The 12 Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin in 2023 – CNET [CNET]

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Sun exposure and ultraviolet rays are the leading causes of skin cancer, but using the best sunscreens available can greatly reduce your chances of harm. You’ll want sunscreen that’s powerful enough to protect your skin for hours and can withstand water if you’re going swimming at the beach or in your pool. On top of providing protection from skin cancer, sunscreen also helps keep your skin youthful and prevent skin issues such as wrinkles, sagging and hyperpigmentation.

When it comes to sunscreen there are a number of myths out there. One of the bigger ones is that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months. The sun has an incredible amount of power; even if you’re inside your home (yes, inside too), you should protect yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing sunscreen at all times. Another one is that darker complexions don’t need to use sunscreen, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there’s a real sunscreen gap for Black people (and other people of color) that has led to them being less likely to wear sunscreen and therefore more likely to develop skin cancer in later stages.

A good way to start your new sun care routine is by buying a fresh bottle of sunscreen tailored to your skin needs. Only a tiny number of sunscreens are on our list, but we’ve chosen some of the best that are currently available, effective and won’t leave your skin feeling weighed down. Most of the prices and links are for 3-ounce bottles, but some are for smaller or larger. Many have larger, more cost-effective options. And if you’re looking for sun protection for your face, we’ve got you covered — check out our guide on the best sunscreen for your face.

Read more: What Is the Best SPF for Sunscreen?

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Neutrogena

Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer is a bestseller for a reason. The lightweight formula has been around for years, doesn’t feel greasy and rubs in clear on all skin tones. You can find it in a spray, lotion or stick, in many different SPF formulas. For an everyday sunscreen at a good price, you can’t go wrong with this.

You’re receiving price alerts for Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Banana Boat

Greasy sunscreens are no longer the norm, thankfully. Now you can find many sunscreens that feel like (and blend into your skin like) a moisturizing lotion. One of them is Banana Boat’s Light as Air sunscreen. This SPF 50 sunscreen promises to absorb quickly into your skin and absorb oil so that it actively keeps you feeling dry while providing sun protection.

It’s available in a spray, lotion and face sunscreen formula, as well as a spray sunscreen for your hair and scalp.

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EltaMD

Zinc sunscreens have come a long way from those pasty lotions that left a sheen of white behind. EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen uses only zinc oxide to reflect harmful UV rays off your skin so they don’t cause skin damage. This sunscreen is loved by Amazon reviewers because it rubs in clear. It’s also oil-, fragrance- and paraben-free, so it’s a good sun protection choice for anyone with sensitive skin or oily skin.

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Amazon

CeraVe is already a great brand for simple, budget skin care so the effectiveness of this sunscreen is no surprise. CeraVe’s hydrating mineral sunscreen is effective for the entire body and suitable for sensitive skin. You can also expect the non-greasy, lightweight consistency to melt right on your body. 

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Ulta

One myth is the idea that Black people don’t need sunscreen and that couldn’t be further from the truth. While there’s melanin protecting Black skin, it doesn’t mean immunity from harmful rays. And keep in mind that if hyperpigmentation is an issue, a good sunscreen can help with that. Black Girl Sunscreen not only moisturizes, it doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin. And if you’re worried about Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, neither are in this sunscreen — all you’ll find are natural ingredients in this SPF 30 bottle.

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Blue Lizard

Doctors recommend that you limit your baby’s sun exposure by having them wear a wide-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing and keeping them in the shade. But even with those precautions, it’s still recommended to use sunscreen, generally when they are six months and older. 

Once they reach the six-month milestone, you can use sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s rays, but stick to formulas that are free of dyes and scents and that use minerals (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) for sun protection.

This Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen formula checks all of those boxes for sunscreen for babies and the bottle turns pink in the sun, to give you a nudge to reapply.

You’re receiving price alerts for Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Technology – Fragrance Free, Unscented, SPF 50 – 5 Fl Oz – Bottle

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Photos by Unsun Cosmetics/Composite by Robin Mosley/CNET

A moisturizing sunscreen for your whole body, this full-coverage mineral SPF 15 lotion from Unsun is made with hydrating ingredients like prickly pear cactus and cucumber to deliver quality sun protection from UV rays while keeping your skin residue-free.

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Supergoop/Amazon

The state of HawaiiKey West in Florida and a few island nations have banned the sale sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate because scientific studies found that those ingredients can damage coral and other sea life. In response, many companies started selling “reef-safe” sunscreens that abide by the various bans.

If you are heading somewhere that requires reef-safe sunscreen, this non-aerosol SPF 50 sunscreen spray from Supergoop is a good pick to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. This sunscreen is not a mineral sunscreen but contains “clean chemicals” which Supergoop formulated without oxybenzone or octinoxate.

This sunblock also contains vitamin C for an antioxidant skin boost and is suitable for sensitive skin (although it is not fragrance-free). The Sephora link below is for a 5-ounce bottle; the Amazon link for a 3-ounce bottle.

You’re receiving price alerts for Supergoop Play Antioxidant Infused Body Mist SPF 50

Note that these products are independently chosen by our editors and based on extensive research into the available options in the marketplace. The prices may change.

More skin care and summer advice

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.