We Tested Dozens of Sunscreens and These Are the 10 Worth Your Money (2025)

Why we love it: There’s a reason this has been a mainstay in my beach bag for over 15 years. As a former Floridian (with how do I explain it... never-seen-the-sun skin tone), I need major SPF protection that I can count on. Neutrogena never disappoints. Whether I’m spending hours at the beach, in the pool, or just outside in general, this formula is the epitome of reliability. It rubs in well (though it may leave a white cast if not fully rubbed in), is non-greasy, and doesn’t leave behind a strong scent. And dermatologists love it too. “I tell patients to choose a product with the highest SPF possible,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “In the real world, we do not apply as much sunscreen as we should. Starting out with a higher SPF acts as an insurance policy to give the highest level of protection for the longest period of time.” This best-selling pick from Neutrogena offers a high SPF level of 55, can be used on both the face and body, and provides water resistance of up to 80 minutes.

SPF level: 55 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Why we love it: Supergoop! came up time and time again in our best sunscreen discussions. Editors and dermatologists of all ages and skin tones raved about it—myself included. Every time I apply some to my face, I am floored by how transparent it is (talk about no white cast!), and it truly leaves behind no greasy feeling. With an SPF 50, I can be confident in the protection it provides. But I’m not the only one singing its praises. It’s also a favorite of Content Strategy Manager Jordan Levy and Sue Kakstys, executive assistant and production coordinator.

“This formula is lightweight, feels like moisturizer, and you’d barely know you have sunscreen on, except for the fact that my face would be completely spared from terrible sunburns. Now, I’m more than happy to apply sunscreen on the regular,” says Trish Clasen Marsanico, deputy food editor.

Dr. Luke recommends it too: “This sunscreen is great on all skin types (doesn’t leave a white cast) and is very lightweight. It is a broad-spectrum formula that is also water-resistant (for 40 minutes).” She also recommends another from the brand: Glowscreen Body SPF 40. “I love this because it is moisturizing (has glycerin) and has a shimmery finish that leaves a nice glow! It has an SPF 40 that is also water and sweat resistant (for 40 minutes), which is helpful if you’re active outdoors or swimming,” she says.

SPF level: 50 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (9%) | Water resistance: 40 min

Why we love it: With the sensitive-skin-safe formula EltaMD is known for, this spray may be pricey, but it packs a punch. I love the formula because it rubs in easily and swaths large patches of skin like a breeze. It contains vitamin C, aloe vera, and coconut, too. “This sunscreen is great because it is a mineral-based sunscreen spray with an SPF 40, is water resistant (for 40 minutes), and contains a blend of antioxidants to further protect the skin,” Dr. Luke explains. “It sprays on white (so you don’t miss any areas), then dries clear once it absorbs into the skin.”

My only con about this is that I had difficulty with the spray nozzle—it broke so soon after opening that I only had a couple of chances to test it out. I’m chalking this up to a one-off.

SPF level: 40 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (14%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes

Why we love it: If you have a darker skin tone, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast can be a struggle. Enter: Black Girl Sunscreen’s Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. Made specifically for darker skin types, this highly-rated face and body sunscreen is not only packed with hydrating ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil, but it also boasts a sheer formula that doesn’t leave any white residue behind. “I typically like tinted mineral sunscreens, but many people love this because it doesn’t leave a white cast,” Dr. Luke explains. “The most important thing is being able to find a sunscreen you love and will wear CONSISTENTLY!”

SPF level: 30 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (2.75%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Why we love it: Dr. Luke recommends this SPF 60 for its antioxidants, and I’m a big fan as well. “This sunscreen contains Cell-Ox Shield (antioxidants combined with photostable UVA/UVB protection) that provides sun protection as well as protects against some of the damaging effects of the sun’s harmful rays. It also contains moisturizing ingredients as well as their thermal spa water and blends in nicely with a variety of skin tones,” Dr. Luke points out.

Though it’s a bit thick, due to its super-hydrating formula, once it melts into skin, it really stays, leaving a lovely dewiness in its wake. I have sensitive skin, so this is a must-have for me, as it’s fragrance-free and recommended by derms.

SPF level: 60 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (7%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Why we love it: This top-rated face sunscreen from Aveeno is a pick recommended by Dr. Zeichner. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It boasts an ultra-hydrating formula that leaves skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy or greasy. “This sunscreen is enriched with colloidal oatmeal to help hydrate and protect the skin barrier,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It can be used by anyone, including people who have dry skin or eczema.”

SPF level: 60 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (13.5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Why we love it: Not quite a full-blown sunscreen, this moisturizer with SPF 30 is great for year-round protection. Just make sure you’re using enough of it if you’re not planning to layer it with another sunscreen. I love the brand’s moisturizer, as it absorbs quickly but really feels like you’re hydrating your skin. Dr. Greenfield agrees, saying that the new product “acts as a moisturizer and also has broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection that leaves a dewy glow on the skin, which I like to use under makeup.”

SPF level: 30 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%) | Water resistance: No

Why we love it: “I love Grown Alchemist because it is a brand that does not compromise on health, beauty, and effectiveness,” Dr. Greenfield says. She likes that this SPF “uses natural oils and only mineral high concentration SPF protection which makes it highly effective yet also an aesthetically beautiful product which I enjoy using on my face and also body.” Though, it’s important to point out that this is not water resistant, so be sure to reapply after sweating or going for a dip.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (19.5%) | Water resistance: No

Why we love it: Mineral sunscreens offer physical protection from UV rays, and often get extra-love for being, well, chemical free (though we do love plenty of chemical sunscreens, for what it’s worth). Charlotte Finigan, senior commerce editor, recommends this SPF 30, particularly for her body. “I really like the sunbum spray. I feel like sprays are sooo much easier for summer pool/beach days, but with most chemical formulas, the spray is clear, and I miss spots. I like that this sprays white so I can see where it goes and rub it in effectively, which also makes it particularly good for kids too.” The brand also comes highly recommended by Tina Martinez, food producer.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (14%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Why we love it: Dr Greenfield emphasizes the price point on this pick and the formula, of course. She says it “has a liquid consistency, so it is easy to rub in and is all mineral, which provides the best UVA protection. The price point is great on this one, too.” With a high SPF and a lightweight feel, this is a great pick that won’t break the bank.

SPF level: 70 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (6.6%), Zinc Oxide (14.4%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

✔️ Look for broad spectrum on the label: This ensures your SPF protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays prematurely age skin, and UVB rays burn; both can cause skin cancer.) Our experts recommend choosing SPF 30 or higher.

✔️ Go for water-resistant options: Even if you won’t be jumping in for a swim, a water-resistant sunscreen will stay on longer while you’re sweating.

✔️ When in doubt, choose lotions: They’re easy to apply generously and evenly, which is key in order for them to work effectively. If you use a stick sunscreen, it requires at least four swipes on each area of your skin to get the job done.

✔️ Formula matters: Physical, or mineral sunscreens (made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens (made with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone) work by absorbing those rays. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, mineral sunscreens are typically your best bet, our experts say.

When applying sunscreen to the face, Dr. Luke recommends using “two finger widths, or ¼ tsp” to ensure an adequate application. If you are applying sunscreen to the face and neck, she suggests using ½ tsp.

For the body, Dr. Luke explains that one ounce, or a shot glass worth, is usually sufficient, but notes that you should be “reapplying your sunscreen roughly every two hours if you are out for longer periods of time or according to the product’s instructions.”

While it’s not necessary to have two separate sunscreens for your face and body, it might be preferable for some, depending on their skin type, tone, or other unique needs.

For the face, Dr. Luke often recommends a tinted mineral sunscreen—“especially for those with darker skin tones since they tend to blend in better,” she explains. Tinted mineral sunscreens are also great for those who struggle with hyperpigmentation since these formulas contain iron oxides, which have been shown to provide protection against visible light, which can cause or exacerbate hyperpigmentation.”

However, tinted sunscreens can tend to transfer and might be messier than non-tinted formulas, so Dr. Luke explains that some people may prefer a non-tinted sunscreen for their body. “In general, I recommend looking for a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher that is broad spectrum, meaning it covers both UVA and UVB, Dr. Luke adds.

Both chemical and mineral sunscreens effectively protect the skin, but zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are found in mineral formulas, are the only two sunscreen ingredients currently “generally recognized as safe,” by the FDA.

That doesn’t mean chemical sunscreens are classified as dangerous, experts explain. It just means that the FDA needs to collect more data to ensure the rest of the ingredients meet their safety standards. In particular, the use of oxybenzone in sunscreen has drawn safety concerns, as it has been detected in human blood and breast milk, as well as coral reefs.

However, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that sunscreens containing chemical filters are still safe to use when it comes to human health in adults. If you are concerned about the ingredients, opt for mineral-based natural sunscreens—they work just as well, and are considered reef-safe.

In May 2021, an independent lab announced it had discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several popular sun-care products. Certain aerosol spray sunscreens were recalled. None of the products on this list were found to contain concerning amounts of benzene, and it will be updated as new information is presented.

We consulted customer reviews for a variety of sunscreens that work for all skin types and conducted our own research. Additionally, we consulted the following top dermatologists:

• Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA
• Nava Greenfield, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in FL
• Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Additional reporting by Brittany Risher and Shannen Zitz