We’ve Decided — These Are The 8 Best Sunscreens On The Market Right Now

The sunscreen on the market today is not your mother’s SPF. You could blind test plenty of daily SPF lotions against a normal, non-sunscreen face moisturizer and struggle to identify which is which. 

The days of pungent fragrances, unbreakable white casts, and follow-up breakouts are over—if you want them to be, that is. Because trust me, there’s still plenty of chalky, odd-smelling mineral sunscreens out there.

However, these editor-approved picks put vintage SPF to shame (and at every budget, I might add). This is one investment your skin will thank you for today, tomorrow, and 40 years from now. 

1. Best for sensitive skin: Paula’s Choice Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

“When I saw this sunscreen launch earlier this year, I knew I had to try it out right away. The mineral sunscreen was made with sensitive-skinned folks in mind (ahem, me) and uses some of my favorite ingredients, including allantoin and Centella asiatica.

Allantoin is a criminally underrated skin care ingredient that calms inflammation, brightens tone, and reduces redness. Centella asiatica is an herb that’s been used for centuries (particularly in Eastern medicine) to help reduce redness and irritation.

What surprised me the most was the texture: It has a surprisingly light, splashy gel consistency that sinks into the skin rather quickly. It’s a delight to apply, and it’s made a huge difference in my rosacea-prone cheeks.” —Alexandra Engler mindbodygreen beauty director

What it’s best for: Sensitive skin, rosacea & other inflammatory skin conditions

This is more than a sunscreen—it’s a moisturizer, antioxidant boost, and makeup primer in one—and for just $19 a pop. Blueberry extract packs a punch, protecting the skin against free-radical damage while non-nano zinc soothes the skin, blocking rays without a white cast. Calming botanical extracts from mulberry, coix seed, and aloe vera support your skin barrier too.

This is the SPF I recommend to sunscreen haters because it really does feel just like a lightweight moisturizer. The slightly pink hue offsets the white cast on my skin, prepping my complexion nicely for makeup too. I can reapply it throughout the day without my skin feeling greasy or weighed down—a win for days in the sun!

What it’s best for: Anyone who wants mineral SPF without the white cast or heavy texture

“Every summer I get flooded with SPF questions, and more often than not, I’m recommending a Coola formula. In fact, I probably recommend Coola products the most out of any sun care brand on the market. They just make high-quality, innovative sunscreens that work!

“This one is ideal for those with acne (or who just find that sunscreen in general tends to break them out). The zinc oxide sunscreen is oil-free, noncomedogenic, and contains 2% niacinamide, which is shown via research to help manage oil production1.

“Plus, it’s a brand you can feel good about wearing, thanks to their ‘farm-to-face’ ethos. This formula contains 70% organic ingredients and loads of antioxidant-rich botanicals and extracts.” —Engler

What it’s best for: Anyone who thinks sunscreen “breaks them out” or feels too oily 

Sunscreen in itself is a staple product for aging skin, but this one takes those benefits to the next level. OneSkin is known for its OS-1 peptide, which is the only peptide clinically proven to reverse skin aging at a molecular level—and yes, this SPF is loaded with OS-01. 

In addition to OS-01, OneSkin packed in antioxidants from extracts like green tea, acai, sunflower sprouts, and more. The texture is adjacent to a high-end daily moisturizer, leaving behind a minimal white cast, which you can reduce if you opt for the tinted version. 

What it’s best for: Skin minimalists (a moisturizer and SPF in one), aging skin, dry skin

“If you hate the way sunscreen makes your makeup sit on your face, please consider this option. The liquid formula feels like a primer, creating a (well-protected) canvas for a smooth and silky application. 

I’ve worn it with four different types of foundation (cream, stick, serum, and liquid), and it’s worked well with every single one. Plus, the mineral sunscreen has a peachy hue that makes it more universally flattering for a wider variety of skin tones. I also love that it’s free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance—but does contain antioxidants, like feverfew and vitamin E.” —Engler

What it’s best for: Ideal for under makeup

Look—I’m not going to say you need to spend $50+ on your sunscreen to get a great product. However, should you want to, this one is certainly worth the splurge. It may sound too good to be true, but the color-changing technology in this sunscreen adapts to your unique skin tone, leaving behind zero white cast even on darker skin tones, as demonstrated on the product page. 

Plus, the texture and finish is worthwhile, delivering a dewy glow and hydration that lasts. It’s the type of sunscreen that makes you second-guess wearing makeup. 

What it’s best for: All skin tones, light coverage, dry skin types, long sun exposure, swimming

PSA: Your lips lose volume with age due to a drop in collagen. While you can’t prevent age-related collagen decline entirely (it’s a natural process anyhow), you can protect your lips to prevent any further collagen degradation from the sun via lip SPF—and this is one of the best products to try. 

Non-nano zinc oxide is accompanied by mango and shea butter to soften, jojoba oil to plump, and antioxidants for extra free radical protection. Plus, all three hues are gorgeous and versatile (I’ve tested them all). The color payoff is sheer, meaning you can layer these on top of your favorite lip color without disturbing the finished look.

What it’s best for: Long days in the sun, sensitive lips

I’ve gone through at least two or three of these, which isn’t hard when you wear it every single day. I view this product as the best skin tint and light coverage foundation product that just so happens to have SPF—a major plus. 

The finish is dewy and bright, like your skin but better. The unique blend of fatty acids from argan oil and jojoba esters ushers the product into the skin, leaving behind no streaks or uneven residue. 

What it’s best for: Light coverage makeup, dry skin, combination skin

The takeaway

The sunscreen market has seen a major upgrade in the last few years, making daily SPF less of a chore and more of a pleasure. When shopping, look for formulas with soothing mineral SPF—here’s why that’s the filter we prefer.