The best sunscreens of 2023

Whether you’re heading out to the beach or just taking a walk around the neighborhood, sunscreen is a must. The shelves are stocked with a broad spectrum of sprays and lotions that can be overwhelming. Fortunately, though, you can find UV protection for a range of situations and skin types. Whether you’re choosing sun protection for yourself or your family, the best sunscreens will keep you safer in the sun.

• Best mineral: Olita Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion
• Best tinted: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer
• Best spray: Supergoop! PLAY Anti-Oxidant-Infused Body Mist
• Best transparent: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
• Best for tattoos: Makra Tattoo Care Sun Protection
• Best for babies: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
• Best budget: Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

The best sunscreens: Reviews & Recommendations

First and foremost, a premium sunscreen should protect skin from harsh UV rays, but there are some other important factors to consider when making your selection. From tattoo-friendly lotion choices to a dermatologist-favorite best face sunscreen, these are the best sunscreens to keep your skin protected all summer long.

Best mineral: Olita Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

SEE IT

Mineral sunscreens are a great pick for the impatient—as soon as you put it on, you’re good to head out the door, whereas chemical sunscreens need to seep into the skin for up to 30 minutes before becoming effective. Olita’s mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to protect your skin from UV rays, and its chemical-free ingredients are safe for marine life (so feel free to hop into the ocean as soon as you slather this on). It’s SPF 30 (double the FDA’s recommendation of SPF 15), and it absorbs quickly. Plus, the travel-sized tube will make it through TSA hassle-free so that you can protect yourself on any trip. 

Best tinted: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer

SEE IT

EltaMD tinted sunscreen, with broad-spectrum SPF 40, protects your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This best face sunscreen lotion contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to reduce fine lines and boosts moisture retention. The doctor-approved, mineral-based product is lightweight and non-greasy, which means it rubs into your skin easily and can be worn with or without makeup. This best tinted sunscreen keeps your skin tone even and protects your face from the elements whether you’ve planned an active day at the beach or you’re just relaxing by the pool.

Best spray: Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant-Infused Body Mist

SEE IT

This Supergoop! SPF 50 body mist tops the best spray sunscreen list for many reasons. Reef-friendly, broad-spectrum, and infused with natural ingredients like vitamin C, plus green tea and acai extracts, you can trust you’re protected from harsh UVA and UVB rays while the refreshing scent transports your mind to a tropical oasis (if you’re not already there). As an added bonus, the mist can be sprayed on wet skin, so you don’t have to wait to apply once you get out of the water. It’s also sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Best transparent: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

SEE IT

The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is the stuff of legend for good reason (so great that Trader Joe’s introduced a comparable Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 that sells out almost as quickly as it hits the shelves). On a safety level, its SPF 40 rating makes it ideal for everyday protection. But, it’s the sunscreen’s cosmetic benefits that really seal the deal—it’s sheer, so it won’t leave a white cast no matter how much you put on. It also works well as a makeup primer, and while it has a silky matte finish, it still catches some light for a healthy glow. If you’re looking for a mineral formula, you can also try the Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen (though some users say it leaves a white cast). 

Best for tattoos: Tattoo Care Sun Protection

SEE IT

Tattoo sun protection is an increasing concern for people from all walks of life. This dermatologically tested choice, suitable for all skin types, contains natural ingredients, including calendula, cocoa butter, jojoba, and vitamins A and E—all proven to provide multiple skincare benefits. The lotion offers two layers of protection for both your skin and your body art—a 30 SPF with UVA and UVB broad-spectrum sun filter, plus a unique formula that moisturizes your tattoos to ensure they won’t dry out, crack, or fade.

Best for babies: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen

SEE IT

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen is paraben- and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for your baby’s sensitive skin. Active minerals and ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays for your little ones, while leaving out potential toxins like oxybenzone and octinoxate in order to protect the planet’s endangered coral reefs. Your kids will love the Elmo-themed bottle, while you appreciate the 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance!

Best budget: Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

SEE IT

With Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen, you’re getting a lot for an affordable price. The combination of all plant-derived, certified organic ingredients with SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection makes this product a superior choice while remaining wallet-friendly for families on a budget. Two Peas is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 2 hours, plus it offers protection and peace of mind about what you’re applying to your child’s skin. Pro tip: This product contains zinc oxide, which helps to prevent sunburns, but it may require some extra time to rub in.

Things to consider when purchasing the best sunscreen

At baseline, a good sunscreen must protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The label should specifically indicate that the formula protects from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays—otherwise known as “full-spectrum” sunscreen. The best sunscreens not only have SPF levels of 30+, but they also moisturize your skin. Depending on how active you are during a day in the sun or how frequently you go in the water, look for a lotion that is also sweat- and water-resistant. Beyond that, different people will have different skincare and sun-protection needs, so let’s think about goals, health, and lifestyle values and highlight some options. 

Tinted vs. untinted

Dermatologists suggest wearing sunscreen every day, so look for a formula that fits into your daily skincare regimen and, if necessary, one that you can wear under makeup. Tinted sunscreens may be a good option for some people. The best tinted sunscreen will easily smooth into your skin and even out your complexion; no foundation or concealer needed.

Eco-friendliness

Many brands are now developing lotions without oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be harmful to the beautiful coral reefs in our oceans. Eco-conscious consumers should look for the words “reef-safe” on sunscreen packaging. To further protect the environment, some spray bottles are now non-aerosol-free. And, if you find applying suntan lotion tedious, you might want to consider including spray sunscreen. You may have to work a bit harder to ensure you have full coverage, but it’s a good choice for speedy applications and for those who like to stay active.

Skin sensitivity

Individuals with tattoos will want the best sunscreen that works to keep their body art protected so it doesn’t fade over time. You definitely didn’t spend hours in the chair for that ink to last less than a lifetime.

Babies and toddlers will naturally have more sensitive skin than adults, so the best sunscreen for them has high coverage and is paraben- and fragrance-free. And if you have kids and don’t want to lug 10 different lotions in your beach bag for every family member, there are also options that will work for the majority of your crew.

Ingredients

If you want an organic option, seek out natural ingredients. Many brands, even ones on a budget, now contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as cocoa butter, green tea extracts, and more beneficial additions. That is great news for your skin because you’re not only getting the UV protection you need from these products, but also boosting moisture and possibly reducing fine lines, too.

FAQs

Final thoughts on shopping for the best sunscreen

• Best mineral: Olita Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion
• Best tinted: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer
• Best spray: Supergoop! PLAY Anti-Oxidant-Infused Body Mist
• Best transparent: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
• Best for tattoos: Tattoo Care Sun Protection
• Best for babies: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
• Best budget: Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

No matter your skin type—oily, acne-prone, or sensitive—there is a best face sunscreen lotion or best spray sunscreen, etc. out there created specifically for your needs. No matter how active you are and what ingredients appeal to your sense of health and wellness, the best sunscreen will offer maximum protection against UV rays and won’t irritate your skin, nor will it break the bank. Now get out there, get vitamin D, and don’t forget to reapply!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.