The 14 Best Sunscreens You Can Buy of the 795 Our Scientists Tested
We evaluated face and body SPFs on thousands of testers to find the top formulas.
Reviewed by Danusia Wnek and Sabina Wizemann
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.
I don't leave the house without applying sunscreen on my exposed skin, no matter what the season or weather. And for good reason: Dermatologists agree that the most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and youthful long-term is wear sunscreen every single day — and that goes for all skin tones, from fair to dark. In addition to causing skin cancer, UV exposure causes about 80% of visible signs of skin aging, a study found. But after decades of trying countless SPFs, I know that finding one that you actually like to apply (and reapply) can be tricky.
Thankfully, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab scientists are constantly testing body and face sunscreens to find the best on the market to protect your skin 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, scatters and absorbs UV light off of skin.
In the GH Beauty Lab's latest body sunscreen test, our experts collected 4,883 consumer feedback data points to identify the winning formulas, which were evaluated for 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 dry and sensitive — plus everything you need to know about sunscreen.
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.
Pros
- Spreads and absorbs easily
- No white cast even on dark skin tones
- Not oily or sticky
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Pricier than some other sunscreens
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.8%), Homosalate (9.6%), Octisalate (4.8%), Octocrylene (9.6%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$6.20
What made it a winner: This Rodan + Fields SPF for both body and face was the best body sunscreen in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent 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.
Testers said: “I loved everything about this” and “I found the protection first-rate,” two users raved. Another praised the "silky texture that absorbed quickly into skin and felt similar to applying a moisturizing lotion." Several testers noted they would purchase it.
Hawaiian Tropic Skin Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Not drying or irritating
- Soaks in quickly and non-greasy
- Appealing scent
- Strong sun protection
Cons
- A few users thought the formula was thin
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (5%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$1.83
What made it a winner: 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 crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend not to like fragrance.
Testers said: "It far exceeded my expectations on all levels," a user raved. Another agreed "it worked perfectly," though two did report that they thought the consistency was runny.
Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Won't leave a white residue on skin
- Doesn't cause breakouts or irritation
- Great sun protection
- Not tacky and works well with makeup
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized
Cons
- Expensive
- Scent was polarizing
SPF: 30 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%) | Water resistance: None | Price per ounce: ~$26.62
What made it a winner: Vichy came out on top in almost every category in past GH Beauty Lab face sunscreen testing, proving to be a worthwhile splurge. 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 agreed it had an appealing texture and the formula ranked highest at effectively protecting skin from sunburn. Users were split on its scent: Some loved it while others were put off by it.
Testers said: "It blended in easily, didn't leave a white film and was also very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester noted. Another reported: "My skin looks and feels more healthy and vibrant after using this."
RELATED: Best Face Sunscreens
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Serum SPF 30
Pros
- No visible or greasy, sticky residue
- Appealing texture and fragrance
- Doesn't irritate or cause breakouts
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- May take time to prime the pump dispenser
SPF: 30 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (6%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (4.5%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$11.42
What made it a winner: This affordable Hawaiian Tropic buy was best in the Beauty Lab's most recent face sunscreen test, outperforming formulas multiple times the price. It received the highest scores on many attributes, including having a pleasant texture, "fruity" scent and shine-free finish, and not leaving a chalky film on skin or causing irritation or breakouts.
Among testers, 100% agreed the lightweight serum formula soaked in fast and wasn't oily or tacky. Good to know: While some users liked the tube's slim design, others said it took time to prime the pump and the cap didn't stay in place well.
Testers said: "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!"
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Doesn't bring on breakouts or irritation
- Matte finish
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Could leave visible residue on skin
SPF: 50 | Active type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.1%), Zinc Oxide (11.5%) | Water resistance: None | Price per ounce: ~$23.66
What made it a winner: 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.)
Testers said: A user 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."
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Non-irritating
- Radiant finish
Cons
- Could sting in contact with eyes
SPF: 60 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$12.54
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: "My makeup went on well over it," a user remarked. Another said "it is so light I don't know it's even on my face." Several commented they would buy the product.
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Smooths on easily
- Doesn't leave a film on skin
- Works well with makeup
- Lightweight liquid
Cons
- Expensive for the size
SPF: 50 | Active type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (10%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$28.23
What made it a winner: Mineral sunscreens can be cosmetically elegant, too. Case in point is 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.
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 skin.
Testers said: "The best face sunscreen I have ever used," one 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!"
RELATED: Best Mineral Sunscreens
Pros
- Easy to use and rinse
- No white residue
- Non-drying
Cons
- May make skin slick or sticky
- Testers were divided on the scent
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$6.40
What made it a winner: 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 while some users liked the "fresh" scent, others thought it was too strong.
Testers said: "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."
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Doesn't leave a white film on skin
- Strong sun protection
Cons
- May make skin greasy
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$3.08
What made it a winner: This "beachy, coconut" scented Sun Bum mist ranked highly in past GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing, applying effortlessly and undetectably. The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection. Some users found that it left an oily finish on skin that took time to dissipate, however.
Testers said: The “continuous and even” spray “covered skin quickly,” two reported. Another liked that "no chalky residue was left on skin." A user concluded: “I would definitely buy this."
Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen Lotion
Pros
- Won't irritate skin
- Great texture
- Rinses off easily
Cons
- Smaller size
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octyl Salicylate (5%), Octocrylene (8%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$4.70
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: "I liked how well it absorbed into my skin, leaving it feeling moisturized but not greasy, that there was no noticeable scent and it didn't cause any allergic reaction!" a tester raved.
RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Won't leave a white film on skin
- Appealing scent
Cons
- May be runny
- Pricey
SPF: 50 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (5%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$9.86
What made it a winner: 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 high for not leaving a white film on skin, having a pleasant "light, tropical" fragrance and rinsing off with ease. One drawback: The sunscreen comes at a higher cost than most.
Testers said: Some users found it felt runny and slippery on skin, but one 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."
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Easy to apply and rinse
- Won't dry out skin
- Great scent
- Tester favorite mineral formula
Cons
- Average absorption score
- Smaller size
SPF: 50 | Active type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$4.26
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: "I looked forward to putting on this product," a user remarked. Another noted: "It has wonderful staying power; even through sweat, the sunscreen stayed in place — no staining, no running."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
Pros
- No white residue on deep skin tones
- Not greasy or sticky
- Works on face and body
Cons
- Smaller size
SPF: 100 | Active type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$8.99
What made it a winner: Despite its high level of SPF, GH Beauty Lab testers who described themselves as Black or African American, Mexican American and Asian origin rated this 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 noted seeing a slight sheen after use.
Testers said: "It did not leave a white cast on my face and absorbed very well into the skin," a user 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
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Made with naturally-derived ingredients
- Easy to apply and rinse
- Not drying or oily on skin
- Doesn't stain or transfer onto fabrics
Cons
- Thickness and scent can be polarizing
- Smaller size
SPF: 50 | Active type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (20%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes | Price per ounce: ~$6.33
What made it a winner: Formulated 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 transfer onto fabrics and doesn't leave skin feeling oily or dry.
Note that testers commented on its thick texture that might take some getting used to and they found the "natural" aroma of the fragrance-free formula polarizing.
Testers said: "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."
RELATED: Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens
How we test sunscreens
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.
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.
What to look for when shopping for the best sunscreens
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 and UVB rays," says Lucy Chen, M.D, F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. Exposure to these wavelengths can lead to sunburns, causing skin damage that can cause 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, scatters or absorbs UVA and UVB rays. "While they were traditionally thought to work only by reflecting UVA and UVB rays, modern research shows that mineral sunscreens also absorb a significant amount of UV radiation," says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. 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," Wizemann explains. 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?
"Sunscreens are made of a combination of active ingredients or UV filters that shield the skin from cancer and photoaging-causing UV radiation and inactive ingredients, such as emollients to moisturize, emulsifiers to mix oil and water, preservatives to prevent microbial growth, and stabilizers to improve shelf life, all of which enhance the products' texture, application and stability," Wizemann explains. "The FDA regulates sunscreens for their safety and efficacy and categorizes them as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs."
"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)," Wnek says. "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." The eight most common sunscreen active ingredients and what UV spectrum they protect against is as follows, according to Wizemann:
MINERAL
- Zinc Oxide: UVA, UVB
- Titanium Dioxide: UVB, some UVA
CHEMICAL
- Avobenzone: UVA
- Octocrylene: UVB, some UVA
- Homosalate: UVB
- Octisalate: UVB
- Oxybenzone: UVA, UVB
- Octinoxate: UVB
While it varies by formula type, "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," Wnek adds. "They can also be made with fragrance, film formers (if the product is water-resistant), moisturizers, antioxidants and other skincare ingredients like anti-agers."
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.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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