The All-Time Best Sunscreens to Slather on Your Face and Body

SPF haters, meet your new favorite sunscreen. The totally clear gel disappears into the skin as soon as you smooth it on and won't leave a cast on deeper skin tones. It's also free of fragrance, common irritants, and oil—all the stuff you'd usually use as an excuse not to wear sunscreen. Basically, it's the most pared-down, nothing-to-see-here, obsession-worthy formula.

This creamy sunscreen was approved as one of the safest sunscreens in the Environmental Working Group's 2022 report. While they tested a grand total of 1,850 sunscreens, only 500 were up to par—including this moisturizing option. It's a great double-duty option for both the face and body, leaves an amazing glow (trust us, we've tried it), and is oil-free, so it won't clog pores and contribute to breakouts.  

Ask 100 derms what their favorite sunscreen is, and you'll get the same response 100 times: EltaMD. Not only is the cult-favorite brand completely safe for acne-prone skin, but it's infused with a small dose of lactic acid to keep pores clear, along with mattifying ingredients to help prevent makeup from slipping and sliding by noon.

Biossance's signature squalane formulas extend to the SPF category. This one is super sheer, formulated with 100-percent non-nano zinc that protects and hydrates even the most sensitive skin. It leave a dewy glow behind, too, making it perfect for no-makeup beach days. 

You can get your sunscreen in dropper form with Dr. Barbara Sturm's SPF 50 sundrops. The lightweight liquid is super gentle, sinks in quickly, and protects against photo-aging UVA and sunburn-threatening UVB rays.

If oil and acne have traditionally made you give sunscreen a side eye, allow us to introduce you to this Neutrogena miracle worker. It's been given a green light by the Environmental Working Group thanks to its efficacy and safety, feels extremely breathable on the skin, and is non-comedogenic. It's a win-win-win. 

Great for reapplication over makeup, this dermatologist-tested compact deserves a permanent spot in your handbag. It's not something you'll want to use on its own for your full SPF protection, but it's a great addition to your sun care routine. 

You've definitely seen Ilia's SPF-packed skin tint on social media, and trust us, it lives up to the hype. If you like dewy coverage (who doesn't?!) you'll quickly become obsessed with this formula, which is available in 30 shades. That said, you do still need to apply a full teaspoon of product to achieve the recommended SPF. If you're not going to wear that much, just layer one of these other amazing sunscreens underneath. 

Prevent new pimples from popping up with Dermalogica’s non-comedogenic formula. It checks all the standard boxes and it has green tea extract, which has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties to help calm inflammation associated with breakouts. 

Specifically formulated for more melanated skin, this SPF leaves no white cast whatsoever. Not only does this option have EWG-approval and an elegant formula, but it's also packed with moisturizing ingredients like avocado and jojoba. 

Of course, Rihanna's beauty line features an exceptional SPF product. But she's not solely giving us SPF. Instead, Ri does us one better with a refillable two-in-sunscreen moisturizer that's lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and invisible. It also has a reef-safe formula. 

If you're a primer devotee, you understand the necessity of a smooth base underneath foundation and concealer. Not only does this AAPI-owned option sink in for a silky finish, but it treats and calms skin with rice and Japanese wild rose.

If the sun or heat is one of your rosacea triggers, check out this thick, mineral sunscreen. Thanks to olive leaf extract, which reduces redness, and soothing aloe, it'll do it's best to keep your skin calm. The best part? It gives an insanely gorgeous, dewy glow to the skin—no highlighter necessary. 

While SPF shouldn't be used on babies under six months, the EWG loves this option for little ones of age. It's free from chemicals, alcohol, and parabens, so it's gentle on the most sensitive of skin. 

With an affordable price point and powerful, antioxidant formula, scooping up this sunscreen ahead of summer is a no-brainer. In addition to all the usual pros (UV ray protection, hydration, lightweight), we also love that this bottle is made of 45 percent recycled materials. 

This weightless formula miraculously repairs existing UV damage while protecting your skin from new rays. Oh, and it won't leave that tell-tale white cast you loathe and use as an excuse not to wear SPF daily.

Aveeno's proprietary soy skin-lightening blend both prevents future sunspots and lifts those that have already settled on your skin. The SPF 30 formulation is unquestionably the more intelligent choice for all-day protection than the 15 variety.

Looking for a sheer physical sunscreen that delivers powerful broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection? We'll you've found it in Drunk Elephant's SPF 30, which also aids in the prevention of free-radical and oxidative damage.

This sunscreen provides SPF in a lightweight formulation you'll quickly obsess over. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides—three skincare saviors that enhance your complexion. Plus, even though it's not mineral-based—which tends to be less irritating—it's supremely gentle and non-comedogenic.

Thanks to silicone, vitamin E, and non-inflammatory titanium dioxide, this elegant SPF formulation is excellent for layering under makeup. It also contains melanin, the naturally occurring skin pigment with free-radical zapping properties.

Caffeine and bisabolol—a soothing compound derived from chamomile tea—give this humble sunscreen an antioxidant boost that doesn't break out acne-prone skin. The super-lightweight formulation gets extra points for the natural and (and very subtle) botanical scent.

We get it—applying sunscreen feels like an extra annoying step in your skincare routine. But SPF in stick-form makes the process ten times easier, like this legitimately clear formula that won't leave a white residue. Even more, it glides so beautifully with a weightless feel you can apply on top of makeup without messing it up.

Moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, wrinkle-releasing retinyl palmitate, exfoliating glycolic acid, and collagen-boosting peptides are the key ingredients to this pricey-but-worth-it SPF. Plus, a host of botanical antioxidants like linseed extract—talk about luxe protection. 

Brush On Block's translucent powder blends seamlessly with a self-dispensing brush you can buff over your face, neck, and scalp throughout the day. That's right, your hairline and part need SPF attention, too.

SunBum's spray-on mist makes sunscreen reapplication a total breeze. It's dry touch, so sand won't get stuck to your skin on a beach day. Just remember to hold the bottle close during application and rub it in. 

This water-resistant sunscreen, which has the EWG's stamp of approval, sinks right onto your skin and stays put for hours. If you're planning on running around, playing sports, or working up a sweat, this Banana Boat stick is the way to go.