If you ask any dermatologist what the number one skincare product you should be using is and chances are that they'll all say the same thing: sunscreen. Not only can unprotected sun exposure lead to melanoma, but it can also cause your skin to age prematurely, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Wearing sunscreen every day (yes, even on cloudy days or days when you'll be indoors near a window) is the best way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
With so many sunscreens on the market, it's hard to know how to pick the best sunscreen for your skin type and concerns. I spoke to top derms to find out how to choose the right sunscreen for you, but first, it's important to understand the basics.
How exactly does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen is packed with ingredients that work to make sure your skin it protected from UV light. "Sunscreen either works by scattering UV rays from the skin or absorbing the UV energy and converting it to heat, keeping it from penetrating the DNA of skin," says Ellen Marmur, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen? Is one better than the other?
"The ingredients in sunscreen act as filters to UV light," says Mona Gohara, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. "They either absorb the UV like a sponge (chemical sunscreen) or deflect them like a shield (mineral sunscreen)."
As far as ingredients go, Josh Zeichner, New York–based board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai says that mineral sunscreen has ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to filter out UV rays, while chemical sunscreens have chemicals that contain carbon molecules called organic filters.
When it comes to one being better than the other, it's really up to personal preference and making sure you're using them properly. Marmur emphasizes that when it comes to sunscreen, the key is to reapply often and liberally.
"I personally prefer and am more likely to use mineral sunscreens because I like that they often have iron oxide as an ingredient," says Gohara. "Iron oxide protects against indoor blue light rays. Blue light comes from the computer screen, cell phones, and light bulbs and can be damaging to the skin as well."
Zeichner says there are pros and cons to each option. "Mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating to the skin, so they are helpful in children or in people who are sensitive," he says. "However, mineral sunscreens may feel heavier and leave behind a white cast on the skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to feel more light and sheer. Plus, ultra-high SPF levels are able to be achieved with chemical sunscreens."
What's the deal with SPF? What does it mean, and what number should I choose?
"SPF stands for sun protection factor," says Gohara. "The number on the bottle works like this: if someone's skin usually takes about ten minutes to burn, SPF 30 will protect them 30 times longer (300 min)." Gohara and Marmur agree that you should always opt for at least SPF 30.
"Since SPF only refers to a sunscreen's ability to protect you against UVB rays, it is important to also look for the words 'broad-spectrum' on the bottle," This means that the product will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays.
If you're going to be in a situation with high sun exposure, Marmur recommends bumping up your SPF protection to at least SPF 50. If you're sweating or will be in the water a lot, make sure you choose a water-resistant option.
How often should I re-apply sunscreen, and how much do I use?
Reapply your sunscreen every 45 minutes to two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating to stay protected. "It is always good to apply a generous layer, but a shot glass worth for the body and a dime-size for the face will work fine," says Marmur. "Sunscreen doesn't rub in, so when you think you are rubbing it in for it to absorb, you are probably rubbing it off and losing protection." When in doubt, apply more than you think you need to.
Our top picks for every concern:
Best Overall Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen
Best Value Sunscreen: Melé Dew the Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Versed Guards Up SPF 35
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin: Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Best Luxe Sunscreen: La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Protecting Fluid Sunscreen
Best Matte Sunscreen: Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
Best Tinted Sunscreen: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive, Eczema-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Best-Smelling Sunscreen: Vacation Classic Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen: MMSkincare Sasha Suncare Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Best Color-Correcting Sunscreen: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Best Natural Sunscreen: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32
Best Powder Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Best Body Sunscreen: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
Best Budget-Friendly Body Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant Plus Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best Overall Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen
Gohara recommends this sunscreen for everyone because it "blends beautifully into all skin tones, is light, and easy to layer." The unique, light-weight texture sinks into skin instantly, and it features a Cell-Ox shield to protect skin from other environmental aggressors like pollution.
Best Value Sunscreen: Melé Dew the Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30
"This sunscreen was created with dermatologists and is specifically designed for people with darker skin tones," says Zeichner. "That being said, it's an excellent option for people who have lighter skin as well. It is a sheer formula that feels weightless on the skin and completely rubs in."
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Versed Guards Up SPF 35
With moringa seed and sea fennel extract, this mineral sunscreen is also supremely hydrating and calming to the skin. It's a slightly tinted formula, so it blends in easily and smoothly, leaving no white cast like many mineral formulas tend to do.
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
Glow Recipe's newest launch is a home run for dry skin. "For dry skin, I recommend a sunscreen with moisturizing properties like hyaluronic acid, as well as a sunscreen with a dewy or glowy finish," says Marmur. Packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe, this sunscreen hydrates, soothes, protects, and evens skin tone over time.
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Clear, lightweight, and undetectable, this sunscreen is perfect for anyone who wants a velvety, matte finish. It also makes the perfect grippy primer. It's also noncomedogenic and oil-free, which Marmur says is key when choosing a sunscreen for oily skin.
Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin: Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
Talk about a multitasking formula. This innovative product acts as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and primer all in one. Made to work for all skin tones, the lightweight formula has a slight orange tint to it, meaning it leaves virtually no white cast.
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This light, oil-free sunscreen will always be a favorite for anyone with acne-prone skin. It's one of the most well-known and well-loved sunscreens out there, and Marmur loves it for acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes while lactic acid refines, and it's so lightweight, you won't even know you're wearing sunscreen.
Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Clocking in at under $6, this sunscreen is a steal. It's mineral, fragrance-free, and water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Best Luxe Sunscreen: La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Protecting Fluid Sunscreen
If you want to splurge on a high-quality sunscreen, this is the one to go for. Infused with La Mer's proprietary Miracle Broth, it protects skin and works as another layer of skincare.
Best Matte Sunscreen: Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
This physical sunscreen has a whipped mousse texture for easy application. It also employs aerated silica technology, which helps keep the sunscreen matte on your skin no matter how hot or humid it is outside. It also dries down to a powder, making it the perfect canvas for makeup.
Best Tinted Sunscreen: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen
Filled with vitamin C and antioxidants, this sunscreen helps even and brighten skin while it defends from UV rays. Its slight tint helps the formula blend and works to perfect nearly every skin tone.
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive, Eczema-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Mineral, oil-free, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, this sunscreen runs the gamut of sensitive skin-friendly ingredients. This super light formula is formulated not to bother the skin.
Best-Smelling Sunscreen: Vacation Classic Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
When it comes to best-smelling sunscreen, there's really no competition—it's Vacation's Classic Lotion, hands down. It smells like the set of Baywatch and summer days that have somehow packed 36 hours into 24.
Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen: MMSkincare Sasha Suncare Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
"It protects skin from the sun while keeping it hydrated," says Marmur. "It contains vitamin B and caffeine, which boosts skin elasticity and helps prevent your skin from drying out in the sun. The minerals absorb sweat and oil. The antioxidants quench the free radicals. Bonus points for the tint—I don't even have to wear makeup over it."
Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Formulated specifically with Black skin in mind, this sunscreen is virtually undetectable across all skin tones, since it dries clear and goes on sheer. Jojoba oil, avocado oil, and cocoa butter allow it to work double-duty as a moisturizer.
Best Color-Correcting Sunscreen: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
This TikTok famous color-correcting sunscreen uses green pigments to neutralize red tones, leaving your skin even and glowy. Since it contains cica, it's also skin-soothing.
Best Natural Sunscreen: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32
This clean sunscreen is weightless and hydrating. It's also infused with Kinbiome, which is a microbiome technology in all Kinship products that helps support the skin barrier.
Best Powder Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Gohara notes that this sunscreen powder is perfect for reapplying your sunscreen midday, particularly if you have makeup on. Mica also imparts natural-looking radiance to your skin.
Best Body Sunscreen: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
This body sunscreen absorbs quickly, is sweat- and water-resistant, and helps hydrate the skin. It's the perfect body sunscreen to use every day.
Best Budget-Friendly Body Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant Plus Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
This sunscreen has guava, papaya, mango, passion fruit, plumeria, and aloe, and a green tea extract provides a layer of antioxidants to protect the skin.
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