14 Best Sunscreens (Review) In 2022

- The Best Sunscreen
- 1. Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen
- 2. Banana Boat Sunscreen
- 3. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
- 4. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen
- 5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
- 6. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray
- 7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen
- 8. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion
- 9. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
- 10. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick
- 11. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- 12. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
- 13. Banana Boat Sunscreen Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion
- 14. Amazon Brand - Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion
There’s really no way to completely avoid the sun. That’s where sunscreen comes into play; we don’t have to tell you how useful it is, especially when it comes to protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sure, the mere fact that you slathered on some sunscreen is great, but don’t just stop there. Since you’re practically absorbing this stuff into your skin, it’s probably a good idea to go for nothing less than the best. If you’re totally clueless as to what constitutes the best sunscreens out there, don’t worry. The comprehensive list and buyers guide below is all you need to point you in the right direction.
The Best Sunscreen
1. Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen

It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Loaded with moisturizers and Vitamin E
The pack contains three 5.5-ounce bottles
It’s an SPF 50 sunscreen spray
This is the perfect sunscreen for active individuals, not only does it guard them against those pesky UV rays, it’s equally water-resistant. You’d think that such a robust formula would have the same consistency as a bowl of sludge. But expect nothing less than a light and airy consistency from the Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen. Delivered in a portable spray can, this sunscreen offers nothing less than maximum coverage.
Even more, it offers users a broad spectrum when it comes to both UVA and UVB protection. Armed with this, you’ll benefit from 98% protection from the sun’s harmful rays. To back this all up, with an SPF of 50, you’re sure to get a whole lot of protection. Add to that the fact that the package includes a total of three 5.5-ounce bottles and you’ve got perfect value for your money. If you’re dealing with a bit more sensitive skin then regular, make sure to check our buying guide for sunscreens for sensitive skin.
2. Banana Boat Sunscreen

It’s completely invisible
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Comes in an easy-to-hold spray can
Contains two in one pack
If you’re looking for value for money, then this is another great option that comes in the form of a two-pack. It’s still a spray-on option, and best believe that the Banana Boat Sunscreen is a viable choice. Most users appreciate the fact that this is an invisible clear spray, so you can wear it just about anywhere. But, it’s not just about the aesthetics or lack thereof with this sunscreen, it’s equally highly effective. It happens to be a broad-spectrum sunscreen that adequately guards against both UVA and UVB rays.
The main selling point here is the fact that it works perfectly in a total of 7 different conditions. All in all, you can use this formula generally outdoors, in the pool, in the ocean, while it’s windy, when you’re sweating, in sandy conditions and also in extreme heat.
3. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

It’s an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion
Oil-free and water-resistant formula
It is hypoallergenic and paraben-free
Approved by dermatologists
Here’s a natural sunscreen lotion that will genuinely knock your socks off. Altogether, the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion is one of the healthiest options on the market. Speaking of how healthy it is, you’ll find that this is a non-comedogenic sunscreen that ensures your skin is not only protected, but it thrives. In addition to all that, it’s practically packed with vitamin E which is already a solid necessity when it comes to skin as a whole.
Of course, we can’t skate over the fact that it offers powerful UVA and UVB protection. With an SPF of 30, this is one of there is no doubt that you’ll be fully equipped for the great outdoors. In addition to a truckload of other stellar qualities. this option is equally oil-free and reef-friendly.
4. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen

Suitable for all skin tones
It’s completely mineral filter-based
It contains three essential ceramides
Has an SPF of 30
Whether your skin is light, dark, or something in between, this sunscreen is the perfect option. In fact, the CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen offers a universal tint that goes with all skin tones. What’s the big deal? This is not a common characteristic you’d find in a mineral sunscreen. You’ll also like the fact that it can conveniently be worn right under your makeup, a little foundation and powder here and there won’t reduce its effectiveness.
Even more, thanks to the fact that it comprises a 100% mineral filter base, it offers a very broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection. Thanks to the addition of ceramides 1,3 and 6-11, you can rest assured that it’ll amp up your skin’s natural barrier. That, in turn, goes a long way to keep that moisture perfectly locked in.
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion

Non-greasy formula with Dry-Touch technology
Recommended by dermatologists
Comes in both spray and stick form
It is both paraben-free and non-comedogenic
As far as cosmetic products are concerned, Neutrogena is one of the best brands out there. So, it is no surprise that the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion is such a great option. At the forefront, it’s both lightweight and equally fast-absorbing. Furthermore, the use of Dry-Touch technology here ensures that you’re left with a non-greasy finish, this is great news if you don’t want to clog those pores up.
It’s not all about nourishing your skin, this sunscreen further contains Helioplex which goes a long way to protect your skin altogether. With all this and more thrown in the mix, it’s equally no surprise that this lotion comes highly recommended by dermatologists.
6. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray

It has an SPF of 30
The formula is non-comedogenic
Can be used on all skin types
It happens to be paraben-free
This product is so good that it’s simple composition inspires trust in anyone who uses it. Apart from the fact that it offers stellar UVA and UVB protection, the Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray is equally equipped with Vitamin E. In addition to all this. It’s a great choice for just about anyone since it goes perfectly with all skin types. This level of versatility is one of the many reasons this happens to be among the best options out there.
Furthermore, even though you have to apply this product a good 15 minutes before you go outside, they give you a whopping 80 minutes of use before reapplication. If that’s not practical, then nothing really is.
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen

It’s a fast-absorbing formula
Can be used on all skin types
Happens to be oil-free
It is water-resistant for 80 minutes
This is by far one of the healthiest options when it comes to sunscreen. But you don’t have to simply take our word for it since top dermatologists have given the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen their seal of approval. If you’re wondering why they come so highly recommended, we are pretty sure we have a little clue. For one, this formula has undergone rigorous testing and has come back allergy-free and non-comedogenic. It also works seamlessly on sensitive skin, so it’s a sure bet for just about everyone.
Its non-greasy texture is also a winner here, but it’s only up handed by an SPF of 60. You best believe that it’s not every day you see that kind of action when it comes to sunblock.
8. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion

It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Packed with healthy minerals
It happens to be fragrance-free
Contains Australian botanicals
Here’s another natural sunscreen that is sure to deliver on practically every front. With an SPF of 50 and a broad spectrum when it comes to protection against UVA and UVB rays, the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is a beauty to behold. Everything you need to protect and even nourish your skin is included here. So, it’s even a more welcome idea that this product happens to be all-natural and chemical-free. There’s equally a hint of a tint that comes with it, so you won’t have to walk around looking like you applied a white cream.
Its light and airy texture do not only make it easy to wash it off when the time comes, it equally ensures that your pores remain unclogged regardless of how often you apply this formula. To show you the extent to how great this option is, it’s certifiably kid-friendly, but you have to check with a doctor for anyone under the age of 6 months.
9. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

Non-greasy formula
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Contains natural anti-oxidants
Has a broad UVA and UVB protection spectrum
Whether you like to brave the grave outdoors when the sun is mild, or when it reaches tropical island levels, there are very few sunscreen options you can trust 100%. The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen is one of the elite few that can offer you stellar service in all conditions. The formula itself is oil-free and plant-based while offering users a broad spectrum of protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Even more, the fact that it does not contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate really does take it up a notch in terms of safety. With the ingredients it does feature, you can expect a lot more than just protection from the sun. This option equally goes a long way to nourish the skin altogether.
10. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick

It has an SPF of 70
Happens to be non-comedogenic
Approved by dermatologists
Offers a non-greasy finish
Here’s another mineral composed sunblock that is undoubtedly the answer to some of your skin-related issues. Under the Neutrogena umbrella, here’s another highly functional option for a wide range of skin types. The main selling point of the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick is the no-mess application it offers. It’s neat and practically invisible, but the results are as loud as can be. The fact that it has an SPF of 70 already speaks volumes, so you know that you’re getting value for your money in more ways than one.
There’s also a Helioplex component added to the formula which goes a long way to ensure that it offers a broad spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. To top that off perfectly, it’s paraben-free so your skin is as safe as can be.
11. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Void of any chemical ingredients
Has an SPF of 50+
It is moisture-resistant for up to 80 minutes
It is paraben-free
This right here is a new formula that is storming the market in all the good ways. For one, the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is equipped with a formula that offers up some of the strongest UV protection we’ve seen in a long while. It’s not just strong on the UV protection though, it’s also as practical as they come. This sunscreen happens to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes at a go. So, you don’t have to worry about constant reapplication within that space of time.
Another strong suit here is its sensitivity to the ecosystem and environment as a whole. For that reason, among others, it does not contain any traces of oxybenzone or octinoxate.
12. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

Comes in a TSA-friendly size
Contains anti-oxidant oats
Fast-absorbing and grease-free formula
Moisture-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Why arm yourself with just a bottle of sunscreen when you can equally get a good moisturizer in the process? That’s what’s included in the mix when you opt for the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. With an SPF of 30, expect nothing less than round the clock protection from those pesky UVA and UVB rays. The added plus here is the fact that your skin will come out of it both, soft and supple. The winning ingredient here and the unspoken star is the oats. They carry a lot of weight when it comes to both the protection and nourishment aspect.
As far as functionality goes, this is also a great product. It’s specifically designed to be sweat and water-resistant for a whopping 80 minutes.
13. Banana Boat Sunscreen Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion

The formula is lightweight and breathable
Can be used in 7 conditions
Non-greasy formula
Offers a broad spectrum of protection
Excellent ingredients and rigorous testing have brought the Banana Boat Sunscreen Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion to where it is today. So, everything the manufacturers promise is backed by scientific research and a long list of good customer reviews. At the forefront, this option offers stellar UVA and UVB protection under a broad spectrum. But despite its heavyweight abilities, the product itself is lightweight and as non-greasy as they come.
Just like the other Banana Boat product on this list, you can count on this one to work perfectly in a total of 7 conditions. With this in your arsenal, the sun is basically your friend.
14. Amazon Brand – Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion

It is reef friendly
It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Has an SPF of 30
It’s non-greasy and oil-free
Here’s another winner with a broad spectrum and everything else in between. The Amazon Brand – Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion is equipped with an SPF of 30 which is unarguably more than enough to keep you covered for quite some time. It further comes in a pack of 6 that guarantees you a whole lot of value for your money. But it’s not just its price and quantity that makes it such a good buy, its composition is as balanced and wholesome as they come.
For one, it’s reef-friendly thanks to the absence of octinoxate and oxybenzone. But what it does have is a lightly fragrant mix of some of the best ingredients out there. With this product, the Amazon brand shines through again, providing affordable and practical products to the masses.
Sunscreen Buying Guide And FAQ
It may not seem that way, but picking the right sunscreen is a big decision. You really shouldn't just walk into your local convenience store and pick the first thing that appeals to you. There's a number of factors that should be taken into account before you make this choice. Think about it this way, the biggest organ on your body is going to be absorbing this substance. You really need to make sure it doesn't only protect your skin, but it's healthy too. To make your search a lot easier, here are some things to look out for.
Features To Look For In Best Sunscreens
Application - Cream, spray - There's more than one way to apply sunscreen these days. If you don't like the usual lotions, you can opt for sprays or sticks. It all depends on skin preferences as well as different skin types. For instance, lotions are great for people with dry skin since they are highly hydrating. Meanwhile, sprays are a lot dryer but quite easy to apply, especially in those nooks and crannies. Sticks, on the other hand, are efficient in the sense that they don't run and can also be applied to nooks and crannies. Make your choice based on how many boxes each type ticks for you.
Ingredients - There's a lot to consider when it comes to the ingredients that different brands of sunscreen comprise. While most of them do what they're meant to do (protect your skin from harmful UV rays), there may be some adverse effects. Some ingredients may not be anti-aging, or they may wreak havoc on the environment. Based on this, you need to do some solid research to figure out which ingredients are a no-no, a simple Google search will suffice.
SPF Level - As far as Sunscreens go, this is one of the most important things to look out for. In a nutshell, this figure lets you know how effective the sunscreen is when it comes to protecting your skin from sunburns. It's a pretty easy formula, if you usually start cooking up in 30 minutes, a sunscreen with SPF 50 will multiply 30 minutes by 50. Note that for most people, the minimum of SPF 15 is alright. But if your skin is problematic, or you're prone to skin conditions, amp it up to a minimum of SPF 30.
Quantity - Depending on how often you find yourself out on a sunny day, you need to get enough sunscreen to make it all count. If you spend the most part of your day sitting in an air-conditioned office, you probably won't need the same amount of sunscreen as a construction worker. Sure, it's not a bad idea to have sunscreen handy for extended periods of time. But if you need it a bit more, opt for value packs that will save you money while giving you the quantity you need. Luckily, most of the products above provide just that.
Water Resistance - Since the world comprises more water than land, and our bodies are constantly producing moisture, this is a major feature to look out for. Whether you're by the seaside or out for a run, you're going to need sunscreen. Even more, you'll need one that won't be rendered ineffective once water is introduced to the equation. Also, check how long the water-resistance lasts, so you know exactly when to reapply the sunscreen.
Scent - Now, this is a matter of preference, while some people enjoy that pleasant whiff of fragrance others don't. Thankfully, there's a handful of products out there that either come with a scent or simply don't. Based on your personal preferences, you can opt for the choice that suits you best. You'll find an array of both scented and unscented options among the stellar products listed above.
Types Of Sunscreen Creams
Chemical Sunscreens - Apart from the obvious fact that this type of sunscreen comprises chemicals, the way it works is completely different from its counterpart. They are completely absorbed into the deep layers of the skin and they combat UV rays from there. Once the rays are absorbed, they are changed into heat and released. The downside is that their effect takes some time to kick in, so you need to apply it well before you step out. Also, since they aren't resistant to all UV rays, it's a gamble altogether.
Mineral Sunscreens - Besides being mineral-based, this solution is not absorbed by the skin. Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin and ensures that no UV rays can penetrate. Though the effect is instant, this type of sunscreen sits heavily and visibly on the skin. So, there's no wearing this one to work. Also, you need to reapply this a whole lot, so much that it can become quite cumbersome.
Sunscreen FAQ
Q: Can you still get a tan with SPF 50?
A: It's very possible to still get a tan with SPF 50. The way SPF works, it's a barrier, but some UV rays still find their way through. With this, you can still get a tan but are at less of a risk of frying your skin in the process.
Q: Is it bad to wear sunscreen everyday?
A: The sun isn't going anywhere, so it's actually highly advisable to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. In fact, the damage actually lies in not applying sunscreen every day.
Q: What are the healthiest sunscreens?
A: Anything under the La Roche-Posay or Neutrogena umbrella is a pretty solid choice. These two brands offer a wide range of healthy skin products that are equally nourishing. Another great option is the Sun Bum original SPF 30 sunscreen lotion which is an all-natural sun cream on this list.
Q: How long does sunscreen last?
A: As a result of the regulations set by the FDA, sunscreens are required to last up to three years. Apart from the fact that it’ll be a bit runnier, you’ll know it's bad when it's simply ineffective.