. The company’s UV Clear range of broad spectrum SPF sunscreen boasts an impressive SPF of 46, designed to block out UVA and UVB rays, including the blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computer screens.
One of the things we love about EltaMD UV Clear is how amazing it smells. It doesn’t have that generic sunscreen fragrance synonymous with most brands. The presence of hyaluronic acid in its formula minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, so bonus points for that. EltaMD UV Clear is also available in a tinted sunscreen variant.
What We Don’t Like
As great as this face sunscreen is, it is not water-resistant. If you intend to go swimming, this is not the ideal sunscreen.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
EltaMD is more popular among female users. Most of them noted that it did not leave a white cast which is common with most sunscreens, and found the hyaluronic acid to be deeply moisturizing. Those with acne prone skin reported positive results after using this product.
Best Sunscreen for Women: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 70
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone
- Skin type: Normal
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Neutrogena’s range of Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen is another favorite. With an SPF of 70, it is one of the most effective brands on the market for protection against skin-burning and skin-aging UVA and UVB rays.
The thing we love most about it is its dry, matte-like finish. It doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy, which is perfect if you intend to spend the day outdoors hiking, fishing, or sunbathing. Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is available in scented and unscented variants.
What We Don’t Like
You might have to use a generous dollop of the lotion to get the best coverage. That said, it is affordable, so it won’t break the bank when you need to replace it.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Female users were excited about its non-greasy formula. Most of them reported that they could wear it under makeup without worrying about it interfering with their final look. Only a few sunscreens do that.
Best Sunscreen for Men: Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Skin type: Sensitive, normal, dry skin
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly sunscreen you can wear on your beach day out, Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen might be just what the doctor ordered. It does not contain octinoxate or oxybenzone, making it one of the most reef-friendly brands. It is also paraben-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic, ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.
What We Don’t Like
It causes a bit of irritation around the eyes. You might want to avoid applying it there.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
The majority of Sun Bum buyers were individuals traveling to Hawaii. As of January 01, 2023, Hawaii implemented a new regulation banning sunscreens that listed octinoxate and oxybenzone in their ingredients. These two chemicals are known to harm the ocean’s coral reefs. Sun Bum doesn’t contain either of these ingredients, something most users were happy about.
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 60
- Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Skin type: Acne-prone, sensitive
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin mineral sunscreen is specially formulated with naturally-sourced mineral ingredients. It offers SPF 60 protection against sun damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are notorious for causing sunburn and premature aging.
Its hypoallergenic formulation makes it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about breaking out due to irritation. We particularly like that it is unscented and non-greasy, so you can wear it before your usual skin moisturizing routine.
What We Don’t Like
If you don’t take the time to blend it properly after application, it tends to dry up in white blotchy patches, which is more evident in people with a darker skin tone. Don’t use it if you’re in a rush to get somewhere.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
According to numerous consumer reports, a little dollop of this sunscreen goes a long way. You don’t need to apply much of it to get the required coverage.
Best Sunscreen Spray: Banana Boat Sport Ultra
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene
- Skin type: Sensitive, normal, dry
- Application: Body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
One of our favorite things about Banana Boat Sport Ultra sunscreen spray is its easy application. Once you spray it onto your skin, it clears up instantly without leaving any greasy residue or white cast, making it also ideal for darker skin.
The can design adopts an easy twist-and-lock no-cap spray, so you can pick it up and use it on the go. This sunscreen has been clinically proven to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. It is also water and sweat resistant, which makes it perfect for individuals who lead an active lifestyle.
It does not contain octinoxate or oxybenzone, so you can rest easy knowing you’re using a reef-friendly product.
What We Don’t Like
You need to spray it evenly on your body to avoid a blotchy tan. We were also not too fond of the fragrance, but that’s subjective.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Most users were happy with Banana Boat Sport Ultra Spray SPF sunscreen. They reported that it did not leave any sticky residue and liked how easy it was to apply.
Best Sunscreen for Kids
Children need extra protection for their skin, especially on vacation. They spend a lot of time outdoors and are prone to getting sunburn as a result. Below are our top 5 picks of the best sunscreen for kids.
Best Sunscreen for Kids Overall: Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Skin type: Sensitive, normal, dry skin
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Banana Boat Kids Sport sunscreen is specially formulated for children with sensitive skin. It is octinoxate- and oxybenzone-free, making it one of the reef-friendly brands around. This product is pediatrician-approved and offers broad spectrum SPF protection against UVA and UVB rays. We particularly like its patented PowerStay technology formula. It ensures that the sunscreen doesn’t run into the eyes, so it doesn’t cause irritation.
What We Don’t Like
While the product itself is great, we did find that the sunscreen stick is prone to breaking in warmer weather once it starts to melt. This can make the application process a little messy. You may have to use your hands to spread it evenly on the skin.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Most buyers got this sunscreen for the tear-free factor. Kids run around a lot and are prone to sweating. This particular product doesn’t cause stinging or tearing in their eyes, even with sweat.
Best Sunscreen for Babies: Thinkbaby Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
- Active ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Thinkbaby sunscreen is one of the safest, dermatologically-approved formulations for infants. With an SPF of 50, this sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection against sun damage.
We particularly love how hydrating it is on the skin and is remarkably easy to apply, even on fussy, squirmy babies. It gets absorbed quickly and leaves no sticky or greasy residue
behind.
It is dairy-free, gluten-free, petroleum-free, avobenzone-free, oxybenzone-free, BPA- free, phthalates-free, paraben-free, and PABA-free, and ideal for babies’ sensitive skin. Its mineral formula is 100% vegan and reef-friendly and contains no harmful chemicals or toxins.
What We Don’t Like
While this sunscreen is unscented, it does have an underlying smell that doesn’t disappear until you wash the baby.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Buyers who applied Thinkbaby sunscreen on their infants reported it was very effective in preventing sunburn. It also held up quite well when they let their young ones splash around in the water. Most of the reviews were positive.
Best Unscented Option: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen for kids is a mineral product and contains no chemical-based active ingredients. It is 100% vegan, with no trace of parabens, dyes, fragrances, or toxins that would cause irritation. We found its scent reminiscent of Australian Gold, but that’s just our subjective opinion.
It is also reef-friendly since it doesn’t have octinoxate or oxybenzone in its ingredients. It has proven extremely effective in protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays, so you don’t have to worry about your child getting sunburned outdoors.
What We Don’t Like
While it applies easily, we wish the stick could have been bigger. It also tends to dry out the skin. It might not be ideal if your child has dry skin. It is perfect for oily skin, though.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Most buyers were happy with the Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen for kids. However, some people reported that the application stick felt a little loose, but it did get the job done.
Best Water-Resistant Option: Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Spray
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Skin type: Sensitive, normal, dry skin
- Application: Body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
Coppertone is branded as the top pediatrician-recommended sunscreen for kids. Its dermatologically-formula contains no harmful chemical ingredients and offers remarkable broad spectrum protection against harmful UV rays.
It is easy to spray on and provides full coverage on the go, making it easy for your kids to reapply sunscreen during their fun activities. We particularly like how water-resistant it is. Your children can play in the water for up to 80 minutes while remaining fully protected against the sun’s rays.
What We Don’t Like
While Coppertone is remarkably effective in preventing sunburn, we did notice some slight orange-like discoloration on swimwear and clothing. It might be better to wear darker clothing if you intend to use this spray.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
One user noted that their toddler had a tan line after a day on the beach. However, they were pleased to report that the child did not suffer sunburn and chalked it up to a great product with outstanding protection.
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Sunscreen
Overview:
- Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Application: Face and body
- Water-resistant: Yes
What We Like About It
The La Roche Posay range of Anthelios Kids sunscreen is dermatologist and pediatrician tested and found to offer outstanding protection against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It spreads easily on the skin and doesn’t leave that pesky white cast that is notorious with many sunscreen brands on the market. It is also remarkably moisturizing, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated, thanks to the hyaluronic acid in its ingredients.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Kids is specially formulated for children with sensitive skin. It doesn’t contain parabens, octinoxate, oxybenzone, or any chemicals that could cause irritation. It is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for kids with all skin types.
What We Don’t Like
It is not as effective when applied to wet skin. Ensure your child is completely dried off before applying sunscreen.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Some users found the lotion’s consistency to be a little on the thicker side. Others described it as “gooey.” For the most part, buyers were quite happy with the product.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen Product: Buying Guide
Below are some critical factors to consider when choosing the right sunscreen product for your needs.
UV Protection
When picking a sunscreen product, always look for the ones labeled “broad-spectrum.” That way, you know your skin is protected against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for prematurely aging your skin, causing age spots and wrinkles, while exposure to UVB rays results in sunburn. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The next thing you need to consider is the SPF. This unit measures how much UVB rays a sunscreen product filters out. Experts recommend getting a product with a sunscreen SPF rating of at least 30. SPF 30 products block out up to 97 percent of UVB rays. For context, SPF 15 products filter out approximately 93 percent of UVB rays.
It is worth noting that products with over-the-top SPF values might protect you from harmful UVB rays that cause sunburn but may not shield you from UVA rays. That’s the reason why picking a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen is important.
Chemical Sunscreen vs. Mineral Sunscreen
The difference between a mineral and chemical sunscreen involves its ingredients and how they protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Chemical sunscreen products contain specific compounds with powerful absorptive properties. Once applied to the skin, these compounds are absorbed into the dermal layer and act as a deterrent against UV rays penetrating the skin. Due to their chemical action, these sunscreens may not be suited to individuals with sensitive skin.
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or both. These compounds coat the skin surface, creating a physical sunscreen barrier to reflect away UV rays. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, a mineral sunscreen would be a better option.
Ingredients
Read through the active ingredients listed on the label to check whether the sunscreen contains oxybenzone. While this compound may sound similar to avobenzone, the two ingredients differ. Oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitization.
Avobenzone has no adverse effects and is essential in high sunscreen SPF ratings in broad-spectrum products. If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, which causes irritation. You can also go for mineral sunscreen instead.
Water Resistance
If you plan to go on vacation to somewhere with a pool or beach, applying water-resistant sunscreen is an absolute must. The same applies to individuals engaging in high-intensity activities that cause them to sweat.
Look out for products that offer UV protection for at least 80 minutes. This means you should diligently reapply the sunscreen after every 80 minutes to avoid UV exposure. Products that aren’t water resistant are pretty much useless once you get into water or sweat.
Application Type
Sunscreen comes in different forms. You can get it as a lotion, gel, spray, stick, and many other unique forms. The choice of one over is a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to apply it evenly on your skin to ensure you get maximum coverage before heading outdoors.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—our top picks for the best sunscreens for adults and kids. The best sunscreen product is the one you ultimately use. Some protection is better than no protection. However, since you will use it anyway, you might as well pick an effective product. Any sunscreen we’ve reviewed in this guide would be an excellent choice.
In the meantime, are you looking to switch up your swimsuit collection? Check out these swanky men’s swimsuits for your next beach vacation.
FAQ
What is the strongest SPF for sunscreen?
A sunscreen’s SPF rating denotes the level of UVB protection a product offers. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB rays; SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97%; SPF 50 blocks 98%; SPF 100 blocks 99%. Products with an SPF 30 rating or higher are pretty solid. Ensure they also offer broad spectrum SPF protection to guard against UVA rays.
How do I choose the best sunscreens?
The main factor to keep in mind when picking the best sunscreens is whether they offer broad spectrum protection; whether they have an SPF of 30 or higher; whether they are waterproof; whether they contain oxybenzone if you have sensitive skin, in which case, you should choose products with avobenzone or opt for mineral sunscreens instead.
Sunscreen vs. sunblock: What’s the difference?
Sunscreen contains oxybenzone or avobenzone, chemical compounds that filter UV rays so they’re not absorbed by the skin. Sunblock contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that coats the skin surface to reflect UV rays away, so they don’t penetrate the skin. It tends to have a thicker consistency (except for mineral products) and often leaves a white cast if applied unevenly.
Black Girl Sunscreen is an excellent option for women of color if you’re worried about products leaving a visible white cast on darker skin tones.