Our All-Time Fave Sunscreens For Face And Body
No doubt you’ve heard us go on and on about the importance of sunscreen. Seriously, it’s the number one recommended product by every derm we talk to. Why? Because no matter how many great products you use, if you don’t protect your skin from the sun, you can welcome fine lines, pigmentation, and saggy skin sooner than you’d like.
So, to make sure your skin is protected this summer, we’re rounding up our absolute fave tried and tested sunscreens for your face and body. Forget pasty white, won’t-rub-into-your-skin, break-you-out formulas, these sunscreens are actually enjoyable to use!
Best Sunscreens for Your Face:
You’ll notice that all our recommendations are factor 30 and above, and that’s because we often don’t apply enough sunscreen, which means if you wear anything less than 30, you’re really getting barely any protection at all. Plus, the more protection the better! All these sunscreens also make the perfect base for makeup!
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50, $23
We’re starting with our absolute fave SPF. This insanely lightweight Korean formula literally melts into the skin like water – no white cast or tugging your skin here. The natural formula acts as a moisturizer and SPF-in-one and contains calming Centella Asiatica extract, oil-controlling and protective niacinamide, and soothing aloe vera. It works amazingly for all skin types – we’re beyond obsessed!
SVR Sun Secure Invisible Hydrating Milk Spf 50+, $17
This sweat and water-resistant formula is designed for face and body and we love to use it from our forehead all the way down to our chest. The formula protects against UVB, UVA, visible and infrared light, and contains niacinamide to repair cell damage. The formula applies really easily and melts into the skin without leaving a white cast or sticky residue. It’s also designed for kids to use as well, so it’s perfect if you have sensitive skin.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $32
This serum-like gel is an office fave, and literally disappears into your skin and has no irritating fragrance or oil, it just feels super smooth and looks completely matte. Packed with antioxidants, shea butter, and rejuvenating meadowfoam, this is like a protecting hydrating primer for under makeup – and a little goes a long way.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $33
A derm favorite, this cult sunscreen is designed to calm and protect acne-prone skin. It contains skin-soothing niacinamide, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, lactic acid, to clear pores, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. This formula is a little thicker than the others, so we recommend applying a little at a time and thoroughly rubbing it in, otherwise, it can leave a slight white cast.
SVR Sebiaclear Cream SPF50, $21
Specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin, this high-protection sunscreen helps control oil and prevent the darkening of post-inflammatory pigmentation. It can be used as your moisturizer as well, as it also contains moisturizing ingredients and contains 1% Gluconolactone (a PHA), which purifies and smooths skin texture. The formula has an instant mattifying effect, and while it doesn’t blend into the skin as easily as some of the others on the list, it doesn’t leave a white cast and it feels comfortable on the skin.
Sisley Sunleya G.E. Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF50, $315
Yes it’s true, there is a $300 sunscreen! This seriously boujee formula by the skincare experts at Sisley contains powerful active ingredients that help protect the skin from photo-induced aging with an anti-Glycation active ingredient and cellular DNA protection. The formula contains peptides to strengthen the skin and is extremely hydrating with a base of glycerin and shea butter, and has cutting-edge sun filters to protect skin from UVA and UVB sun rays. It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t block pores and it’s water-resistant. It sinks in quickly and feels very comfortable although it does have a strong smell due to dill extract, which is included to help form functional elastin.
Basically, this isn’t just SPF, it’s active skincare for people who love to splurge. While we love the formula and definitely recommend it, we wouldn’t recommend sacrificing your monthly rent check for it – there are some other amazing formulas on this list we feel perform just as well.
Soleil Toujours Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30, $42
Remember, you need to reapply SPF every 2 hours, so this super fine SPF mist is great if you’ve already cake-faced and need a touch-up before your lunch break or at the beach. The formula is made from 70%+ certified organic ingredients and contains broad-spectrum UV protection that’s gentle on the skin. Packed with calming antioxidants and Soleil Toujours’ own EcoSun Complex (a potent combo of red algae and vitamin C), it helps to prevent signs of aging while setting makeup and adding a luminous finish. And it smells divine!!
Best Sunscreens for Body:
Again, we’re going SPF 30 and above!
Bioderma Photoderm Brume Invisible SPF 50, $19
We love this lightweight mist that can be used for the face or body. It offers super high protection and won’t leave any white marks, and it’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t block pores.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sun Care Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $11.50
This drugstore SPF is pretty amazing! It glides onto skin and blends in easily and doesn’t leave a super sticky residue and actually feels really hydrating on the skin. We love that it comes in a pump bottle that makes it extra easy to use. It actually feels so nice on the skin that we went through a bottle in just a few uses – remember guys, don’t skimp on SPF or you won’t get the protection it promises!
SVR Sun Secure Silky Finish Dry Oil SPF50, $18 and SVR Sun Secure Dry-Touch Milky Mist SPF30, $18
First of all, both of these formulas smell amazing, and both of them are also super easy to apply and blend into the skin. Both have UVB, UVA, visible and infrared light protection and are perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The dry oil is water, sweat and friction-resistant, and can also be used in the hair. Conveniently, the dry-touch milk can be applied on wet or dry skin and is also water, sweat and friction-resistant.
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $9
It’s not the chicest can of sunscreen, but if it’s good enough for derms it’s good enough for us. Recommended to us by Dr. Howard Sobel, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of NYC’s Sobel Skin, he told us; “This water-resistant sunscreen spray stays put even when you sweat, meaning it won’t run into the eyes and sting. Plus, it offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with active ingredients that absorb damaging UV radiation before it reaches the skin.” We love that it comes in a spray, which means you can target your back when no one’s with you, and the summery scent gets us in the mood for beach days!
Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF30, $39
This 100% Mineral Sunscreen is an antioxidant-rich body lotion that has a subtle tint that leaves skin with a dewy, glowy finish. Made with calming aloe vera, and vitamin C and E that’s packed with antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. This blends into skin really smoothly and is perfect for when you want to feel a bit boujee at the beach or a pool party.
Filorga UV-Bronze Mist SPF50+, $33
This high-performance mist contains a powerful antioxidant that’s activated by the sun’s rays to give your skin protection and hydration, all while preventing premature signs of aging. Not only does it smell ahhhMAZING, it also contains tan-enhancing polysaccharides combined with anti-aging vitamin H. It’s also water-resistant, invisible, and completely compatible with makeup. The mini bottle is the perfect size to keep in your bag for top-ups during the day, and the mist is so gentle you hardly even feel it.
Don’t forget, you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours to stay fully protected from the sun. To see why that’s SO IMPORTANT, check out this post.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, although some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
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