10 best sunscreens according to dermatologists

As the months get warmer, adding an SPF sunscreen to your daily routine is a great and easy way to protect your skin.

Applying suncream once a day is not recommended

(Getty Images)

As summer approaches, it’s time to include sunscreen in your daily routine. In the United States, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. It’s the most common form of cancer in the United States, and protecting your skin with an SPF sunscreen is an easy way to reduce your chances. In addition to protecting your skin, wearing sunscreen prevents wrinkles and early signs of aging!

The Independent spoke to dermatologists to find the best ten sunscreens on the market for all of your needs, from sensitive skin to budget. With all the options available, there’s no excuse to not protect yourself.

Best Face Sunscreens

Solara Suncare Time Traveler, $42

(Solara)

Joshua Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital suggests a mineral blocker sunscreen.

“Mineral blockers are effective and gentle, but commonly leave behind a white discoloration on the skin. I recently discovered Solara Suncare Time Traveler, which offers broad-spectrum UV protection and completely rubs in. Its specialized formulation is easy to spread, does not leave the skin feeling greasy, and won’t make you look like a ghost.”

Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, Solara’s sunscreen is chemical free and vegan, appealing to the ethically conscious. The packaging is 100% recyclable, and the formula is dermatologist tested and approved.

Alchimie Forever Protective Day Cream, $69

(Alchemie Forever)

Designed by leading Swiss dermatologist Luigi Polla, Alchimie Forever utilizes a cruelty free, vegan and reef friendly formula in their Protective Day Cream. With an SPF of 23, Dr. Polla recommends this product as “This ultra-light day cream contains filters to help defend against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Features our signature ingredient, the European blueberry, with vitamins C and E and edelweiss, to provide a powerful anti-aging treatment. The finish is silky, matte, without any ashiness, and ideal under makeup.

Best Affordable Sunscreens

Banana Boat Kids, $9.99

(Banana Boat)

According to Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, MD Dermatologist and Editor of DermBoard, recommends Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen to his patients, and uses it for his family as well. “I recommend to all my patients Banana Boat Kids, a tear-free, sting-free, broad-spectrum SPF 50 water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) sunscreen lotion (with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It is one of the cheapest sunscreens on the market and my family's favorite.”

Coppertone Pure and Simple for Face, $4.99

(Coppertone)

Dr. Nava Greenfield of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn recommends Coppertone Pure and Simple for Face sunscreen. Great for those looking for sun protection at a lower price point, Dr. Greenfield says “I recommend Coppertone Pure and Simple for Face. It’s hard to find a purely mineral based spf for the face that is not greasy, rubs in whiteout leaving a white residue, is for all skin tones, works great for sensitive skin and is also well priced. I love this product.”

Best tinted sunscreens

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue, $33

(BareMinerals)

Board certified dermatologist Dr Sapna Palep of Spring Street Dermatology says that BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is an “all in one package!”. A tinted moisturizer with SPF, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue ensures your skin both looks good and remains healthy. Dr Palep continues, saying, “It protects against pollution, UV and HEV (blue light), while serving as a great primer or can be worn alone. It gives the skin an amazing glow!”

Alastin Skincare HydraTint Mineral Sunscreen, $55

(Alastin Skincare)

Dr. Jessica Krant of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York recommends the Alastin Hydratint Mineral Sunscreen, with an SPF of 36. Dr Krant said: “My favorite blue light blocking sunscreen is Alastin Sheer Hydratint SPF 36. The lightweight feel and soft texture make this sunscreen feel moisturizing while providing a faint layer of tint that evens out a wide range of skin tones.”

She continues, noting that “There are no “chemical” sunscreen ingredients, just titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and the iron oxides in Hydratint make it one of the few sunscreens that protects against the visible portion of the light spectrum, which gives it a power punch against hyperpigmentation.It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that both protect from sun damage and also assist anti-aging while we’re at it.”

Elina Organics Sun Shelter Tinted Moisturizer, $57

(Elina Organics)

This tinted moisturizer is toxin free and organic, enriched with CBD, spirulina, and seawater pearl. Relying on zinc oxide for sun protection from UVA and UVB rays, this product comes in three different tones, light, medium, or dark, and consumers are also able to create their own custom shades.

Best Sunscreen for the Environment

Stream2Sea, $16.95

(Stream2Sea)

Stream2Sea is the ONLY sunscreen on the market that has been tested and proven to be safe for both salt and freshwater fish, coral, and has passed the stringent HEL Lab's Protect Land and Sea certification. Lasting for up to 80 minutes of water based activity, this high performance sunscreen is mineral based, offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, and is composed of natural, skin enriching ingredients like green tea, tulsi, and olive leaf. The formula is dermatologist recommended to protect against skin cancer.

Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

Love Sun Body, $36

(Love Sun Body)

Founded by Dr Terry Zickerman, Love Sun Body is the first internationally COSMOS-certified sunscreen available in the United States, meaning it’s an all natural and organic cosmetic product. According to the company, “It is 100% natural and exceeds the strictest ingredient, safety and manufacturing standards in the global market with mineral filters Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide and plant-based ingredients. Love Sun Body offers effective broad-spectrum sunscreens for adults and children that are both safe for your body & the planet.” The sunscreen is available unscented for those with sensitive skin and scented for those who prefer it.

Di Morelli SPF 35, $49.50

(Di Morelli)

Di Morelli prides themselves on using “medical grade”, clinically researched ingredients in their skincare products. Employing minerals like Zinc Oxide, vitamin E, and panthenol, Di Morelli works well and protects all skin types from UVA and UVB rays without harsh chemicals or irritants. It’s non comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause facial breakouts. It’s safe for kids as well.

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