Sunscreen which is best

And remember, no matter what you use, make sure to apply your sunscreen daily, at least 15 minutes before heading out to properly allow the protective film to form!

The Hawaiian Tropic excelled across the board in our Lab evaluations , earning perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin. Its beachy scent was also total crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend to be especially critical about scent.

It was also the easiest to use, didn't interfere with makeup, and earned the second highest score for not leaving a white cast. Testers disagreed on its scent: some adored it while others were put off by it. In terms of texture, many loved that the thinness made it easy to sink into the skin. Testers vouched that it protected them from sunburn and awarded it the highest score in this category.

For a lightweight, more affordable option, this sunscreen is gentle on the skin and provides just enough hydration though you might need an extra layer of moisturizer if your skin is on the dry side.

This sunscreen also ranked well among testers with darker skin tones, who reported seeing little to no white cast. It also has a pleasant, mild scent. Just keep in mind that the texture can be a bit tacky and runny. For those who prefer to spritz on their sun protection, this tropical-scented Sun Bum mist was the clear winner in GH Beauty Lab testing, applying easily and leaving no chalky cast on skin.

The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection. Good to know: Some users found that it left an oily finish on skin that took time to disappear.

The "silky texture" of this sunscreen was a hit among testers. It had a "velvet feel " and didn't add shine or oil to the skin. The sunscreen earned almost a perfect score for not causing irritation or redness, and many testers found that it worked under makeup. However, some noted a white cast or slight grayish tone after application.

Caveat: This one may not feel greasy, but it does leave behind a bit of a white cast, which only gets glowier when skin is wet i. One tester also said that it stained her bathing suit.

Chen personally recommends and uses! The formula has a matte finish and dries invisibly on the skin. It also provides UVA and UVB protection and contains antioxidants so it actually improves skin as well as protecting it. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Adult health. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now. Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options The best sunscreen is one that you'll use generously and according to label directions.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. You're heading to the pool or beach, and you stop to pick up some sunscreen. So how do sunscreen brands calculate an SPF? You're heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun with your family. But most people don't know that skin covered by clothing can still get sunburned. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn.

Tips to stay safe in the sun: From sunscreen to sunglasses. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 14, Plus, the sunshine color is as subliminal as beauty packaging can be. No longer will you need to lug around heavy bottles of sunscreen on outdoor excursions. What's more, this formula is totally transparent, so it's easy to reapply sans mirror a feature that comes in handy whether you're trekking to the top of a mountain or, ya know, lounging at the beach.

Neutrogena has been a dermatologist favorite since the dawn of time and an Allure editor pick for almost as long. It dispenses as a semi-opaque, pale-blue gel and smells more like a fresh, mild shampoo than anything else.

It feels cool upon application and dries with a hydrating finish, thanks to an infusion of hyaluronic acid. Looking for new everyday protection? Hawaiian Tropic's Antioxidant Sunscreen Lotion 50 is formulated with good-for-the-skin antioxidants like green tea extract to nourish as it shields from damaging UV rays. The silky, lightweight lotion goes on smoothly and smells just like you're on the shore of a tropical island and not confined to the boardroom.

Did we mention it's under 10 bucks? This formula takes a little while to be fully absorbed, but once it is, it leaves skin feeling soft and protected. Celebrity Fashion Video. Courtesy of brand. More from Allure. Ultimately, it helps prevent sun damage, premature signs of aging, skin cancer, and fine lines and wrinkles. We know shopping for sunscreen can be overwhelming — almost every skin care line offers one, after all.

To help you find a great sun-protecting companion for all year round, we recommend the sunscreens listed here based on such factors as ingredients, cost, SPF ratings, and user reviews. For example, one dollar sign means you get more product for the money spent, while products that cost a bit more might meet other needs besides budget.

Considerations: It contains potentially irritating ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group EWG , which publishes information on personal care products through its Skin Deep database. Oxybenzone has been associated with allergic reactions. Considerations: Coverage may be a concern.

The American Academy of Dermatology AAD notes that it can be difficult to determine how much spray sunscreen you need to ensure that you have an adequate layer of protective coverage. Additionally, pricing may be an issue, especially since other effective alternatives are on the market. And if you like products backed by experts, know that this sunscreen has received praise from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Considerations: This sunscreen contains zinc oxide. It also contains Avena sativa oat kernel flour, an ingredient that can be an irritant or allergen for some users. Additionally, this lotion contains essential SPF 50 protection, making it a suitable sunblock choice for little ones who like to swim for long periods of time.

The hard plastic bottle and size make it easy to pack. Considerations: Although this sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, the formula will wash off, especially for little ones going in and out of water frequently.

Mineral sunscreens have the advantage of working to block UV rays more quickly than chemical sunscreens. We chose these two from Bare Republic for being easily available and affordable, and for representing two options: a traditional lotion and a pocket-sized solid.

Unscented options are available, including from Bare Republic, but these two are designed to resist water and sweat for longer. It also offers about 80 minutes of water resistance. Some users may not like the classic vanilla coconut scent.

Like the Bare Republic lotion mentioned above, this sunscreen stick offers mineral-based sun protection. Users like being able to throw it in a bag or keep it in a pocket without having the bulk of a bottle or an accidental leak out of a tube.