We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
PSA: If you any questions about SPF, check out our sunscreen Q&A with dermatologists. But if you're too impatient to read that, know that 1) you should aim for SPF 30 or higher 2) no one is safe from sun exposure — even if you have melanated skin and 3) SPF has expiration dates so be sure to check it before you slather it on for a day at the beach.
1. *Solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly!
I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation last year when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works.
And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination.
Promising review: "I bought this right before a Florida beach trip this month. Of course after a long winter, the Florida sun can be very intense and concerning. I use this on my face. It doesn’t break me out and has perfect coverage. Twice applied during a 3-hour beach outing, did not burn at all. After a few days of this routine, my face is perfectly bronzed." —Mflowers
Get it from Amazon for $10.17.
2. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." —Target Customer
Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).
3. Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Lotion gives you a lit-from-within look while keeping you all dewy instead of like a dried-out lobster thanks to its SPF 50 formula.
Promising review: "I wear sunscreen on my face every single day and I am always on the lookout for good ones that don’t wash me out. Added bonus if they’re 50 SPF! This one fits both of those! This sunscreen is very lightweight and does not feel heavy or cakey at all! It looks white/tan when it comes out of the bottle but does not give you that awful white cast so many other sunscreens do. It blends really well and adds a nice shimmer. It does not add any color. Especially during quarantine when I haven’t worn makeup in ages, it’s nice to have a little something on my face without having to use makeup. Side by side is a before and after application.
The body SPF gives the same shimmer. Again, it does not add color but a little shimmer makes everyone look better! This also blends really easy and does not feel heavy. So far I am really impressed with both of these products but especially the face cream. Definitely recommend!" —JTHB
Get it from Amazon for $20.79 (parabens-, PABA-, phthalates-, octinoxate-, and oxybenzone-free).
4. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a cult-status *truly* invisible, no-smell sunscreen that tons of folks wear under their makeup with no weird pilling effect. Even your pals who don't breathlessly follow skincare news are familiar with this stuff!
My colleague Natalie Brown has sworn by this stuff for years:
"I have oily, acne-prone skin and use a prescription retinol, which means I MUST use sunscreen on my face everyday. (Even if you don't use a retinol though, wearing sunscreen everyday is incredibly good for the longevity of your skin.) For the first few years, I stubbornly insisted that I should be able to find a decent, non-greasy sunscreen option at the drugstore. And while I still hold that I shouuuld be able to find such a thing, I tried four or five different formulas — even ones that were supposed to be matte or non-greasy — and all of them left me with an oil-slick face by the end of the day. Finally my mom, who had been using this Supergoop stuff the whole time, got me a bottle of this cult-favorite for Christmas in 2019 (moms do know best sometimes!!) and have kept buying it ever since.
I couldn't be happier with it! A dime-size amount covers my entire face, because it's translucent it leaves absolutely no white cast, and 10 minutes after putting it on, my face just feels like I applied a little bit of a nice moisturizer or makeup primer, not anything that's grease-central, like sunscreen usually is. It does pill if I put it on too soon after my morning topical acne prescription, but as long as I give that script about five minutes to sink in I have no issues. I've worn makeup maybe a grand total of thirty times over the past few years, but every time I have, I've been impressed by the way my matte foundation glides over it, looks with it, and lasts with it. I use it daily, so a bottle lasts me about five or six months, but I love it so much I don't mind rebuying."
Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or Free People for $38 (oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free).
5. Or if you love a little shimmer on the reg, Supergoop! SPF 40 Glowscreen protects while you giving you a lit-from-within glow. Way to catch the sun's rays with your *glow* rather than your unprotected skin!
Promising review: "I’ve tried a lot of sunscreen and primers over the last year. I mean A LOT. My skin is super sensitive, acne prone, and prone to dry and redness. (Complicated, I know) This stuff doesn’t feel heavy, moisturizes really well while not feeling like I’ll break out later. It protected my skin from sunburn during six hours at Six Flags. I don’t wear a ton of makeup, but the foundation and bronzer I wore didn’t budge or crease. It makes your skin glow like crazy which alone is a bit much for me, but under some foundation, it looks amazing! Def worth the buy and will buy again." —H.E.
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in three sizes; and in a body version).
6. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 comes in a two-pack so you can know you'll be covered without FEELING like you're covered in greasy sun protection.
Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" —S. Pme
Get it from Amazon for $14.41.
7. Habit's N°41 Mister works *over* makeup so you can throw it in your bag and spritz over your beautiful visage after you've been out and about for a few hours to keep the SPF 41 going.
You can expect notes of rose geranium and lavender and rosemary with every spritz — plus, this bb is also vegan, cruelty-free, and from a small, NYC–based biz!
Promising review: "I LOVE this sunscreen. It smells AMAZING and the mist is SO fine that you don’t feel it on your skin at all. The bottle is small enough that you can reapply all day by keeping it in your bag. My partner has started to steal it, too, so now we’re a Habit household." —Habit Customer
Get it from Sephora for $30 (oxybenzone- and cruelty-free, and vegan).
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 in a super lightweight formula that'll soak into even the PALEST of skin. I should know because this has been my recent go-to and my natural skin hue is Frightened Victorian Ghost. Oh, and this is probably the brand your derm uses.
Promising review: "This is the best tinted sunscreen I have ever tried. It comes out of the bottle in a dark tan, but it somehow manages to blend into many skin tones (I’m very pale and white). It makes me look as I have no visible makeup or sunscreen on, but it evens out my skin tone so perfectly that it’s no-makeup quality acts like the best makeup. I will sometimes throw a little bronzer on top of Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen for contouring, but that isn’t wholly necessary because another nice thing about the finish is that its doesn’t make you look unnaturally blank, with your face in a single solid color, as foundation alone usually does." —Professor R.
Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (oxybenzone- and fragrance-free; it also comes in a non-tinted version that I've also tried, loved).
9. Sun Bum Hypoallergenic, Paraben-free, Gluten-Free Sunscreen comes in four SPF types (15, 30, 50, 70) and contains vitamin E so you're treating your skin EVEN better than just making sure it's protected from the sun.
I'm very fair-skinned and typically burn with ease. I've tried many (many!) sunscreens and Sun Bum has become my go-to. It's affordable but truly works, keeps my skin protected, and smells INCREDIBLE. I also love their tinted face lotion and would 100% use it year-round.
Promising review: "Great sunscreen. The proof isn't so high that you won't get some sun and it's got good moisturizing lotion inside of it to keep skin hydrated. Also some of the better smelling sunscreen that I've used. The 3-oz. tube size is great for traveling with carry-on bags." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $11.49+ (is Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, available in two sizes and SPF 15–70; also available in an aerosol version).
10. Etude House Sunprise Sun Milk SPF 50+ packs in 20 plant-based ingredients (like Carex Humillis root extract, sunflower seeds, and Barbados cherry to skim the surface). Plus it's matte and perfect for oily or sensitive skin.
Just remember to moisturize before applying because it's matte and can leave a white cast on darker skin tones if you don't rub it n super well.
Promising review: "This is a wonderful sun cream, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone that uses SPF daily. It wears exceptionally well under make up. It is beautiful on its own. It has adequate sun protection. You need to shake the product thoroughly before applying and layers well over other skin care. I absolutely love this sunscreen. It saves me a lot of money because I was using other really expensive sunscreens and this one performs just as well and is super lightweight. It has some light moisture to it. This would be great by itself for someone who is oily. As I am combination to dry, I always put it over serums and creams. This does not irritate my skin in any way. I highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.
11. Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist With SPF 30 because, yes, the skin on your scalp also deserves a layer of protection! Besides, we're leaving itchy, red hair parts in 2022.
Promising review: "So I'm fair-skinned and red-headed. Sunscreen is my signature scent! This is a great spray, and I use it only on my ears. Just small enough to carry around in my purse, and a fine spray that's perfect for such a small portion of my body. I won't ever go without it again." —Kim V.
Get it from Amazon or Ulta for $28 (cruelty-free and vegan).
12. Neutrogena SPF 60 Sunscreen Serum hydrates your face while guarding it from UV rays. Turns out that when SPF is part of your morning skin routine, it's much easier to remember to wear it! Reviewers say it easily soaks in with zero cast and doesn't flake off as you go about your day.
Promising review: "I’m a healthcare worker and I like to have SPF on even when wearing a mask. Typical sunscreen tends to flake and I look like a lizard getting its new skin. This serum is soft and feels very light. In the past few shifts, I have had there is no flaking. Perfect alternative." —Mary
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (or a pack of 3 for $33.39) or Target for $18.19 (fragrance-free).
13. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Broad Spectrum SPF 60 is a dry-to-the-touch chemical sunscreen perfect for some non-aggravating protection.
Promising reviews: "I have been looking for a sunscreen that does not make me break out and I finally found it! Other sunscreens are too oily or make my skin break out. I have acne prone/oily skin. It doesn’t leave any white residue. I would recommend!" —Vicky
14. Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation gives ya' SPF 30 (the bare minimum of SPF you need, folks!) and helps even out your complexion...while being super friendly to your sensitive skin. (The DREAM.)
Tower 28 is a small biz whose founder, Amy Liu, has struggled with eczema for years. The brand specializes in products for sensitive skin, and everything is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I’ve been looking for a tinted sunscreen for so long and have been through so many brands. After reading an article about this product, I went ahead and purchased. This is what I’ve tirelessly been looking for! Covers just enough, makes me dewy, and provided SPF 30 protection. I will be a lifetime consumer!" —KWally21
Get it from Sephora for $30 (available in 14 shades; vegan and reef-safe).
15. Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 doubles up as facial sunscreen *and* makeup primer without feeling like two products in one on your skin.
Promising review: "I love this sunscreen! The packaging is fab with a pump, so it's easy to dispense the right amount. It has an amazing light texture and rubs into the skin instantly. No white cast whatsoever, and no chemical sunscreen smell either. It smells a bit like apple candy. I experienced no pilling or stinging around the eyes. The finish is slightly dewy. It contains some nice skincare ingredients. As I have combination skin, it feels comfortable enough to wear without a moisturizer underneath unless I am feeling extra dry that day." —HoarderBeauty
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (Oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, synthetic fragrance–, and paraben-free, and vegan).
16. Cocokind Daily 32 SPF offers up a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide. It's made to prevent dark spots and fine lines and fans in the reviews say it does a swell job blending into skin.
Cocokind is a San Francisco-based small business that makes a variety of cruelty-free skincare products while focusing on sustainability. They also offer moisturizers, toners, cleansers, serums, and masks.
Promising review: "Haven't had a sunburn on my nose yet this summer (it's usually inevitable) and I definitely have this SPF to thank. love that zinc oxide is the main ingredient as that is the best/safest form of sunblock to put on your skin. I also low key like that it's a small tube so i can carry it around in my fanny pack :)" —meredith
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in two pack sizes) or Cocokind for $25.
17. EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Sport Lotion is a zinc oxide formula lots of reviewers mention could handle the stronger sun in locales closer to the equator. After all, you don't want a sunburn to throw a wrench in your bucket-list vacation
Promising review: "I have been using Elta sunscreen products for years, as recommended by my dermatologist. I purchased this one specifically for a pacific coast fishing trip on the Panamanian equator last month. Worked like a champ! The additional expense of Elta over cheap sunscreen is worth it by a long shot. It protects your skin from the harmful sun rays but also ensures me that I don’t end up with oily skin and complexion issues after multiple days of sun screen use." —John W Crenshaw
Get it from Amazon for $30.
18. Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral SPF 30 pulls double duty as a primer that'll work hard on sun protection whether you decide to go with or without makeup for the day.
Live Tinted is a South-Asian woman-owned beauty brand founded by beauty blogger and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. Her brand is built around diversity and inclusion with phenomenal multitasking products that address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. Just peep their top-selling color correcting Huestick.
My colleague Jasmin Sandal has and loves this stuff. Check out her review here:
"Hueguard injects a literal ray of liquid sunshine into my daily regimen because, gold. And it really, truly, leaves zero white cast on my face — plus there's no pilling, either! It blends seamlessly with my complexion, feels ultra hydrating, and is the perfect base layer for makeup."
Promising review: "This has now become my favorite daily sunscreen/moisturizer/primer. They really do mean it when they say 'no white cast' and the product doesn't feel oily/doesn't block my pores. Love the consistency and that you can travel with it — plus it's a 3-in-1 so it saves me a lot of time. Highly recommend!" —Ulta Customer
Get it from Ulta or Live Tinted for $32+ (available in two sizes; clean, vegan, cruelty- and fragrance- free, *and* it's reef safe!).
19. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 goes on like a hydrating lotion — which'll be especially great news if the feel of most body sunscreens give you the ick and you end up with sunburned shoulders a little too often because of it.
Promising reviews: "Texture, protection and smell are great! It leaves your skin hydrated with a nice sheer and glow. Protection is great! No white cast!" —M.CSSA
Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in two pack sizes, PETA-certified cruelty-free; check out a similar matte SPF formula).
20. Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35 covers that super thin but super important strip of exposed skin that you always seem to forget. No more painful part sunburns and flaking-off burnt skin. Just finish off your everyday hair routine with this and head out the door.
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder is a zinc oxide scalp sunscreen in a nongreasy and translucent powder form. The oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free formula is made with clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients to help nourish and protect your scalp.
Promising review: "I absolutely loved this! My scalp is super sensitive and usually burns and peels easily. This allowed my scalp to be protected in the European sun and my scalp hasn’t peeled or gotten burned while using this product. It is easy to apply and is not messy." —Lisa Dickinson
Get it from Amazon for $34 (cruelty-free and reef-safe).
21. Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! Body Sunscreen SPF 50 smells delightful (like cucumber to be specific) as a nice little extra bonus for some sun protection that's perfectly hydrating (it has hyaluronic acid) and soaks in juuuust right. (I've used and love this stuff!)
Promising review: "This sunscreen is great! Smells good. Is not sticky like most sunscreen, feels like regular lotion — it works! Used it on the beach for a couple of hours, no sunburn. On the pricier side, but worth it. Would highly recommend." —AJ
Get it from Target for $19.59 (cruelty-, paraben-, oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free).
22. Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 is a water-gel that goes on so smoothly that you'll have to remind yourself, that yes, you did already apply it this morning before accidentally reapplying immediately after. And! Black reviewers say this stuff has no cast.
I've bought this SPF 35 sunscreen over and over again because I've had far too many painful hair part sunburns. (It's so easy to forget that strip of skin!) This blends in super easily but is also great for your face!
Promising review: "We use it every morning. We ran out before we could reorder and I think that's because it's hard to tell how much is in the bottle. That is the only downside. I am a dark skin Black woman and this is the only sunblock I will recommend. No film or greasy feeling. It doesn't affect my makeup and bc its so awesome it really encourages us to use it every day." —Lysapop
Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $25 (cruelty-free and vegan).
23. Think SPF 50 sunscreen built to stay put (even in water) for up to 80 minutes. TBH, having to reapply more frequently than that is a bummer. But so are sunburns so, uh, this stuff will def come in handy.
This is a non-toxic, BPA-free, natural, mineral-based sunscreen for all skin types to protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays without the use of harmful chemicals found in other brands.
Promising review: "I really like this sunscreen. I haven't gotten a sunburn while wearing it, even after spending the whole day outside. It takes a little while to rub in and is slightly heavier than other brands I've tried, but that's not a big deal. This is my go-to brand from now on." —RC
Get it from Think for $23.99 (BPA-free, biodegradable, reef-safe).
24. TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 delivers on non-greasy protection in a reef-safe formula in case you live by the beach or just find every single excuse to go.
Promising review: "On my fifth tube! I love this sunscreen! It is such a nice consistency that gives the most beautiful and radiant glow to your skin without it feeling greasy. It layers perfectly with my moisturizer and serums, as well! I have not experienced any breakouts while using this product and it doesn't irritate my eyes or skin. It is on the pricier side but its so worth it and a little goes a long way :)" —Monica A.
25. Bliss Block Star Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 soaks in just how you need it to. And even re-applies easily on top of makeup if you're the type who wears foundation to the beach. (I'm unashamedly that person and love this stuff for that very purpose!)
Promising review: "This is tinted and works well for my light skin. It has a light nice fragrance. I use this in place of foundation on casual days. Allow other skincare products to absorb before putting this on because it seems to have some piling. Overall, a good product." —Amber9
26. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ is, yes, the most expensive stuff on this list. But! Once you dig into the reviews, you'll understand its cult status.
Promising review: "I use this sunscreen every day and it goes on flawlessly on my skin. I have combo skin and even after my whole skincare routine this sunscreen goes onto my skin beautifully. It is so silky and not oily." —jaye004
Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or Ulta for $50 (also available in a set with a smaller bottle).
27. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 is a sheer formula to make you you glow without feeling like you put on an extra layer. Because sometimes you forgo SPF because it doesn't blend in so great. Enter: this.
Promising review: "Provides great protection. Doesn't feel heavy or greasy. Makes my skin feel really moisturized and supple. I use prescription skin creams and am very photosensitive, so I take my sunscreen seriously. This Cerave sunscreen feels better than many high end creams. It'll be my go-to sunscreen from now on. Highly recommend you give it a try." —David L.
Get it from Amazon for $13.42 (paraben- and fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic).
28. Coola Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is a super lightweight chemical sunscreen formula that soaks in ASAP. All the better for your quick morning routine.
Promising review: "This SPF is great and I think everyone that wants and can wear chemical based sunscreen should try this. There's no gross SPF smell or white cast, it does leave a shine at first but it absorbs really quickly. Overall I appreciate this product and probably will always wear it." —jxg
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or Coola for $32 (cruelty-free, vegan).
29. Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 absorbs super fast and is an excellent contender for your new everyday face SPF. Total shocker that the people who make Mighty Patches also make great sunscreen.
Promising review: "I grabbed a trial size if this in store on a whim. I love it! It’s the best face sunscreen I’ve used. The formula is more liquid like, spreads easily, blends in easily (no white cast, my complexion is quite reddish but on the fair side), and has protected me well, as I burn very easily. It’s not greasy either! My daughter has a more tan complexion and it blends in just as easily on her face. Excited to buy a bigger bottle." —M17
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (50 ml) or Target for $4.99 (10 ml), fragrance-free.
30. Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 65 is probably something you find yourself buying when you need a good body sunscreen. And for good reason! It's budget-friendly and does a swell job at sticking to your sun — even in the sweatiest weather.
Promising review: "I just returned from a year-long trip that took me around the jungles and beaches of Papua New Guinea, and this product was part of my pack. I looked at just about every type of sunscreen on the market, and this one was the best out there. It's budget-friendly, multi-spectrum, waterproof/sweatproof, and goes on easily and doesn't feel goopy or oily. I brought along about 10 bottles for the year, and they kept me from getting any serious sunburns the entire time. The bottle has grips so you can keep it in your hand as you apply with the other, and it stands up on its own with the opening facing down so it's always ready to squirt out some sunscreen when you need it." —matthewgogo
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
Plus a set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply.
Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action.
Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque
Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.99+ (also available as a 48-count).
And just in case: Burt's Bees after-sun soothing lotion because sometimes you get sunburned even when you think you're being great about reapplying sunblock. Or maybe you just recruited your laziest friend to help you reapply on your back. Both are highly possible!
It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.
Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3
Get it from Amazon or $11.40.
I <3 sunscreen. But not this much:
