If sunscreen isn’t part of your daily skin care routine, it should be. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wearing sunscreen regularly not only keeps your skin healthy, but also keeps it looking radiant and smooth. Plus, it protects against damage from ultraviolet radiation that leads to premature wrinkles, sun spots and sagging, according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
To help narrow down your options for both your face and body, and to learn more about what to look for in a sunscreen, we spoke with three board-certified dermatologists. We included their recommendations for the best face and body sunscreens to shop, as well as options our NBC Select staff tried and loved.
SKIP AHEAD Best sunscreens of 2024 | Why is wearing sunscreen important? | How to shop for the best sunscreen
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How we picked the best sunscreens
To compile guidance on shopping for the best sunscreens, we spoke with three experts about different sunscreen formulations, filter ingredients, and minimum SPF requirements needed for proper protection. They recommend keeping the following factors in mind when shopping:
- SPF rating: Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures your level of protection against a sunburn. SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s UVB rays, and increases incrementally from there as the SPF goes up (for example, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays), according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Though no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays, you should look for sunscreens with a minimum SPF 30 or higher, with SPF 50 as the ideal amount, according to our experts and the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Broad-spectrum protection: This means that a sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. UVA rays are the ones that cause signs of aging, while UVB rays contribute to sunburns and skin cancer — so it’s essential to have both, she says.
- Formula type: Sunscreens can be lotions, creams, sticks, sprays, powders and mists. While the best type of sunscreen is one you’ll actually commit to wearing daily, lotions and creams tend to be more effective than the competition, according to our experts. More details on this below.
- Chemical vs mineral: Sunscreen filters fall into two categories: mineral and chemical. “Mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier, which blocks UV light from reaching our skin, while chemical sunscreens typically absorb the UV light and convert them into a less harmful state,” says Nazarian. Since mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) sit on the surface of the skin, they tend to be less irritating and better for those who have sensitive or reactive skin, including babies and children. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens are usually easier to blend and feel more lightweight, making them ideal if you’re prone to acne or just don’t want to spend a lot of time blending them in. “Neither is ‘better’ than the other: they’re just different,” says Nazarian.
- Additional ingredients. While special add-ons won’t make or break a sunscreen formula (or impact its efficacy), ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants such as vitamin C, can have added benefits, says Dr. Tracy Evans, a board-certified dermatologist at Pacific Skin in San Francisco, California.
Best sunscreens of 2024
Below are NBC Select staff-tested and dermatologist-recommended face and body sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or more. We also include a range of chemical and mineral sunscreens, since it can be a matter of personal preference.
Best overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Great for sensitive skin
- Absorbs quickly
- No white cast
- May pill
Evans turns to this formula for everyday use, which also comes in a tinted formula for light coverage. “It goes on nice and smoothly, and is especially good for acne-prone skin or rosacea,” she says. That’s because it’s a mineral formula, so it doesn’t absorb into the skin. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio has experienced this benefit firsthand. “I have really bad rosacea, so most skin care products I try leave my skin looking red and create a burning feeling,” she says. “This one is the only sunscreen I’ve ever tried that doesn’t irritate my skin at all. I thought I was allergic to all sunscreen before trying this one out.”
The noncomedogenic formula is both oil- and fragrance-free and has niacinamide to help soothe inflammation as well as sodium hyaluronate for a hydration boost, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 46 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Water-resistant: No
Best budget-friendly: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion
- Great price point
- Space-saving bottle
- High SPF
- May feel oily
This chemical sunscreen blends in nicely without leaving a white cast, says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who adds that a little goes a long way. This is also a favorite of Ugonabo, who likes the lower price point and nonirritating formula compared to other chemical sunscreens. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz is also a fan: “My best friend recommended this sunscreen to me, and I have been using it since (over 5 years),” he says. “It doesn’t feel too oily, doesn’t leave streaks and doesn’t cost a fortune.” One of the biggest advantages of this formula, as its name implies, is that it’s sheer, says Fernandez. The flat shape of the bottle also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag while traveling, he says.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 70 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best mineral: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Tinted
- Good for all skin tones
- All-mineral
- Higher price point
- Strong scent
Although this formula has mineral sunscreen filters (namely, zinc oxide), it feels surprisingly lightweight, says Ugonabo. Plus, “despite being a mineral sunscreen, it blends well on a wide range of skin types,” she says. The noncomedogenic formula is water-resistant infused with peptides and antioxidants like vitamin E to address existing signs of sun damage, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)
Best chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60
- High SPF
- Lightweight formula
- Oil-free
- Chemical filters
This face and body sunscreen lotion feels weightless without compromising protection. “I love that this product is so lightweight, but has a high SPF of 60,” says Nazarian.
It uses a blend of chemical filters to provide broad-spectrum protection, a mix of antioxidants and the brand’s spring water to help soothe skin, according to La Roche-Posay. Plus, “it’s fantastic for an easy application over a large surface area, and doesn’t cling to body hair,” says Nazarian, noting that the latter is especially helpful for men.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 60 | Active ingredients: Homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best for sensitive skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
- Color-changing cap
- High SPF
- All-mineral
- Nothing to note at this time
Blue Lizard’s mineral sunscreen comes recommended by Nazarian. “Their products have a high SPF, apply nicely and offer great protection for active, outdoorsy types,” she says. She also likes that the caps of the bottles and tubes offer a unique advantage: “They have color-change technology to alert you when they’re exposed to harmful UV, allowing you to keep them protected and stable,” she says. (Excess heat and sunlight can inadvertently break down sunscreen formulas, according to the brand.) This particular formula has zinc oxide and is free of parabens and fragrances, making it a winner for sensitive skin types, according to Blue Lizard.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best for body: Dune Bod Guard
- Fast absorbing
- Good for all skin tones
- Scented
- Chemical filters
Dune’s Bod Guard is an NBC Select Wellness Award winner because its lightweight formula quickly absorbs and blends into skin, says NBC Select social media editor Sadhana Daruvuri. It also does not leave a white cast and provides a natural-looking glow, says Daruvuri. The sunscreen has ingredients like vitamin E and hibiscus fruit extract that moisturize skin, according to the brand.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)
Best for face: Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion
- Tinted
- Does not pill
- Pump packaging
- Has a slight shimmer
- Chemical filters
This tinted face sunscreen is another NBC Select Wellness Award winner and a favorite among NBC Select staff because it brightens the skin, strengthens its moisture barrier and keeps it from drying out, according to our reviewers. It’s also noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Daruvuri loves that it doesn’t leave a white cast on her darker complexion or cause issues with pilling under her makeup. “I was able to apply it in seconds with barely any blending, and it also gave my face a healthy glow,” says Daruvuri.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 45 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: No
Best for dry skin: Supergoop! Superscreen
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Filters blue light
- Absorbs quickly
- Chemical filters
- Not water-resistant
The Supergoop Superscreen provides the broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection of a sunscreen while hydrating the skin like a moisturizer. It’s extremely smooth and lightweight, absorbs quickly into the skin and even filters blue light (harmful rays that come from digital screens on devices like smartphones and laptops), according to the brand. “When I don’t want to use tinted sunscreen on my face, I use this moisturizer and sunscreen in one,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin, who has sensitive, combination skin. “It combines two steps of my skin care routine and the texture is literally like a fluffy cloud. It dries quickly so I can add a little concealer on top, too.”
Type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | Water-resistant: No
Best for oily skin: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Sunscreen
- Non-greasy
- Oil-free
- Reduces fine lines
- Higher price point
- Chemical filters
NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara likes this sunscreen for her oily skin because it feels like moisturizer, yet does not leave behind a greasy feeling like many other sunscreens she’s tried. “I also like that it’s thick enough to feel like I’m getting a good base and coverage if I wear it under makeup,” says Uyehara. It also has a blend of antioxidants to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin and niacinamide, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 34 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate | Water-resistant: No
Best tined: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
- Tinted
- Buildable coverage
- All-mineral
- Nothing to note at this time
Tower 28 is one of our favorite AAPI-owned brands, and this tinted sunscreen is an NBC Select staff favorite. Godio uses this tinted formula every day because it not only provides the minimum amount of SPF protection dermatologists recommend, but it also has a great amount of coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. “I wear it in lieu of foundation most days — it covers up any redness and spots I have, and it’s easily blendable and buildable,” says Godio. “It also leaves such a natural finish that my skin still looks like skin after applying it.” It’s also all-mineral, so it does not irritate Godio’s sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. The tinted sunscreen also comes in 17 shades to fit most skin tones.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No
Best buildable coverage: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- Tinted
- No strong smell
- Fits many skin tones
- Higher price point
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider is a fan of this tinted sunscreen because it perfectly blends into her skin and has a glowy (not oily) finish. The formula comes out of the bottle white and instantly shade matches your skin tone as you rub it in. “Unlike other options I’ve tried, it’s not overly sticky and importantly doesn’t smell, which in my experience a lot of tinted sunscreen formulas tend to do,” says Schneider. It also has SPF 50, which our experts recommend for the best protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)
Best for darker skin tones: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
- No chemical smell
- No white cast
- Serum consistency
- Not water-resistant
This mineral sunscreen is a favorite of NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris because it has hydrating ingredients like squalane, does not have a chemical smell and leaves no white cast or greasiness on the skin, she says. Plus, it held up against the scorching beachfront sun on Morris’ recent trip to Jamaica. The serum-like sunscreen absorbs quickly in the skin and leaves a soft, natural finish, says Morris.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No
Best lightly tinted: Cotz Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Lightly Tinted
- Slight tint
- Easy to blend
- All-mineral
- Not for darker skin tones
Mineral sunscreens can be tricky to blend in, which makes them a hard sell for deeper skin tones. That’s not the case with this tinted, noncomedogenic cream, which blends well on various skin types, says Ugonabo. It offers broad-spectrum protection and relies solely on mineral filters (in fact, the brand name is an acronym for “contains only titanium and zinc.”) Plus, it’s gentle enough for even sensitive skin types — including those prone to rosacea, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No
Best sweat-resistant: EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Good for outdoor use
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Nothing to note at this time
For runners, cyclists and others who spend their days outdoors, consider this noncomedogenic formula for face and body, which uses a blend of chemical and mineral filters. “This is a great sunscreen for people who are active,” says Evans. The oil-free, unscented lotion is water-resistant and won’t drip into your eyes when you sweat, according to EltaMD.
Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best tinted moisturizer: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
- Hydrating
- Tinted
- Fragrance-free
- Higher price point
For those in the market for a multitasker, consider this sunscreen, which doubles as a tinted moisturizer. “This blends beautifully into the skin and has a great overall color that most people can wear,” says Evans, who calls it the best tinted sunscreen on the market. “It also has a luminosity that creates a subtle glow,” she says. It pairs zinc oxide with antioxidants; they work together to protect skin from both sun and environmental damage, according to the brand. It’s also fragrance-free and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 36 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)
Best under makeup: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen
- Tinted
- Acts as makeup primer
- Hydrating
- May irritate sensitive skin
The Supergoop Glowscreen is a favorite of Evans because it functions as both a makeup primer and a sunscreen. It’s also an everyday essential for NBC Select editorial assistant Caitlin Cusack: “I wear this instead of face makeup most days because it’s tinted and gives you a glow,” she says. However, sensitive skin types should use this formula with caution since it has chemical filters, according to Evans. Because it comes in four tints, you can wear it alone as a tinted moisturizer, too; it includes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate skin as well, according to the brand.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: No
Best water-resistant: Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Pump packaging
- High SPF
- Sweat-resistant
- Thick consistency
If you’re seeking function over form, consider this oversized bottle of sunscreen, which comes in a user-friendly pump format and has SPF 50 protection. It blends in quickly and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel, according to the brand. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and has a 4.7-average star rating from over 13,000 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best serum: Image Skincare Prevention+ Clear Solar Gel
- Transparent
- Non-greasy
- Gel consistency
- Chemical filters
This gel sunscreen is a favorite of Malin’s, who uses it when she runs outside during the warmer months. “I’ve never used a sunscreen serum before, but after trying this one, I’m a fan for life,” she says. “It absorbs into my skin in seconds and has a matte finish, so I literally don’t feel it on my skin after I rub it in. It doesn’t drip into my eyes when I’m sweating, and goes on completely clear, so it does not leave a white cast or a shiny, oily residue,” says Malin.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: Avobenzone; octisalate; octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best mineral body sunscreen: Kinfield Cloud Cover
- All-mineral
- Good for all skin tones
- Reef-safe
- Not for face
Kinfield’s Cloud Cover is a body sunscreen packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin and sea kelp. “I’ve been using this body sunscreen for about a year and it’s become my go-to — I lather it all over my body, and while it has a thicker texture and is very white in color, it’s easy to blend in,” says Malin. Kinfield recommends using this sunscreen on your body rather than your face — the brand recommends its Daily Dew face sunscreen, instead.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 35 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)
Best blue-light filtering: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40
- No white cast
- Blocks blue light
- Good for combination skin
- Nothing to note at this time
NBC Select contributor Deanna Pai is a longtime fan of Dr. Loretta’s Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen, which is one of the few mineral face sunscreens that doesn’t leave a white cast on her medium-olive skin tone. Dr. Loretta’s newest SPF is just as good: It provides a blend of antioxidants alongside zinc oxide, a mineral filter that can defend against UVA and UVB rays, and even blue light, according to the brand. “It feels like a lightweight moisturizer on application, and leaves a radiant finish that doesn’t make my combination skin look too shiny,” she says.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 40 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No
Best splurge: Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45
- All-mineral
- Tinted
- Hydrating and brightening
- Higher price point
Nazarian uses this facial sunscreen in her own daily routine. “It checks all my wish-list boxes: It’s tinted, has high SPF and the color blends beautifully into many skin tones,” she says. (Those ingredients, for reference, include vitamin C and squalane.) The mineral formula also moisturizes skin, improves the look of fine lines, and helps even out skin tone, according to the brand — making it a one-and-done product for your morning routine.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 45 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: No
Related
Why is wearing sunscreen important?
Sunscreen is the No. 1 thing you can do to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines and prevent skin cancer, says Evans. The key is to apply it daily since both skin concerns are caused by chronic sun exposure. “Sunscreen should be a staple in your daily regimen, year-round, because it decreases the risk of skin cancer,” says Nazarian.
Plus, there are other, more aesthetic-minded perks. For instance, applying sunscreen regularly can “also help prevent worsening of skin-related issues such as melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation,” says Ugonabo.
How to shop for the best sunscreen
When you’re shopping for sunscreen, it helps to consider your skin type, the sunscreen’s formula type and whether it’s water-resistant. There are also certain ingredients to avoid. Here’s what our experts recommend keeping in mind when you’re shopping for sunscreen:
- Choose a lotion or cream over sprays and sticks. All of the dermatologists we spoke to prefer lotions and creams to sprays, sticks and powders. Not only do these formulas give you more control over where you’re applying them, but a lotion that you rub in also absorbs easier and quicker into the skin, says Evans. “While sticks can be a good way to reapply sunscreen, sprays, gels and sticks need to be rubbed into the skin to be effective,” she says. However, powders can be helpful for reapplying sunscreen over makeup, and sticks can be good for applying SPF to the lips, so there’s still a place for them in your routine, says Nazarian.
- Factor in your skin type. If you’re prone to acne, seek out a noncomedogenic formula, which means it doesn’t clog pores. And if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, dermatologists recommend looking for mineral options because they don’t absorb into skin and therefore are less likely to trigger a reaction.
- Account for water-resistance. While no sunscreen is waterproof — meaning you’ll need to reapply it if you sweat or swim — some formulas are water-resistant, which means they’ll provide protection up to a given amount of time after you’re exposed to water or sweat. The exact amount of time varies by formula, ranging from 40 to 80 minutes.
- Avoid ingredients that can harm marine life. Certain chemical filters, particularly oxybenzone, have been found to impact marine life, potentially harming various species from mussels to coral, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nano (meaning super-small) versions of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the two mineral filters, may also pose a risk.
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Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Nkem Ugonabo is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Dr. Tracy Evans is a board-certified dermatologist at Pacific Skin in San Francisco, California.
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty writer and editor who has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like sun protection and safety. For this article, Pai spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the best sunscreens to shop this year.
Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of sunscreen topics for the site, including sunscreen for kids, oily skin, face and sensitive skin. For this article, Godio compiled NBC Select staff-favorite sunscreens, as well as expert-recommended tips when shopping for sunscreen and which ones to consider.
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