Dermatologists Share the Sunscreens You’ll Actually Want to Reapply All Year (2024)

If you’re looking for a lightweight face sunscreen you can use every day, you can’t go wrong with this Banana Boat pick, which proved to be a standout in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab testing. It earned top marks for not leaving behind a white residue on skin, not having a tacky or sticky texture, and not stinging or irritating eyes. Testers also loved the tropical scent.

Plus, online reviewers rave that it truly lives up to its “Light As Air” name, thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. “Absorbs much more quickly than most sunscreens and does not go on with an oily feel...This is one that I can use every day,” writes one Amazon customer. “It is easy to forget that I’m even wearing it.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzene (3%), hom*osalate (9%), octisalate (4%), octocrylene (5%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

You can say goodbye to white cast with this mineral face sunscreen from Ghost Democracy. As its name suggests, the top-rated sunscreen is ultra-lightweight and invisible on skin, leaving no chalky white residue. The gentle, oil-free formula is packed with ingredients like niacinamide, which hydrates and soothes skin, as well as artichoke leaf and turmeric extract, which deliver antioxidants to help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Reviewers swear that it’s actually invisible on skin. “This is the most lightweight and truly invisible mineral sunscreen that I have found,” raves one reviewer. It rubs in so easily and doesn't leave a white cast. I’ve had trouble finding untinted mineral sunscreen that can be worn without makeup, but this is it!”

SPF level: 33 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (20%), niacinamide (4%), artichoke leaf extract (1.5%), turmeric extract (1.3%) | Water resistance: None

If you have a darker skin tone, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast can be a struggle. Enter: Black Girl Sunscreen’s Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. Made specifically for darker skin types, this highly-rated face and body sunscreen is not only packed with hydrating ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil, but it also boasts a sheer formula that doesn’t leave any white residue behind. “I typically like tinted mineral sunscreens, but many people love this because it doesn’t leave a white cast,” Dr. Luke explains. “The most important thing is being able to find a sunscreen you love and will wear CONSISTENTLY!”

“I almost cried when I found this and used it! Finally a good sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast, making my brown skin look ghostly or grey! Absolutely love it,” raves one reviewer.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (2.75%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Dr. Luke is a fan of this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen because it “blends seamlessly with darker skin tones” due to the bronze tint that offers natural-looking coverage and a lightweight, comfortable finish. In addition to protecting skin against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50, it also contains antioxidants like niacinamide to shield the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, as well as blue and infrared light.

“My skin looks radiant and healthy, I like the fact that doesn’t leave any white residue,” wrote one satisfied Amazon reviewer. Another added: “This was one of the best finds for my skin color. It goes on smooth, stays on great and as a POC it made my skin glow and look perfect.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (12%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes

“This is a broad spectrum, tinted sunscreen that comes in four shades, is an affordable option, and is formulated with Vitamin E to help nourish and protect the skin,” Dr. Luke explains. The flexible shades come in light, medium, medium/deep, and deep, and are designed to suit a wide range of skin tones. Plus, the formula is lightweight, non-greasy, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types.

“I love how easy it is to apply. It looks so natural and evens out my skin tone,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It gives even color coverage, protects from the sun, and won't form creases into the lines of mature skin. It's lightweight, doesn't run, feel greasy, or rub off onto clothing,” another added.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3.2%), zinc oxide (12%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

This top-rated face sunscreen from Aveeno is a pick recommended by both Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai, and Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It boasts an ultra-hydrating formula that leaves skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy or greasy. “This sunscreen is enriched with colloidal oatmeal to help hydrate and protect the skin barrier,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It can be used by anyone, including people who have dry skin or eczema.”

In fact, reviewers rave that the oil-free, noncomedogenic sunscreen is especially great for sensitive skin. “My skin is very sensitive... I have tried every single form of sunscreen on the planet, and this has been the only one that does not burn my face or inflame it,” writes one Amazon shopper. “It only takes a pea-sized amount, but provides incredible coverage and lasts all day. And it is very moisturizing!”

SPF level: 60 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (13.5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

“Never has my skin felt more nourished or protected than with Supergoop!’s superscreen,” says Prevention Deputy Editor, Emily Goldman. “I use this daily; making sure that I am applying it all over my face, and it leaves my skin feeling non-greasy while still providing an epic glow.” Though a daily moisturizer, it contains SPF 40, so it makes for a great face sunscreen for oily skin as well.

Amazon shoppers love the product too. “It is rare for me to find a sunscreen that I’m not allergic to, that also has a decent SPF. This one by SuperGoop! is great. It definitely leaves a shine on your skin, so I would wear this under loose powder. I'll buy this again,” one writes.

SPF level: 40 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, hom*osalate 8%, Octisalate 5% | Water resistance: None

“This is one of my favorite broad spectrum, cosmetically elegant sunscreens for face and body,” says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City. The best part? It’s seriously fast-absorbing, so it’s easy to apply all over the body without the greasy feeling. This sunscreen also impressed experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, receiving high scores for not feeling oily or tacky or leaving behind a white cast on darker skin tones.

Reviewers online rave about how “easy and smooth it is to apply,” with one Ulta customer writing: “It feels like a gentle whip cream gliding on to my skin...I love how it melts onto my skin so smooth and gentle!”

SPF level: 100 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (15%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Recommended by several dermatologists we spoke to, this fragrance- and paraben-free face sunscreen feels lightweight on the skin and won’t clog pores, making it a top choice for anyone with acne-prone skin, says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., president of LovelySkin.com. What’s more, it’s formulated withhyaluronic acid (a humectant that pulls water to the skin) for an extra dose of hydration. “Ninety-nine percent of patients I recommend it to say it’s the best sunscreen they have ever used,” adds Ramsey Markus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westside Dermatology.

Prevention’s assistant editor, Shannen Zitz, agrees with Dr. Markus. “This is the first face sunscreen I actually enjoy putting on every day,” she says.“ It’s lightweight enough to feel comfortable on the skin but hydrating enough that I can forgo moisturizer in the morning. Plus, it works very well for my acne-prone skin and I never worry about it breaking me out.”

SPF level: 46 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate (7.5%) | Water resistance: None

This natural mineral sunscreen from Blue Lizard is super gentle, since it’s free of potentially irritating chemicals, parabens, and fragrances. “My patients with the most sensitive skin are able to tolerate this,” says Lauren Ploch, M.D., fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Plus, the bottle turns blue when there is UV exposure, so it’s a great reminder to reapply.” Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, it soaks in quickly and doesn’t have a strong sunscreen smell.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide (5%), zinc oxide (10%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes

Dr. Markus, who is allergic to chemical filters himself, recommends this Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF 50 for people with sensitive skin. All you need is a thin layer, and you don’t have to worry about a white cast, he says. Free of chemicals, oils, and fragrances, the gentle formula absorbs quickly into the skin, and doesn’t leave behind that sticky residue sunscreen is known for. Like any SPF, just remember that you should reapply every two hours (even though it’s marketed as a moisturizer).

SPF level: 30 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (12%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (2.35%), oxybenzone (6%) | Water resistance: None

This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants (such as vitamin C and green tea) to provide an extra dose of protection against skin-damaging free radicals. The oil- and fragrance-free lotion also works wonders on dry skin, thanks to a pro blend of moisturizing humectants (which attract water to the skin) and ceramides (natural fats that help form the skin barrier and retain moisture). Noncomedogenic, ultra-gentle, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s also a safe sunscreen for kids.

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (17%), titanium dioxide 92%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

“I tell patients to choose a product with the highest SPF possible,” says Dr. Zeichner. “In the real world, we do not apply as much sunscreen as we should. Starting out with a higher SPF acts as an insurance policy to give the highest level of protection for the longest period of time.” This best-selling pick from Neutrogena offers a high SPF level of 55, can be used on both the face and body, and provides water resistance of up to 80 minutes.

Reviewers online rave that it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing—in fact, it boasts more than 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “This sunscreen is awesome. Not greasy, not heavy, and no overwhelming smell,” writes one shopper. “I use this on my face and neck daily. Doesn’t break my sensitive skin out at all. Works better than some high end sunscreens for me.”

SPF level: 55 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

It’s hard to find a stick sunscreen that rubs in clear, but this one earns a stamp of approval from Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., director of ethnic skin care for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. The silky, lightweight formula has a matte finish, and the packaging is perfect for on-the-go use. (Be sure to give it a few swipes on each area of application.)

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (19.2%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board likes this tinted sunscreen because it offers broad spectrum protection, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and beneficial antioxidants, all while a sheer tint evens out the skin tone and blurs pesky imperfections. Oil- and fragrance-free, the lightweight, noncomedogenic formula effortlessly layers on top of other products and makes a great primer if you choose to add BB cream or foundation for additional coverage.

SPF level: 44 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (5.7%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes

Prefer to spray on your sunscreen? This pick from Hampton Sun was the winning sunscreen spray in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s evaluations, impressing experts at the Beauty Lab for being easy to apply, not drying out skin, and rinsing off well. Plus, it was found to not leave behind a white cast on skin or rub off on fabrics—and one tester loved that it applied easily “without spraying all over the place.”

Reviewers online love it, too. “I’ve been a fan of this wonderful spray sunblock for years,” writes one Walmart shopper. “It has a pleasant smell unlike most sunblocks and adds moisture and a subtle sheen to the skin. I carry it in my purse all summer long.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (15%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%) | Water resistance: 80 minutes

For those who love a good glow, this pick from Tula can help you achieve it. It’s well loved by Amazon customers for its silky hydration and reflective finish, and it contains probiotics that help strengthen the skin’s barrier. “It goes on so lightly and it looks amazing under foundation,” one reviewer raved. “Gives a beautiful glow to your skin. Lightweight. Very lightly scented with great protection,” another added.

SPF level: 30 | Type: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), hom*osalate (10%), octisalate (5%) | Water resistance: None

This unique sunscreen contains photolyase (a.k.a., DNA enzymes that repair sun damage) nourishing vitamin E, and zinc oxide to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and premature aging. “It provides hydration without feeling slick, so it works for women and men, all skin types, and skin colors,” says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics. Plus, she says it “rubs in smoothly and invisibly.”

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (11%) | Water resistance: 40 minutes

This oil-free, paraben-free, noncomedogenic sunscreen contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant niacinamide, which can help combat naturally red skin. It also has ceramides, “which help the skin to retain moisture,” says Dr. Feely. CeraVe’s gentle mineral formula is a great go-to option for both your body and face, as it doesn’t feel heavy and provides top-notch broad spectrum protection.

SPF level: 50 | Type: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide (9%), zinc oxide (7%) | Water resistance: None

The best sunscreen for your face is the one you apply consistently—it’s one effective way you can protect your skin against cancer and premature wrinkles. An SPF for your body will work the same way on your face, but they might feel heavier and more slick. Especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, mineral-based formulas will reduce the risk of irritation or clogged pores. (Check out our top sunscreens for acne-prone skin.) Some other tips to follow when you’re shopping for sunscreen are:

✔️ Look for broad spectrum on the label: This ensures your SPF protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays prematurely age skin and UVB rays burn; both can cause skin cancer.) Our experts recommend choosing SPF 30 or higher.

✔️ Go for water-resistant options: Even if you won’t be jumping in for a swim, a water-resistant sunscreen will stay on longer while you’re sweating. If you are doing an extensive outdoor activity, choose an SPF of 50 or higher to ensure you stay protected, recommends Henry W. Lim, M.D., former president of the AAD.

✔️ When in doubt, choose lotions: They’re easy to apply generously and evenly—which is key in order for them to work effectively. If you use a stick sunscreen, it requires at least four swipes on each area of your skin to get the job done. On the other hand, many sprays may be inconsistent, Dr. Ploch says. If you opt for a spray, be sure to apply an even coat and rub in well.

✔️ Formula matters: Physical or mineral sunscreens (made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens (made with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone) work by absorbing those rays. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, mineral sunscreens are typically your best bet, says Dr. Markus. Plus, they’re a great option if you prefer a more “natural” product (they’re also reef-safe!). “All that said, there is no denying that the chemical sunscreens are more transparent, which sometimes trumps everything. It’s really a personal choice more than anything,” he says.

✔️ Rub it in well: “Apply the amount of sunscreen you can rub in first,” says Dr. Waldorf. “Let it sink in, then apply a second time. That’s the easiest way to get the full recommended amount of sunscreen to ensure you get the protection on the label.” Ideally, you want to apply a shot glass-sized amount to your whole body and you should always reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.