Get out the picnic baskets and beach blankets! Summer is almost here, and you know what that means. It’s time to start thinking about sun protection. Yes, we know we should use sunscreen anytime we’re out in the sun, winter or summer, but as the temperature increases, so do the opportunities to get out in the sun, and with them, the risk of sunburn.

We see you in the drugstore’s skincare aisle trying to make heads or tails of all the sunscreen options. And we understand. When it comes to sunscreen, there are so many different terms to understand: broad-spectrum, sun protection factor (SPF), reef-safe, chemical sunscreen, spray-on. It’s hard to know which is the best sunscreen for you.

Don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered with our list of best sunscreens from GoPuff that will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and give you a sun-kissed glow.

1. Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 3oz

An ultra-lightweight SPF 30 lotion from Salt & Stone is formulated to be water and sweat-resistant. Its non-greasy, reef-safe formula sinks into the skin effortlessly without a white cast residue. Hyaluronic acid and ashwagandha soothe and moisturize the skin, while non-nano zinc oxide blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.

$24.00

2. Vacation SPF 30 Mineral Lotion - Luxury Grade Zinc-Based Protection 3.4oz

Beach vacations should be stress-free. Get broad-spectrum SPF 30 zinc-only, fragrance-free sunscreen protection without worrying about damaging the environment. Vacation Mineral Lotion Sunscreen meets the EU regulations for nanoparticles and the Hawaii reef-friendly mandate while providing a rich hydrating lotion experience that moisturizes as effectively as it protects your skin.

$19.99

3. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion 3oz

Trust the Bum and soak up the sun free from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Plus, Sun Bum contains ingredients like vitamin E to moisturize and prevent premature skin aging. It’s an effective hypoallergenic and coral reef-friendly broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s water-resistant, vegan, and cruelty-free. Sun Bum contains no parabens, gluten, or PABA, just fun in the sun protection.

$13.99

4. Neutrogena Beach Defense Lotion SPF 70 6.7oz

Enjoy sun, surf, sand, and sun while helping to protect your active family from the sun’s damaging rays. This lightweight, SPF 70 sunscreen lotion offers beach-strength broad-spectrum protection that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This PABA-, oil-, and oxybenzone-free sunscreen helps protect your skin against skin cancer and the signs of sun damage.

$12.99

5. Aveeno Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Baby Lotion SPF50

Baby’s delicate skin needs extra-special protection from the sun. Trust Sensitive Skin Mineral Baby Sunscreen from Aveeno to provide broad-spectrum, reef-safe SPF 50 protection for your little one. Free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance, this sunscreen is formulated with oats to moisturize and 100% zinc oxide that’s tear-free and mild as water to their skin.

$11.99

6. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

Get unbeatable, high-performance broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection from Coppertone’s durable sport formula spray sunscreen that feels light and breathable on your skin. Water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it won’t become greasy, run into your eyes or affect your grip. Get proven sun protection without oxybenzone that moisturizes your skin for a healthy glow.

$10.99

7. Banana Boat Sport Lotion SPF 50 8oz

Stay active in the sun with a high-performance sunscreen specifically designed for sports enthusiasts and energetic individuals who want protection that stays on while they play. Its lightweight, breathable formula is perfect for the sweatiest outdoor activities and provides clinically proven UVA/UVB protection to protect the fun.

$10.49

FAQ

What sunscreen is best and safe?

There are two different kinds of sunscreens: physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Both offer protection from deep penetrating UVA rays that cause wrinkles and age spots and harsher UVB rays that can lead to sunburn and skin cancer.

Physical sunscreens create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. These include protective clothing like hats and t-shirts and mineral sunscreens that filter out UV rays. Often referred to as sunblock, these products contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect sunlight away from your skin. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes both sunscreen ingredients as safe and effective against free-radical damage caused by sun exposure. Some sunscreens use micronized versions of these ingredients, which reduces the size of the particles and makes them easier to absorb into the skin, and causes them to absorb UV rays. 

Zinc oxide is recommended for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin and babies. 

Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb UV rays before affecting your skin. These include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. The FDA is currently conducting studies to establish their safety, but for now, the jury is still out. 

Chemical sunscreens are easily absorbed into the skin, so they don’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue, which is an advantage over mineral sunscreens. Their main disadvantage is that people with skin sensitivity or rosacea could experience irritation when using these products. 

So, which sunscreen is the better or safer choice? Whichever one you’re going to use regularly. Choose one that’s comfortable, with a scent you love, and has an SPF of at least 30. And don’t forget that regardless of your sunscreen’s SPF, you need to reapply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out, and every two hours you’re in the sun.

If you have any questions about sunscreen, skin care products, or a mole or freckle that looks unusual, contact your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Which brand is best for sunscreen?

Your pharmacy is loaded with every kind of sunscreen brand, so it can be challenging to know which one to buy, especially if your skin type tends to be problematic. The best thing to remember is that everyone needs sunscreen, even humans with darker skin tones. You’re not immune from skin cancer because you have more melanin in your skin, and a good sunscreen can prevent problems with hyperpigmentation. 

Speak to a dermatology professional if you have any questions about which sun care products you should use. In the meantime, here are some suggestions that address specific skin problems.

Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin:Do you have oily skin or a tendency for breakouts, you need to find a gentle, oil-free sunscreen. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion offers a broad spectrum, SPF 55 protection, is feather-light, super hydrating, absorbs quickly, and dries matte without a white-cast. 

Best sunscreen for sensitive skin:Sensitive skin suffers from a catch-22. Your skin is irritated by the sun or the lotion you use to protect yourself from the sun. It’s a challenging but solvable problem. Your best bet is to look for a fragrance-free product with an SPF of at least 30. A mineral sunscreen formulation is the recommended choice in these situations. Aveeno Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Baby Lotion is designed for delicate baby skin, but it works equally well on sensitive adult skin.

Best sunscreen for dry skin: Dry skin needs a sunscreen product that helps soothe and hydrate. Look for a product with moisturizers like vitamin E or aloe. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion goes on easily and quickly absorbs into all your dry spots. 

Best sunscreen for kids:Kids love summertime fun, so you need a sunscreen that goes on quickly, stays where you put it, and effectively protects against sunburn. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray is a convenient spray sunscreen that does all of the above. Spray, make sure the skin is evenly covered, and go. It’s that simple.

Best drugstore sunscreen:  Need grab-and-go sun protection? You’ll find it in Banana Boat Sport Lotion SPF 50 sunscreen. Readily available and effective, it’s a great all-purpose body sunscreen.

Best mineral sunscreen:We love Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. It protects with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 formulation that hydrates and goes on effortlessly without leaving a white residue on your skin. Plus, it’s reef-safe. What more could you ask for?

What’s the most effective sunscreen for your face?

If you buy only one type of sunscreen, make it a facial sunscreen. Your face is exposed to ultraviolet and infrared light daily, which can take a toll on your skin. If you have a darker complexion, look for a product with a minimum SPF of 30. If you’re fair-skinned, you need more protection. Choose a product with SPF 45 or higher. You also want an oil-free lightweight formula that’ll absorb quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.

Finally, look for a face sunscreen that does double duty by mixing in a tint that can act as your daily foundation to even out your skin tone. It’s something to think about if you opt for a mineral sunscreen that can leave a white cast on your face.