Updated March 2025
#1 🏆 Best Overall⚡Popular
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, Oil Free for Face with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended Sunscreen Lotion,1.7 oz Pump
EltaMD
PRIMEPRIME
$37.40
$44.00
15% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Transparent Formula: Lightweight and silky zinc oxide lotion that blends seamlessly into skin without leaving a whitish cast.
- Oil-Free Protection: Specifically designed for acne-prone skin, offering non-greasy sun protection.
- Travel Friendly: Comes in a portable 1.7 oz pump bottle, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Skin Soothing Ingredients: Contains Zinc Oxide and Niacinamide, suitable for hyperpigmented skin, acne, and rosacea.
- Versatile Use: Non-comedogenic formula can be worn alone or under makeup without clogging pores.
#2 🥈 Runner-up
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+, Broad Spectrum SPF + Antioxidants, Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, 4 Flexible Shades With No...
La Roche-Posay
PRIMEPRIME
$39.99
☷ Key Highlights:
- Type: Lightweight 100% mineral tinted sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 40+.
- Key Ingredients: Contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and antioxidants.
- Dermatology Recommended: Endorsed by The Skin Cancer Foundation for effective sun protection.
- Texture: Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula offering a matte finish.
- Tint Options: Available in 4 flexible shades with a universal tint that leaves no white cast.
- Skin Benefits: Enriched with antioxidants and Cell-Ox Shield technology for enhanced skin defense.
- Formulation: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free; water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
- Volume: 1.7 Fl Oz, suitable for daily use, especially for sensitive skin.
#3 🥉
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer, Lightweight Tinted Sunscreen for Face, 1.7 oz Pump
EltaMD
PRIMEPRIME
$33.60
$42.00
19% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- UVA/UVB Protection: Shields skin from harmful rays for a healthier, youthful complexion.
- Effortless Blending: Tinted formula blends seamlessly, ideal for wearing alone or under makeup without a white cast.
- Hydrating Formula: Contains Hyaluronic Acid for added moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Convenient Travel Size: TSA-approved 1.7 oz pump, perfect for maintaining skincare routines on trips.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Available in tinted and untinted options; fragrance-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic.
#4 ♔ Premium Choice
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, Zinc Oxide Formula, Medium, 1.8 fl. oz.
Colorescience
PRIMEPRIME
$54.00
☷ Key Highlights:
- SPF & Protection: SPF 50 PA ++++, featuring 12% Zinc Oxide for high-level sun protection.
- Formula: Lightweight, color-blooming formula adapts to your skin tone; provides buildable coverage.
- Finish: Contains innovative iron oxide pigments for a demi-matte finish.
- Mineral Protection: 100% all-mineral formula protects against UV, pollution, HEV (Blue) Light, and IR.
- Shades: Available in four flexible shades suitable for various skin tones and types.
- Water Resistant: Water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes.
- Ingredients: Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, talc, and other harmful ingredients.
- Usage Tip: Use FLEX for an even base, enhance with Glow and Bronze for a highlighted contour.
#5
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40 - Invisible, Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen + Makeup-Gripping Primer - Weightless, Scentless, Oil Free - For All Skin...
Supergoop!
PRIMEPRIME
$38.00
☷ Key Highlights:
- Invisible and Weightless: Formulated to provide an invisible, light, and scentless experience for all skin types and tones.
- Broad Spectrum Protection: Offers comprehensive protection against UVA, UVB, IRA rays, and blue light from screens.
- Makeup-Gripping Primer: Functions as a primer for makeup, delivering a shine control and velvety finish.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Contains soothing frankincense and hydrating meadowfoam seed to nourish and protect the skin.
- Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Free: A clean formula free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for everyday use.
- Beard-Friendly: Designed for all users, including men, with a clear formula that feels like nothing on the skin.
- Size: Available in a 1.7 fl oz bottle.
#6 ✅ Budget Choice
Sky and Sol Non-Toxic Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Safest Organic Natural Tallow & Zinc Oxide Sunblock | Reef Safe, Clean Non-Greasy Formula for Face...
Sky and Sol
PRIMEPRIME
$36.99
☷ Key Highlights:
- Safest Non-Toxic Formula: Made with edible-grade organic tallow and non-nano zinc oxide; free from processed seed oils and harmful chemicals.
- High SPF Protection: Offers SPF 50, protecting skin from harmful UV rays without the use of chemical filters.
- Non-Greasy & Makeup Friendly: Blends seamlessly under makeup, leaving no white residue and preventing breakouts.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Contains beef tallow, providing skin nourishment and promoting overall skin health.
- Eco-Friendly & Reef Safe: Environmentally conscious formulation that is safe for coral reefs and marine life.
- Water-Resistant: Ideal for active lifestyles, maintaining effective sun protection during swimming and sports.
- Size: Available in a convenient 3 oz (85 g) packaging.
Buying Tips for Sunscreens
1. Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection
Look for sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum”, as they protect against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
2. SPF Matters
For daily use, SPF 30 is sufficient. For extended sun exposure, opt for SPF 50+ for better protection.
3. Water Resistance is Key
If you’re swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen that lasts 40–80 minutes before reapplication.
4. Check the Ingredients
- Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide) – Best for sensitive skin and reef-safe options.
- Chemical Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, etc.) – Lightweight and blend easily, but may cause irritation.
5. Pick the Right Formula
- Lotion – Hydrating and easy to spread.
- Gel – Great for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Stick – Convenient for touch-ups.
- Spray – Easy to apply but ensure even coverage.
6. Fragrance-Free for Sensitive Skin
Avoid fragrances and alcohol-based formulas if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
7. Consider Reef-Safe Options
To protect marine life, pick oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free sunscreens.
8. Reapplication is Essential
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
9. Check Expiration Dates
Expired sunscreen loses effectiveness, so always check the date before use.
10. Test Before Buying
If possible, do a patch test on a small skin area to check for reactions.
FAQs
1. How much sunscreen should I apply?
Use a nickel-sized amount for the face and one ounce (a shot glass) for the body.
2. Can I use the same sunscreen for my face and body?
Yes, but face-specific sunscreens are often lighter and non-comedogenic.
3. Do darker skin tones need sunscreen?
Absolutely! All skin tones need protection from UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
4. Is sunscreen necessary on cloudy days?
Yes! Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, so daily use is essential.
5. Can I wear makeup over sunscreen?
Yes! Use a lightweight sunscreen under makeup, or opt for SPF-infused foundations.
6. How do I remove sunscreen properly?
Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle face wash to remove residue.
