No, You Shouldn't Skip SPF This Summer—These Formulas Are The Best (2024)

Whether you enjoy frequent picnics in the park, are often jetsetting to a tropical beach somewhere, or just love working remotely on your back porch, there’s one thing you're seriously going to need: A quality sunscreen for both the face and body.

And that holds true on cloudy days, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Daily sunscreen use is important for two main reasons: Skin cancer prevention and anti-aging,” says dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City.

Peep a few of the best sunscreens, below:

What to consider:

• SPF number: Look for the number 30 or higher, according to dermatologist and Women's Health advisor Mona Gohara, MD.
• SPF type: The type of SPF you choose (mineral or chemical) is totally up to personal preference. If you are acne-prone or prefer a sheer application with no white cast, a chemical sunscreen might work best for you according to dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. And if you have sensitive skin, or want your sunscreen to start working immediately application, she recommends a mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and for the skin to absorb, and are fine to use in moderation, says dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD. But mineral sunscreens are typically more highly recommended by derms. "Physical blocking sunscreens, sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium, protect against a broader spectrum of rays," adds dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD. Another bonus of using a physical sunscreen is that its ingredients are safer to use during pregnancy.
• Key ingredients: "Look out for niacinamide, which calms the skin and improves skin tone and texture," says Dr. Love. Other than that, look for ingredients that support your skin type and goals. For example, if you want to brighten your skin, you'll look for something with vitamin C in it. If you have dry skin, seek out hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• Broad spectrum: "When a sunscreen has broad spectrum SPF in it, it means the skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Gohara, so you'll want to choose a sunscreen with that phrase on the label.

How we selected:

Women’s Health editors and contributors are constantly testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated cosmetics and skincare products, including sunscreens. For this story, our team consulted several dermatologists and a handful of WH staff members for feedback to narrow down the best sunscreens. Our final selection includes a variety of chemical and mineral formulas that offer adequate sun protection for all skin types.

Ahead, we polled dermatologists in addition to our staff to get their favorite sunscreens on the market. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there's something on our list for you.

With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's no surprise that CeraVe's oil-free lotion has the heart of former Women's Health editorial assistant, Olivia Evans, who loves that it gives her face a gorgeous, natural glow. Dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, gives it a rave review, too. “I never ever leave home without sunscreen! I love using this tinted formulation for its lightweight coverage."

"Neutrogena's sunscreen stick is great product for those on the run," says Dr. Goldenberg. It's easy to apply or reapply and has SPF 50 with water-resistance, so people with active lifestyles really love it—just check the 5,000 positive ratings on Amazon.

"Isdin's SPF contains ‘repairsomes,’ which help with reversing sun damage in skin cells," says Dr. Goldenberg. That makes this a great pick for anyone who has some hyperpigmentation or sun spots, especially because the formula has a glowy, tinted finish.

Senté Invisible Shield has both a tinted and untinted option, both of which are quick to absorb and have a weightless feel on the skin, according to dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD. "An added bonus is that this formula contains an advanced antioxidant blend that protects against high-energy visible or blue light," he adds.

Dr. Farhang recommends the Unrivaled Sun Serum from EleVen by Venus Williams. "It's a great SPF serum that is 100 percent sheer mineral," she says. Since it's a serum, it's another super lightweight formula that people with oilier skin types love.

A personal favorite of dermatologist Candace Spann, MD, she likes that PCA Skin's SPF offers SPF protection with a high-tech tint. It's been specifically formulated to adapt to your skin tone once you rub it in, so it's suitable for a wide range of complexions.

Probably not. Sunscreen works best when paired with physical protection measures such as hats, shirts, and seeking shade, according to Dr. Goldenberg. They all have to work together to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays.

You’ll want to keep an eye out for certain key phrases on the label. “If you have sensitive skin, look for ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ formulas,” advises Dr. Nussbaum. “If you’re acne-prone, look for a sunscreen that’s ‘non-comedogenic’ and oil-free. For more sensitive skin types, I recommend using a physical, mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause skin irritation.”