Pricing guide
- $ = under $15
- $$ = $15–$30
- $$$ = over $30
Best dermatologist-recommended face sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Price: $$$
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
- SPF: 50
- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Main/active ingredients: zinc oxide, vitamin E
- Broad spectrum: yes
- Water resistant: up to 40 minutes
La-Roche-Posay Anthelios is essentially the kale of the sunscreen world. It’s recommended by doctors, slightly more expensive than you’d like, and not particularly tasty — but you know it’s good for you, so you drop a few extra dollars on it.
For more than 30 years, the Anthelios line has been a staple for sun-sensitive or generally sensitive skin. It’s oil-free and will even help absorb shine-inducing, pore-clogging oil. If you have lighter skin or have dealt with heat rash or sun sensitivity, this one could be a game-changer for you.
And though it contains vitamin E, this option doesn’t really double as a facial moisturizer — so you might still need a layer of lotion underneath this one.
Reviewers with sensitive skin agree that this is the GOAT of face sunscreens. It spreads easily and is lightweight enough to wear under makeup. And if you want to skip makeup altogether, you can opt for the tinted version for a *chef’s kiss* alternative to foundation.
- great for ultra-sensitive skin
- ultra-light, fluid consistency
- fragrance- and essential-oil free
- expensive and can be hard to wash off
- still need a daily moisturizer
Best body and face sunscreen
Bare Republic SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
- Price: $
- SPF: 30
- Size: 6 fl. oz.
- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Main/active ingredients: zinc oxide, glycerin, tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Broad spectrum: yes
- Water resistant: no
“Is this all rubbed in?” will become a thing of the past with this sunscreen spray. It goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy.
The natural coconut-mango scent will take your brain to a nearby beach, even if you’re just lying on a towel in your backyard.
Reviewers say the sunscreen smells good enough to eat but complain that it’s got a thick, rubber-like consistency that makes it tough to rub into the skin. The glue-like feel makes it a bad choice for layering under makeup. But overall, fair-skinned folks say it’s a super protective option and appreciate that it doesn’t leave a serious white cast on their skin.
FYI: Spray sunscreens are convenient, but you still need to rub them in to make sure you’re getting 100 percent covered.
- smells nice
- can be used on your whole body
- moisturizing ingredients (glycerin and vitamin E)
- fragrance- and essential-oil free
- thick consistency
