Our Scientists Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens to Find the Best

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The truth about sunscreen is that wearing it every single day, rain or shine, is the single most important thing you can do to keep your skin youthful and healthy long-term.

That's because harmful UV rays can easily penetrate windows and clouds all year long, which means your skin can be damaged even in the middle of the winter through your car's windshield, through the windows at the gym, at work and even on an airplane. In addition to skin cancer, UV exposure causes about 80% of visible signs of skin aging, a study found.

Dermatologists agree that the most effective sunscreen is one you like to use and are committed to applying every day. The key to finding one you love is identifying the right formula for your skin type and needs. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab is constantly testing body and face sunscreens and regularly consulting top dermatologists to find the best you can buy to keep your skin protected all year long.

In the GH Beauty Lab's latest sunscreen test, scientists reviewed 4,883 data points from over 250 testers to find the winning formulas. Our winner for body sunscreen, Rodan + Fields Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50, felt silky and non-sticky on skin, while Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30 got top marks as a hydrating, fast-absorbing face sunscreen.

Whether you're looking for a natural sunscreen, "reef-safe" sunscreen or sunscreen with antioxidants, GH Beauty Lab experts have the perfect SPF pick for you. Here, read all about the best safe, effective face and body sunscreens for everyday use and for all skin types, plus everything you need to know about sunscreen at the end of this guide. We also have round-ups of the best sunscreens for kids and babies, sunscreens to use while pregnant and best sunscreens for men.

Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50

This Rodan + Fields SPF for both body and face was the winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. Although it has a higher-than-average price, it excelled across the board for its featherlight “silky” texture and transparent finish that didn’t leave a white residue even on deeper-toned skin.

In GH Beauty Lab evaluations, an impressive 100% of users agreed that it was easy to apply, got absorbed well and didn’t leave a white cast on skin, feel greasy or sticky or stain fabrics. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. “I loved everything about this” and “I found the protection first-rate,” two testers raved. Several said they would purchase it.

Skin Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

The Hawaiian Tropic drugstore bargain SPF rated highly for many attributes in GH Beauty Lab evaluations, earning perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin. It ranked high for easily absorbing, not feeling tacky or oily on skin, having a pleasant aroma and rinsing off effortlessly. The formula also came out near the top for effective sun protection and not leaving white residue on skin.

In addition, its "beachy" scent was a total crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend to be especially critical about fragrance. "It worked perfectly," a tester marveled, though two did note that they thought the consistency was runny.

LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent face sunscreen test, Vichy came out on top in almost every category. It earned the best score for being easy to apply, making skin feel hydrated and not leaving a white cast, being sticky, causing breakouts or irritation or interfering with makeup. An impressive 100% of testers also agreed it had an appealing texture. (All of these benefits come at a higher cost, though.)

The formula ranked highest at effectively protecting skin from sunburn. Users disagreed on its scent: Some adored it while others were put off by it. "It blended in easily and didn't leave a white film and was also very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester noted. Another reported: "My skin looks/feels more healthy and vibrant after using this."

Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

For a lightweight, more affordable option, this GH Beauty Lab top-tested Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen rated well at not inflaming skin and gives a grease-free matte finish. The fast-absorbing liquid ranked highly among testers at not leaving a visible white film on skin or running into eyes. Users also found it has a pleasant, mild aroma.

There were some caveats, including that it doesn't make skin feel hydrated and some found it tacky and runny. Two testers' takes: "It went on smooth, soaked in quickly and had a nice 'vacation-y' coconut scent with no sticky oily feel," and "works much better than anything I have used."

Light As Air Face Weightless Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

A perfect everday SPF that feels like (almost) nothing on skin and won’t leave behind a sticky film, Banana Boat’s lotion was a winner in GH Beauty Lab testing. It earned the highest marks for not creating a film on skin, being tacky, running into eyes or causing tearing and for its light, “tropical” scent.

Take note, though, that some users mentioned a slight sheen it left behind and two testers thought it caused bumps on their skin. Still, other testers loved it. “Easily absorbed into my skin, leaving no residue,” a tester raved. “I looked forward to putting it on in the morning,” another remarked.

Mineral Sunscreen Face Gel-Lotion SPF 30

A top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's latest face sunscreen test, this unique Bare Republic mineral zinc oxide sunscreen in gel-lotion form didn’t make skin greasy or bring on breakouts in Lab evaluations, making it a great choice for oily or acne-prone skin types.

The "silky" formulation outranked all others at not leaving skin oily or shiny, and it didn’t cause irritation, redness or breakouts, though some users found that it left a white residue on their skin. “It was very mattifying and controlled my oil,” and “I couldn’t believe the finish: not greasy and almost seemed to blur my pores,” two testers remarked.

SPF 50 Continuous Mist Sunscreen

For those who prefer to spritz on their sun protection, Hampton Sun was the winning spray in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. Evaluations found it was the easiest spray to apply, doesn't leave a white film on skin or rub off on fabrics, won't dry out skin and rinses off easily.

A few caveats: It may leave skin feeling tacky or slippery and some testers commented on the strong scent. "The application was great — covered a wide angle without spraying all over the place," a tester said. Another reported that "it held up in the sun; I spent time at the pool and no issues."

Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

This tropical-scented Sun Bum mist ranked highly in past GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing, applying easily and leaving no chalky cast on skin. The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection.

The “continuous and even” spray “covered my skin quickly,” two testers said. “I would definitely buy this,” another added. Good to know: Some users found that it left an oily finish on skin that took time to dissipate.

Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen Lotion

A great choice for those with sensitive skin, the Everyday Humans lotion received the highest score for not stinging or irritating skin in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. An impressive 100% of testers who also used it on their face reported no irritation to eyes or the surrounding skin.

The gentle formula infused with skincare ingredients also performed well for its pleasant texture and rinsing off easily. But note that the package is smaller than other body sunscreens. "I liked how well it absorbed into my skin, leaving it feeling moisturized but not greasy, that there was no noticeable scent and that it didn't cause any allergic reaction!" a tester raved.

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Shiseido's luxe SPF earned the highest score in GH Beauty Lab testing for not making skin feel dehydrated, making it an ideal match for those with dry skin types. It also ranked highly for rinsing off easily, not leaving a white film on skin, and having a pleasant fragrance. One drawback: The sunscreen comes at a higher cost than most.

Some users found it felt runny and slippery on skin, but one tester loved "the silky feel when the product was applied — felt luxurious and more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen!" Another user's take: "Quite light and fresh; this is actually one of the best lotion sunscreens I think I have ever used."

Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50

A unique milk formula, Hawaiian Tropic was the best mineral sunscreen in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test, made with the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It was the most-liked among consumer testers of all the mineral sunscreen lotions evaluated, least likely to stain fabrics and earned the highest score for its pleasant "tropical" scent.

Users found the SPF easy to apply and rinse off, non-drying on skin and praised the pump packaging. Note that the bottle is smaller than the average size of a body sunscreen and it ranked only average for absorption, so it may leave a greasy feel on skin. "I looked forward to putting on this product," a tester remarked. Another noted: "It has wonderful staying power; even through sweat, the sunscreen stayed in place — staining, no running."

Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion

The "silky texture" of this Sun Bum sunscreen was a hit among GH Beauty Lab testers. It had a "velvet feel" and didn't make skin shiny or oily. The sunscreen earned a near-perfect score for not causing irritation or redness and many testers found that it worked under makeup. However, some reported a white cast or slight grayish tone after application. "Very easy to apply and non-sticky," a tester commented. "This product feels silky on my skin and looks so natural."

Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100

GH Beauty Lab testers who described themselves as Mexican American, Black or African American and Asian origin rated this high SPF La Roche-Posay formula the best for not leaving a white film on the skin in a recent test. The lotion for both face and body also ranked high for not feeling oily or tacky, though some testers reported seeing a slight sheen after use and one reported tearing up from the scent.

"It did not leave a white cast on my face and absorbed very well into the skin," a tester commented. "It was weightless and even on the go I forgot that I was wearing a SPF 100 sunscreen."

RELATED: 12 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin That Won't Leave You Looking Ashy

transparent Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Made with 20% zinc oxide mineral suncreen and organic, naturally-derived ingredients like chamomile and cocoa butter, bargain-priced Babo Botanicals was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's sunscreen test. Lab evaluations found it was easy to apply and rinse off, didn't stain or rub off on fabrics and doesn't leave skin feeling oily or dry, though testers commented on its thick texture that might take some getting used to.

"It felt great on my skin and didn't look white. I loved it!," a user commented. Two more added: "Goes on easier than other zinc products," and "I forgot I had it on," but the aroma of its fragrance-free formula was polarizing.

How we test sunscreens

The GH Beauty Lab regularly tests the latest body and face sunscreen formulas on the market. In the most recent sunscreen test, Beauty Lab scientists analyzed 62 new broad-spectrum chemical and mineral body sunscreens across price points and polled 1,139 people on their sunscreen habits to inform the testing.

After narrowing the field to the top 29 sunscreens, we enlisted the help of 257 consumer testers across demographics and races to evaluate the products, which were label-masked (see below) to eliminate brand bias. Each tester applied the sunscreen at least twice over the course of one week, then reported their feedback on factors such as ease of use, scent, texture, absorption, the look and feel of skin after application, irritation or transfer and perceived sun protection ability.

How do I choose the best sunscreen for my skin?

Here are key factors to consider when picking the right sunscreen for your skin type and needs:

✔️ 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 collagen production, which can bring on wrinkling and sagging.

✔️ 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. And you may want to go even higher: A GH Beauty Lab study found that women on average apply only about 1/3 of the amount of sunscreen needed to achieve the SPF level indicated on the product packaging. So for added insurance, the Lab recommends opting for an SPF 50 or higher.

✔️ Active ingredients: Most often, you'll have to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens (or a mix of both) as your main SPF agents:

• Chemical formulas absorb UV rays and convert 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 formulas (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 and are more likely to form a uniform protective coating over skin than sprays," Wizemann says. In addition, "If your skin is prone to dryness, a cream may be better for you," Dr. Chen says. As for kids, "Sprays are easy to use, but they might require a second coating, so spray generously," she notes.

✔️ 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 skin 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 is the best sunscreen for everyday use?

A GH Beauty Lab survey of 1,139 adults found that 58% of people apply sunscreen daily on their face and only 15% on their face and body. To make everyday application more appealing, seek out formulas that are lightweight and fast-absorbing so they don't interfere with your clothing or makeup, GH Beauty Lab experts advise. Lotions and creams are generally easier to apply on smaller areas of exposed skin that need coverage on a daily basis as opposed to spray formulations. For the face, seek out sunscreens labeled for your skin type (i.e. dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, etc.), as they will be more likely to work for your complexion's needs.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Beauty Director April Franzino utilized the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists, dermatologists and aestheticians to write this article, working closely with GH Beauty Lab scientists to report on more than a decade of body and face sunscreen test results and insights.

GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. oversees all product testing conducted by the GH Beauty Lab, including body and face sunscreens. She also provided expert commentary for this piece. Chemists Sabina Wizemann and Danusia Wnek develop and execute the testing of face and body skincare product categories. Danusia conducted the Lab's most recent body sunscreen test, and Sabina executed the Lab's most recent face sunscreen test.

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