If you landed on this page you probably already know that sunscreen is a skincare essential, summer and winter, to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. UVA and UVB rays can cause irreparable damage such as oxidative stress of cells, premature skin aging, or worse, several types of skin cancer. However, given the volume of sunscreen options available in the market, it can be difficult to select the best sunscreen adapted to the specificities of your skin and your daily life. If you spend your days outside, you will not have the same needs as someone who only goes out occasionally. If you have oily skin and live in a humid environment, your ideal sunscreen will be much different from someone with dry skin in a dry climate.
To help inform your choice, we have selected several of the best sunscreen formulas out there, each offering unique characteristics and meeting various needs and preferences. But, first, discover the general elements to keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen:
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen?
- SPF Rating:
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a number that gives an idea of how long sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the rays responsible for sunburns). Theoretically, the higher the SPF, the longer the protection lasts.
- Broad Spectrum:
Broad Spectrum is one of the most essential features of a good sunscreen. It means that the sunscreen contains UV filters that protect against both UVB and UVA rays, since the SPF only measures UVB protection.
- Skin type:
Choose a formulation that suits your skin type and skin condition: sensitive, oily, dry, combination acne-prone, rosacea-prone, or prone to sun allergies. We have recommendations below for each skin type Some Sunscreens are also specifically designed for the face or children.
- Water resistance:
If you are rather active or enjoy water activities, opt for water-resistant and sweat-resistant sunscreens. This feature ensures that protection remains effective despite sweat or swimming. In addition, water-resistant sunscreens have the added bonus of protecting your eyes against sunscreen that may run down and sting on hot days.
- Formulation:
Make sure to check the ingredients list, especially to avoid allergens or controversial substances. For example, Niacinamide, a common ingredient found in sunscreens today for its anti-oxidant benefits, may cause irritation in some people.
Which SPF To Choose?
What does the SPF number exactly suggest? Here's an example, an SPF of 50 would suggest that your skin would take 50 times longer to redden or burn than if you weren't wearing any protection. Therefore, choosing an adequate SPF is crucial to ensuring effective sun protection. Dermatologists usually recommend an SPF of no less than 30.
- SPF 15-30: suitable for moderate daily exposure, especially if the UV index is low and/or you spend the majority of your time indoors, and mostly go out before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- SPF 30-50: recommended for any limited to prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly if you are at the beach, in the mountains, or if you practice outdoor activities.
- SPF 50+: essential for sensitive and very fair skin, or during prolonged sun exposure (working outdoors, traveling to a tropical region, etc.). It is also the preferred choice for children since they have more sensitive and fragile skin than adults.
.
Note: While higher SPF offers better protection, don't be misled by a false sense of security. Sunscreen is just one tool in the toolbox, you still need to wear protective clothing and hats and seek shade from 11 am to 4 pm, particularly on high UV index days. |
What is the Best Sunscreen for Everyday use?
The best sunscreen for every day is one that you like enough to wear consistently. What is best for one person may not be the best sunscreen for another. It is pointless to buy a sunscreen that has excellent characteristics, is recommended by dermatologists, and is highly tested for broad-spectrum coverage. Yet, it doesn’t suit your skin type or your personal preferences so you find yourself often skipping it. When it comes to sunscreen use, consistent efforts yield consistent results. Ideally, you need a sunscreen suitable for your skin and skin condition, provides good coverage for your day-to-day activities, is easy to apply and reapply, and does not break the bank. Here are our recommendations for the best sunscreens and why we like them (feel free to agree, disagree, or share your own experiences with sunscreens in the comment section at the end of the page):
Remember: Choosing the best sunscreen is a highly subjective decision, we feature all very good dermatologist-approved products that check all the boxes for what constitutes a good sunscreen with good UV protection (SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum), but only by testing can you decide which one is the "best sunscreen" for you. |
Please note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, ClinicAdvisor® may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our editor independently selects each product featured.
1- Best Sunscreen Overall:
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Key Features:
|  |
2- Best for Oily Skin:
Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
Key Features:
|  |
3- Best for Dry Skin:
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV
Key Features:
|  |
4- Best for Sensitive Skin:
Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Key Features:
|  |
5- Best for Skin with Hyperpigmentation:
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex
Key Features:
|  |
6- Best Budget Friendly:
Sun Bum Sunscreen
Key Features:
To keep in mind:
|  |
7- Best Tinted Sunscreen:
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield
Key Features:
|  |
8- Best Mineral Sunscreen:
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion
Key Features:
|  |
9- Best for Scalp/Bald Head:
Coola Scalp and Hair Mist Sunscreen
Key Features:
|  |
10- Best for Men:
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Key Features:
|  |
11- Best Sunscreen Stick:
Aveeno Protect and Sooth Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Key Features:
|  |
12- Best Korean Sunscreen:
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Waterfit Sun Serum
Key Features:
|  |
13- Best Japanese Sunscreen:
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer
Key Features:
|  |
14- Best Australian Sunscreen:
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral sunscreen
Key Features :
To keep in mind:
|  |
15 - Best Sunscreen for Make-Up Wearers
Supergoop! Glow Screen Sunrise
Key Features:
|  |
Note: This list is not fixed, we may shift products as formulations change, as we test new products in the market, or simply because we couldn't fit all the sunscreens we love into one list! |
Why Should I Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
Wearing sunscreen every day is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of sun damage. Even on cloudy days or during winter months, UV rays can still penetrate the atmosphere and cause skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen helps protect against both short-term and long-term effects of UV exposure, such as sunburn, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and skin cancer. Consistent use of sunscreen, along with other sun-safe practices like seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, is essential for maintaining skin health and minimizing the harmful effects of UV radiation over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most effective sunscreen?
The most effective sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. A high sun protection factor is recommended for longer-lasting protection. This does not, however, exempt you from regularly reapplying it every two hours. opt for a sunscreen suited to your skin type (oily, dry, etc.). Choose a waterproof sunscreen for protection in the water.
Which is better sunscreen or sunblock?
Sunscreen and sunblock both protect the skin from UV rays, but they do so in different ways. Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb or reflect UV rays, while sunblock, also known as physical sunscreen, creates a physical barrier on the skin that reflects or scatters UV rays. Sunscreen is often preferred for its lightweight texture and ease of application, while sunblock may be favored for its immediate protection and suitability for sensitive skin, although it can feel thicker and leave a white cast. Regardless of which product you choose, it's essential to opt for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and to apply it generously and regularly alongside other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.
Which is the best sunscreen recommended by dermatologists?
There isn't a single "best" sunscreen universally recommended by dermatologists, as the most suitable sunscreen varies depending on individual skin type, preferences, and specific needs. However, dermatologists often recommend broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher, as they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, dermatologists advise choosing sunscreens that are water-resistant and formulated for daily use.
Is SPF 100 really better than SPF 50?
SPF indicates the amount of time it takes for UVB rays to cause sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin. While SPF 100 offers a higher level of protection than SPF 50, the difference in actual protection is not as significant as the numbers might suggest.
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks about 99%. This means that SPF 100 sunscreen provides marginally better protection, but the difference is minimal. Moreover, no sunscreen provides 100% protection, and SPF only indicates protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays, which also contribute to skin damage and aging. In practical terms, proper and regular application of SPF 50 sunscreen is often sufficient for most people, as long as it is reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Ultimately, the most critical factors in sun protection are proper application, frequency of reapplication, and other sun-safe behaviors such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing
Share Your Opinion, Please