Ask any dermatologist and you will agree that sunscreen is essential. But finding the best sunscreen isn’t easy—there’s a reason people hate it. Sunscreen is known for being irritating, chalky, greasy and generally annoying. It is even more complicated to choose an effective sunscreen that feels and looks good when the FDA is investigating common sunscreen ingredients. 

The good news is that you will feel different about how you apply sunscreen. We asked dermatologists to share their favorite SPFs, and then our editors tested them to determine which formulas met our strict criteria. Before we get into our sunscreen reviews, let’s first discuss everything you need. 

What’s the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?

There are two types, mineral (also known by physical blockers), and chemical. Both protect your skin from sun damage, but the science behind them is quite different.

“Sunblocks, or physical sunscreens, work by sitting on top of your skin to reflect UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreens sink into your skin to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat,” says Shereene Idriss, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Chemical sunscreens also often include antioxidants that disarm free radicals—which cause UV-ray-based harm—and cut down damage to your skin cells.

Aside from the “sunscreen” and “sunblock” label, you can tell what type of protection you’re getting by taking a peek at the ingredients label. The ingredients label will be visible. titanium dioxide zinc oxide,You’re dealing with a physical sunscreen. Mineral blocks are said to be less irritating for sensitive skin. They work instantly and don’t require downtime before you can get in the sun. Chemical sunscreens, however, take around 20 to 30 minutes to properly start working. Physical blockers are thicker and more difficult for people to rub in.

Chemical formulas have a long history of being easier to use because they are easy to apply, and leave less white cast. In May 2019, the FDA proposed new regulations regarding chemical sunscreens. This was in response to growing safety concerns. The only two sunscreen ingredients that are officially safe for brands to use out of 16 approved sunscreen ingredients are the physical blockers. zinc oxide titanium dioxide. Meanwhile, PABA trolamine salticylateThey were deemed to be unsafe. FDA demanded more research about the 12 other chemicals found in chemical sunscreens. (Check out our guide to the top mineral sunscreens to see our favorites). 

In January 2020, the FDA shared results of a clinical study that shows six of these ingredients—avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate—enter the bloodstream after one application, which could potentially be associated long-term health issues. Chemical sunscreens have been criticized by environmentalists as well. They are often laden with chemicals that can cause skin cancer. oxybenzone octinoxateThey are harmful to coral reefs. These ingredients were officially banned from sunscreens in Hawaii beginning in 2021.

What level of sunscreen do dermatologists recommend for skin?

“I recommend a minimum of SPF 30 daily,” says Idriss, which is based on the recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You should consider your concerns when choosing your SPF level. However, formula is not universal. “SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB, whereas SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%,” she says. “Although this increase may seem like a negligible gain in protection, if you are prone to sunburns or skin cancers, that little gain can make a world of a difference.” 

It is also important to be mindful of how much you are applying. According to the AAD, most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. To cover your entire body, you should use at least one ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shotglass.

How long does sunscreen stay good?

“The FDA guidelines mandate that SPF directions must say to reapply every two hours when you are outdoors,” says Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, a dermatologist in Miami. “Remember that the AAD recommends a three-pronged approach to sun protection that includes wearing sun-protective clothing, as well as trying to avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.”

Although waterproof options are great for sports and swimming, the FDA requires that these formulas be water- and sweat-resistant for no more than 80 minutes. Idriss suggests that you apply the sunscreen immediately after you get out of the water. 

What’s the best sunscreen?

“The most important factor is that you will use the SPF regularly,” says Ciraldo, which cements derms’ stance on sunscreen: The best sunscreen for you is the one you will actually use. Here are the top sunscreens. GlamourBeauty editors and experts agree that they have not been disappointed.

Since day one Supergoop’s driving drive has been to reinvent sunscreen and make it one thing everybody can use day by day. The model’s latest launch, Each. Single. Face. Watery Lotion takes that mission even additional, because it’s been thoughtfully designed for use by, nicely, each single face. 

The model is already thought of by many to be the vacation spot for essentially the most universally interesting sunscreen, and the Watery Lotion claims to be essentially the most wearable components but—so take into account it the crème de la crème of sunscreen you’ll really use. It has an “undetectable” texture and cooling feeling, and is appropriate for all pores and skin sorts, together with oily and zits inclined. The components has SPF 50 safety and—thanks to wash chemical filters—is filled with skin-loving components like cress sprout extract to assist the pores and skin barrier and wild butterfly gingerroot extract to guard from free radicals. 

Whereas most of Supergoop’s best-selling sunscreens have another operate—Glowscreen and Unseen double as primers, and the Every day Dose Serum is your day by day vitamin C—Each. Single. Face. is only a sunscreen, so it’s a little bit extra wearable for a variety of individuals, comparable to males or those that don’t put on make-up—plus it’s simpler to suit into your present routine. Because the identify suggests, there’s no white forged both, making it appropriate for all pores and skin tones. 

We put these daring claims to the check and had seven Glamour staffers with totally different pores and skin sorts and tones test-drive the brand new product. Learn on for our sincere evaluations. 

Jessica Radloff, West Coast editor 

Each. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF50 not solely comes within the cutest bottle (sure, I’m not afraid to confess that cute packaging makes me typically take pleasure in utilizing a product extra) however has a scent that brings me again to childhood, when my mother would apply sunscreen on my face—and that’s an excellent factor! It feels carefree and like summer time, however the lotion doesn’t go away a white forged, absorbs quick, however leaves my pores and skin hydrated. Plus, as somebody who likes an SPF above 30, this one is stellar.

Andrea Navarro, commerce author 

Okay, I’m formally obsessed! I’ve been utilizing this day by day for a couple of weeks now, and I really like the general texture and end, however the glow is unmatched. I’ve obtained so many compliments when going makeup-free and solely carrying this SPF. Sure, it’s a confidence increase, however it’s extra thrilling to lastly have a sunscreen that agrees with my pores and skin.

Bella Cacciatore, magnificence author 

I’m a horrible magnificence editor and infrequently put on SPF if I’m not headed to the seashore—I’m horrified of exacerbating breakouts, and most sunscreens really feel too heavy and hulking underneath my make-up. This one, nonetheless, seems like water—because the identify suggests—and has a serum consistency much like Ok-beauty sunscreens. It provides a little bit of dew however doesn’t really feel greasy, and doesn’t slip round underneath my basis (I might suggest utilizing a sponge, although, as I had some minor pilling with a brush). I really like the lovable little bottle and might def see myself really making this part of my on a regular basis routine. 

Jake Smith, commerce author 

I often put on SPF every single day, so I pay a ton of consideration to my sunscreen—and after a couple of weeks, I like this one! Though it does go away me a little bit greasier than my regular product, it leaves much less of a white forged on my (admittedly super-pale) pores and skin. The perfect half is the scent, which evokes a day on the seashore with out smelling too robust or synthetic. I’ll hold utilizing this one for some time.

Ariana Yaptangco, senior magnificence editor 

I’ve been getting some intense face lasering executed the previous few months to do away with zits scarring. Consider my prescription tretinoin use, and it’s principally a authorized requirement for me to put on sunscreen. I would like ample safety and gained’t put on something underneath SPF 30, so the beefed up 50 safety works properly for me. My pores and skin tone is tan (howdy, white forged!), and my eyes are tremendous delicate, so I’m a real Goldilocks in the case of sunscreens. This components went on so easily, and the feel isn’t too cheesy or chalky. I actually prefer to pile on the sunscreen however bought zero white forged. My pores and skin seems like it may well really breathe, and my eyes suffered no irritation. My solely quibble is the odor, which is initially fairly robust and distinct however subsides after it’s rubbed in. 

Talia Abbas, commerce editor 

Supergoops new sunscreen is refreshingly easy. The components has a light-weight, watery texture that absorbs rapidly and feels weightless on pores and skin. (It’s not like Glowscreen, one my go-tos, which feels extra like a primer, with its dewy end.) There’s a faint white forged if you first apply this product, however it disappears nearly immediately, making it an awesome on a regular basis SPF that your accomplice will in all probability need to “borrow” on the day by day. The li’l bottle is sized good to be travel-friendly too.

Shanna Shipin, commerce managing editor 

I’ll admit. Once I came upon this product was described as (and named!) watery, I used to be skeptical. It conjured recollections of previous sunscreens splattering and spilling throughout my garments, baggage, and palms, leaving sticky white residue behind. However after my first use, my thoughts was fully modified. Sure, it’s a watery consistency, however the packaging ensures a clear software (there’s a tiny tip that dispenses little pea-sized quantities), and I by no means knew sunscreen that utilized like a serum was really what I wanted in life. It wears fully clear and sinks in immediately. No white forged exhibits up on my tanned pores and skin in any respect—and there’s no cheesy residue, only a good glowy sheen.