Protect Your Skin with These 10 Best Sunscreen Options
Whether you’re spending the day at the pool or beach or you’re just looking for a product to wear daily to protect you, sunscreen is an important part of skin care. Not only does it help prevent sunburn, but it can also help prevent skin cancer. There are so many sunscreen options on the market, and each one makes a claim that’s bigger than the last. It’s hard to separate the good stuff from the not-so-good, but this list attempts to do just that.
Best Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen
Reviewers seem to love all of Neutrogena’s sunscreen products, but Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen is a consistent favorite among consumers. Available for up to 100+ SPF, it offers excellent coverage without feeling heavy or overly greasy and is even suitable to wear daily under your makeup. It’s recommended by dermatologists, both PABA-free and non-comedogenic and it helps prevent sunburn. Best of all, it’s waterproof.
Best Value: Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion
If you’re looking for a good all-around sunscreen that won’t cost a fortune, Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion is the answer. It’s water and sweat-proof, so you can wear it while playing sports or on hot sunny days at the pool, and it has proven UVA/UVB protection. It’s available in SPFs 15, 30, 50 and 100.
Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum
If you have sensitive skin, you know that many sunscreens can irritate it. However, many reviewers report that EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum can help. While it costs a bit more than the others on the list, users say it’s worth it. This broad spectrum sunscreen is both mineral-based and water resistant, and you can even apply it to wet skin. It’s also free of oils, fragrances and parabens.
Best for the Environment: Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen
Not only is Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen good for your skin, it’s good for the Earth too. It’s reef safe, vegan and never tested on animals. It’s also gluten-free and non-comedogenic. Because it’s broad spectrum, it protects users from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s available in SPFs 15 to 70. And because it contains large amounts of Vitamin E, it’s moisturizing and protects your skin from free radicals.
Best Spray Sunscreen: Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen Spray
Some people prefer lotions, but some like spray sunscreens because they’re easier to apply. If you’re one of those fans of spray lotions, Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen Spray should be your top choice. It’s light, it’s water resistant and it contains moisturizing vitamin E. It’s also affordable. Reviewers report that it’s lightweight and non-greasy, and it stays on while you swim and sweat.
Best for Fair Skin: Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Body Lotion
Anyone with fair skin knows the sun can cause plenty of damage, and sunburn comes easily. That’s why many fair-skinned people choose Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Body Lotion for protection. It’s said to be long-lasting, even when you’re active, and it’s broad spectrum, so it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Users also say it’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly, so you aren’t left with a greasy mess.
Best for Kids: Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray
As a parent, you know that protecting your kids’ skin is important for the future, but there are so many products available, it’s hard to know which one works best. However, Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray is a consumer favorite. It’s easy to apply, it works well on wet skin and it’s broad spectrum. While the whole family can use it, it’s ideal for kids who plan to spend a day at the beach or pool.
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion
Tinted sunscreens can work alongside makeup or in lieu of a makeup base, all while protecting your skin. If you’re a fan of such products, Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion should be on your shopping list. Reviewers use phrases like “flawless skin” and “best for everyday use” to describe it, and it’s a non-greasy product that you can use daily. It’s mineral-based and reef-safe, so it’s good for both people with sensitive skin and the environment.
Best Stick Sunscreen: Neutrogena Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body
Many people love stick sunscreens, because they’re easy to grab and apply — much like deodorant. Neutrogena Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body is yet another favorite sunscreen product from the dermatologist-recommended brand. It’s non-greasy and goes on light while still offering heavy sun protection. It’s safe enough for your face and body, and you can wear it while you swim and sweat.
Best Fragrance: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
Let’s face it: Most sunscreen has a distinct scent that some people just don’t love, but Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen seeks to change that. The island-inspired fragrance is a favorite among users, and it even adds a little shimmer to your skin without being heavy or greasy. The sunscreen is also broad spectrum and contains vitamins C and E for healthier skin.
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