Figuring out how to pick a sunscreen that suits your lifestyle, skin type and concerns isn’t just important for your beauty routine. It’s also essential for your health, since sun exposure can lead to skin cancer (on top of premature aging and painful sunburns). Determining the right sunscreen for you isn’t always so easy, though: One person’s perfect formula may leave your skin feeling greasy or looking chalky. Along with a diverse panel of testers, our editors have collectively tested dozens of versions to land on the best ones for various needs; our top picks are from La Roche-Posay, Supergoop and Coola.
No matter your skin type—be it dry, oily, acne-prone or somewhere in between—sunscreens offer options to suit your concerns and preferences (like a lightweight feel and non-white cast). We spoke with dermatologists to get their advice on what features to consider and the best options for your needs, also incorporating our database of tested insights. Here’s a rundown of some of our top picks, along with a comprehensive guide to shopping sunscreens.
- Best Face Sunscreen: Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
- Best Sunscreen For Babies: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50
- Best Face And Body Sunscreen: Supergoop Play SPF 50
- Best Clear Sunscreen: Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 50
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: MDSolarSciences SPF 50
Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection
Experts say that the term “broad-spectrum” is non-negotiable when you’re looking for the best sunscreen; this means the product will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. While many people often look at SPF, broad-spectrum protection is similarly important, because both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer, according to dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply to cause damage that may lead to melanoma or signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots. UVB rays don’t reach as deeply into skin, but they can still cause the skin to burn and contribute to the bulk of skin cancers.
The good news is that most sunscreens do already have this label. However, it’s less common for cosmetics with SPF to provide broad-spectrum protection, so you’ll always want to make sure to apply sunscreen before your makeup.
Go For SPF 30 Or Higher
Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures how long you can stay in the sun before burning while wearing a sunscreen versus how long you can stay in the sun before burning without it. Sunscreens are offered in a range of SPFs, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing one with a minimum of SPF 30. Dermatologists also recommend seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing where possible. And no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, but SPF 50 or higher is best if you plan on spending long hours in the sun.
Find The Best Formula For Your Skin Type
No matter your skin type, sunscreen is an integral part of a healthy skincare routine. Besides benefitting from certain ingredients and preferring specific formulas, you’re much more likely to regularly apply sunscreen if it suits your complexion needs and feels comfortable on. Below are our expert recommendations based on different skin types.
- Oily or acne-prone: Those with oily or acne-prone skin may not like the feel of too many products layered on, so dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes recommends choosing a formula that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. You can also try a gel formula, which tends to be more lightweight.
- Dry: Moisturizing formulas that contain humectants, emollients and occlusives are best for dry skin. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, urea, lactic acid, petrolatum and cocoa butter.
- Sensitive or rosacea-prone: Madfes says to look for a formula that contains skin-strengthening ingredients like niacinamide or antioxidants.
- Mature: Similarly to those with dry skin, you’ll want a sunscreen that is hydrating, and Madfes recommends versions that have a base of hyaluronic acid, squalene or glycerin.
Chemical Vs. Mineral Filters
Chemical sunscreens are made with filters that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Madfes says these formulas tend to feel more lightweight on the skin. You can identify a chemical sunscreen because it contains two or more of the following ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate. It does take about 15 minutes for it to absorb, so to play it safe experts recommend applying this at least 30 minutes before you plan on being in the sun.
Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These also work by absorbing UV and converting it to heat, according to cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong, but they also work on the surface of skin to deflect or scatter UV rays. They begin working the moment you apply them. While mineral sunscreens tend to get a bad reputation for leaving a white cast due to the nature of the active ingredients, that’s no longer the case with newer, more elegant formulas.
You can also find hybrid sunscreens. These feature an effective blend of mineral and chemical filters to offer the best of both worlds.
Pick A Formula That Appeals To You
While many sunscreens have a lotion or cream formula, they can also come in the form of gels, powders, oils, sprays and sticks. Gel formulas are great for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin, because they tend to be more lightweight. Powder options are ideal for touch-ups; they can also help with oil control. Meanwhile, oil-based sunscreens can be great for hydrating skin and giving it a glow. Sprays and sticks are helpful for layering sun protection, and sticks in particular are mess-free, making them a good travel option.
Experts recommend lotions and creams for even, consistent coverage, while other formula types, especially powders, sprays and sticks, are best for touch-ups. It’s also important to remember to reapply every two hours or after after swimming or sweating.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written countless skincare stories, and over a dozen sunscreen articles, which include rigorous testing on the best face sunscreens, sunscreens for babies and mineral sunscreens.
- Contributor Neha Tandon has covered beauty and lifestyle topics for over six years. Some of her stories includes the best cellulite creams and how to grow hair faster.
- This story was assigned and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty & grooming section and has tested hundreds of sunscreen formulas. She’s led the extensive testing and research conducted for all of the sunscreen stories mentioned in this piece.
- We gathered key insight and guidance from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Hadley King and Dr. Diane Madfes, as well as Sydney-based cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong.
How Do I Choose My Sunscreen?
Start with a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, and opt for SPF (sun protection factor) 30 for everyday use—and SPF 50 and up for when you plan on spending all day in the sun. Then, think about your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen. People with dry or mature skin should look for hydrating ingredients, while sensitive-skin types should seek out fragrance-free, mineral-based formulations. Finally, choose between mineral or chemical filters based on your preferred finish, ease of application and your skin type. You can also narrow down the formula type based on what you want to use regularly—think lotions, sprays, sticks, powders or gels.
Which Type Of Sunscreen Is Best?
As long as you check off the sunscreen qualifications recommended by experts (broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 and above), the type of sunscreen you choose ultimately comes down to your skin type and personal preferences. Chemical sunscreens tend to have a lighter texture that rarely leaves a white cast, but they can take up to 30 minutes to start working; this makes them preferable for people with medium to dark skin tones and for those with oily or acne-prone skin (who might want a more weightless texture). Mineral sunscreens start working immediately, and many recently developed formulas have been formulated to create less of a chalky finish. And f you want the light texture of a chemical sunscreen but are allergic to some of the ingredients in it, a hybrid sunscreen that combines mineral and chemical filters may be the best option for you.