Best sunscreen

Enjoy powerful sun protection with these broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Best sunscreen
(Image credit: @Onela Ymeri via Unsplash)

Applying and reapplying sunscreen is your best defense against the sun. Ultra-violet rays hitting your bare skin can cause painful burns, premature signs of aging, as well as skin cancer. To help you protect against all these, we've lined up some of the best sunscreen options. From high SPF protection to lightweight formulas, we have you covered.

Best overall

Neutrogena

(Image credit: Neutrogena)

Neutrogena ultra sheer dry-touch sunscreen lotion

Fast-absorbing and water-resistant

This sun lotion is formulated with Dry-Touch technology for fast absorption, leaving a clean and mattified finish. Since it's waterproof and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it's a great choice for swim or beach days. Also, broad-spectrum SPF 100+ offers superior protection from UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is ideal for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

For acne-prone skin

EltaMD UV clear facial sunscreen

(Image credit: EltaMD)

EltaMD UV clear facial sunscreen

It does not leave a white cast

This oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free sunscreen is formulated with MicroClear technology, which is a transparent micronized zinc oxide formula that goes on clear and stays clear. It not only provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays but calms and soothes sensitive skin prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration. Very lightweight and silky, it glides on smoothly and can be worn under makeup or alone.

Body and face

La Roche-Posay anthelios melt-in sunscreen lotion

(Image credit: La Roche-Posay)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios melt-in sunscreen lotion

Velvety texture

The melt-in milk SPF 60 doubles as both a sunscreen and moisturizer, with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. It's a fast-absorbing formula with a rich velvety texture that leaves you feeling hydrated. This paraben-free, face and body sunscreen is also suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive. 

Lip care

Vanicream lip protectant and sunscreen

(Image credit: Amazon)

Vanicream lip protectant and sunscreen

Prevent dry chapped lips with a continuous moisture seal

With one generous application of this lip balm and sunscreen, you get to protect your lips from drying out, capping, and cracking. This formula is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and protects against the drying effects of intense heat and prolonged windy days. It may be worn under or over lipstick or other lip products.

Moisturizing lotion

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate face-moisturizing sunscreen

(Image credit: Amazon)

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate face-moisturizing sunscreen

Shields and moisturizes with antioxidant oat

Got dry skin? Use this. The sunscreen is formulated with cloth-soft oat rich in antioxidants that leave your skin hydrated, smooth, and nourished. With broad-spectrum SPF 50 and UVA/UVB radiation shielding, you won’t have to worry about sunburns and pre-mature aging. 

The bottom line

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Primarily, the best sunscreen will have a high SPF rating, broad-spectrum coverage, and won't cause your skin to break out. If we had to pick one, it'd be Neutrogena's ultra-sheer dry-touch sunscreen lotion. This non-greasy, water-resistant option has a lightweight formula that will not clog pores and offers broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection with SPF 100.

If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, the EltaMD UV clear facial sunscreen is a great effective choice. It is zinc oxide-based with SPF 46, glides on smoothly, leaving a sheer, protective film over your skin with no greasy residue.

The skin on your lips is thin and fragile and can be quickly damaged if exposed to the sun. But with Vanicream lip protectant and sunscreen, you'll safeguard your skin against the effects of UV rays as well as wind and cold weather.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.