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Updated September 08, 2022 Ask any dermatologist what their ultimate skin care rule is, and they’ll usually tell you it’s to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis. “Broad-spectrum” refers to sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to skin damage in different ways. While UVA rays are responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin—leading to premature fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging—UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancers. Research shows that a whopping 90 percent of premature skin aging is due to sun exposure. This, coupled with the fact that sun exposure can lead to a range of different cancers, is precisely why wearing SPF and reapplying every two hours, especially during peak daylight hours, is important. What are the different types of sunscreen?There are two primary types of sunscreen: chemical and physical, also known as mineral. Chemical sunscreens contain filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone (which garner flak for their impact on coral reefs). Physical or mineral SPFs are typically made with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or a blend. The downside to physical UV filters is they can be difficult to rub in and leave a white cast behind on your skin. “Chemical sunscreens are made up of filters that are absorbed into the skin, where they then absorb the UV rays and create a chemical reaction that changes the rays into heat, which is then released from the skin,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Physical sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin to scatter and deflect UV rays, physically blocking them from penetrating. Dr. King prefers noncomedogenic (see: non-pore-clogging) mineral sunscreens, as she says they’re less likely to irritate sensitive skin. With that said, most experts will tell you the best sunscreen is the one you actually use. Here are some excellent dermatologist-approved mineral and chemical sunscreens to consider: Our PicksTop Pick Elta MD UV Clear Broad-SpectrumBest For Acne-Prone Skin Highly recommended by dermatologists, Elta’s ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula glides on like silk and features hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated, plus lactic acid to smooth and control shine. Experts commonly recommend this formula for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 46 Volume 1.7 ounces Worth A Look Colorescience Sunforgettable Total ProtectionBest For Workout Lovers Dr. King is a fan of ColorScience because it’s convenient to use on-the-go, glides seamlessly onto the skin, and comes in handy when you’re outdoors and need to reapply often. “It’s also rich in antioxidants, less likely to run into the eyes, and water-resistant for 80 minutes,” Dr. King says. Pros
Specs Type Mineral Fragrance None SPF 50 Volume 0.63 ounces Item model number I0111517 Popular Mele No Shade Sunscreen OilBest For Dark/Deep Skin Tones This feather-light SPF elixir sinks into the skin quickly. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, routinely recommends this sunscreen—especially to people with darker skin tones, as it applies completely clear. “It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy or with a residue,” she says. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 30 Volume 1 ounce Best Value Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SunscreenBest For Sensitive Skin Blue Lizard’s top-rated formula contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E, to help protect against the common drying effects of mineral filters (in this case, both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Dr. King recommends this option to patients with sensitive skin because it’s free of fragrances and parabens (a category of preservatives), which can be irritating. Pros
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Specs Type Mineral Fragrance None SPF 50+ Volume 5 ounces Item model number SADHB131 Popular Supergoop Unseen SunscreenBest For Total Transparency Beloved by experts, beauty editors, and influencers alike, Supergoop is invisible and feels more like a lightweight silky primer than a sunscreen. It’s also scent-free and features soothing agents like meadowfoam seed and frankincense. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 40 Volume .68 or .1.7 Ounces Also Tested ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight EmulsionBest For Existing Sun Damage Another recommendation from Dr. Garshick, ISDIN tinted mineral sunscreen is packed with peptides, which are strings of amino acids that form the building blocks of essential proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin. It also features antioxidants and what she calls “DNA repairsomes” to help repair existing sun damage. This unique feature can aid in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously protecting the skin from UV and blue light damage (which comes from the sun as well as our devices). Pros
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Specs Type Mineral Fragrance Unscented fragrance SPF 50 Volume 3.4 ounces Splurge La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60Best For Face + Body La Roche-Posay’s dual-purpose fragrance-free formula is great for both face and body as it’s nonirritating, weightless, and absorbs quickly. This sunscreen has nabbed multiple awards and features the French brand’s famed Cell-Ox Shield technology, which combines UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants to defend against sun damage and signs of premature aging. Pros
Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 60 Volume 5 ounces Worth A Look
Skinbetter Science’s Sunbetter Sheer Sunscreen LotionBest For All Skin Types Skinbetter’s ultra-high level SPF recommended by Dr. King is all-mineral, made with non-nano actives (meaning it won’t penetrate your skin) to give it a smooth, creamy texture. Oil-free, scentless, and safe for all skin types, it can be worn alone or under makeup for both sun protection and a subtle priming effect. Pros
Specs Type Mineral Fragrance None SPF 70 Volume 7 ounces Worth A Look DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted MoisturizerBest For Light Coverage If you’re looking for a tinted formula, DRMTLGY offers sheer, air-light coverage that blends into all skin tones. It contains skin-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E to nourish while it protects. It’s also worth noting that the brand has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not a fan or it doesn’t work for your skin tone, you can get reimbursed. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 46 Volume 1.7 ounces Worth A Look Brush on Block Powder SunscreenBest For On-The-Go Brush On Block is totally translucent so you don’t have to worry about it looking blotchy or uneven on your skin. It’s compact, making it great for keeping in your bag when you’re out and about and need to reapply, especially if you don’t want to disturb your makeup. Pros
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Specs Type Mineral Fragrance Chamomile SPF 30 Volume 12 ounces Also Tested COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun CreamBest For Redness-Prone Skin Formulated with soothing aloe and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this creamy, cucumber-scented chemical sunscreen by COSRX is gentle on sensitive skin and offers full broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. Because it’s extremely hydrating and calming, it’s an excellent option for dry and reactive complexions. It’s also completely weightless. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance Cucumber SPF 50 Volume 1.6 ounces Popular Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion UVA UVB ProtectionBest For Kids This soothing kid-safe lotion contains a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block skin-damaging rays, along with ingredients like vitamin E and glycerin. These help calm and nourish skin, while offering a dose of antioxidant protection. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 50 Volume 6 ounces Worth A Look Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen MistBest For Spraying On Countersun spray-on sunscreen comes out white to help guide application, but it blends in seamlessly without feeling heavy, sticky, or chalky. It dries in minutes, and unlike some spray options, it’s ultra-gentle, thanks to a cocktail of non-nano zinc oxide, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, and aloe vera juice. Pros
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Specs Type Mineral Fragrance Citrus SPF 30 Volume 6 ounces Popular Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint SunscreenBest Tinted This makeup/skincare hybrid comes in 30 different shades, so you’re sure to find a tiny that works for your skin. Its lightweight formula promotes glowing skin and offers 12 hours of sun protection. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides help moisturize and protect your skin barrier. Pros
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Specs Type Chemical Fragrance None SPF 30 Volume 1 ounce CompareTop Pick Elta MD UV Clear Broad-SpectrumBest For Acne-Prone Skin $39.00 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF46Volume1.7 ouncesWorth A Look Colorescience Sunforgettable Total ProtectionBest For Workout Lovers $29.00 Buy Now Pros
TypeMineralFragranceNoneSPF50Volume0.63 ouncesPopular Mele No Shade Sunscreen OilBest For Dark/Deep Skin Tones $19.99 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF30Volume1 ounceBest Value Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SunscreenBest For Sensitive Skin $14.98 Buy Now Pros
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TypeMineralFragranceNoneSPF50+Volume5 ouncesPopular Supergoop Unseen SunscreenBest For Total Transparency $20 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF40Volume.68 or .1.7 OuncesAlso Tested ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight EmulsionBest For Existing Sun Damage $66.50 Buy Now Pros
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TypeMineralFragranceUnscented fragranceSPF50Volume3.4 ouncesSplurge La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60Best For Face + Body $35.99 Buy Now Pros
TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF60Volume5 ouncesWorth A Look Skinbetter Science’s Sunbetter Sheer Sunscreen LotionBest For All Skin Types $75.00 Buy Now Pros
TypeMineralFragranceNoneSPF70Volume7 ouncesWorth A Look DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted MoisturizerBest For Light Coverage $25.95 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF46Volume1.7 ouncesWorth A Look Brush on Block Powder SunscreenBest For On-The-Go $34.00 Buy Now Pros
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TypeMineralFragranceChamomileSPF30Volume12 ouncesAlso Tested COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun CreamBest For Redness-Prone Skin $16.00 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceCucumberSPF50Volume1.6 ouncesPopular Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion UVA UVB ProtectionBest For Kids $17.34 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF50Volume6 ouncesWorth A Look Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen MistBest For Spraying On $39.00 Buy Now Pros
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TypeMineralFragranceCitrusSPF30Volume6 ouncesPopular Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint SunscreenBest Tinted $40.00 Buy Now Pros
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TypeChemicalFragranceNoneSPF30Volume1 ounceFAQsWhat is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?We like the sunscreens from Blue Lizard, which contain aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E.). Dermatologist Dr. King recommends this option to patients with sensitive skin because it’s free of fragrances and parabens (a category of preservatives). What is the best sunscreen for darker skin tones?The Unseen sunscreen from Supergoop melts into the skin and doesn't leave a white cast. After years of testing, we think this is the best one for skin with more melanin. Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?10 Best Sunscreens For Dry Skin Available In India. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Sunscreen. ... . LAKMÉ Sun Expert Ultra Matte Lotion. ... . St. ... . VLCC Water Resistant Sunscreen Gel Creme. ... . Blossom Kochhar aroma magic Carrot Sunscreen Lotion. ... . mamaearth HydraGel Indian Sunscreen. ... . Organic Harvest Sunscreen. ... . Kaya Sun Defense.. Which sunscreen is best according to dermatologist?Best Medicated Sunscreen In India – Recommended By Dermatologists. Truderma Sunscreen Gel SPF 50. ... . Z Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel. ... . Bello Photostable Sunscreen Gel. ... . Tvaksh Face Guard Sunscreen. ... . IPCA Acne UV Gel. ... . Brinton UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel. ... . La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel.. What are the top 5 sunscreens?Best Sunscreen Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50.. Best Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46.. Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.. Best Mineral Sunscreen: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.. What sunscreen is healthiest for your skin?8 Clean Sunscreens. Unsun Hydrating Full Coverage Body Lotion SPF 30. ... . Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30. ... . Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen. ... . Saie Sunvisor. ... . The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 50. ... . MARA Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum. ... . Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40.. |