We updated this article in June 2022 to ensure all products tested and selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock and reflect current pricing.
One thing is for sure when it comes to SPF: It's extremely important to wear it regularly, both for your skin's health and look. But not all sunscreen is created equal. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab is constantly testing to find the best SPFs you can buy and regularly consulting top dermatologists to find the best sunscreen to keep your skin protected, healthy and youthful all year long.
After reviewing 4,883 data points from over 250 testers, our experts narrowed in on the top-performing picks. Whether you're looking for formulas suited for sensitive skin, sunscreens for kids and babies, zinc oxide formulas, sunscreen for oily skin or even natural sunscreen, GH Beauty Lab experts have the perfect SPF pick for you:
Our top picks:
-
1
Best Overall Sunscreen for Body
Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50 Rodan + Fields
Read More
-
2
Best Value Sunscreen for Body
AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Hawaiian Tropic
Read More
-
3
Best Overall Sunscreen for Face
LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30 Vichy
Read More
-
4
Best Value Sunscreen for Face
Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Hawaiian Tropic
Read More
-
5
Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Ulta
Read More
Note: In 2021, Coppertone and Johnson & Johnson recalled a number of sunscreens after tests identified low levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical compound. None of GH's recommended sunscreens were a part of those sunscreen recalls.
1
Best Overall Sunscreen for Body
Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50
2
Best Value Sunscreen for Body
AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
3
Best Overall Sunscreen for Face
LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30
4
Best Value Sunscreen for Face
Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
5
Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
6
Best Sunscreen for Everyday Use
Light Moisture UV Defense
7
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
8
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
9
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen
10
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Mineral Sunscreen Gel Lotion SPF 30
11
Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin
Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
12
Best Mineral Physical Body Sunscreen
Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50
13
Best Mineral Physical Face Sunscreen
Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion
14
Best Natural Sunscreen
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
15
Best Spray Sunscreen
SPF 50 Continuous Mist Sunscreen
16
Best Value Spray Sunscreen
Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
17
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreen
Anthelios Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
18
Best Scented Sunscreen
Light As Air Reef Friendly Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (Pack of 2)
19
Best Sunscreen for Sports
Sport Ultra Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
20
Best Lightweight Sunscreen
Classic Body Sunscreen Guava Mango SPF 50
21
Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
22
Best Value Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Pure & Simple SPF 50 Lotion
How we test sunscreens
The GH Beauty Lab regularly tests the lastest body and face sunscreen formulas on the market. In the most recent sunscreen test, Beauty Lab scientists analyzed 62 new body sunscreens and polled 1,139 people on their sunscreen habits to inform the testing. After narrowing the field to the top 29 sunscreens, GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. and chemists Sabina Wizemann and Danusia Wnek enlisted the help of consumer testers across demographics and races to evaluate the products. Each tester used a label-masked product at least twice over the course of one week, then reported their feedback on factors such as ease of use, scent, texture, look and feel on skin and sun protection ability.
How do I choose the best sunscreen for my skin?
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right sunscreen and SPF for you:
✔️ Broad-spectrum protection "to protect against both harmful UVA/UVB rays," says Lucy Chen, M.D, F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Florida. Exposure to these wavelengths can lead to dangerous sunburns (a.k.a. skin damage and potentially skin cancers), dark spots and disrupted collaged production — UV exposure is responsible for 80% of visible skin aging.
✔️ SPF 30 or higher: And SPF 30 or greater is best, says David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California and CEO of Curology. "Most people don't apply their sunscreen perfectly, so it's best to have at least a number 30 to ensure proper coverage," adds Dr. Chen. For added insurance, the GH Beauty Lab recommends going with an SPF 50 or higher.
✔️ Active ingredients: Most often, you'll have to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens as your main SPF agents:
- Chemical formulas absorb UV rays and converting them into heat, according to Michael Somenek, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. "This process allows the body to release the UV rays, which ultimately prevents the skin from burning," he says. Chemical sunscreens tend to be better for swimming due to their water-resistant nature but while these lotions and sprays are easier to apply with no white residue, you will need to reapply sunscreen more often than you would with a physical or mineral option.
- Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) form a barrier on your skin that reflects or filters UVA and UVB rays. The dispersed zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide formulas can be more difficult to spread on your skin and leave behind white cast, but they usually last longer than chemical formulas.
✔️ Formula type: GH Beauty Lab scientists tend to prefer lotions and creams over sprays since "they last on skin longer than sprays [and] are more likely to form a uniform protective coating over skin than sprays," Wizemann says. "If your skin is prone to dryness, a cream may be better for you," adds Dr. Chen. As for kids, "Sprays are easy, but they might require a second coating, so spray generously," she says.
✔️ Water-resistance to stand up against sweaty days or time spent swimming. Heads up: There's no such thing as waterproof or sweatproof sunscreen. Under current FDA guidelines, there are only "water-resistant for 40 minutes" or "water-resistant for 80 minutes" options. "Sweat- and water-resistant" labeling means the formula maintained its SPF level on testers' skin in a water bath for the indicated time, says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Beyond that timeframe, it should be reapplied.
✔️ Your s kin type: If you have dry skin, "Look for ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, aloe and oils and avoid spray or gel sunscreens with alcohol," advises Dr. Chen. She adds that those with oily skin should opt for a lightweight sunscreen that contains ingredients like silica or isododecane.
Do I need a separate sunscreen for my face?
According to GH Beauty Lab experts, sunscreen is sunscreen, so from a protection perspective, one product can do it all. But sunscreen for your body may feel too greasy or heavy on the face or can contain fragrance that could irritate those with sensitivity, so if you have oily, combination or sensitive skin, you might want to consider products that are specially formulated for your face. These formulas are less likely to clog pores or cause irritation and more likely to be free of fragrance.
What's the best way to apply sunscreen?
For the best protection, apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outdoors. "Liberally" means one ounce, two tablespoons or one small shot glass-full of sunscreen for the body and a nickel-size dollop for the face, Aral says. For sprays, she suggests spray the sunscreen all over skin, then rubbing it in. Follow it with a second coat "to help cover spots you missed the first time," Dr. Wang suggests. Another trick: Slather SPF all over before you get dressed to ensure full coverage.
"And remember, sunscreen isn't a complete block — no matter what the SPF is," Dr. Lortscher says. To cut down on sun damage, dermatologists recommend layering on sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade between peak UV exposure hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your best bet is tripling up with the three "S's" any time of the day, Aral says: "Apply sunscreen, stay in the shade, and wear sun-protective clothing and sunglasses."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
April Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content, utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from sunscreens to cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more. April works closely with the GH Beauty Lab to coordinate skincare product testing and translate test results into best-in-class compelling, factually accurate science-backed content for Good Housekeeping.
April Franzino Beauty Director April Franzino produces and oversees all beauty editorial content for Good Housekeeping, including pitching, reporting, writing, editing and market work, culminating with the magazine's yearly Beauty Awards special.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
0 Response to "Where to Purchase Sunblock for Easy Burned Skin"
Post a Comment