The 11 Best Target Sunscreens, According to Editor Testing
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No Target run is complete without coming home with a few extra items that weren’t on your list but you need all the same — and for our editors, that’s checking out with one of the best Target sunscreens.
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The retailer is rapidly expanding its SPF category — just this week, Target welcomed Vacation’s cult-favorite sunscreens onto its shelves. Vacation is the latest up-and-coming brand that Target has ushered into its aisles; you can also shop face sunscreens from inclusive sunscreen lines like Black Girl Sunscreen. On top of these hidden gems, Target also carries a slew of bestselling drugstore beauty brands you know and love, like Neutrogena and Cerave, plus all-stars in the sun care category like Blue Lizard and Sun Bum.
So why buy sunscreen at Target this summer? Beyond the mix of established players and up-and-coming brands (many of which are thanks to the retailer’s partnership with Ulta), you’ll get the worry-free insurance that you can return anything that doesn’t meet your standards within 90 days of purchasing it — even if you’ve opened it up. This is key for those who need sunscreen for sensitive skin or SPF for acne-prone skin, where selecting a formula that works with your skin is essential. More reasons the bullseye is a great place to shop sunscreens: You’ll find a ton of flash deals on top-sellers, orders over $35 are eligible for free two-day shipping, and Target Circle card members have access to an extra 30 days to return items (that’s a whopping four months total after your purchase date).
Our editors have been testing Target’s top sunscreens — over 20 of them! — this spring, and we’ve hand-selected these top options for the face and body, below.
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Elf Cosmetics Suntouchable SPF 35 Invisible Sunscreen
Formula: Gel
Size: 1.7 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$14
Leave it to Elf Cosmetics to make an excellent everyday sunscreen for under $20. The brand’s Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen has a velvety gel texture that disappears on the skin once you apply it — no skin types will experience a white cast with this clear sunscreen. Not only does it dry down to a soft matte finish, but it also grips any makeup you apply on top. It’s one of Target’s bestselling sunscreens over 1,000 five-star reviews.
What testers say: “As someone with sensitive skin, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation can be challenging, but this product is a game-changer. The texture of the sunscreen is lightweight and easily blends into my skin, leaving behind no greasy residue or white cast. I love that it is invisible on the skin, making it perfect for wearing under makeup or on its own.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $14
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Formula: Lotion
Size: 3 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$9.99
A derm-loved standby in drugstore beauty aisles, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen is the gold standard for lightweight protection. It’s a great sunscreen for those who don’t like the feel of traditional lotions; it dries down to a barely-there feel that doesn’t budge when you swim or sweat. It’s non-comedogenic for acne-prone types and doesn’t leave residue when you rinse it off.
Editor testing and review notes: “This body sunscreen is a great go-to for active summer days when I know I’ll be swimming or sweating. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling slimy (like so many body sunscreens can when it’s humid out) nor does it stain my clothes. I’ve experienced some pilling when I layer it over other body lotions, however it’s hydrating enough that moisturizer is optional.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen
Formula: Fluid
Size: 1.7 oz
SPF Type: Mineral
$37.99
A dermatologist favorite, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is our pick for the best mineral sunscreen at Target. Where many mineral sunscreens feel chalky, greasy, and heavy on the skin, this one is featherweight and matte — and appropriate for acne-prone skin types. This top Target sunscreen has a light peachy tint to it that counteracts any white cast you’d experience from mineral formulas, but it’s not so tinted that you need to worry about lines of demarcation when you massage it on.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’m super picky about mineral sunscreens — I usually go with chemical formulas because I can’t stand the greasy, heavy feel that mineral ones often deliver. La Roche-Posay’s is the exception: It feels like a great luxurious face serum on the skin, not a sunscreen. I love that the slight tint to the formula doesn’t cause flashback in photos, and that it layers beautifully under my favorite foundation.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $37.99
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Formula: Lotion
Size: 3 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$15.99
Although dark skin types may burn less frequently, daily sunscreen is still a necessity. But finding an SPF for dark skin tones that doesn’t leave behind a white cast on dark skin can be a tall order — that’s where Black Girl Sunscreen’s Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion comes into play. This SPF brand is a cult-favorite, specially developed with melanated skin in mind to ensure no residue or streaks after application.
What testers say: “It leaves my skin with the right amount of hydration and moisture and I like how my skin looks when I wear it. At times I don’t makeup because of the glow and appropriate amount of shine on my skin. It doesn’t irritate my skin which I like cause my skin is sensitive. I just love this. It’s great on black skin, I promise.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $15.99
Shiseido Clear SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick
Formula: Stick
Size: 0.7 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$32
Shiseido sunscreens are TikTok-famous beauty products, with over 11 million views on the app. The fan favorite? Shiseido’s sunscreen stick. The clear stick has a jelly-like texture that melts into skin — and amazingly doesn’t disturb any makeup you’re wearing underneath. This is also a great sunscreen for guys who don’t want to fuss with a standard face sunscreen; the stick format makes it enticing to apply before getting out the door in the morning.
Editor testing and review notes: “Reapplying sunscreen over makeup is a true roll of the dice — often times, this results in your carefully-applied glam turning out smeared and splotchy. After watching some quite convincing TikToks of women smoothing this on over a full face of foundation, I knew I had to test it out and do the same. It displaced a little bit of my blush and highlighter, but otherwise my base makeup was flawless. This stick now lives in my purse — I use it to reapply on the bridge of my nose or to make sure my chest and shoulders have the proper protection I need for a mid-day walk.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion
Formula: Lotion
Size: 5 oz
SPF Type: Mineral
$14.99
Those with super sensitive skin know that the wrong sunscreen can make your skin tingle or sting. Blue Lizard’s sunscreen lotion delivers bulletproof sun protection in a non-irritating, all-mineral formula. The zinc oxide-based formula is unscented (a must for delicate skin types) as well as water resistant for up to 80 minutes for hot days when you’re dripping in sweat or take a dunk in the pool. Over 1,200 five-star reviewers rate it five stars as a top Target sunscreen, however note that dark skin types may want to mix it with a tinted moisturizer to eliminate white cast.
Editor testing and review notes: “Blue Lizard was recommended to me by a dermatologist after I experienced a bad sunburn many summers ago, and I’ve had it in my SPF drawer since. This sunscreen doesn’t play around. When I wear it, my skin doesn’t get any discoloration or tan, which is great for my Fitzpatrick 1 skin type that’s prone to burn. This is an excellent choice for those who need the strongest protection when the UV index climbs up to 8 or higher.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.99
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion
Formula: Lotion
Size: 3 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$14.98
One thing everyone needs in their beach bag this summer? A great sunscreen you can use on both your face and body for easy protection and reapplication when you’re out and about. Neutrogena’s Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen takes the cake for its cooling gel-like texture and breathable finish. It’s available in both SPF 30 and SPF 60 at Target, giving you options for everyday wear or beach days when you need extra protection. Note that this is a scented sunscreen, so sensitive skin types may want to consider other options.
Editor testing and review notes: “This Neutrogena sunscreen stood out from other face and body sunscreen options we tested for its comfortable, cooling feel when you apply it. Many face and body SPFs can feel too heavy or greasy on the face, but this one is breathable and has a nice glowy finish that doesn’t veer into shine territory.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.98
Vacation Sunscreen SPF 30 Classic Whip
Formula: Whipped mousse
Size: 4 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$21.99
Target is the latest retailer to carry Vacation, a favorite brand of our editors for its delicious scents and playful SPF formulas. In our opinion, everyone needs to try Vacation’s Classic Whip sunscreen at least once. You’ll be mind blown when you open it up and and press on the nozzle — this sunscreen is a dead ringer for actual whipped cream. But fear not, this won’t leave you sticky or smelling overly sweet. The whipped, lightly-scented formula actually gives you ample amount of SPF for full coverage on your face or body, and you’ll be eager to reapply it.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’m loyal to my SPF when I’m in my routine at home, but when I’m on the road traveling, I’m less likely to stick to strict reapplication. Vacation’s whipped sunscreen comes in clutch because I look forward to using it — the retro packaging and lightweight feel have me reaching for it on the regular when I’m on a beach trip. I love that it’s not greasy and melts into a buttery texture that sinks into my skin without clogging pores, and unlike actual whipped cream, it won’t make you sticky. A word to the wise: Buy two, because anyone who sees you using it will want to give it a try.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21.99
Cerave Hydrating Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen for Face
Formula: Lotion
Size: 2.5 oz
SPF Type: Mineral
$13.99
Cerave’s all-mineral face SPF is a top sunscreen at Target (and other retailers — it consistently ranks on Amazon’s top beauty product lists with over 11,000 five-star reviews). For those who prefer a mineral screen for skin sensitivities or for swimming near reefs, few options are as comfortable as this Cerave option. Like all Cerave products, it contains ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier, plus hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin. Because it’s a mineral formula without a tint, those with medium to deep skin tones will need to spend a few extra moments massaging it on to eliminate white cast.
Editor testing and review notes: “This mineral sunscreen takes some time to rub in to eliminate white cast, but once you get there, you’re set for sun-soaked frolics. My pro tip: Mix it with a few drops of lightweight foundation, a skin tint, or bronzing drops to eliminate the white cast, then enjoy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.99
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight SPF 30 Sunscreen
Formula: Gel lotion
Size: 1.7 oz
SPF Type: Mineral
$19.99
From the brand you know and love for its pimple patches and acne spot treatments, this sunscreen is peerless for breakout-prone skin types. It’s non-comedogenic and comes in a gel-lotion texture that’s breathable — a must for those with active acne. Better yet, it has a subtle green tint that color corrects any redness from pimples or post-acne marks. On dark skin types, this tint helps to prevent a pesky white cast.
Editor testing and review notes: “I experience redness from mild rosacea and breakouts, so I’m always looking for something to color correct my skin. Hero Cosmetics’ sunscreen is a favorite because it goes on like a great gel moisturizer that also tamps down redness without triggering future breakouts. I have dry skin, so I have to layer moisturizer underneath it, but oily skin types won’t need that extra step.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion
Formula: Lotion
Size: 6 oz
SPF Type: Chemical
$16.49
A great everyday body sunscreen for any occasion, Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Lotion goes on like a body lotion that just so happens to have broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. The vitamin E in the formula works to soothe skin irritation from sun exposure, and those without acne can wear it as a face and body sunscreen, too (oily and acne-prone skin types may find that it’s too heavy for the face). It’s also one of very few sunscreens to be compliant with Hawaii’s strict protocols around reef-safe sunscreen.
Editor testing and review notes: “Sun Bum’s sunscreen has a luxurious texture to it that you’ll love to apply — it rivals the feel of my favorite body lotion. I love this SPF 50 option when I’m on vacation or spending a day at the park; it has a warm, summery scent and doesn’t pill with other products or when I reapply.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.49
Tips for Shopping Sunscreens at Target
Shop bestsellers: If you’re on the hunt for Target’s highest-rated beauty buys, a great place to start is by sifting through bestsellers. Just navigate to Target.com’s site menu, click “Beauty,” and select the category you’d like to shop. From there, select the page filter to sort by bestsellers. For example, under the “Skin Care” section, you can filter to “Sun Care and Tanning,” then sort through various sub-categories of Target sunscreens, like face sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, clean sunscreen, and more.
Watch for flash deals: Target offers deals on top-rated beauty products and brands for a limited time throughout the year. You can shop daily beauty discounts across makeup, hair care, skin care, body care, and grooming from the dedicated beauty deals page. There’s also a special Ulta Beauty at Target Deals page for price slashes on more brands and pricey products you won’t find discounted on Ulta’s home site. For added savings, Target’s Circle Offers allows you to browse beauty coupons to apply to your virtual cart, and Target’s beauty clearance selection is chock full of marked down makeup, hair styling tools, face serums, and more.
Become a Target Circle card member: If you’re an avid Target beauty shopper, you won’t want to miss out on Target Circle card bonus benefits. To sign up, you have the option between a reloadable cash card, a debit card, or a credit card, all of which grant you access to free two-day shipping, exclusive deal offers, extra time for returns, and five percent off every single purchase. Plus, there’s no annual fees, so you’ll only ever see savings with a RedCard.
Score quick shipping: Target offers super speedy two-day shipping for any order over $35, or if you’re paying with a Target Circle card. Most of Target’s selection qualifies for quick ship perks, however eligibility may vary depending on your location.
Return policies: A major plus about shopping from Target’s beauty selection is that you can return items even after a product has been been opened. If your sunscreen doesn’t work with your skin type, causes irritation, or has faulty packaging, Target will accept it for a full refund within 90 days of purchase, or, if you carry a RedCard, you’ll get a full 120 days to bring it back. You can return Target products in-store with your online order details, drop it off curbside, or mail it back with fully free shipping.
How We Selected and Tested the Best Sunscreens at Target
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Our editors test sunscreens 365 days a year, so we’re well-versed in plucking the best of the best. For this list alone, three editors with dry to oily skin types tested over 20 sunscreens available at Target to whittle down this list of top options for the face and body (and we’re picky). Our list includes reef-safe body sunscreens for the beach, wearable face sunscreens that don’t feel greasy, and handy sunscreen sticks for mid-day touch-ups when you need them. Any sunscreens on this list that we didn’t personally test come recommended by a high number of five-star reviews. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness. Sullivan conducted testing across Target’s sunscreen offerings to write this list of the top sunscreens from the retailer.
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