Finding the best sunscreen for face and body is one of the pillars of a good skin-care routine. It not only shields your skin from UV rays, but also prevents signs of aging and a host of other skin concerns. So yes, it may feel like a pain, but wearing sunscreen daily is 100% worth it.
With so many new SPF products for face and body coming out every year, from sprays to two-in-one moisturizers with sunscreen, it’s easier than ever to stay protected from the sun at all times. Armed with a variety of new sunblocks, our panel of home testers for this year’s 2021 Healthy Beauty Awards slathered them on in all types of weather to whittle down the best sunscreens for using head-to-toe. We looked for the ones that won’t pill under makeup, leave a greasy sheen on your cell phone screen, and above all, we sought out the creams that are built to withstand all the sweat and humidity that summer brings. Below, we break down what to look for as you select the best sunscreen for your face or body; and then include all of our top picks. Keep scrolling or go here to check out all of our 2021 Healthy Beauty Award winners.
What to Look for When Choosing SPF Products
Perhaps more than any other skin-care product, on this one, derms agree: Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater every. single. day. Yes, even if your makeup also has an SPF. Yes, even if it’s cloudy or rainy. And yes, even in winter.
Now that that’s settled, we can move on to the next great divide: mineral versus chemical sunscreens. In general, as SELF has previously reported, there’s nothing inherently better about one or the other. The best sunscreen for your face or body is the one you’ll actually wear. Having said that, if you have sensitive skin, you may find mineral sunscreens to be less irritating. On the other hand, those with oily or acne-prone skin may find chemical sunscreens to be easier to apply and may leave your face looking less greasy.
If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, stay away from fragrances and dyes (which can be extra drying), and look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. If you’ve already got some sun damage (hello, sunburn from the spring breaks of yore!), select a sunscreen that also contains antioxidants, which can help fight discoloration.
Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
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