How to Choose Your Perfect SPF
Before diving into the picks, keep these essentials in mind:
- Broad‑Spectrum Protection
Make sure it blocks both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. - SPF Rating
Dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 for daily wear and SPF 50+ for extended outdoor exposure. - Filter Type
- Chemical filters absorb UV rays and tend to feel lighter.
- Mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect rays and often suit sensitive skin.
- Texture & Finish
Your skin type dictates the ideal finish—matte for oily, hydrating for dry, invisible for tinted or no‑makeup days. - Add‑On Benefits
Look for formulas with antioxidants, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid to double as skincare. - Application & Wear
Ease of use (lotion vs. spray), absence of white cast, and transfer‑resistance are game‑changers for daily compliance.
The 12 Best Sunscreens of 2025
1. Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30
Best Overall (Body) | Chemical | Whipped Mousse | Fragrant
This retro‑inspired foaming sunscreen turns application into a treat: the mousse melts instantly, leaving limbs luminous and scented with coconut‑banana goodness. Its blend of shea and coconut oils plus aloe soothes while shielding at SPF 30—no white streaks, no smudging.
2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad‑Spectrum SPF 46
Best Overall (Face) | Hybrid Mineral/Chemical | Cream | Fragrance‑Free
A go‑to recommendation among dermatologists, EltaMD UV Clear balances oil production with niacinamide, cares for sensitive or breakout‑prone skin, and layers seamlessly under makeup. Available in untinted and lightly tinted versions, it offers reliable, non‑pilling protection all day long.
3. Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk SPF 30
Best Mineral | Mineral | Serum‑Like Milk | Unscented
These silky “drops” glide on like a lightweight serum, invisibly fusing to skin with squalane and antioxidants that fend off free‑radical damage. The sheer finish blurs pores and primes for foundation without any chalky cast.
4. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Best Hydrating | Chemical | Gel‑Cream | Lightly Fragranced
K‑Beauty devotees will adore this dewy, gel‑cream formula powered by green tea and centella asiatica. It delivers a soothing, glass‑skin glow and stays put even through a jog—though those prone to excess oil might opt for a more mattifying option.
5. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Best Spray | Chemical | Fine Mist | Scented
A beach‑bag staple, Sun Bum’s non‑aerosol spray covers large areas in seconds. It dries clear with a touch of healthy sheen, and its nostalgic banana‑coconut scent is a summertime mood booster—just be mindful that it can compete with your favorite perfume.
6. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Best Consistency | Chemical | Cream | Unscented (plus vanilla option)
Formulated with nourishing oils and carrot juice, this creamy sunscreen melts into all skin tones without leaving a film. It’s hydrating enough for the face but substantial enough to glide smoothly over the body—just watch out for eye irritation if you’re sweating.
7. Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best Lightweight | Chemical | Lightweight Cream | Mildly Scented
True to its name, this lotion vanishes on contact. The tropical‑tinged scent is surprisingly pleasant, and the formula absorbs instantly, leaving skin feeling unencumbered—ideal for those who hate the heavy feel of traditional SPFs.
8. Naturium Dew Glow SPF 50
Best Under Makeup | Chemical | Cream | Fragrance‑Free
With built‑in niacinamide and vitamin C, this moisturizer‑sunscreen hybrid feels like a luxe glow serum. It imparts a subtle tint and radiance that smooths over skin, making it a dream base for foundation or a standalone luminous veil.
9. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best Drugstore | Chemical | Cream | Fruity Fragrance
Hawaiian Tropic delivers a bargain‑friendly, non‑greasy formula that feels as silky as high‑end lotions. Its four‑version SPF line gives options for face or body use. Just keep in mind the fragrance may be too strong for those sensitive to scents.
10. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Best for Oily Skin | Chemical | Gel | Fragrance‑Free
This “invisible” gel primer is a favorite for its velvety finish that grips makeup rather than oil. It leaves a light, natural glow—never slippery or white—while non‑comedogenic ingredients keep breakouts at bay.
11. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best for Sensitive Skin | Mineral | Cream | Fragrance‑Free
True to its name, this reef‑safe zinc‑based formula soothes redness‑prone skin without stinging. It dries down clear for many users (though fairer complexions may need a few extra seconds of blending) and clings through sweat and water.
12. La Roche‑Posay Anthelios Melt‑In Milk SPF 100
Best Water‑Resistant | Chemical | Lightweight Milk | Fragrance‑Free
When you need maximum protection—in the pool or on the slopes—this ultra‑high SPF formula offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Enriched with thermal spring water and glycerin, it absorbs quickly under makeup or on the body with no pilling.
Sunscreen Smarts: Application & Reapplication
- Quantity Matters: Slather on about one ounce (a shot glass) for full‑body coverage, two finger‑lengths for face and neck.
- Timing: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure to let filters bind.
- Reapply: Every two hours—or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Bottom Line
Sun protection is nonnegotiable, and your SPF should be as enjoyable to wear as it is effective. Whether you crave a whipped mousse, a mineral milk, or a lightweight gel, this curated list of 12 top performers makes it easy to never settle for mediocre sunscreen again. Just pick the formula that matches your routine—and let your skin soak up the benefits.
