Best everyday sunscreens
Everyone should use sunscreen in their daily skincare routine. Whether it’s a sunny day at the beach or a cloudy afternoon in the park, the sun can still reach your skin and cause issues. And prolonged sun exposure can cause various types of skin damage.
This list will help you find the right sunscreen for your needs. It includes tinted sunscreens, kid-approved sunscreen and budget-friendly options.
Why is sunscreen important?
Sunscreen protects you from sun exposure and, when applied regularly, reduces your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen can also protect you from free radicals. Sunscreen is particularly important for kids, as they may forget to reapply when necessary. Those who already have sun damage should also wear sunscreen regularly.
Regardless of the season, sunscreen is a must. So before you head out, apply sunscreen to ensure you’re protected.
When should I wear sunscreen?
You should wear sunscreen anytime you head outdoors. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun’s rays hit the earth’s surface. So it’s important to wear sunscreen in every type of weather. And be sure to reapply every two hours, as sunscreen can easily wash or rub off during the day.
If you like to wear makeup, try putting on sunscreen before you apply your daily foundation. Or, if you like to keep things simple, you can use a tinted moisturizer. Just remember to reapply throughout the day if you’re outside.
Best daily sunscreens under $30
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen: available at Macy’s and Ulta
The Clinique Broad Spectrum Sunscreen provides SPF 30 with an oil-free formula. It protects your skin without making you feel greasy and is rich in antioxidants. It works well for all skin types.
Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF 50 Lotion: available at Sephora and Dermstore
This is a fast-absorbing sunscreen that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s made with sunflower oil and is a great option for normal to dry skin.
CeraVe Hydrating SPF 30 Sunscreen: available at Ulta and Amazon
CeraVe’s Hydrating Sunscreen contains SPF 30 and has a light tint. It’s formulated with ceramides which help restore the skin’s natural barrier. You can wear this product alone or use it as a primer underneath your foundation.
Best daily sunscreens with SPF 50+
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen: available at Sephora and Dermstore
This sunscreen works great for people looking to moisturize and brighten their skin. It has several ingredients that work against skin damage from the sun. It also promises to reduce the chance of skin cancer with melanin complexes.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 50+ Sunscreen: available at Sephora, Dermstore and Ulta
The Shiseido Sun Proctor is an invisible sunscreen that won’t leave your face feeling sticky or leave a white cast. It’s great for all skin types, and like all sunscreen, should be reapplied every two hours.
Ulta Beauty SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen: available at Ulta
This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it an excellent summer skincare staple. It’s a mineral sunscreen that uses shea butter and green tea extract to provide long-lasting hydration.
Best tinted everyday sunscreens
Clarins UV Plus SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen: available at Macy’s and Sephora
The Clarins UV Plus Tinted Sunscreen protects your skin with its 50 SPF and comes in two shades. You can use this sunscreen under your regular moisturizer as an added layer of protection.
Laura Mercier SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer: available at Sephora and Ulta
The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer comes in 20 shades, making it a go-to for makeup enthusiasts who love skincare. This lightweight formula is a great option for oily and combination skin.
Tarte Amazonian Clay SPF 20 Tinted BB Cream: available at Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s
This BB Cream provides all-day coverage while protecting you from the sun. It’s rich in vitamins and uses Amazonian clay to keep skin protected, healthy and even.
Best kids’ sunscreens for everyday wear
Neutrogena Kids’ Water-Resistant SPF 70 Sunscreen: available at Amazon
This stick sunscreen is a great option for a pool day with children. You can quickly roll it on like a deodorant stick and can use it throughout the day. The non-greasy SPF 70 formula is ideal for sun-sensitive skin.
Coppertone Kids’ Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen: available at Amazon
The Coppertone Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen formula ensures sun protection in and out of the water. Backed by pediatricians, it’s a trusted product that helps protect children from harmful UV rays.
Aveeno Kids’ Continuous Protection SPF 50 Sunscreen: available at Amazon
This travel-sized sunscreen is ideal for storing in the car or in diaper bags. The formula contains zinc oxide, which soothes the skin and is sweat resistant.
Best dermatologist recommended sunscreens
Supergoop! Unseen SPF 40 Sunscreen: available at Sephora and Dermstore
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is weightless and scent-free and is light enough to wear underneath your makeup. This unique formula earned awards from experts at Allure Magazine.
La Roche-Posay Melt-In SPF 60 Sunscreen Milk: available at Amazon
This sunscreen has powerful SPF 60 protection, and the brand markets that over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide recommend using it. The product is water-resistant and designed for sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer: available at Amazon
Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer Sunscreen won Allure’s Best of Beauty award in 2015. This sunscreen protects users against sun damage while helping hydrate the skin with its see-through formula.
Melissa Lipari is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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