Summer is officially here so I updated this list of the best, most effective sunscreens recommended by industry experts. Using one of these broad-spectrum sunscreens and minimizing your sun exposure will help protect you from the sun’s damaging rays, which cause premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and, more significantly, skin cancer. Be sure to avoid sunscreens that contain benzene, a carcinogen that has been linked to blood cancer and other illnesses. All of the sunscreens recommended here are safe
I can’t stress enough the importance of protecting your skin with the most effective sunscreen available. If you already have dark spots caused by sun damage, see my recommendations on how to lighten them in my Dark Spot Correctors post.
I researched and read lots of magazines, periodicals and medical journals by the industry’s most trusted resources looking for the most recommended lotions, potions, sticks, and sprays. Only those sunscreens that performed best in lab tests and were repeatedly recommended by industry experts, editors and dermatologists made it to my list. Then I found them for you at the best price.
In This Post
- Get Schooled in Sunscreen – Keep reading to learn about the sun’s rays and how sunscreen protects your skin.
- The Best, Most Highly Recommended Broad Spectrum Sunscreens – Jump straight to the list of best sunscreens or to a specific sunscreen section:
Get Schooled in Sunscreen
What Makes Sunscreen Effective
Everything I read said the best, most effective sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear. A sunscreen’s SPF is only one gauge of the protection it provides. The other equally important factor is using a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage, that is, it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
While choosing an effective sunscreen is essential, it’s only as effectual as its user. So be sure to apply and store your sunscreen properly. The following guidelines are provided by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Sunscreen Application Guidelines
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside. This allows the sunscreen to have enough time to provide the maximum benefit. Thorough, even application is key.
- Use enough to cover your entire face and body (avoiding the eyes and mouth — apply a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of at least 30 to your lips). An average-sized adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen — about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass — to evenly cover the body from head to toe.
- Make sure to get under bathing suit straps and elastic waistbands. Lotion makes for easier application. Getting sprays and sticks applied correctly can be tricky. Watch this video on the American Academy of Dermatology website for a demonstration of how to effectively apply them: “How to Use Stick & Spray Sunscreens”.
- Avoid using sunscreen on children younger than 6 months old; instead, try to limit sun exposure.
- Know your skin. Fair-skinned people are likely to absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned people under the same conditions.
- Reapply at least every two hours, more often if you’re swimming or sweating always after toweling off or when sunscreen may have rubbed off on clothing.
- Remember frequently forgotten spots: ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, back of hands, tops of feet, along the hairline, and areas of the head exposed by balding or thinning hair.
- Wear sunglasses. They’re not just a fashion accessory; sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation that may cause cataracts.
Safely Storing Sunscreen
Most of us don’t think about shelf life and properly storing our sunscreen. Always check the expiration date!
The FDA requires all sunscreens to “have an expiration date unless stability testing conducted by the manufacturer has shown that the product will remain stable for at least three years. That means, a sunscreen product that doesn’t have an expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase.”
The FDA also notes that for sunscreens to stay in good condition, they should not be left in direct sun. Instead, store them in the shade of your beach/pool bag, under your towel or in a cooler.
Relating to The Sun’s Rays
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC:
- UVC rays have the shortest wavelength and never reach the earth because the ozone layer absorbs them. Therefore, we don’t have to worry about protecting our skin from UVC rays. UVA and UVB rays are another story.
- UVB rays are the cause of sunburn damage to the skin’s most outer layer. They vary in intensity depending on weather, location, season, and time of day. While UVB rays cannot penetrate through glass, they are very efficient at penetrating your skin and are, therefore, the main cause of most skin cancers.
- UVA rays, on the other hand, can penetrate through glass, clouds and fog, and they are equally intense throughout daylight hours. Furthermore, UVA rays penetrate the skin the most, thereby affecting skin cells more deeply and, as such, are responsible for premature aging, dark spots, freckles, and wrinkles.
- UVA rays account “for up to 95% of the radiation” that reaches the earth, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. UVA rays are less likely to cause sunburns as they are mainly tanning rays. But, any sign of a tan means DNA damage.
- Because UVA rays can penetrate glass, be sure to have a shade on the window where babies and children regularly sit.
Understanding SPF
As you already know, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is “a ratio of the number of minutes that you can stay outside with the product on before getting minimal redness to the skin.” says Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist who recommends a minimum SPF of 30.
She explains that “if you stand outside in a particular location and you’re testing the sunscreen and it takes you 10 minutes to develop redness to the skin without the product on, but then you apply the product on a different area of skin and it takes 50 minutes for the skin to show redness, then that is an SPF factor of 50 over 10, which equals 5.”
BUT, per the FDA:
“There is a popular misconception that SPF relates to time of solar exposure. For example, many people believe that, if they normally get sunburned in one hour, then an SPF 15 sunscreen allows them to stay in the sun for 15 hours (e.g., 15 times longer) without getting sunburn. This is not true because SPF is not directly related to time of solar exposure but to amount of solar exposure. The sun is stronger in the middle of the day compared to early morning and early evening hours. That means your risk of sunburn is higher at mid-day. Solar intensity is also related to geographic location, with greater solar intensity occurring at lower latitudes.”
Types of Sunscreen
- Physical (mineral) sunscreens include the minerals titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide that are naturally broad-spectrum and form a barrier on the skin, reflecting or filtering UVA and UVB rays before they can penetrate your skin. These ingredients can be more difficult to spread and may leave a white cast, but they tend to last longer and be more effective than chemical sunscreens.
- Mineral sunscreens are less irritating and gentle enough for children and those with sensitive skin or skin issues, such as rosacea.
- Another reason to consider mineral sunscreens is that some chemical ones contain oxybenzone, which research shows can significantly destroy coral-reef ecosystems. Some findings show the ingredients in chemical sunscreens aren’t just absorbed into your skin, but into your blood too, hence the J&J sunscreen recall in 2021.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb harmful UV rays before they can damage your skin. They contain ingredients like avobenzone and octisalate. While these sunscreen lotions and sprays are easier to apply and don’t leave a white residue, you will need to reapply more often than with a physical sunscreen.
- Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find chemical sunscreens easier to apply and leave your face looking less greasy.
- Many sunscreens combine both types of ingredients.
Forms of Sun Protection
The Mayo Clinic offers these pros and cons for different sunscreen applications:
- Creams — If you have dry skin, you might prefer a cream, especially for your face.
- Lotions — Lotions are often preferred for application on large areas, they tend to be thinner and less greasy than creams.
- Gel — Gels work best in hairy areas, such as the scalp or chest — guys, take note!
- Stick — Sticks are useful when applying sunscreen around the eyes.
- Spray — Sprays are easy to apply, especially on fidgety children. But because it’s difficult to know how well you’re applying it, spray a generous and even coating. To prevent breathing in the product, don’t spray near the face or mouth, and check the direction of the wind before spraying.
Choose the Most Effective Sunscreen
Choosing a sunscreen isn’t as simple as it used to be. The newest generation of sunscreens are designed to offer more complete protection against both UVA and UVB rays, otherwise known as Broad Spectrum. But not all sunscreens are created equal. So, what makes one sunscreen more effective than another?
What to Look For
- A broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Sweat and water resistant
- SPF of 15 or higher
- If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, stay away from fragrances and dyes, which can be extra drying, and look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
- If you’ve already got some sun damage, select a sunscreen that also contains antioxidants, which can help fight discoloration.
- It’s important to reapply often because sunscreen chemicals degrade in the sun, wash off when swimming or sweating, and rub off on towels and clothing.
- Remember to apply suscreen your ears, lips and eyelids!
- Use a daily moisturizer with an SPF.
What to Avoid
- Avoid the sun when its rays are strongest, between 12 and 2 p.m. If you must be outside, cover up! Wear a hat, long sleeves and pants, or sit in the shade for the best protection.
- Avoid burning! Red, blistered or peeling skin means far too much sun and it raises your risk of getting skin cancer. Furthermore, a few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Don’t have a false sense of security with a higher SPF tempting you to stay in the sun longer. Even if you don’t burn, if you are near water, sweating or at a high elevation, you need to reapply often.
- Avoid oxybenzone, an ingredient that may behave like estrogen and can disrupt the hormone system.
- Avoid skin or lip products with vitamin A, also called retinyl, palmitate or retinol. Data shows that tumors and lesions can develop sooner on skin coated with creams that contain these ingredients.
- Don’t use products that combine sunscreen with bug repellent. If you need bug repellent, buy it separately and apply it first. Sunscreen needs to be applied generously and often, while insect repellent should be used sparingly and less frequently.
The Best, Most Recommended Broad Spectrum Sunscreens
Testing the effectiveness of sunscreen is a difficult task due to the many variables at play, such as skin type, location, time of day, the sun’s intensity, etc.
To find the most effective sunscreens, I read many articles, interviews and test results to pare down the best, most highly recommended sunscreens by the industry’s most trusted resources, skincare experts and dermatologists. For instance, the beauty chemists at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab evaluated over 75 body and face sunscreens and surveyed over 8,000 people! They tested the best sunscreens and SPFs and consulted top dermatologists to assemble their list of recommendations as did many other publications and periodicals.
The following is a list of the best, most effective broad-spectrum sunscreens along with the best prices I could find as of this writing.
Feel free to jump to the sections that interest you most: Body, Both Body & Face, Face, Tinted, Sticks, Powder, or Lips.
BEST BODY SUNSCREENS
Best Overall Spray Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
- Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, this ultra sheer/dry touch moisturizing spray contains vitamin E to help neutralize free radicals, the main cause of premature skin aging.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Gluten Free, Vegan, Reef-Friendly, Hypoallergenic, Free of: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Oil, Parabens, PABA, Propylene Glycol, & Retinyl Palmitate
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $16.80 at Amazon
Best Lightweight Sunscreen: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion or Mist, SPF 50
- This lightweight lotion is hydrating, fast-absorbing & includes antioxidant ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts that nourish & protect your skin.
- The reef-safe PLAY spray is an “antioxidant mist” with vitamin C.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Cruelty-Free, Reef-Safe, Free of: Oxybenzone & Octinoxate, Reef-Safe, Spray is Fragrance-Free
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: 2.4 oz Lotion $22 on Amazon, 3 oz Spray $15 at the Dermstore
Best Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Sheer moisturizing lotion that dries clear with no white cast, made for melanated skin. It’s made with natural ingredients, such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, & sunflower oil — sounds so good I want to eat it.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Reef-Safe, Free of: Fragrance, Parabens, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best price: $16 at Ulta & Target
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: COOLA Classic Organic Body Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 30, 50 or 70
- COOLA is a non-greasy, 70%+ organic, ultra-light lotion with natural antioxidant-rich ingredients that help fight free radicals & hydrate & nourish skin with ingredients such as red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, & prickly pear extract. Available in a variety of scents or fragrance-free.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Reef-Safe
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: Starts at $28 for 5 oz Lotion on Amazon, SPF 30 in Tropical Coconut or Piña Colada, Guava Mango SPF 50, Fragrance-Free SPF 50, & Peach Blossom SPF 70. The Tropical Coconut SPF 30 & Guava Mango SPF 50 are also available at CVS.
BEST FOR BOTH BODY & FACE
Best Overall Sunscreen for Both Body & Face: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion for Face/Body, SPF 50+
- Shiseido’s SynchroSheild technology (WetForce x HeatForce) becomes even more effective in water & heat. According to Shiseido, “WetForce Technology: Negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in perspiration and water to create an additional layer of invisible sun protection. As you continue to sweat and get wet, the product becomes more effective without any white cast.” Their HeatForce Technology works similarly, “A heat-sensing essence in the lotion becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger barrier.”
- Chemical Sunscreen, Reef-Safe, Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologist Tested, Free of: Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: 5 oz is $50 on eCosmetics and Amazon
Best Body & Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body, SPF 60
- This multi-award winning sunscreen has a non-greasy, velvety texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated & smooth. It’s formulated with their Cell-Ox Shield® technology that combines photostable UVA/UVB filters “chosen for their synergistic effect” & powerful antioxidants to “defend skin cells against damaging free radicals caused by the sun that can accelerate skin aging.”
- Chemical Sunscreen, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Free of: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Fragrance, Oil, & Parabens
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $38 for 5 oz on Amazon
Best Body & Face Sunscreen for Sports: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Thinksport sunscreen has been top-rated on EWG’s Skin Deep Database since its creation in 2010 & the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Body Care requirements. It absorbs easily, doesn’t feel oily & leaves skin feeling soft & dry with a matte finish.
- Physical Sunscreen, Vegan, Reef-Safe, Free of: Fragrance, Gluten, PABA, Parabens, phthalates, BPA, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, petroleum, dioxane or toxic chemicals. No animal testing or animal products.
- Water Resistant: 80 Minutes
- Best Price: $22 for 6 oz on Amazon
BEST FACE SUNSCREENS
Best Face Sunscreen for All Skin Types: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense, SPF 30
- A daily sunscreen packed with antioxidants, like astaxanthin, grape juice, sunflower shoot extract, raspberry seed oil & marula oils, to minimize the appearance of sun damage, fine lines & wrinkles. The non-irritating, non-sensitizing formula is suitable for all skin tones and skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
- Physical Sunscreen, Cruelty-Free, Free of: Fragrance & Silicones
- Not Water Resistant
- Best Price: $34 on Amazon
Best Face Sunscreen for Normal Skin: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- This fast-absorbing, ultra-light lotion contains vitamin E & photolyase, a naturally occurring enzyme that is clinically proven to repair existing sun damage, aka actinic damage, while the SPF 50+ protects from future damage. It’s light enough to use under makeup.
- Physical Sunscreen, Light Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 40 minutes
- Best Price: $60 on Amazon
Best Face Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones: Supergoop! UNSEEN Sunscreen, SPF 40
- An invisible, weightless & oil-free sunscreen that can be used alone or under makeup as a primer. UNSEEN contains vitamin C to help fight signs of aging & its clear gel-lotion formula makes it ideal for all skin tones.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Reef-Safe, Cruelty-Free, Free of: Octinoxate, Oxybenzone & Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 40 minutes
- Best Price: $18 for 0.5 oz & $36 for 1.7 oz on Amazon
Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard SENSITIVE FACE Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- This lightweight, oil-free lotion is free of irritants for sensitive skin. It features hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing antioxidants that won’t clog pores so you can wear it daily, with or without makeup.
- I love the Smart Cap Technology that changes color when exposed to UV rays.
- Mineral Sunscreen, Free of: Chemicals, Parabens & Fragrance
- Not Waterproof
- Best Price: $17 on Amazon
Best Face Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Sun Bum Face Lotion, SPF 50
- Designed for daily use, this weightless moisturizing lotion absorbs quickly providing an invisible, matte finish.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Dermatologist Tested, Hypoallergenic, Reef-Friendly, Vegan, Gluten Free, Break-Out Free, Free of: Fragrance, Oils, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Retinyl Palmitate, Phthalate, & Parabens
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: 3 oz is $14.50 at CVS and $15.50 on Amazon & Bloomingdale’s
Best Face Sunscreen for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum, SPF 46
- This award-winning, transparent zinc oxide lotion is lightweight & goes on clear. It helps to calm & protect sensitive skin prone to discoloration & breakouts with ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3) & hyaluronic acid to moisturize while lactic acid refines skin to keep pores clear & reduce shine.
- Physical & Chemical Sunscreen, Dermatologist Recommended, Non-Comedogenic, Free of: Oil, Parabens & Fragrance
- Not Water Resistant
- Best Price: $43 on eCosmetics
BEST TINTED SUNSCREENS FOR FACE
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 30 Sheer Tint
- Awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Daily Use Seal of Approval & accepted by the National Eczema Association, this oil-free lotion forms a protective barrier on the skin to help reflect UVA & UVB rays. Hyaluronic acid maintains moisture while niacinamide soothes skin. The sheer tint blends seamlessly with all skin tones, leaving a sheer, natural finish & a healthy glow. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Physical Sunscreen, Non-comedogenic, Allergy Tested, Free of: Oils, Parabens, Chemicals Sunscreen Filters, & Fragrance
- Not water resistant
- Best Price: Currently on sale for $13.31, regularly $16, at Amazon
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this weightless sunscreen absorbs quickly & leaves a matte finish. It features La Roche-Posay’s Cell-Ox Shield technology with powerful antioxidants to protect skin from damaging free radicals that can accelerate skin aging. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Physical Sunscreen, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Allergy Tested, Free of: Oils, Parabens, Chemicals Sunscreen Filters, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, & Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 40 minutes
- Best Price: $38 at CVS & Amazon
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones: Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 “Medium/Dark”
- Unsun tinted sunscreen is a primer & color corrector “formulated to cover a range of skin tones from olive to dark chocolate without leaving a ghostly residue.” Unsun was created by Katonya Breaux (singer Frank Ocean’s mom), who wanted a clean, environmentally friendly sunscreen with options for women of color. This sunscreen is great on its own or under makeup.
- Physical Sunscreen, Cruelty-Free, Reef-Safe, Free of: Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicone, Chemicals & Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $29 on Amazon
BEST FACE STICK SUNSCREENS
Best Face Stick Sunscreen for All Skin Types: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
- This clear sunscreen stick absorbs quickly & can be used over or under makeup as well as on your body. It features Shiseido’s SynchroShield Technology (WetForce x HeatForce technology) where the sunscreen becomes more effective in water or with perspiration (WetForce) & in heat or on hot days (HeatForce). The stick is suitable for all skin types.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Reef-Safe, Dermatologist Tested, Ophthalmologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Free of: Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $30 on Ulta & Sephora
Best Face Stick Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Sensitive Skin, SPF 50
- Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen stick glides on clear, leaving skin feeling soft, not greasy or sticky.
- Physical Sunscreen, Hypoallergenic, Free of: Phthalates, Dyes, Parabens & Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $13.59 on Amazon
BEST BRUSH ON FACE POWDER SUNSCREENS
Best Brush On Sunscreen for All Skin Types: BRUSH ON BLOCK Mineral Powder Sunscreen, SPF 30
- This easy-to-apply, portable, self-dispensing mineral powder sunscreen goes on sheer so it can be worn alone or with makeup, & you never have to worry about it running into your eyes. BRUSH ON BLOCK is all-natural & non-irritating, so it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin & safe for kids.
- I love that you can order powder cartridge refills for the brush canister & keep some plastic out of the landfills.
- Available in Translucent or Touch of Tan for all skin tones.
- Physical Sunscreen, Vegan, Gluten Free, Cruelty-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Reef-Friendly, Free of: Parabens, PABA, Phthalate, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, & Avobenzone
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $34 on Amazon
Best Brush On Sunscreen For Normal-to-Dry Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield, SPF 50
- The only powder recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for active use, this convenient brush-on sunscreen can be used alone or over makeup & is great for extra sun protection on the go. Colorescience’s EnviroScreen Technology goes beyond SPF to provide protection from UVA/UVB rays, blue light, pollution & infrared radiation. Their patented ingredients & antioxidant-infused mineral powder protect the skin from free radicals while hyaluronic acid maintains moisture for smooth skin.
- Available in four neutral shades for all skin tones, Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 is best for dry-to-normal skin. For sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin, try Sunforgettable Sheer Matte SPF 30 brush-on sunscreen.
- Physical Sunscreen, Vegan, Gluten Free, Cruelty-Free, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Reef-Safe, Free of: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalate, Oils & Fragrance
- Water Resistant: 80 minutes
- Best Price: $67 for SPF 50 on eCosmetics available in two shades: medium and deep shades. Or $69 at the Dermstore where it’s available in four shades: fair, medium, tan, and deep.
BEST LIP BALMS WITH SPF
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, SPF 25
- Made for men, Jack Black’s emollient lip balm contains antioxidants vitamin E & green tea, along with superior skin conditioners to soothe & protect lips. Available in six flavors/scents. Safe for sensitive skin.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Dermatologist Tested, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Free of: Parabens & Artificial Colorants
- Not Water Resistant
- Best Price: Available in a variety of flavors for $10 each on eCosmetics, Amazon & Bloomingdale’s (where a set of three is $22)
Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen Ointment, Broad Spectrum SPF, 30
- Proved to relieve dryness & soothe chapped lips, Aquaphor with Broad Spectrum SPF helps protect sensitive lips against UVA & UVB rays. Shea butter, provitamin B5 & vitamins C & E provide effective, long-lasting moisture.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Free of: Parabens & Fragrance
- Somewhat Water Resistant
- Best Price: $4 on Amazon
ChapStick Lip Moisturizer and Skin Protectant, SPF 15
- My personal favorite, this is not the waxy ChapStick of your youth. This lip balm goes on smooth & is super nourishing with 11 moisturizing ingredients, including aloe & vitamin E, that keep lips hydrated for up to 8 hours with the added benefit of sun protection.
- Chemical Sunscreen, Free of: Parabens & Fragrance
- Somewhat Water Resistant
- Best Price: $3.88 for a set of three on Amazon
BEST TINTED LIP BALMS WITH SPF
COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Get a hint of color & SPF 30 with COOLA’s 70%+ organic lip balm. Packed with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, mongongo oil & shea butter. These nourishing balms are available in 5 buildable shades.
- Physical Sunscreen, Vegan, Gluten Free, Reef-Safe, Fragrance-Free
- Water Resistant: 40 minutes
- Best Price: Available in several shades on Amazon for $18 each or $40 for a set of three
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm, SPF 30
- An all-around great lip tint, this balm is packed with natural ingredients, such as shea butter, avocado oil & olive oil, to hydrate and moisturize. Vitamins C & E help fight free radicals to protect and improve the appearance of your lips, while broad-spectrum SPF protects your pout from harmful UV rays.
- Physical Sunscreen, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Reef-Safe, Fragrance-Free
- Not Water Resistant
- Best Price: Available in six shades, $24 each at the Dermstore and Amazon
Dr. Garshick is a big fan of this hydrating balm from MDSolarSciences. “It comes in a few different shades and offers SPF 30 protection, all while also providing hydration with avocado, shea, and olive butters,” she says. “It’s also gentle, so it’s safe to use even by those with sensitive skin.” While all of its six shades are universally flattering, we’re especially loving Ruby, a gorgeous red with blue undertones. Plus, the formula is creamy, not sticky, and is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
I hope this post has you covered from head to toe with sun protection. I can’t stress enough the importance of protecting your skin with the most effective sunscreen available.
All prices are accurate and items in stock (unless noted otherwise) at time of publication.
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