Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (2024)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Dermatologists and skincare experts agree the most important thing you can do to keep your skin youthful and healthy long-term is wear sunscreen every single day — no matter the season, climate or weather or your skin color. In addition to causing skin cancer, UV exposure causes about 80% of visible signs of skin aging, a study found. What is the key to committing to everyday (and beach day) use? Finding a sunscreen formula that you like to use and works well with your skin type and tone.

That's why Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab scientists are constantly testing body and face sunscreens and consulting top dermatologists to find the best you can buy to keep your skin protected all year long. They evaluate both chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV light to prevent it from penetrating skin, and mineral sunscreens, which form a barrier that reflects UV light off of skin.

In the GH Beauty Lab's latest body sunscreen test, experts tallied 4,883 feedback data points from 257 testers to find the winning formulas, which were evaluated for their sun protection efficacy, ease of application and look and feel on skin. Ahead, the Beauty Lab's best-tested sunscreens for all skin types — from oily and acne-prone to sensitive and dry — plus everything you need to know about sunscreen.

Our top picks:

GH Beauty Lab note: None of the sunscreens recommended in this story contain the active ingredients octinoxate or oxybenzone, which are currently banned in Hawaii.

1

Best Overall Body Sunscreen

Rodan + Fields Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (3)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (4)Spreads and absorbs easily
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (5)No white cast
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (6)Not oily or sticky
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (7)Pricey

This Rodan + Fields SPF for both body and face was the winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. Although it has a higher-than-average price, it excelled across the board for its featherlight “silky” texture and sheer finish that didn’t leave a white residue even on deeper-toned skin.

In GH Beauty Lab evaluations, an impressive 100% of users agreed that it was easy to apply, absorbed well and didn’t leave a white cast on skin, feel greasy or sticky or stain fabrics. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. “I loved everything about this” and “I found the protection first-rate,” two testers raved. Several said they would purchase it.

SPF50
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (2.8%), Homosalate (9.6%), Octisalate (4.8%), Octocrylene (9.6%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$6.80

2

Best value body sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Skin Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (8)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (9)Not drying or irritating
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (10)Soaks in quickly
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (11)Non-greasy
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (12)Affordably-priced
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (13)A few users thought the formula was thin

The Hawaiian Tropic drugstore bargain SPF rated highly for many attributes in GH Beauty Lab evaluations, earning perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin. It ranked high for easily absorbing, not feeling tacky or oily on skin, having a pleasant aroma and rinsing off effortlessly. The formula also came out near the top for effective sun protection and not leaving white residue on skin.

In addition, its "beachy" scent was a total crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend to be especially critical about fragrance. "It worked perfectly," a tester marveled, though two did note that they thought the consistency was runny.

SPF50
Active TypeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (5%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$2.41

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

Best Overall Face Sunscreen

Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (14)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (15)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (16)Won't leave a white film on skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (17)Doesn't cause breakouts or irritation
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (18)Strong sun protection
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (19)Expensive
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (20)Scent was polarizing

A GH Beauty Lab’s face sunscreen test winner, Vichy came out on top in almost every category. It earned the best score for being easy to apply, making skin feel hydrated and not leaving a white cast, being sticky, causing breakouts or irritation or interfering with makeup. A full 100% of testers also agreed it had an appealing texture, but all of these benefits come at a higher cost.

The formula ranked highest at effectively protecting skin from sunburn. Users disagreed on its scent: Some adored it while others were put off by it. "It blended in easily and didn't leave a white film and was also very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester noted. Another reported: "My skin looks/feels more healthy and vibrant after using this."

SPF30
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
Water resistanceNone
Price per ounce~$26.62

4

Best Value Face Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Serum

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (21)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (22)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (23)No visible or greasy, sticky residue
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (24)Appealing texture and fragrance
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (25)Doesn't irritate or cause breakouts
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (26)Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (27)May take time to prime the pump dispenser

Hawaiian Tropic's affordable buy won the Beauty Lab's most recent face sunscreen test, outperforming formulas multiple times the price. With a lighweight serum texture, it received the highest scores on many attributes, including having a shine-free finish, pleasant texture and scent, not leaving a chalky film on skin and no irritation or breakouts. Among testers, 100% agreed it soaked in fast and wasn't oily or tacky.

Good to know: While some tester liked the tube's slim design, others said it took time to prime the pump and the cap didn't stay in place well. "The product was super light and did not leave any residue like usual sunscreens I use," a user commented. A second revealed: "I plan to switch to this!"

SPF30
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (6%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (4.5%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$8.57

5

Best Sunscreen for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (28)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (29)Doesn't bring on breakouts or irritation
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (30)Matte finish
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (31)Pleasant fragrance
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (32)Could leave visible residue on skin

Have a breakout-prone or oily complexion? There's no worry of sunscreen worsening it with this Dr. Jart lotion. It earned top marks in GH Beauty Lab testing for not causing breakouts, bumps or irritation and leaving skin shine-free. (The mineral formula may leave a white cast behind, however.)

A tester called it "one of the best on the market: It did not cause a rash or create any skin problems." Many users were also fans of the SPF's "citrus" scent that "didn't have a whiff of a sunscreen smell."

SPF50
Active typeMineral
Active ingredientsTitanium Dioxide (4.1%), Zinc Oxide (11.5%)
Water resistanceNone
Price per ounce~$23.70

6

Best Sunscreen for Everyday Use

Neutrogena Best Sunscreen Serum

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (33)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (34)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (35)Lightweight texture
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (36)Non-irritating
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (37)Radiant finish
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (38)Could sting in contact with eyes

Created to be more like a skincare serum than a sunscreen, Neutrogena's high level SPF was an overall user favorite in GH Beauty Lab testing for its waterlight feel. The formula achieved the highest score for its texture, as well as not irritating skin or causing redness (although it can sting eyes).

Note that it leaves more of a glowy finish than a matte one. "My makeup went on well over it," a tester remarked. Another said "it is so light I don't know it's even on my face." Several commented they would buy the product.

SPF60
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$9.40

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Mineral Face Sunscreen

Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (39)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (40)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (41)Smooths on easily
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (42)Doesn't leave a film on skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (43)Works well with makeup
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (44)Must shake before applying

Mineral sunscreens can be cosmetically elegant, too. Case in point: This liquid from Colorescience, which was the best mineral formula in the Beauty Lab's most recent face SPF test. It scored highest for being easy to apply, not leaving a residue on skin and not interfering with makeup — a feat for a zinc oxide formulation.

"The best face sunscreen I have ever used," a tester enthused. "I couldn't believe how easy it went on my face, like my moisturizer." Another agreed: "It felt light and airy on my face. I couldn't even tell I was wearing sunscreen!" Beauty Lab note: This sunscreen should be shaken well before application to distribute the ingredients and has an initial white cast that disappears once rubbed into skn.

SPF50
Active typeMineral
Active ingredientsZinc Oxide (10%)
Water resistance40 minutes
Price per ounce~$26.47

8

Best Spray Sunscreen

Hampton Sun SPF 50 Continuous Mist Sunscreen

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (45)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (46)Easy to use
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (47)No white residue
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (48)Non-drying
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (49)May make skin slick or sticky
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (50)Some users noted the strong fragrance

For those who prefer to spritz on their sun protection, Hampton Sun was the winning spray in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. Evaluations found it was the easiest spray to apply, doesn't leave a white film on skin or rub off on fabrics, won't dry out skin and rinses off easily.

A few caveats: It may leave skin feeling tacky or slippery and some testers commented on the strong scent. "The application was great — covered a wide angle without spraying all over the place," a tester said. Another reported that "it held up in the sun; I spent time at the pool and no issues."

SPF 50
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$5.30

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (52)Easy to apply
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (53)No white film on skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (54)Strong sun protection
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (55)May make skin greasy

This tropical-scented Sun Bum mist ranked highly in past GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing, applying easily and leaving no chalky cast on skin. The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection.

The “continuous and even” spray “covered my skin quickly,” two testers said. “I would definitely buy this,” another added. Good to know: Some users found that it left an oily finish on skin that took time to dissipate.

SPF50
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$3.08

10

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen Lotion

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (56)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (57)Won't irritate skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (58)Great texture
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (59)Rinses off easily
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (60)Smaller size

A great choice for those with sensitive skin, the Everyday Humans lotion received the highest score for not stinging or irritating skin in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. An impressive 100% of testers who also used it on their face reported no irritation to eyes or the surrounding skin.

The gentle formula infused with skincare ingredients also performed well for its pleasant texture and rinsing off easily. But note that the package is smaller than other body sunscreens. "I liked how well it absorbed into my skin, leaving it feeling moisturized but not greasy, that there was no noticeable scent and that it didn't cause any allergic reaction!" a tester raved.

SPF50
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octyl Salicylate (5%), Octocrylene (8%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$5.29

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (61)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (62)Non-drying formula
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (63)Won't leave a white film on skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (64)Appealing scent
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (65)May be runny
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (66)Pricey

Shiseido's luxe SPF earned the highest score in GH Beauty Lab testing for not leaving skin feeling dehydrated, making it an ideal match for those with dry skin types. It also ranked highly for rinsing off easily, not leaving a white film on skin and having a pleasant fragrance. One drawback: The sunscreen comes at a higher cost than most.

Some users found it felt runny and slippery on skin, but one tester loved "the silky feel when the product was applied — felt luxurious and more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen!" Another user's take: "Quite light and fresh; this is actually one of the best lotion sunscreens I think I have ever used."

SPF50
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (2.3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (5%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$10.00

12

Best Mineral Body Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (67)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (68)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (69)Easy to apply
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (70)Won't dry out skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (71)Great scent
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (72)Average absorption score
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (73)Smaller size

A unique milk formula, Hawaiian Tropic was the best mineral sunscreen in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test, made with the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It was the most-liked among consumer testers of all the mineral sunscreen lotions evaluated, least likely to stain fabrics and earned the highest score for its pleasant "tropical" scent.

Users found the SPF easy to apply and rinse off, non-drying on skin and praised the pump packaging. Note that the bottle is smaller than the average size of a body sunscreen and it ranked only average for absorption, so it may leave a greasy feel on skin. "I looked forward to putting on this product," a tester remarked. Another noted: "It has wonderful staying power; even through sweat, the sunscreen stayed in place — no staining, no running."

SPF50
Active typeMineral
Active ingredientsTitanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$4.26

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (74)

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (75)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (76)No white residue on deep skin tones
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (77)Not greasy or sticky
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (78)Works on face and body
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (79)Smaller size and pricey per ounce

GH Beauty Lab testers who described themselves as Mexican American, Black or African American and Asian origin rated this high SPF La Roche-Posay formula the best for not leaving a white film on the skin in a recent test. The lotion for both face and body also ranked high for not feeling oily or tacky, though some testers reported seeing a slight sheen after use and one reported tearing up from the scent.

"It did not leave a white cast on my face and absorbed very well into the skin," a tester commented. "It was weightless and even on the go I forgot that I was wearing a SPF 100 sunscreen."

RELATED: 12 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin That Won't Leave You Looking Ashy

SPF100
Active typeChemical
Active ingredientsAvobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$8.66

14

Best Natural Sunscreen

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (80)

Pros
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (81)Made with natural ingredients
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (82)Not drying or oily on skin
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (83)Easy to apply and rinse
Cons
  • Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (84)Thickness and scent can be polarizing

Made with 20% zinc oxide mineral suncreen and organic, naturally-derived ingredients like chamomile and cocoa butter, bargain-priced Babo Botanicals was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's sunscreen test. Lab evaluations found it was easy to apply and rinse off, didn't stain or rub off on fabrics and doesn't leave skin feeling oily or dry, though testers commented on its thick texture that might take some getting used to.

"It felt great on my skin and didn't look white. I loved it!" a user commented. Two more added: "Goes on easier than other zinc products," and "I forgot I had it on," but the aroma of its fragrance-free formula was polarizing.

RELATED: Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens

SPF50
Active typeMineral
Active ingredientsZinc Oxide (20%)
Water resistance80 minutes
Price per ounce~$5.66

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test sunscreens

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (85)

The GH Beauty Lab regularly evaluates the latest body and face sunscreen formulas on the market. Each SPF must meet the following criteria to be assessed:

  • Broad-spectrum protection
  • SPF 30 or higher for face and SPF 50 or higher for body
  • Non-tinted

Over the past decade, the Beauty Lab has analyzed 795 face and body sunscreens, formally testing 128 formulas on 2,601 testers and collecting over 34,189 data points in total to identify the best formulas.

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (86)

In the most recent body sunscreen test, Beauty Lab scientists assessed 62 new broad-spectrum chemical and mineral sunscreens across price points and polled 1,139 people on their sunscreen habits to inform the testing. After narrowing the field to the top sunscreens, 257 consumer testers across demographics and skin tones evaluated the products.

Each tester applied the sunscreen at least twice over the course of one week, then reported their feedback on factors such as ease of use, scent, texture, absorption, the look and feel of skin after application, irritation, transfer and perceived sun protection ability. Lab experts then calculated 4,883 consumer feedback questions to determine the top-performing sunscreens.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when shopping for the best sunscreens

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (87)

Here are key factors to consider when picking the right sunscreen for your skin type and needs:

✔️ Broad-spectrum protection: This is important "to protect against both harmful UVA/UVB rays," says Lucy Chen, M.D, F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Florida. Exposure to these wavelengths can lead to dangerous sunburns, causing skin damage that can lead to skin cancer as well as signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and sagging skin.

✔️ SPF 30 or higher: A SPF 30 or greater is best, says David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California and CEO of Curology. And you may want to go even higher: A GH Beauty Lab study found that women on average apply only about 1/3 of the amount of sunscreen needed to achieve the SPF level indicated on the product packaging. So for added insurance and especially outdoors, opt for an SPF 50 or higher, recommends GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.

✔️ Active ingredients: Choose between chemical and mineral sunscreen active ingredients (or a mix of both):

  • Chemical formulas absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, according to Michael Somenek, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. "This process allows the body to release the UV rays, which ultimately prevents the skin from burning," he says. Chemical sunscreens tend to be better for swimming due to their water-resistant nature but while they are often easier to apply and don't leave a white residue, you will need to reapply sunscreen more often than you would with a mineral option.
  • Mineral formulas (also called physical sunscreens) form a barrier on your skin that reflects or filters UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens can be more difficult to spread on skin and leave behind white cast, but they usually provide more lasting protection than chemical formulas.

✔️ Formula type: GH Beauty Lab scientists prefer lotions and creams over sprays since "they last on skin longer and are more likely to form a uniform protective coating over skin than sprays," says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. In addition, "If your skin is prone to dryness, a cream may be better for you," Dr. Chen says. As for kids, "Sprays are easy to use, but they might require a second coating, so spray generously," she notes.

✔️ Water-resistance: This means the SPF will stand up against sweaty days or time spent swimming. But know that there’s no such thing as waterproof or sweatproof sunscreen. Under current FDA guidelines, there are only “water-resistant for 40 minutes” or “water-resistant for 80 minutes” options. "Sweat- and water-resistant" labeling means the formula maintained its SPF level on testers’ skin in a water bath for the indicated time, says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., Chief of Dermatologic Oncology & Dermatologic Surgery at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California. Beyond that timeframe, it should be reapplied.

✔️ Your skin type: If you have dry skin, "look for ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, aloe and oils and avoid spray or gel sunscreens with alcohol," advises Dr. Chen. She adds that those with oily skin should opt for a lightweight sunscreen that contains oil-absorbent ingredients like silica.

What is sunscreen made of?

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (88)

"Sunscreen is considered a drug in the United States," Wnek explains. "Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration OTC Sunscreen Monograph, there are several ingredients that can be used as sunscreen actives to absorb, reflect or scatter radiation in the UV wavelength between 290 and 400 nanometers (about 290-320 nm for UVB and 320-400 nm for UVA)."

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation and contain active ingredients that can be chemical or mineral, or a combination of the two, she says. "Some of the most common chemical sunscreen actives are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene," Wnek notes. "The most prevalent mineral sunscreen actives are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide."

While it varies by formula type, "aside from the active ingredients, sunscreens in lotion form contain ingredients similar to other lotions on the market such as water, oil or silicones, emulsifiers, thickeners, pH adjusters and preservatives," she says.
"They can also be made with fragrance, film formers (if the product is water-resistant), moisturizers, antioxidants and other skincare ingredients like anti-agers."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What exactly does SPF mean?

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (89)

"SPF stands for sun protection factor," Wnek says. "It is a ratio of the amount of solar energy (UV radiation) need to cause sunburn on skin with sunscreen versus without sunscreen." A popular misconception is that SPF indicates the time you can go between reapplication, but a higher SPF doesn't mean you can go longer without reapplying; you should always reference the drug facts label for how often each sunscreen needs to be reapplied."

Do I need a separate sunscreen for my face?

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (90)

According to GH Beauty Lab experts, sunscreen is sunscreen, so from a protection perspective, one product can do it all. But sunscreen for your body may feel too greasy or heavy on the face or can contain fragrance that could irritate those with sensitivity, so if you have oily, combination or sensitive skin, you might want to consider products that are specially formulated for your face. These formulas are less likely to clog pores or cause irritation and more likely to be free of fragrance.

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (91)

April Franzino

Beauty Director

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (92)

Tested byDanusia Wnek

Senior Chemist

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 5771

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.