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Just 25 SPF Beauty Products You Need If You’re *Very* Serious About Sun Protection
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Sunscreen might be the single most important product in your beauty routine, and you can get it as a roll-on stick, as makeup, as a scalp powder...we’re truly living in the future. As a shopping editor with over a decade of experience working in journalism and digital media, I cover everything from beauty and fashion to home, travel, gaming, and pets, and I'm constantly saving interesting products on TikTok (in *very* organized folders, mind you) to share with BuzzFeed readers. If you've ever spent more than five minutes thinking about your beauty routine, you probably know that sunscreen should be a part of it — and have probably tried a variety of SPF products over the years, some of which (I'm guessing) didn't work out for you. There are a lot of common complaints that turn some people off from using sunscreen: that it burns their eyes, that it leaves a white cast, that it pills under their makeup, that it just feels goopy on their hands. But the fact remains that we all *need* to use sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer, and it also just keeps your skin looking its best, if that's something you care about (I'm guessing you do.) The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, and especially on days you'll be outside (no matter if it's cloudy). These sunscreen products all fit the bill, offering at least SPF 30 and in a variety of forms (I bet you didn't know you could get it in your blush!). So whether your skin is dry and sensitive, or acne prone and oily, you might find your new holy grail SPF product here. And check out more facts and myths around sunscreen according to dermatologists BuzzFeed talked to. Spoiler: It's absolutely crucial, so if you don't use *anything* right now...you're in the right place. This is my current daily go-to for sunscreen! I'm a big fan of La Roche-Posay in general as a brand because their products are free of fragrances and other common irritants, so they're a great option for us folks with sensitive skin. And my skin is 👏 extremely 👏 sensitive nowadays (like, I've ended up at the dermatologist several times because a new beauty product caused an itchy, horrible dermatitis flare-up), so I'm very picky about what I put on it and what brands I buy. LRP is one I can go back to without fear, every time. And their Anthelios sunscreen is so good, y'all. It's not the cheapest option on the market by any means, but I love how it feels on my skin and appreciate the higher SPF. The All-Day Hydration formula has hyaluronic acid in it, so I immediately knew that was the one for my dry skin. It genuinely keeps my skin hydrated all day and gives a nice dewy glow as well! As one reviewer puts it, it's basically sun care as skincare, and it's worth every penny IMO. Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three formulas). In case you're not familiar with it, PA stands for "Protection Grade of UVA" and is a four-level rating system that's more common in Asia. In this case, PA++++ means this product offers an extremely high level of protection against UVA rays, which don't cause sunburn but rather cause the skin to turn brown. Like many people, I've been curious to try more Korean sunscreens and saw a lot of praise for this Haruharu one. After verifying it was unscented and likely to not irritate my sensitive skin, I gave it a try — and absolutely loved it! The velvety smooth finish is truly lovely, it's decently hydrating, and I appreciate the higher level of sun protection, even on casual days where I'm not under the sun for long. Crucially, it doesn't make me break out in one of those itchy rashes that are basically my skin saying, "Get this away from me!" Promising review: "I am brown skinned and oily skinned and the search for a non-white-cast sunscreen was huge. My search journey stopped when I found this Haruharu sunscreen. It is weightless and feels nothing on skin, no oiliness and the PERFECT no white cast sunscreen. I have repurchased four times, and I am never planning to go back to any other sunscreens for my face." —Haripriya R Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business. Specially crafted for people with melanin-rich skin, the formula is ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing with ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado, and carrot juice. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd loves this one: "No white cast! I have oily skin and it doesn't feel greasy or heavy." Promising reviews: "Love this sunscreen! Thick, creamy and doesn't feel like the typical sunscreen. Feels more like a moisturizer and the scent isn't as potent. No white residue, which is perfect for my brown skin tone." —Tiffany Masters "Very good protection from the sun. Doesn’t leave a white cast on brown skin. Smells pretty good (like most sunscreens 😭). Even with as much sunscreen as I use, there is still a lot left in the tube. Also my skin has started to clear after using this sunscreen (great for uneven skin/dark spots)." —Nae Promising reviews: "If you have oily skin, or hate the feeling of sunscreen on your face, this is for you. I used the Water-Fit Korean sunscreen for three years. I tried this last month and was SOLD. It is an even lighter formula. For oily skin, it's the way to go. Will be repurchasing for life." —Malu "Pricey, yes. But WORTH IT! This isn’t my summertime going swimming sunscreen; it’s my everyday wear under-makeup sunscreen. It’s beautiful underneath makeup, doesn’t pill or cause makeup to separate, which is super important for me. Super lightweight on the skin and non greasy. Highly recommend, from a makeup artist!" —Bailey Marek Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "Coola sunscreen will always be my goat because it just STICKS to your skin and has been more effective than any other spray sunscreen I've used. I used it for a week-long summer trip in the Greek Isles and didn't get sunburned!" Promising review: "This is the only sunscreen my family and I use now. We’re really sensitive to heavily fragranced sunscreens, so finding one that’s fragrance-free and still works well has been important for us. I like that it sprays on easily, feels lightweight, and doesn’t leave us feeling overly greasy or sticky afterward. It’s become our go-to for beach days, travel, sports, and everyday sun protection. I also appreciate the ingredient profile and that it’s vegan and dermatologist tested. A lot of sunscreens tend to irritate my skin or give me headaches from the strong scent, but this one has worked really well for our family without those issues. Simple, effective, and one of those products we consistently repurchase year after year." —Amber Manley Get a 6-ounce bottle from Amazon for $32 (also available in a smaller bottle for $14). Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" —S. Pme The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $15, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the AAD's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top! Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in two sizes). Check out a TikTok of the collagen sunscreen in action. Promising review: "I am a skincare snob. I spend way too much money on products. But over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to find a new moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t bankrupt me. I need something that can help my dry skin, protect from the sun, and not irritate my sensitive skin. I was skeptical about this product, never having heard of the brand, but I gave it a try. I am SO thrilled with the results. This moisturizer is BETTER than the $55 alternative I have been using. It moisturizes like a dream. It doesn’t pill. And my sensitive skin loves it. I am THRILLED with my purchase and will definitely be back for more!" —R. Berry Promising review: "This sunscreen is lightweight and spreads easily. No odor, no white cast. I have been using EltaMD for years. I cannot tell the difference between this Neutrogena and the EltaMD on my face, except, of course, for the price. I can easily buy four Neutrogena bottles for the price of one Elta MD. The packaging is the same. Airless, pump dispenser." —Elizabeth Plus, the curved design of the stick makes it glide around the contours of your face perfectly. Promising reviews: "I FINALLY found the perfect sunscreen for me. It’s a bit pricey, but totally worth it. I’m brown skinned and this is the only sunscreen that leaves no white cast. It’s not greasy, it doesn’t budge so it’s not stinging my eyes. it gives a nice dewy finish that is perfect to put makeup over. I’ve even re-applied this over makeup and it works perfectly. And I love the stick application. It’s a lot easier to apply than liquid sunscreen and it has no scent." —Amazon Customer "Saved my skin from the Aruba sun. This stick went above and beyond my expectations. It was actually used more for the men on the trip as it glided perfectly over their heads, neck, and behind the ears. This I will order over and over again. Also prevented sunburn, no smell, and not sticky at all." —ALJ Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in two finishes: glowy or semi-matte). I used this sunscreen stick all last summer and love it for touch-ups! The stick form also made it easy to pass over to my friend whenever she needed more sunscreen, and I love that there's zero mess that gets on your hands, too. And my colleague Elizabeth Lilly can vouch for traveling with this: "I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation two years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So, yeah, this stuff works. And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination." This one comes highly recommended by my colleague Daniel Boan, who says: "I typically HATE the feel of sunscreen on my face (so greasy), but the Beekman Solar Milk is so good! It feels really matte when it dries down, and it's never pilled underneath my skin tint or concealer." Promising review: "I’ve been trying to find an SPF 50+ that was lightweight, non greasy, didn’t pill, didn’t leave a white cast and didn’t break me out for so long and I finally found it! It’s similar to the Unseen Sunscreen, but less slippery, heavy and it soaks in better! It’s a great makeup primer, too!" —Heather Also, they just came out with an SPF 30 lip balm inspired by their Classic Whip formula! My colleague Delia Curtis is a big fan of this brand and highly recommends both. Promising review: "Smells amazing, feels like a luxurious body cream, all while being fun to use and protective from the sun with SPF 50! I love this stuff!" —Dana More deets: It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, complies with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104, is PEG- and paraben free, dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, and vegan (made without beeswax). Promising review: "It’s hard to find a lip balm that’s moisturizing and also tastes nice — yeah you’re not supposed to eat it, but it gets in your mouth anyway. We all know it. This stuff leaves my lips very soft. Smells and tastes great!" —cxr My colleague Elizabeth Lilly says, "After trying what feels like every last lip product with SPF on the market, this is probably the first that made me forget I'm wearing sunscreen. It doesn't have that sunscreen-y taste at ALL! It's perf for everyday use and is part of my lip combo for the summer. I like to line and fill in my lips with a neutral pink liner (my ride or die is Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk) and then layer this on top. And I can touch up throughout the day without having to completely fill in my lips 'til maybe around dinner time." Promising review: "My 7-year-old and I love this so much. We live in a very bright sunny and DRY state. This will be perfect for spring soccer and all of our other outdoor activities throughout the summer. This balm is easy to apply. It is also very occlusive and helps to maintain hydration in lips. The texture goes on smooth. As a lip gloss girl, the texture feels good, though it might feel greasy for those who prefer classic lip balms or glosses or oils." —Chelsea Launched in 2021, Naked Sundays is an Australia-based business that revolves around all things SPF, creating products that help people incorporate sunscreen into their routine without the white cast, stickiness, or harsh smell. Promising review: "Wow! I never wear foundation, but when I saw this somewhere online, I thought I’d try it. It’s like a serum and very watery, but for my mature skin, that’s awesome. Not greasy at all. Very becoming on the skin. Looks juicy. Looks radiant. Very nice, and I’m getting more on order. Recommend!" —Steph Mama Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in 15 shades). Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned biz that creates vegan and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types. Promising review: "As someone with extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin that reacts to makeup very easily, I can genuinely say this is one of the very few complexion products that hasn’t caused any irritation or breakouts for me at all. It has quickly become a staple in my routine for days when I don’t want to do a full glam base. I just apply this with a bit of cheek and lip stain and it gives the prettiest, natural, healthy-looking finish without feeling heavy or cakey. What really stands out is how easily it blends — it melts into the skin with barely any effort and makes everything look smooth and even in seconds, which makes my routine so much faster and more effortless. I’ve also noticed it performs especially well in humid weather. Instead of breaking apart or looking heavy, it settles into the skin beautifully and actually looks more flawless as the day goes on. It keeps that fresh, skin-like glow without making my face feel greasy or suffocated." —amlotie Get it from Amazon (available in 15 shades) or Sephora (available in 17 shades). Promising review: "This product has a beautiful color and sheer when applied to the face. I just think it's amazing that I can put a little color on my face WHILE protecting it as well! I absolutely hate getting sunburn so this is a fun way to get my sun protection with a little bit of makeup." —Heather Get it from Amazon for $42 (available in seven shades). Promising review: "I, honest to god, thought setting sprays were a money trap hoax until I bought this. I had used a few random setting sprays in the past, and they never did ANYTHING; my makeup would run down my face as soon as I got in the sun. I bought this before a trip to the beach because I wanted something with SPF that I could spray on my pale, sensitive face (and if it happened to also help my makeup stay, even better!). I was BEYOND impressed with how well this setting spray works; my makeup still looked great even after hours of walking around the beach underneath the California sun. It felt very light on my face and dried quickly; it definitely has a strong sunscreen smell, but whatevs, it does the job!! Will be buying this brand again when the bottle runs out, for sure." —Hannah Coyne Get it from Amazon for $14.96 (available in a pack of two; also available in four other formulas). My colleague Elizabeth Lilly says she's been using this for years now: "It tends to last me quite a long time. I also like to spray it along my hairline where I tend to be a little less vigilant about sunscreen application. It *does* smell like traditional, beachy sunscreen so if you hate that smell, I wouldn't rec. Oh, and it's vegan and reef safe!" Promising review: "This is my favorite sunscreen for my scalp (part) when I don't want to wear a hat. I also spray my kids heads when I can't keep a hat on them! Works great and never had a kid complain about it! Having your part burn and peel is the WORST, and not necessary when you have this mist sunscreen! Oh, and it smells good!" —Courtney Promising reviews: "Wish I would have found this sooner! Works great and so far the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle "I have fine hair so anytime I’m in the sun I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen make my hair super oily and gross and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james This is formulated with 18% zinc oxide — a mineral ingredient that works as a skin protectant and an FDA-approved sunscreen component that reflects harmful UVs. This formula is vegan, cruelty- and fragrance- free, *and* reef safe! Live Tinted is a South Asian woman–owned brand founded by beauty blogger and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. Her brand is built around diversity and inclusion with phenomenal multitasking products that address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. Just peep their top-selling color-correcting Huestick! BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jasmin Sandal says, "I've introduced this gem into my skincare routine, and — holy cow — I'm not sure why it took me so long to give it a whirl. Hueguard injects a literal ray of liquid sunshine into my daily regimen because, gold. And it really, truly, leaves zero white cast on my face — plus there's no pilling, either! It blends seamlessly with my complexion, feels ultra hydrating (which is key for my early-30s skin), and is the perfect base layer for makeup." Get it from Amazon or Ulta for $18+ (available in three sizes). It's not recommended for use on the face; it was designed and formulated specifically for the body. My colleague Elizabeth Lilly says, "I'm always on SPF Patrol for myself and others, but also jump in the water any chance I get. So SPF that sticks is *essential*. I reapplied this a few times between dips, and again the next day, and wasn't sunburned after! It also gave me a gorgeous glow in pics from the boat days that could possibly pass as some "color" (at least for me). It also has just the right amount of scent you want in a sunscreen. Lastly, this bottle goes a LONG way. I used it for three days and still have just under half of it left! (If I'm using an aerosol SPF, I go through a bottle in a beach day.)" Promising review: "I enjoy this body SPF. The airless pump it comes in is perfect. It is a beautiful body SPF that leaves your skin looking supple. I have gotten compliments when wearing it. For reference, female 30s, light-medium, golden undertones, dry skin type. Yes, it is expensive but haven't found one better. And the best SPF is the one that you actually wear and enjoy doing so." —Annie8888 Get a 5-ounce bottle from Amazon for $39 or Ulta for $42 (also available in smaller size for $18). Promising review: "LOVE this. I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine. Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs. Face might be a bit much, but prevents a burn for the win." —Tawny Stammen Promising review: "I know this is pricey for sunscreen, but it really is the best. I originally got a small sample in a Birchbox subscription several years ago, and it was like the sunscreen I'd been searching for all my life. It goes on smoothly and stays put. It smells nice, you can use the same formula for face and body, and a little goes a long way. It also protects you from burning while still getting tan. I am self-conscious about dark spots and melasma, but I can be outside without worrying when I use Supergoop Play. I was thrilled to see Amazon offered it in this large size with a pump bottle." —Amazon Customer * Reviewers Over 50 Swear By These 31 Beauty Products (And You Probably Will Too) * To Say Reviewers Are Obsessed With These 34 Beauty Products Would Be An Understatement * Things That Should Be Nominated At The "Best Beauty Product Ever" Awards * Products That’ll Help Your Makeup Actually Stick To Your Face During The Sweatiest Months Of The Year Plus, easy-to-use makeup items and finds from Amazon and Sephora. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: Our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.