10 Best Sunscreens to Stay Protected All Summer

Who wants tan lines or skin allergies while enjoying summer? No one exactly not a single person wants to ruin their face and body in the scrooching heat of summer months. Using a broad-spectrum, well-formulated sunscreen is the only precaution to shield your sensitive skin from harmful sun rays.

Dermatologists confirm that using sunscreens from a young age is the only natural way to slow down the aging process and have that youthful glow throughout your life. Skipping this integral step in your everyday skincare routine can not only show immediate harmful effects but are equally harmful in the long term- worst causing skin cancer.

But all sunscreens are not curated the same. Some are formulated with chemical filters, some being mineral and some being a hybrid of both. Different skin types react differently to the type of sunscreen used. We have compiled the best of all to help you navigate this confusing process of selecting the correct type of sunscreen for your skin type and concerns.

Here are our top picks for 2023!

• Best dermatologist-recommended sunscreen: Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
• Best Chemical Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
• Best Drugstore Facial Sunscreen: Aveeno Protect and Hydrate
• Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
• Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

If you are on the look for an oil-free sunscreen that absorbs seamlessly into your skin then Elta MD Uv Clear is the best option out there for you. This is a perfect everyday sunscreen for you as it leaves no white cast and is absolutely free from any pore-clogging ingredients which may cause acne breakouts. Many testers said it “absorbed quickly” and didn’t irritate even “super sensitive” skin.

It has a bottle-type packaging with a pump so it’s really feasible and hassle-free for traveling.

PROS:

• Oil-free
• Fights Hyperpigmentation
• Travel friendly
• Non-scented

CONS:

• May cause a rash if you have allergy issues
• Sometimes can sting the eyes due to sweating

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

As the name suggests, due to its watery and liquidy texture this sunscreen blends like a dream on skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, it helps protect your skin from UV rays and also gives you 8 hours of visible moisture alongside. People with oily skin can skip moisturizer and directly apply it to achieve healthy glowy radiant looking skin.

This oil-free face sunscreen works great under your make-up without causing pilling. It suits sensitive skin the best as its formulated with nontoxic ingredients and is free from oxybenzone and oxy acetyl. This sunscreen is a lot lighter than others and is definitely suitable for all-day wear without having that heavy sunscreen feel on your face all day.

PROS:

• Non-greasy
• Lightweight

CONS:

• Scented; maybe too strong for some people
• Runny Texture

Aveeno Protect and Hydrate

From a dermatologist-recommended brand for over 65 years, Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage by blocking UVA and UVB rays. it’s a great option for those who have the same benefits of a high-end sunscreen but on a budget. Formulated with natural oat extracts it not only protects but also nourishes and hydrates your skin.

This sunscreen is sweat resistant making it great for outdoor activities and sports. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen Lotion is an oxybenzone-free sunscreen offering broad-spectrum protection against harmful rays; this means it suits sensitive and allergy-prone skin the best.

PROS:

• Broad spectrum
• Budget-friendly
• Safe for sensitive skin

CONS:

• Thick texture
• Not easily blendable

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

The award-winning mineral sunscreen; leaves skin with a shine-free matte finish. Lab evaluations found the formula doesn’t irritate the skin, run into the eyes or leave a white cast. Formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide it is safe for sensitive skin types who are prone to reacting to chemical sunscreens. Being a fluid like sunscreen it is suitable to apply under makeup too.

PROS:

• Suitable for sensitive skin type
• Applies well under makeup
• Lightweight
• Non-greasy finish

CONS:

• Not water resistant
• Pungent scent

Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

It is a 100% Mineral-based sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, that reflects UVA/UVB rays to help protect the skin. If you are looking for a sunscreen that isn’t formulated with chemicals and is also easy to apply then this Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen should be your first and only pick! Formulated with essential ceramides found in our skin, it also strengthens your skin barrier offering greater protection against UV rays. It is recommended by both the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association as an effective, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

PROS:

• Dermatologically recommended
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic

CONS:

• May leave a slight white cast
• Can pill under makeup

Takeaway

There are many sunscreen options for your face, including sunblocks made for various skin types, including acne-prone, oily and dry. They also come in multiple formulas like lotions, creams, and powders. When shopping for a face sunscreen, our experts recommend keeping in mind factors like broad-spectrum sun protection, ingredients, and formulation.

Your specific skin type will likely determine which sunscreen is best for you. Though the active ingredients are what protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays (and determine whether you purchase a chemical or physical sunscreen), it is the inactive ingredients that make up the formula and can determine how your skin will react to the product.

We hope you got answers to all your question through our guide and you are ready to purchase the sunscreens which suits your skin type and skin concerns!