8 Best Sunscreens of All Time, Tested On Various Skin Tones

Frequently asked questions

There are two types of sunscreen formulas: mineral (also known as physical blockers) and chemical. Although both protect your skin from the sun, the way they do that is very different.

“Sunblocks, or physical sunscreens, work by sitting on top of your skin to reflect UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreens sink into your skin to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Chemical sunscreens also often include antioxidants that disarm free radicals—which cause UV-ray-based harm—and cut down on damage to your skin cells. Their active ingredients can include filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and homosalate.

Aside from the “sunscreen” and “sunblock” label, you can tell what type of protection you’re getting by taking a peek at the ingredients label. If you see the sunscreen ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, you’re dealing with a physical sunblock. Derms say mineral blocks tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin. They also work immediately and don’t require any downtime before you can go in the sun (chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, take about 20 or 30 minutes to start working properly). Physical blockers also tend to be thicker and more difficult to rub in. Chemical formulas have a history of being more user-friendly since they’re the easiest formula to apply and leave less of a white cast.

“I recommend a minimum of SPF 30 daily,” says Dr. Idriss, which is based on the recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). However, just as formula is not one-size-fits-all, you should also consider your concerns when selecting your SPF level. “SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB, whereas SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%,” she says. “Although this increase may seem like a negligible gain in protection, if you are prone to sunburns or skin cancers, that little gain can make a world of a difference.”

It’s also important to consider how much SPF you’re applying to face and body. According to the AAD, most people apply only 25% to 50% of the recommend amount of sunscreen. The general rule is to use at least two fingers’ length on your face, and enough to fill a shot glass for your entire body.

“The FDA guidelines mandate that SPF directions must say to reapply every two hours when you are outdoors,” says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. “Remember that the AAD recommends a three-pronged approach to sun protection that includes wearing sun-protective clothing as well as trying to avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.”

While waterproof sunscreen options are great for swimming or sports, it’s worth noting that the FDA mandates these formulas can be labeled as water- and sweat-resistant for only up to 80 minutes. Because of this, Dr. Idriss recommends reapplying your water-resistant sunscreens immediately after getting out of the water.

The answer is a resounding yes: “You should wear sunscreen even if you have sensitive skin,” confirms Dr. Garshick, who says it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. If you have especially reactive and sensitive skin, look for a formula without potential irritants like fragrance. Try one of our recommended options for sensitive skin like Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 or our top pick, La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body and Face Sunscreen.

Dermatologists recommend looking for sunscreens with either mineral (physical) or chemical UV filters:

Mineral (physical) sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, and are often recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, or octocrylene to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.

Some formulas also combine broad-spectrum protection with hydrating or antioxidant ingredients, like include hyaluronic acid to smooth, niacinamide to even skin tone, and peptides to plump skin and soften lines, says Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks.

For aging skin, dermatologists often recommend mineral (physical) sunscreens, especially if your skin has become more sensitive over time. These formulas are typically made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and tend to be gentler and less likely to cause irritation, which is important as the skin barrier naturally becomes thinner and more reactive with age, says Aderonke Obayomi, MD, a board‑certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai in NYC. Zinc oxide, in particular, also has calming, anti-inflammatory properties that can help with redness or conditions like rosacea.

Beyond the type, it’s also worth looking for sunscreens with added benefits for your skincare routine, like hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid) for dry skin or tone-evening ingredients (niacinamide), which can help support aging skin while protecting it.

To find the best sunscreens overall—the ones worth adding to your everyday routine—we started by asking dermatologists what they actually recommend to patients for daily, reliable protection. We also tapped our editorial team for their personal favorites and leaned on a group of testers who tried more than 100 formulas over the course of the last two years.

Across testing, we evaluated everything from texture and application to finish, wearability, and how each formula held up throughout the day under real-life conditions (commutes, workouts, makeup, and long hours outdoors). We paid close attention to whether sunscreens blended easily, felt comfortable on the skin, and delivered broad-spectrum protection without pilling, greasiness, or irritation.

Our final list includes only the standouts—the sunscreens that consistently performed across skin types and use cases, whether that meant a lightweight invisible gel, a hydrating mineral formula, or a tinted SPF that doubles as makeup. We continue testing new launches year-round and update our recommendations accordingly.