Best Sun Creams Reviewed and Rated
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One of the simplest, most important things you can do to your skin is protect it from the sun. The sun’s damaging rays can, in the most extreme case, cause skin cancer, but can also impact you in smaller ways. From developing wrinkles, to sunburns, sun spots, and freckles, the sun unfortunately will give you a lot more than just a nice tan.
Our Top 3 Picks
- ELTAMD
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Our rating - Niacinamide
- Price: See Here
- Neutrogena
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Our rating - Dry-Touch
- Price: See Here
- Biore UV
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Our rating - Waterproof
- Price: See Here
There are a lot of sun creams on the market today, but they aren’t all created equal. If you are looking for the best products, take a look at this guide. We’re covering the 10 best sunscreens on the market today, as well as giving you other helpful information and answering some FAQ.
10 Best Sun Creams
1. ELTAMD SPF 46
NIACINAMIDE AND HYALURONIC ACID
These particular ingredients are not typically found in sunscreens, but will help to improve the quality of your skin. These will help to reduce the appearance of redness, reduce blemishes, and help reduce existing sun damage. Combined with sun protection ingredients, you are getting a quality product that will ensure your skin looks its best from this day forward.
Facial sunscreen with SPF 46
Does not clog pores- gentle enough for sensitive skin
Oil free
Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Helps reduce redness, acne, and hyperpigmentation
Can use under makeup or just on its own
Contains 9% transparent zinc oxide
Fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free
PRICE/VALUE
This is an expensive product, but it is a high quality product that is a good value for the money. If you have the money, this is a worthy investment that will really work wonders for your skin. Considering how much sun exposure your face gets all year, it is worth investing in a good product that will protect it.
- With this you get a dual product of sorts- sun protection and a treatment for damaged, red, and acne prone skin
- Great ingredients making it super safe, even for people with very sensitive skin
- Broad spectrum protection with a high SPF of 46- great for everyday usage
- Expensive
2. NEUTROGENA
DRY-TOUCH TECHNOLOGY
What makes this sunscreen so nice is that even though it is a lotion, it has dry-touch technology that truly makes the sunscreen absorb and feel completely weightless. You won’t even realize you have it on! You’ll have no greasy residue or shiny appearance to your skin.
Sunscreen lotion with SPF 45 (other SPFs available)
Helioplex broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Dry-touch technology ensures sunscreen dries to a weightless, shine free finish
Water resistant up to 80 minutes
Non-comedogenic
Oil free and PABA free
PRICE/VALUE
This is a very affordable sunscreen and a great value for the money. With plenty of SPF options and broad spectrum protection, this is the only sunscreen you’ll need and is a great option for anyone.
- Dry-touch technology ensures you won’t have a greasy residue left behind
- Available in SPF 30, 45, 55, 85, or 100: you likely won’t need a stronger factor than 100, no matter how sensitive your skin is
- Won’t clog your pores so it is safe to use on your face as well as your body
- Affordable
- Slight fragrance may irritate sensitive people’s skin
3. BIORE SARASARA
MAKEUP PRIMER
For any woman who is looking for a good sunscreen she can wear under her makeup, this is the product you need. This sunscreen basically acts as a primer, which will help your makeup glide on easier and stay in place. Best of all, it doesn’t give off a white cast like a lot of sunscreens will. This blends in effortlessly and no one will even notice you are wearing it.
Facial sunscreen with SPF 50
Water based formula with moisturizing properties
Serves as makeup base- apply directly to skin and put makeup on top
Water resistant up to 80 minutes
Light fruit scent
Leaves no white cast when applying
PA ++++ rating provides best protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays
PRICE/VALUE
This is an affordable product that is a great value for the money- your face is constantly exposed to the sun and needs to be protected daily. This is a great product that will do just that. Only use it on your face and it will last you a long time- making the value for money even greater.
- High amount of sun protection with a high SPF which you need for your face
- Lightweight enough to wear everyday under makeup (or without makeup)
- Moisturizing properties ensure you can use this as your daily morning moisturizer
- Affordable
- Small container will last you for a while- just use a small amount to cover your face
- Some people claim it isn’t very water resistant and may come off if sweating a lot or in the pool or ocean
4. SUN BUM
VITAMIN E ENRICHED
While this sunscreen has an SPF and broad spectrum protection from the sun, it is also enriched with vitamin E, which is known to help reduce skin damage caused by the sun. While vitamin E cannot be used on its own as a sunscreen, it is a great additive that will help protect your skin and keep it looking its best.
Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
Paraben, PABA, and oil free
Vegan and gluten free
Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
Vitamin E enriched
PRICE/VALUE
This is not an expensive product, but is more expensive than some others on this list. However, it is still a great value for the money and is a great product that will protect you from the sun, hydrate your skin, and provide you with vitamin E to help reduce existing sun damage.
- Good even for those with sensitive skin and can use on face
- Available in SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70
- Broad spectrum protection and vitamin E enriched for total sun protection
- Lightweight formula is non-greasy
- Slightly expensive
5. HAWAIIAN TROPIC
HYDRATING RIBBONS
This sunscreen truly applies like a regular lotion and does a great job of hydrating the skin. Complete with beneficial ingredients like shea butter and silk protein, you will have noticeably softer skin while also being completed protected from all damaging rays from the sun.
Hydrating sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
Hydrating ribbons with shea butter and silk protein nourish the skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth
Tropical fragrance
Lightweight feel, non-greasy
Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
PRICE/VALUE
This is another very affordable sunscreen that anyone should be able to afford. The lightweight feel and moisturizing properties make it a great sunscreen product you could easily use every day- even days when you won’t be out in the sun a lot. For that reason, it’s a great value and a product everyone should consider.
- Super hydrating formula that will feel good on your skin and keep it moisturized while also protecting from the sun
- Broad spectrum protection keeps you protected from all damaging rays from the sun
- Available in SPF 10, 12, 30, or 50
- Affordable
- Fragrance may be irritating to people with sensitive skin
6. LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS
ANTHELIOS AND CELL-OX SHIELD
La Roche-Posay has researched the sun industry for nearly 20 years and has created a line of products that will keep your face protected and looking its best. The combination of Anthelios and Cell-Ox shield provides advanced sun protection and supplies your skin with antioxidants to help clear up any existing damage from free radicals.
Facial sunscreen with SPF 60
Cell-Ox shield with antioxidants keeps skin protected and clear from free radicals
Lightweight formula, non-greasy, and dries to a matte finish
Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Reduces the look of existing sun damage on your face
Paraben and fragrance free
PRICE/VALUE
This is a pricier product than most sunscreens, but it is a great value for the money considering the protection your face will get. This will help improve your skin while protecting it from any new sun damage. Considering how often your face is exposed to the sun, it is a great option for anyone afraid of skin cancer or sun damage.
- Can use on sensitive skin
- High SPF level will keep your skin protected even during intense sun
- Antioxidants will help your skin look better, this product does a lot more than just blocking sun rays
- Lightweight feel won’t leave your face looking shiny and you can wear it with makeup (wear underneath your makeup)
- Only meant to be used on your face
- Expensive
7. NEUTROGENA BEACH
LOTION, STICK, OR SPRAY
What makes this product unique is that it is formulated in 3 different ways- you can purchase the lotion, the stick, or the spray version and get the same exact product. If you don’t want to mess with applying lotion, go ahead and use the spray. Worried about windy conditions? Use the convenient stick formula and easily glide it over your skin.
Beach defense sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
Comes in a lotion, a spray, or a stick formula
Provides both sun and water protection
Helioplex technology and broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Water resistant up to 80 minutes
Oil free formula
PRICE/VALUE
This is another affordable option that is a great value for the money. Each formula (lotion, stick, and spray) are available for a good price, and all have the right features you need to be kept safe from the sun.
- This product provides you with both sun and water protection, ensuring you won’t get burned
- You can choose the formula you want so you don’t have to deal with a lotion if you don’t want to
- Helioplex technology blocks all damaging rays
- Choose between SPF 30, 50, or 70
- Affordable
- Some complain that the lotion formula is a bit greasy feeling
8. BANANA BOAT SPORT
HEAVY DUTY PROTECTION
Even if you have a high SPF, sometimes the problem is that you don’t apply enough. This is a common problem with misting sunscreens, but is not the case with this lotion. This will provide you with heavy duty protection that will absorb easily, protect your skin, and not run into your eyes.
Sport lotion sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
Won’t slip and run into eyes
Powerstay technology locks into place, keeps you protected in sun, water, sand, sweat, wind, and extreme heat
Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
PRICE/VALUE
This is one of the most affordable products on this list, making it a great option for everyone, even people with a very limited budget. You are getting full sun protection with technology to lock it in place for a great price- you can’t go wrong with that!
- Powerstay technology is great for anyone who knows they will be moving around outside or in certain conditions that might cause your sunscreen to rub off
- 3 SPF options- 15, 30, and 50
- Quick absorption ensures your skin won’t feel greasy once applied
- Affordable
- Have to apply lotion by hand to entire body, can be more time consuming than using a mist
9. BANANA BOAT MIST
POWERSTAY TECHNOLOGY
As we said, this sunscreen is targeted at athletes and other individuals who will be working out or doing other activities out in the sun. It is a major concern that sweat or water will remove sunscreen, but this product features Powerstay technology, ensuring you will be good for up to 80 minutes. In fact, this technology ensures your sunscreen is safe in 7 different conditions: direct sun, in the pool, in ocean water, during windy conditions, while sweating, in sandy conditions, and in extreme heat.
Ultra mist sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
Water resistant up to 80 minutes
Easy to use with a grip on the can
Lightweight, non-greasy feel
Capless, simply twist to unlock
Powerstay technology keeps the product in place
Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays
PRICE/VALUE
This is another very affordable product that will keep you totally safe, making it a great value for the money. If you lead an active lifestyle, this is a great product that will keep you protected at all times.
- Ultra mist sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPFs available)
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Easy to use with a grip on the can
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel
- Capless, simply twist to unlock
- Powerstay technology keeps the product in place
- Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays
- Easy mist to apply and no cap to keep track of- just twist it to unlock and spray on
- Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Comes in either SPF 30 or SPF 50
- Powerstay technology helps protect you even if you will be in and out of water or sweating a lot
- Affordable
10. NEUTROGENA MIST
HELIOPLEX TECHNOLOGY
Part of what makes Neutrogena’s products so great is their usage of Helioplex technology. This provides you with complete protection from damaging rays from the sun- blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
Mist sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPF levels available)
Helioplex technology blocks UVA and UVB rays
Dermatologist recommended
Lightweight feel once applied
Water resistant for 80 minutes
Oil free
PRICE/VALUE
This is one of the more affordable products on this list, and is a great value for the money. Not only is it affordable, it has the best protection you can get, and couldn’t be easier to apply. A great choice for anyone!
- Mist sunscreen with SPF 30 (other SPF levels available)
- Helioplex technology blocks UVA and UVB rays
- Dermatologist recommended
- Lightweight feel once applied
- Water resistant for 80 minutes
- Oil free
The mist can be less evenly applied than a lotion
5 Tips to Make Sure Your Sun Cream Functions Well
- Pick the right SPF: If you are unaware, SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) provides you with a number that equals the amount of time it will take for your skin to burn. For example, if you go outside without sunscreen and your skin starts to burn in 10 minutes, a sunscreen with SPF 15 will ensure it takes 15 times longer for your skin to start burning (or 150 minutes). However, it is still recommended you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours because a lot of factors like water, sweat, and sand can cause your sunscreen to fade and be less effective. If you burn easily, it makes sense that you would want a higher SPF. If you don’t burn as easily, a lower factor may be sufficient. Also take into consideration how long you are planning to be outside. If you are planning an entire day outside, consider a higher SPF.
- Apply in advance: Most people apply sunscreen right before heading outside, or even once they are already outside. This is not the best practice. Instead, apply at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. This gives the sunscreen plenty of time to absorb and dry and create that protective barrier against the sun. If you apply it when already outside, things like sweat or water can cause it to slide off almost immediately.
- Don’t forget to reapply: As we said earlier, you need to reapply at least every 2 hours, if not more frequently. Most sunscreens are only water resistant up to 80 minutes, so this is also something to keep in mind if you are spending a day out at the pool or the beach. It is not enough to only apply sunscreen at the start of your day- by the end it is likely that you will be burned!
- Don’t neglect hard to reach areas: It is easy to apply sunscreen to your arms and legs, but you need to be sure and get your entire body that is going to be exposed to the sun. Get someone to help you apply sunscreen to hard to reach areas like your back and shoulders. Also, do not forget areas like the top of your feet, your ears, and your scalp. These areas can easily burn and are very painful to deal with.
- Apply enough: This is important, especially if you are using a misting sunscreen. You want to make sure that you are applying an even layer to all of your skin. A thin amount can result in patches of skin that are not really protected and that will end up burning. Make sure you rub the product in evenly over your entire body.
Product Criteria of Evaluation
Price
Price helps us decide which products to select for our guides, as not everyone has a huge budget for smaller items like sunscreen. Thankfully, there are plenty of very affordable items on this list that almost anyone should be able to afford. More expensive products, like specific facial sunscreens, are very nice but if you do not have the money, the lesser expensive products will still provide you with plenty of protection.
User Ratings
We always side with products that users have reviewed and loved. A product description may say great things about a product, but if users disagree, we are hesitant to include the item on any list of ours. For sunscreens, we looked for products that kept people from burning, was easy to apply, affordable, and was not overly greasy.
Manufacturer’s Reputation
The majority of sunscreens we selected were from well-known brands like Neutrogena and Banana Boat because they are known for being excellent at sun protection. It is too big of a risk when it comes to sun exposure, so we like picking manufacturers with excellent reputations and years of experience.
Ease of Use
Finally, it’s always important to select items that are easy to use. Even the best of products can be ineffective if used incorrectly, and the same goes for sunscreen. As we said, if not enough is applied or it is applied unevenly, you will get burned. While we cannot account for user error, we look for products that most users agree is easy to apply.
Sunscreen Facts and Myths
If you live in a sunny environment in which being outside is not just a cultural thing, but also a mindset, then you have probably had your fair share of someone telling you to “lather up.” In other words, you have probably been asked to apply sunscreen before heading outside, whether to the beach or for a simple stroll in the countryside.
From SPF to UVA/UVB labels, there is such a huge variety of different brands of varying degrees sold in the market today that it can certainly be an overwhelming experience of picking one that is best for you. Some might instinctively say that the higher the SPF, the better, but what if we told you that it is not necessarily the case? You might be surprised to discover that sunscreen is more complex than you might believe otherwise, instead of that creamy, white stuff you put on your skin.
That said, this article will give you a list of facts and myths related to sunscreen, as means of educating you about the sun and how to protect yourself from it. We hope that, in the end, you gain better insight into what sunscreen is all about.
Myth #1: You do not need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.
This claim could not be any falser: in fact, no matter whether it is sunny or not, the sun’s rays will still penetrate through, with some studies saying as much as 70 percent. Believe it or not, you can also even get sunburnt in snow, for the snow reflects light off from the sun and onto your body. Hence, rain or shine, it is best to slather sunscreen when going out.
Myth #2: The higher the SPF, the more effective it is.
From SPF 15 to as much as SPF 100, there is a wide range of “sun protection factors” (hence, SPF) out there. The numbers correlate with the number of minutes that the sunscreen can protect you from, whether from 15 minutes to 100 minutes, respectively. However, this does not necessarily mean that the higher it is, the more effective it is. In fact, it is rendered useless if you do not continue to reapply every few hours, more so if you are swimming or sweating a lot. Therefore, no matter the SPF range, reapplying is key.
Myth #3: UVA and UVB rays are the same thing.
Of course, having separate names—UVA and UVB—goes to show that they are separate entities concerning sun rays. Both refer to ultraviolet light generated by the sun, but UVA refers to longer rays which penetrate the skin deeper, into the dermis layer, which contributes to wrinkles and aging.
On the other hand, UVB rays are shorter rays which penetrate merely the surface layer of the skin, and it is known to create sunburn. The more sunburnt you get, though, there is a higher chance of getting skin cancer in the process.
Myth #4: Wearing sunscreen will prevent you from tanning.
While it is true that tanning results from UV exposure (which sunscreen protects from), it is still possible to get tanned even while covered in sunscreen. After all, sunscreen can only do so much to protect you from UVA and UVB rays; in other words, you will still get darker at the end of the day, depending on how long you stay out in the sun.
Myth #5: Sunscreen has no expiration date.
Perhaps you are not looking hard enough, but there is in fact an expiration date for sunscreen. Usually, the label is etched onto the tip of the bottle, so you will have to look very closely. Normally, the expiration date is set approximately one-and-a-half to two years after purchase, although it is natural for the sunscreen itself to gradually start losing its potency within several months: what you used within the first month will not have the same strength when used in the sixth month.
Once the sunscreen is expired, it is important to throw it out and get a new one, even if you had not finished using it. Besides, it would not have an effect if you had continued to use it, in any case.
Myth #6: Sunscreen is 100 percent waterproof.
This is an untrue statement: while some sunscreens do have waterproof features, it can never completely be waterproof, at least, not for long periods of time. Water naturally washes off the sunscreen, so with that said, it is necessary for you to reapply every few hours when out and about in the water, whether at the beach or in the pool. Especially when it is sunny, reapplying more frequently is strongly recommended.
Myth #7: Chemicals in sunscreen can create health issues.
Sunscreen is known to contain the chemical oxybenzone, which has been shown in studies to cause adverse health effects on lab rats. However, the benefits outweigh the risks, as the study itself showed that it took extremely high levels of oxybenzone for the lab rats to get very sick. That said, even if you apply heavily and frequently, there is little chance that you would be exposed to such high doses of the chemical at hand.
Myth #8: Sunscreen will protect your skin, no matter what.
While sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from sun exposure, it should not be the ultimate crutch for you to lean on when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. In fact, the best way to go about protecting your skin is by covering up, with clothes that have some SPF to them. Hats and sunglasses are essential, too, to keep your face and eyes healthy, respectively. Sunscreen can never replace clothing protection, so use it as something supplementary, instead of primary.
Overall, sunscreen is an essential tool for sun protection, even if you are striving for that lovely, golden tan. Knowing the facts and myths about it helps keep you safe, all the while enjoying your time outdoors.
FAQs
Do you need sunscreen when it’s cloudy?
Yes! Damaging rays from the sun can still penetrate through the clouds and impact your skin. Just because you do not feel the sun does not mean it is not an issue. If you are planning to spend the day outside, always apply sunscreen, even if it is an overcast day. People have gotten burned from spending an entire day at the beach when it was cloudy- don’t be the next person!
When should you wear sunscreen?
It should be pretty obvious by now- if you are spending time outside, you should apply sunscreen. This is especially important during summer months and in areas where the sun is incredibly strong, such as at the beach. However, even during winter months you should still apply sunscreen to your face, as it is still exposed to the sun, even though the temperature is not hot. It is best to get into a routine where you apply sunscreen to your face each and every morning- better safe than sorry!
What level SPF should you wear?
This depends. Everyone’s skin is different, but as a general rule, people with fairer toned skins should wear a higher SPF, as they are far more likely to burn than people with darker skin tones. However, everyone spending time outside should wear something. To be safe, you should stick with at least an SPF 30. If you know you burn easily, consider SPF 50 and above.
Do you need different sunscreen for your face vs. your body?
Not necessarily. Some sunscreens can be applied to both your body and your face, while some are formulated for just your face. If you are on a tight budget, consider a brand like Neutrogena that is both affordable and safe to use on your body and your face. Overall, having broad spectrum SPF is what you need, which you will find in any sunscreen. Some people, however, may experience acne when using a heavy lotion on their face, which is why there are formulas specifically designed for your face.
How often do you need to reapply sunscreen?
At least every 2 hours, but you may need to more frequently depending on your activity level. If you are spending a day in the water- either the pool or the beach- you will have to apply a lot more frequently than someone who is just laying outside in the sun. Always stay on top of reapplying when needed in order to always stay protected and avoid getting burned.
Decision Time
There you have it! These are the 10 best sun creams on the market right now. Based on what you need and the conditions you are experiencing, you can make the right decision for what is best for you. Consider things like the SPF level you need, if you want a specific sunscreen for your face, if you prefer a mist or a lotion, and other similar factors. Here is some more information to help you understand the importance of sunscreen.
