14 Of The Best Sunscreens, Tried And Tested On Every Skin Type

Type: Chemical | Price per fluid ounce: $6.54 | Sizes: 1 ounce, 2.4 ounces, 5.5 ounces, 18 ounces | Scent: Basil, eucalyptus, citrus | Finish: Hydrated

This non-greasy formula has a healthy dose of sunflower extract, a source of beta-carotene that helps protect the skin from environmental damage, and rosemary leaf extract, which is packed with calming antioxidants. Along with the hydrating benefits, the fan-favorite sunscreen protects from UVA, UVB and IRA rays (which penetrate skin more deeply and can cause premature aging). It’s also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

What our editors say: “This is a great option for people who want a hydrating sunscreen they can use from head to toe,” says deputy editor Jane Sung. “The formula is lightweight and blends quickly, making reapplication—an all-important step—especially easy.”

Type: Mineral | Price per fluid ounce: $12.65 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Hydrated

Mineral sunscreens get a bad rap for leaving a white cast on the skin, but this popular SPF 50 formula from MDSolarSciences doesn’t (across most skin tones). Our tested best mineral sunscreen winner is formulated with a blend of ceramides, vitamin C, green tea, cranberry and pomegranate extracts, hydrating even the driest skin with sheer, smooth coverage that leaves no chalky finish. The naturally derived mineral zinc oxide in this cream helps reduce the risk of photoaging and skin cancer. Read our in-depth tested Mineral Moisture Defense review here.

Type: Chemical | Price per fluid ounce: $18.82 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Hydrated

If you’re looking for the very best face sunscreen according to extensive testing, this organic, antioxidant-packed formula is what you want in your corner. Coola’s Classic Face Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection while also hydrating skin sans a heavy, greasy finish. It’s particularly nice under makeup and also approved by testers with facial hair, which make it an easy everyday sunscreen. And if you’re headed to the pool or beach this summer, it also happens to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Type: Mineral | Price per fluid ounce: $21.18 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Sheer, glowy

Compared to other mineral sunscreens on the market, the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops formula stands out for its silky smooth application. It contains skin-hydrating boosters like squalane, shea butter and antioxidants for a glowy, moisturized finish. Between its skin-protecting properties and light-as-air finish, this was an instant favorite among our testers, who chose it as the best mineral pick in our evaluation of the best face sunscreens.

Type: Hybrid | Price per fluid ounce: $25.29 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Matte

EltaMD’s UV Clear is a fan favorite with over 4,000 5-star reviews on Dermstore. It’s also tested and approved by our facial sunscreen panel, who rated it the best sunscreen for sensitive skin. This lightweight formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection, and the addition of niacinamide helps to soothe and calm the skin. Plus, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most skin types.

What our testers say: Account management associate director Kayla Sigaroudi is a fan of how this formula feels lightweight and non-greasy on her acne-prone, combination skin. “I use it both under makeup and on its own, and it gives me a natural glow. ” she says. “Unlike some other sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin, which is a huge plus.”

Type: Chemical | Price per fluid ounce: $5.33 | Size: 3 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Dewy

This is a lightweight, moisturizing formula that provides SPF 30 protection against some of the negative effects of the sun (think: fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dark spots). Packed with nourishing ingredients like carrot and sunflower seed oils, this sunscreen is great for moisturizing and leaving skin glowy, which is why we named it our top value pick in our best face sunscreens review. Plus, it doesn’t leave any streaks of white cast, making it ideal for a wide range of skin tones. Read our in-depth review of this sunscreen here.

Type: Mineral | Price per fluid ounce: $26.47 | Sizes: 1.7 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Sheer, glowy

The Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen is a cult-favorite multitasker: It not only protects against harmful rays, but also helps to repair signs of sun damage on skin. Its restorative effects are thanks to its unique blend of photolyase (for soothing), niacinamide (for brightening), squalane (for hydration) and lingonberry (to protect against blue light damage). Reviewers rave about this formula’s feather-light feel, and its recyclable packaging is an added bonus.

What our editors say: “I’m a big fan of this tinted sunscreen for its creamy, almost whipped texture and how it evens out my skin tone a bit,” says Sung. “It never pills and is great to wear on its own or under makeup.”

Type: Chemical | Price per fluid ounce: $8.27 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Scent: None | Finish: Matte

CeraVe’s Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion is ideal for those seeking a non-greasy, oil-free formula. The non-comedogenic sunscreen can also take the place of a regular moisturizer thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help to restore skin’s natural moisture barrier (earning it the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for Daily Use). Its gentle formula, lightweight consistency and lack of a white cast make it a great option for all skin tones.

What our testers say: “I found this to be very lightweight, absorb quickly and give a moisturizing yet matte finish without any white cast,” says Sigaroudi. “Additionally, it didn’t cause any irritation or breakouts on my sensitive, acne-prone skin.”