The 11 Best Sunscreens in 2025 for All Budgets and Skin Types, Tested and Vetted by Experts

I enjoyed the lightweight, lotionlike feel of this sunscreen, which left my dry skin feeling moisturized and dewy. It worked well as a base over makeup, too. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 is one of my top picks because it works for both the face and body, left me feeling moisturized, and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for the beach or pool.

Although this sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin, it doesn’t have the same moisturizing feel as some of the other options tested, so you may want to apply moisturizer first. Also, since it isn’t water-resistant, it’s probably best for an everyday sunscreen rather than a day at the beach. It’s fairly pricey per ounce, but it may be worth it if you’re dealing with acne or discoloration.

Additionally, the antioxidant-rich formula adds skin-care benefits to support healthy skin. Though the packaging describes the product as scent-free, I detected (and enjoyed) the subtle aroma of frankincense, so consider this sunscreen if you like faint botanical aromas.

McTighe also recommends Glowscreen from the same company for those who want a wash of color. “Supergoop! Glowscreen is another tinted hydrating facial sunscreen that’s great because it comes in four shades,” she says.

“The DNA repair enzyme in Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 is a protein derived from plankton that recognizes UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer, and helps repair it,” says McTighe.

Kopelman says, “These enzymes don't repair the skin barrier but rather support cellular health and skin repair on a deeper level.” However, McTighe says, more research is needed to understand its efficacy fully.

This is not an unscented product. Its fresh and verdant fragrance may be a bonus for some and a turnoff for others, especially those with sensitive skin.

If the greasy feel of sunscreen prevents you from applying it frequently — or at all — then you’ll likely want to consider this lightweight, ultra-absorbent formula. “SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a great mineral sunscreen, with a lightweight, tinted formula that blends well and enhances skin tone,” says Kopelman.

McTighe agrees, saying, “I often recommend it for those who want a purely physical sunscreen that feels elegant and offers additional antioxidant protection. This broad-spectrum tinted mineral sunscreen is lightweight and applies smoothly.”

Unlike sunscreens that are visibly white or tinted, this formula is translucent and luminescent, with a bit of glow that blends in to give a natural and glazed look. This is best for people looking for low-coverage tint, since it won’t provide significant coverage for redness or discoloration. It can sometimes cause a stinging sensation for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s water-resistant only up to 40 minutes, which isn’t ideal for long days in the sun.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On SPF 50 is ideal for touch-ups at the beach or pool. I loved how easy this was to use during testing. I just tapped and applied the powder with the brush for an even distribution of sunscreen, no mirror required. It’s easy to reapply every few hours, which Kopelman points out is a huge plus in keeping your skin safe from harmful rays. It comes in multiple shades to further encourage reapplication.

McTighe likes the lightweight texture. I also love that it's water- and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes.

That said, this product has the highest price per ounce of any of the sunscreens I reviewed, and it doesn’t work as a stand-alone sunscreen. Because it’s so sheer, it’s hard to tell whether you’re getting full coverage, so this sunscreen is really only for touch-ups or an extra layer of protection. “I wouldn’t rely on Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF 50 as a stand-alone sunscreen because it’s difficult to apply enough product for full protection,” says Kopelman. “It works best for reapplication over makeup or in addition to a liquid or cream sunscreen.”

McTighe agrees: “I recommend this more often as an addition or a way to reapply facial SPF later in the day.”

Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 is my go-to for watersports and days at the beach or lake. I slather it on the whole family, kids included, from head to toe, and we happily splash around with a slight ghostlike cast — it’s worth it though, because I’m confident we’re all protected.

However, McTighe points out that “since the term reef-safe is not strictly regulated, it’s best to look for mineral-based sunscreens that do not contain chemical filters.”

For such a high-quality product, Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 has the lowest price per ounce of any of the sunscreens I tested, including other drugstore brands. However, it’s probably not the most cosmetically pleasing pick, especially if you have a dark skin tone. It includes a cap that changes color in UV light as a reminder to apply sunscreen, which is fun for kids.

As a teen with oily, acne-prone skin, I swore by an earlier iteration of Neutrogena dry-touch sunscreen for a lightweight, nongreasy finish. Now, the company has stepped it up by adding a 100 percent mineral sunscreen to the collection. Although my skin has gotten drier now that I’m no longer in my teens, this is still a great sunscreen when you don’t want to look shiny or greasy.

I really need my sunscreen to do double duty in terms of moisture if it’s going on my face, and CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 doesn’t disappoint, especially considering its low price and drugstore availability. “CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 is a great option for dry and sensitive skin because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier,” says Kopelman. “I recommend it for patients who want a moisturizing mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry.”

There's a tinted version for those who want to avoid the slight white cast, but both varieties are workhorses when it comes to preventing dryness and flakiness. Kopelman loves this budget-friendly mineral sunscreen for its extra hydration. Plus, it's reef-friendly, making it an eco-friendly choice for a drugstore sunscreen. It’s also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use and by the National Eczema Association for sensitive skin.

I love using this sunscreen as a makeup replacement, and Kopelman calls it a “complexion enhancer,” especially for those with uneven skin (raises hand). It provides solid coverage, concealing redness and blotchiness with a radiant glow. Although it’s not a perfect match for my skin tone, I prefer products that do two things at once to help shorten my routine, and this definitely delivers. People with more orange or tan tones to their skin might appreciate the shade the best — I’m on the whitish-pink end of the spectrum.

I have sensitive, reactive skin that can flare up from sunscreens with long ingredient lists, which is why the short list for Obagi Sun Shield Hypoallergenic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a game changer for me. It’s a mineral sunscreen that’s hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists. I love how easily it glides on and that it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin like mine. It’s so safe because it was designed for postprocedure skin or delicate skin that’s just been through trauma and needs SPF.

The moisturizing formula contains ceramides to protect the skin barrier as well as niacinamide, a B vitamin used in skin care to help promote hydration. These ingredients help make this product easy to absorb, leaving no greasy residue. Although the scent listed on the packaging is apple, it’s so subtle that it’s practically undetectable, and no fragrance is listed on the inactive ingredients list.