It's Always Sunscreen Season: My Favorite Sunscreens and Other Sun Care Essentials
I tested over forty-five sunscreens. Plus, my summer must haves for protecting my skin and enjoying the sun.
Welcome to the latest installment of The Skincare Savant, a love letter to caring for your skin. The official start of summer is here and it’s never been a better time to get in the habit of wearing sunscreen everyday. Over the last few months, I tested more than forty-five sunscreens to help you find your soon-to-be favorite SPF. While I initially planned on only featuring my absolute favorite sunscreens in this post, as usual one thing let to another (and another) and I ended up testing as many of the most popular sunscreens that I could. Along the way, I tried sunscreens from South Korea and Australia, ones that made my skin angry and others that became fast favorites. Today’s post is dedicated to all things sun care and while it’s a long one, it’s filled to the brim with recommendations and (hopefully) helpful information. From the facts the EWG doesn’t want you to know (lol) to my favorite sunscreens and other forms of sun protection, some sun care best practices and tips for protecting your skin this summer and throughout the year. The Skincare Savant is an ode to the practice of caring for your skin and the delightful products in your skincare routine and beyond. You can find every installment of The Skincare Savant here. Let’s dive in.
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Reminders & Disclaimers:
I am not a dermatologist, doctor, licensed esthetician or credentialed expert. The opinions shared are my own. They not intended to and should not be perceived as medical advice. When in doubt, consult a physician you trust.
Everyone’s skin is different. I can only speak to my personal experience, which is purely anecdotal, and what works for me may not work for you and that’s okay.
This post is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of sun protection, regulatory policies, specific brand claims, ingredients or every sunscreen on the market. The details throughout this post were compiled based on publicly available information, research and guidelines from verified sources. Specific product information was gathered from publicly available information from official sources; however, some information may be incorrect. I recommend reviewing a brand’s official website for the most up-to-date information on each product.
Sunscreen: My Roman Empire
While finding the right sunscreen can be even harder than deciding which eye cream will keep your under eyes hydrated, there’s really nothing I love more than sunscreen. It’s my favorite and the most important step in my morning skincare routine, and I personally believe that applying (the necessary amount of) sunscreen everyday is the best thing you can do for your skin. But not all sunscreens are created equal and it can be hard to understand why or what sunscreen you should even use. Is the new one at Sephora really as good as it looked in that Instagram Reel? Probably not. Does a sunscreen have to cost more than a nice meal to work? Absolutely not. Should I worry if my sunscreen is reef safe? No, that’s a marketing tool that’s been debunked. To be clear, the best sunscreen for you is one you’ll apply and reapply every single day but I’ll be the first to admit that it’s easier said than done.
The skincare industry has always been riddled with disinformation but it’s particularly prevalent when it comes to sunscreen, and you can thank the EWG for that. Unfortunately, some “myths” have become mainstream with the help of the media, brands, some influencers and organizations that rely on spreading fear and distrust to sell their political agenda. It’s exhausting. And in recent weeks, it’s felt like the conspiracy theorists and other ninnies are working over time to ignite yet another deluge of noise that’s masked as new information — except it was debunked years ago. Again, I’m tired. Protecting your skin from UV radiation shouldn’t require a degree in chemistry or putting up with the endless barrage of nonsense on the internet. When in doubt, wear sunscreen.
We All Scream for (Good) Sunscreen
Before I get to my favorite sunscreens and my thoughts on the many other sunscreens I tested for this post, I wanted to share some information that I’ve found helpful over the years as I’ve built out my sun care routine. Some of the information below may not be new to you, some of it may be interesting, some of it may be boring, some of it may be utterly captivating. Regardless, it helped me and I hope it’s useful for you as well! Importantly, as I am not an expert (disclaimers abound), and the information below is reinforced by the guidelines, research and expertise of The World Health Organization, The Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre and other credible sources.
Helpful Information
There are two primary types of UV radiation that can contribute to long-term damage: UVA and UVB. UVA rays account for 95% of ultraviolet rays that reach the Earth’s surface, while UVB rays account for 5%. Generally speaking, UVA radiation is associated with premature aging and can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity, as well as dark spots, discoloration and other pigmentation. UVA radiation is also able to penetrate glass, which means it’s probably a good idea to wear sunscreen indoors if you’re near a window or in a car. Generally speaking, UVB radiation is associated with tanning and burning. Both can contribute to skin cancer.
Broad spectrum protection is essential. Sunscreens that are not labeled as broad spectrum only protect against UVB radiation — which isn’t great (see above). A sunscreen with a broad spectrum claim indicates that it provides a broader range of protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Next time you buy sunscreen, make sure the label says broad spectrum. You may be surprised by how many sunscreens don’t offer any protection from UVA radiation (at least, I was).
There’s no such thing as water proof sunscreen but there is water resistant sunscreen. Generally speaking, water resistant sunscreens stay effective for a certain period when exposed to water, sweat, etc. — making them a must have for summer. However, it’s important to reapply as directed. For example, a sunscreen with a water resistant claim up to forty minutes means that you must reapply after that amount of time. Even if your skin is dry and not exposed to any water, it’s important to reapply every two hours if not sooner no matter what sunscreen you wear.
Sunscreen is not just a summer fling and it’s recommended to use adequate sun protection throughout the year. The World Health Organization recommends using sun protection when the UV index is three or above and warns to avoid sun exposure as the UV index increases. Short periods of sun exposure add up over time, and actives in your skincare (like AHAs and retinoids) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You can check the UV index in your area on your phone or online, and if you have an iPhone you can add the UV index to your lock screen (you can probably do this on most smart phones).
A Few of My Best Practices
Make sunscreen part of your daily routine (rain or shine). Think of sunscreen like brushing your teeth or snoozing your alarm at least seven times each morning: it’s just what you do. Even for those who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors or in direct sunlight, short periods of sun exposure — like walking to and from the subway or the office, running an errand, stepping outside for a quick walk, etc. — can contribute to long-term sun damage and windows do not provide complete protection from potential sun exposure. Plus, many sunscreens offer added skincare benefits and can help shield skin from environmental stressors.
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to achieve the SPF protection listed on the bottle — making the risk of harmful exposure all but certain. It’s recommended to use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, which is roughly 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for the face, ears and neck. However, I prefer to apply at least 1/2 to 1/3 a teaspoon because I personally think it helps to mitigate against any potential user error. I usually apply half the amount of product as a first layer and then immediately follow with the rest, as this makes it easier to blend. To make sure my sunscreen has time to absorb, I wait about ten minutes before applying makeup or other products.
— Nat Note: This is actually incredibly important and I highly recommend keeping this in mind. You’re not getting that SPF 50 protection unless you wear the right amount, which is more than you may think.While social media would have you believe that measuring out your sunscreen on two or three fingers is sufficient, I really don’t recommend it. Not only is it an inaccurate and inconsistent form of measurement, it’s also just not enough. Instead, I highly recommend taking out a measuring spoon so you can see how much product you should be using everyday. It can be incredibly helpful to see what 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen looks like and get used to applying the proper amount. This may be a particularly helpful exercise for those who wear a tinted sunscreen.
Reapply at least every two hours or more frequently as directed depending on your exposure and activity level. But if you’re wearing makeup, the idea of slathering another layer of sunscreen on your face can seem comical. Mists and sticks can be helpful to touchup throughout the day but it’s not as easy to apply enough product to actually achieve the protection listed. Seeking out shade and using other forms of sun protection can be incredibly helpful in addition to reapplication.
Nothing lasts forever, including your sunscreen. Before you douse yourself in whatever sunscreen was left in a beach bag from last summer, make sure to read the fine print. Your sunscreen should have an expiration date or period-after-opening (PAO) symbol listed on the bottle or exterior packaging. The PAO symbol looks like an open jar with a number and is usually found on the back of a product’s packaging (check near the barcode). The number listed on the PAO symbol indicates the lifespan of a product after its package has been opened for the first time, and is almost always listed in months. For example, if the jar reads ‘12 M,’ use the product within twelve months of opening. If the expiration date has rubbed off or you don’t remember when you opened your sunscreen, discard it. I’ve found it extremely helpful to write the date I open each product somewhere on the bottle (I used to have a spreadsheet but I’m trying to be more “relaxed” or whatever). If I can’t identify when a sunscreen was first opened, I usually toss it. However, exposure to heat, cold humidity and other external factors can shorten the lifespan of a sunscreen. Some to consider to minimize any potential risks include but are not limited to: storing sunscreen in a cabinet and away from direct sunlight; storing sunscreen in a room where the temperature is unlikely to fluctuate significantly (read: not in a bathroom); keeping sunscreen in a pouch in the bag you use everyday rather than leaving it in the car while running errands or the like; using a heat resistant pouch or bag to carry sunscreen and tucking it in the shade while outside in the heat.
Don’t rely on your makeup to protect your skin because, frankly, it’s not. I like to think of any makeup (like a tinted moisturizer) with SPF protection as a nice to have. It’s like planning a wedding. Sure, it would be nice to have all those extra decorations and personalized touches you saw on Pinterest or whatever bridal website but your budget goes towards the “must haves” and the nice to haves come last. Sunscreen is a must have. Makeup is the nice to have touch that most people won’t even remember (can you tell I’m planning a wedding?). To make sure your sunscreen has time to absorb, wait about ten minutes before applying makeup.
While sunscreen plays an essential role in protecting your skin from UV radiation, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. In addition to seeking out shade and staying indoors during peak hours, it’s recommended to wear a wide brim hat, sunglasses and long clothing to cover your skin while outdoors. Those who spend long periods of time in direct sunlight (including while driving) and/or are outside during peak hours may want to consider wearing UPF clothing (save w/ myskinterest15), a physical face shield with UV protection (save w/ myskinterest15), gloves and other layers to help protect any exposed skin.
The Sunscreen VIPs (Very Important Products)
I know what you’re thinking: Natalie, enough already! I agree with you. Someone shut me up. Let’s get to it. Like I said at the top, I tested more than forty-five sunscreens for this edition of myMusings. However, you’ll see that more than half of them didn’t make it into this post. While I did test several sunscreens with SPF 30 protection for the sake of ~science~, none of them truly impressed me and honestly, I only use sunscreens with SPF 50 protection or higher. As a result, I did not feel comfortable recommending anything less than an SPF 50 (apart from lip balms with sun protection). It’s really personal preference but I never recommend products that I don’t love or think are worth it. Other products I tested that didn’t make the cut either got discontinued, made my skin feel like it was burning off and/or were incredibly difficult to work with. Admittedly, there are a few sunscreens in here that aren’t my favorites but I can see others really liking them so I included them. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
As I said, the best sunscreen for you is one you’ll apply and reapply every single day. Maybe you’ll find one you love highlighted in this post or maybe you’ll get a better idea of what to look for next time you pick up a new sunscreen. Regardless, I hope this helps and I’m always here to answer any questions!
In the sections below, you’ll find: my favorite sunscreens that you can get right now (read: they’re available in the United States!), my top five favorite sunscreens right now, other sunscreens I like, tried and recommend (with a few caveats) and some brief (for me) thoughts. Before you hit the comments, please note that every mineral sunscreen will leave a cast on the skin and so can some chemical filters on deeper skin tones. The categorization of “mineral” and “chemical” sunscreens is largely artificial. Everything is a chemical and many mineral sunscreens are formulated with chemical filters but don’t list them as active ingredients (that’s not to fool you, they just aren’t at a high enough concentration). I also did not indicate any issues with eye sting, as everyone’s sensitivity is different and it’s okay to be sensitive.
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My Favorite Sunscreens You Can Get Right Now
While I’m the first to admit that I prefer to use sunscreens with newer, more innovative filters than those available in the United States, there’s still plenty of great options on the market — and these are just a few of my favorites! I’ve personally used and enjoyed all of these (and have even emptied a few bottles of them). I love that all of these are SPF 50 or higher with broad spectrum protection — and some are even water resistant! Unlike the vast majority of the sunscreens featured in this post, you can find these in stores and/or online without having to wait for them to clear customs *sighs in shipping delays.*
Paula’s Choice | Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid | SPF 50
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Hydrating fluid; Satin finish; Not tinted; Not scented; Works well under makeup — save w/ myskinterest
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Vacation | Classic Lotion | SPF 50
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Hydrating cream; Natural finish; Not tinted; Smells like summer in the best way; Works well under makeup
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
ItCosmetics | Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face | SPF 50
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight hydrating serum; Natural finish; Not tinted; Lightly scented; Works well under makeup
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
La Roche-Posay | Anthelios UV Correct Daily Lotion Sunscreen | SPF 70
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight hydrating serum; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Not scented; Works well under makeup
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
La Roche-Posay | Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen | SPF 60
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Lightweight fluid; Satin finish; Not tinted; Not scented; Works well under makeup
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Then I Met You | Essence Light Sunscreen | SPF 50
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Hydrating cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Not scented; Works well under makeup
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
For Your Lips
While I tend to use my sunscreen on my lips, I try to use lip balms with SPF protection whenever I remember. While this one is my favorite (save w/ myskinterest), I also have about fifty of these and more recently I’ve been testing this mineral glossy balm — and I’m surprised to say I really like them! In my opinion, none of these have that overwhelming sunscreen taste (or any taste really) and they don’t turn your lips white.
Other Forms of Sun Protection (Important!)
I am passionate about using other forms of sun protection in my sun care routine and thankfully, there are a lot of options. My highest recommendation is to get a Full Lux Sunshield (save w/ myskinterest15). I bought one over a year ago (and was gifted another earlier this year), and I credit it with getting me through a week in a desert in the summer without burning. I like this specific brand’s sunshield because they claim it blocks 99% of UVA and UVB radiation, they’re surprisingly comfortable, easy to adjust and aren’t fussy at all. The Full Lux Sunshield is also heat resistant, which is great if you’re like me and tend to get overheated easily or if you’re battling with pigmentation (heat can contribute to pigmentation). If you spend long periods of time outside — say, by the pool, on the beach, taking a long walk, in the garden, etc. — this is an absolute must have. — save w/ myskinterest15
If you’re looking for UPF clothing and accessories, I highly recommend looking here (save w/ myskinterest15), here, here and here. Between them, you should be able to find everything you need.
My Top Five Favorite Sunscreens Right Now
For each of these absolutely delightful sunscreens, shipping times can be anything but delightful. I’ve linked the retailers I personally purchase from (I recommend buying what you love in bulk!) that all ship to the United States. Whatever you do, do not purchase on Amazon.
La Roche-Posay | Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream | SPF 50+
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Thick hydrating cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for dry skin
— My Thoughts: This sunscreen is the Roman Empire of my Roman Empire. It’s a rich hydrating cream that truly acts as the third moisturizer in my morning skincare routine and my skin absolutely loves it. Not only does this have extremely high sun protection but it never pills (and trust me, I put on about half a tube each day), it’s easy to reapply, it blends beautifully, it leaves my skin looking dewy and radiant and it’s basically the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Because my skin is *so* dry, I can wear this throughout the year but those with normal “dry skin” may find this too thick in the summer. The only flaw I’m willing to concede to is that this has a tendency to stain my clothes yellow no matter how careful I am. However, it’s a small price to pay for this absolute gem. Formulated with L’Oreal brand filters and others not available in the United States and works beautifully under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Octisalate, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive), Avobenzone, MCE (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive), Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl SX (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive)
La Roche-Posay | Anthelios UVMune Dermo-Pediatrics Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Lightweight hydrating fluid; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; All skin types
— My Thoughts: If you’re not a fan of a “rich hydrating cream” and the thought of a “third moisturizer” sends chills down your spine, let me introduce you to the lightweight hydrating fluid of your dreams. Similar in feel to the U.S. formula and ever so slightly thicker than La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, this one is liquid gold. The compact bottle makes it easy to toss in your bag and reapply as needed. It provides the gold standard of sun protection and it’s great for sensitive skin. While this is too thin for me most of the year (did I mention my skin is akin to an arid climate?), I often reach for this in the summer. Formulated with L’Oreal brand filters and others not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Octisalate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, Avobenzone, MCE (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive), Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl XL (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive), Mexoryl SX (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive)
Skin1004 | Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight hydrating gel cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; All skin types
— My Thoughts: While this feels largely identical to other Korean sunscreens, this one has truly been my favorite for years — largely because of the pump. If you know me, you know that packaging is my personal version of catnip and I find that the pump really elevates the entire user experience. I know, I know — that’s not a great reason to prefer one sunscreen over another but it’s the truth and I can’t include every sunscreen in my top five. But it’s not just the pump. This sunscreen feels uniquely silky, lightweight and breathable yet hydrating, easy to incorporate into your routine and truly leaves my skin on cloud nine. While it’s not water resistant, it does offer the gold standard of sun protection (like many others on this list!). I really can’t see anyone not liking this sunscreen and if you’re placing an order, I highly recommend adding a few of these to your cart. I think it might be the sunscreen that made me fall in love with sunscreen in the first place (!!!!!). Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Uvinal A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol/Uvasorb HEB
Niche Beauty Lab | Lightweight Sunscreen | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Lightweight hydrating cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for dry, normal skin
— My Thoughts: This sunscreen is very important (and I’ve tried a lot of sunscreens). It really has it all (and somehow ships to the United States?) and provides the gold standard of sun protection. There’s so many things to love about this sunscreen (including the pump!) but I love how easy it is to incorporate into your skincare routine, how it’s hydrating yet lightweight, it really doesn’t stain my clothes AND you get a ton of product (which is nice because they took away all of our discount codes!). While it can feel somewhat thick at first, it takes no time to blend and feel weightless on the skin — and it even feels like some of my favorite moisturizers. I feel like I’m not doing this sunscreen justice because there’s something about it that I can’t put my finger on but trust me when I say it’s fabulous and absolutely worth your time. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Octisalate, Tinosorb S
Purito | Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Lightweight hydrating cream; Satin finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; All skin types
— My Thoughts: After Purito decided to rebrand and recklessly discontinue their Daily Go-To Sunscreen without warning, they released this sunscreen and another one below. And while this replaced a different sunscreen, the Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen also feels the most similar to the Daily Go-To Sunscreen. This is a similarly lightweight, hydrating cream that feels silky, is easy to incorporate into your routine and is just a complete delight. I didn’t think I would fall in love with this one but it easily earned the final spot in my top five favorites. Unlike the gone but not forgotten formula, this one is water resistant and marketed for the outdoors — the brand claims this has “5-Level Outdoor Defense.” It’s somewhat rare to find an Asian sunscreen that’s water resistant and this lovely, so I highly recommend picking this one up (and getting a few). It’s just great. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M
Pro Tip: If you’re indoors and you can see the sky through a window, door, etc. — you should be wearing sunscreen!
Sunscreens I Highly Recommend
For most of sunscreens below, shipping times can take a while. I’ve linked the retailers I personally purchase from (I recommend buying what you love in bulk!) that all ship to the United States — though Cult Beauty can be touch and go. Whatever you do, do not purchase on Amazon.
Canmake | Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Hybrid formula; Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight gel cream; Satin finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; All skin types
— My Thoughts: Despite being a hybrid formula (and there’s some nuance there we don’t have time to discuss), I found that this worked really well on my dry skin. It’s another silky gel cream that basically melts into the skin and feels like nothing in the best way. The small tube makes it great for travel or for reapplying on the go but it may not be ideal for those wanting to get the most bang for your buck. One important note is that there are several versions of this sunscreen (I tested the clear that’s linked), and I’ve seen some criticism over changes to the formula over the years. Either way, I enjoyed it a lot and reach for it often. While it’s not water resistant, it does offer the gold standard of sun protection. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Tinosorb S
Purito | Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Hydrating serum; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for normal, combination, oily skin
— My Thoughts: As part of the rebrand, Purito also released this sunscreen and it is one of my least favorites on this list — and I only included it because it’s new and I got a lot of questions about it. While the serum-y gel feels silky and luscious, it ended up pilling on me no matter what I did. I think it’s better suited for those with normal, combination or oily skin and just because something didn’t work for me doesn’t make it bad. I’m intrigued by Purito’s clinical trials, which suggest this sunscreen creates a protective layer to shield sensitive skin from environment stressors and fine dust. While it’s not water resistant, it does offer the gold standard of sun protection. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and does not work well under makeup in my experience.
— Active Ingredients: Uvinul T 150, Mexoryl SX (L’Oreal Brand Exclusive ????), Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Parsol SLX
Ultra Violette | Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen | SPF 50+
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Thick hydrating cream; Satin finish; Slight peach tint; Lightly scented; Best for dry skin
— My Thoughts: My somewhat controversial opinion on this product is that I don’t *love* this formula from Ultra Violette. Unfortunately, this one ends up pilling on me before I even get the proper amount blended in — and I’ve tried to make it work fifty different ways (and I still try every now and then because I want to love this so badly!). In my opinion, Ultra Violette makes some of the most impeccable sunscreens I’ve ever tried (including my favorite reapplication mist), this was just the only one I had on hand to feature here. That’s largely because this is one of the few brands I’ve had a really hard time getting into the United States, though that could change now that they’re in Canada. My absolute favorite formula of theirs is the Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Serum Skinscreen. It’s incredible and would have made it into my top five if I had it (mine went bad). If you ever happen to be in a store selling it, please buy me as many as you can. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and this sunscreen can pill under makeup in my experience (but others from UV do not!).
— Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M
Beauty of Joseon | Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight gel cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; All skin types
— My Thoughts: The entire internet loves this sunscreen and for good reason. It’s fabulous and very similar to the Skin1004 one listed above (but sans pump). It’s silky, lightweight yet hydrating, feels minimal and easy to incorporate into your routine and leaves your skin feeling succulent. I’ll admit that the packaging (with or without the pump) isn’t my favorite and because I really love the Purito and Skin1004, I don’t reach for this one all that often. Still, I’ve emptied several tubes of it so obviously I like it more than enough. While it’s not water resistant, it does offer the gold standard of sun protection. If you haven’t tried this yet, this is your sign to stock up and add this to your daily routine. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works well under makeup.
— Active Ingredients: Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus, Iscotrizinol/Uvasorb HEB, Tinosorb M
Isntree | Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel | SPF 50+ PA++++
— Claims: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight serum; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for normal, combination, oily skin
— My Thoughts: Despite having eight weights of hyaluronic acid, I find that this sunscreen is too thin for my dry skin and I need something that’s more of a cream. While friends of mine with normal “dry skin” absolutely love this, I can only speak to my experience (and I may be alone on this one!). Either way, it’s definitely one to try if you haven’t already and it’s one of those sunscreens (like Beauty of Joseon and Skin1004) that are so widely popular and iconic for a reason. While it’s not water resistant, it does offer the gold standard of sun protection. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and works fine under makeup but others are better.
— Active Ingredients: Octisalate, Homosalate, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Parsol SLX, Uvinul A Plus
Nivea Japan | UV Super Water Gel | SPF 50 PA+++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Lightweight serum; Natural finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for combination, oily skin
— My Thoughts: While the formula is stunning and I’m a sucker for a pump, this sunscreen is definitely better for those with combination or oily skin. Its serumy, dries down incredibly quickly and feels weightless on the skin. However, it immediately made my skin feel tight, dry and I felt a slight burning sensation that wasn’t very fun. Still, I understand why it’s such a widely popular product and I wish it worked for me. If you have combination or oily skin, I bet you would love this. Formulated with filters not available in the United States and I didn’t test this under makeup because this made my skin unhappy. I imagine this would work well under makeup for others but I can only speak to my experience.
— Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus
Allies of Skin | The One Invisible Sunscreen Gel | SPF 50 PA++++
— Claims & Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Dense gel that is very lightweight once blended; Natural finish; Not tinted; Fragrance-free; Best for normal, combination skin; Available in the U.S.
— My Thoughts: I opted to include this because it’s new and trending but I’m absolutely not the target consumer for a gel sunscreen because I love a luscious cream. That being said, this sunscreen is impressive and I audibly gasped when I tested it. In my view, this is an elevated version of Supergoop’s gel sunscreen. This starts out as a dense gel but as soon as you touch it you realize it’s actually really thin (does that make sense?) and it blends to practically nothing, dries down incredibly quickly and feels breathable and lightweight. And yet, it’s still hydrating. I’ve never tried a sunscreen quite like it (though to be fair, I don’t seek out a lot of gel formulas). If you are a fan of the Supergoop or you like gel-like sunscreens, I really do think you’ll like this one. Plus, my code will help you save. Works well under makeup. — save w/ myskinterest
— Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate
Pro Tip: Several of the Asian sunscreens linked above come in two packs and you can even get minis to test! Also, Stylevana usually has some sort of discount for those who sign up for an account!
For the Mineral Sunscreen Lovers
Generally speaking, mineral sunscreens just aren’t for me. Zinc Oxide is a mild astringent, which means it can make my ridiculously dry skin even more dry (read: my worst nightmare). Even with all the hydrating benefits added to many mineral sunscreens, I’ve never been able to make any work as well as sunscreens with chemical filters. Still, I diligently tested several mineral sunscreens for you and my top recommendations are below. They all feel very different but crucially, they all offer high SPF protection!
Prequel | Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 50 PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Hydrating cream; Dewy finish; Slight peach tint; Fragrance-free; National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance; National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance; Is really, really nice
— Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 18%
Soleil Toujours | Mineral Ally Daily Face Defense | SPF 60
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Lightweight cream; Dewy finish; Not tinted; Lightly scented; Feels like a chemical sunscreen — save w/ myskinterest
— Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24%
Caudalie | Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 50
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Not water resistant; Hydrating serum fluid; Dewy finish; Slight beige tint; Fragrance-free
— Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 21.1%
Colorscience | Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex | SPF 50 PA++++
— Highlights: Broad spectrum; Water resistant; Hydrating serum; Satin finish; Tinted (“tone-adapting”); Fragrance-free — save w/ myskinterest
— Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 12%
And Lastly…
I’m sending reader mail to two (U.S.-based) paid subscribers that will be filled with many of the sunscreens mentioned above! To “enter,” like and comment on this post (and extra appreciation if you recommend myMusings to a friend or two)! Not a paid subscriber? Join the club here.
Over to You…
What’s your favorite sunscreen?
Do you have any questions about the products mentioned above (or others on your mind)?
Having trouble finding the best sunscreen for you? Let me know and I can try to help!!
Are there other questions you have that weren’t answered here?
Not sure which ones to buy and test? Ask away!
Until next time, follow along on Instagram and browse all of my favorite things. myMusings is a labor of love but it is labor. Don’t forget to click the 🤍 button before you go! Thank you for being here. Talk soon.
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Love how comprehensive this is — thank you! Do you have any notes on the Vacation mist (I didn’t catch any in the copy) vs the Ultraviolette mist?
This is incredible. I’m going to use this as my guide when I’m in Europe in August.