Reviews
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 Picks
Top Pick
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum
Best 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
- Super gentle
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Might drip white if you sweat
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 46
Volume 1.7 ounces
Worth A Look
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection
Best 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
- Convenient for travel
- Sweat-resistant
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance None
SPF 50
Volume 0.63 ounces
Item model number I0111517
Popular
Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil
Best 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
- Designed by dermatologists of color
- Lightweight
Cons
- Feels greasy until it fully absorbs
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 30
Volume 1 ounce
Best Value
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Best 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
- Thick consistency helps with coverage
- Long-lasting
Cons
- You have to work hard to fully rub it in or it will leave a white cast
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance None
SPF 50+
Volume 5 ounces
Item model number SADHB131
Popular
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Best 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
- Lightweight and silky consistency
- Works very well under makeup
Cons
- Not as effective for oily skin types
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 40
Volume .68 or .1.7 Ounces
Also Tested
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion
Best 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
- Protects against both sun and screens
- Tinted to prevent white cast
Cons
- Not good for those sensitive to fragrance
- Tint color might not match your skin tone
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance Unscented fragrance
SPF 50
Volume 3.4 ounces
Splurge
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
Best 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
- Doesn’t have sunscreen smell
- Offers great coverage
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 60
Volume 5 ounces
Worth A Look
Skinbetter Science’s Sunbetter Sheer Sunscreen Lotion
Best 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
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Lightweight, barely-there feeling
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance None
SPF 70
Volume 7 ounces
Worth A Look
DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer
Best 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
- Tinted and sheer
- Hydrating thanks to key ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- 60-day window to return it
Cons
- Not great for fairer skin types
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 46
Volume 1.7 ounces
Worth A Look
Brush on Block Powder Sunscreen
Best 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
- Comes with brush for easy application
- Refillable container
Cons
- You have to wash the applicator brush
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance Chamomile
SPF 30
Volume 12 ounces
Also Tested
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Best 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
- Lightweight and easy to apply
- Creamy consistency
Cons
- Not good for acne-prone skin
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance Cucumber
SPF 50
Volume 1.6 ounces
Popular
Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion UVA UVB Protection
Best 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
- Good for entire family
- Tear-free
Cons
- Need to rub in thoroughly to avoid white cast
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 50
Volume 6 ounces
Worth A Look
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist
Best 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
- Non-aerosol misting spray
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Must be sprayed on hands before being applied to face
Specs
Type Mineral
Fragrance Citrus
SPF 30
Volume 6 ounces
Popular
Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen
Best 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
- Breathable and long-lasting
- Buildable coverage
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Very small tube of product
Specs
Type Chemical
Fragrance None
SPF 30
Volume 1 ounce
Compare
Top Pick
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum
Best For Acne-Prone Skin $39.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Super gentle
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Might drip white if you sweat
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
46
Volume
1.7 ounces
Worth A Look
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection
Best For Workout Lovers $29.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Convenient for travel
- Sweat-resistant
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
None
SPF
50
Volume
0.63 ounces
Popular
Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil
Best For Dark/Deep Skin Tones $19.99 Buy Now
Pros
- Designed by dermatologists of color
- Lightweight
Cons
- Feels greasy until it fully absorbs
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
30
Volume
1 ounce
Best Value
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Best For Sensitive Skin $14.98 Buy Now
Pros
- Thick consistency helps with coverage
- Long-lasting
Cons
- You have to work hard to fully rub it in or it will leave a white cast
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
None
SPF
50+
Volume
5 ounces
Popular
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Best For Total Transparency $20 Buy Now
Pros
- Lightweight and silky consistency
- Works very well under makeup
Cons
- Not as effective for oily skin types
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
40
Volume
.68 or .1.7 Ounces
Also Tested
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion
Best For Existing Sun Damage $66.50 Buy Now
Pros
- Protects against both sun and screens
- Tinted to prevent white cast
Cons
- Not good for those sensitive to fragrance
- Tint color might not match your skin tone
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
Unscented fragrance
SPF
50
Volume
3.4 ounces
Splurge
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
Best For Face + Body $35.99 Buy Now
Pros
- Doesn’t have sunscreen smell
- Offers great coverage
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
60
Volume
5 ounces
Worth A Look
Skinbetter Science’s Sunbetter Sheer Sunscreen Lotion
Best For All Skin Types $75.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Lightweight, barely-there feeling
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
None
SPF
70
Volume
7 ounces
Worth A Look
DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer
Best For Light Coverage $25.95 Buy Now
Pros
- Tinted and sheer
- Hydrating thanks to key ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- 60-day window to return it
Cons
- Not great for fairer skin types
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
46
Volume
1.7 ounces
Worth A Look
Brush on Block Powder Sunscreen
Best For On-The-Go $34.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Comes with brush for easy application
- Refillable container
Cons
- You have to wash the applicator brush
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
Chamomile
SPF
30
Volume
12 ounces
Also Tested
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Best For Redness-Prone Skin $16.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to apply
- Creamy consistency
Cons
- Not good for acne-prone skin
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
Cucumber
SPF
50
Volume
1.6 ounces
Popular
Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion UVA UVB Protection
Best For Kids $17.34 Buy Now
Pros
- Good for entire family
- Tear-free
Cons
- Need to rub in thoroughly to avoid white cast
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
50
Volume
6 ounces
Worth A Look
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist
Best For Spraying On $39.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Non-aerosol misting spray
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Must be sprayed on hands before being applied to face
Type
Mineral
Fragrance
Citrus
SPF
30
Volume
6 ounces
Popular
Tula Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen
Best Tinted $40.00 Buy Now
Pros
- Breathable and long-lasting
- Buildable coverage
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Very small tube of product
Type
Chemical
Fragrance
None
SPF
30
Volume
1 ounce
FAQs
What 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.