The Best Sunscreen

This vegan, reef-friendly sunscreen lotion is made in Florida and is free from oil, oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens (which are artificial preservatives), and even gluten. It offers 80 minutes of protection when you’re swimming or sweating and up to two hours of protection otherwise.

Sun Bum’s formula, which contains a healthy helping of vitamin E, is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is certified cruelty-free in addition to being vegan. The fact that it’s hypoallergenic means everyone in the family should be able to use it on their bodies. But note that this moisturizing sunscreen lotion isn’t meant for use on your face. Reviewers say if it gets in your eyes, it stings. If you have extremely sensitive skin or a history of adverse reactions to chemical SPF ingredients, consider mineral-based sunscreen options instead.

Key Features

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
• Vegan
• Reef-friendly

<strong>Brand</strong>: Sun Bum | <strong>SPF</strong>: 50

Supergoop! sunscreen lotion protects against UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. It's made for the face and body, and it’s non-comedogenic (that is, it shouldn’t clog your pores), reef-friendly, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Supergoop!’s Everyday formula includes rosemary leaf extract as an active ingredient alongside avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octisalate extract. It’s lightweight and is made to wear well under makeup or on its own. The fast-drying formula ensures the sunscreen doesn't feel sticky on the skin, or oily.

Unlike Sun Bum Original, Supergoop! Everyday doesn’t have any at-the-beach scent, but note that the ingredients result in a pleasant, faintly botanical smell.

Key Features

• Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract
• Made for face
• Reef friendly

<strong>Brand</strong>: Supergoop! | <strong>SPF</strong>: 50

This spray-on Banana Boat formula is made to withstand seven conditions: sun, wind, extreme heat, sand, ocean water, pool water, and sweat. It lasts for 80 minutes and should be applied immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying (even if your two hours hasn’t passed).

The bottle has an easy twist-and-lock spray design with no cap, so it's as simple as twisting, applying, then twisting the bottle closed again. Unlike lotion, spray is much easier to apply to a larger surface area than lotion. With that being said, that means the spray isn't designed to protect your face, it's more for your body.

Another thing we love is that the spray is totally clear, so you won't be stuck with streaks on your skin without your knowing.

Key Features

• Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octocrylene
• Made to withstand seven sport conditions
• Stands up to moisture better and longer than most sunscreens

<strong>Brand</strong>: Banana Boat | <strong>SPF</strong>: 50

If you’re looking for a spray sunscreen, this is another option we recommend. Folks with sensitive skin shouldn't have trouble with the formula, which is PABA-free, non-comedogenic, and never tested on animals. It includes uber skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and coconut oil. The sunscreen has a comforting, beachy scent without smelling overwhelming in the slightest. The formula is just one reason we love Trader Joe's 50 SPF sunscreen, but that's not the only reason.

It's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, similar to comparable spray models. Thanks to valve pressure technology, applying this sunscreen has never been smoother. The spray spreads easily without leaving behind residue or white streaks like lotion sometimes can.

Key Features

• Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone
• Never tested on animals
• Valve pressure technology ensure smooth application

<strong>Brand</strong>: Trader Joe’s | <strong>SPF</strong>: 50

No two sunscreens are made alike, so how do you find the best option for your skin? Our list below can help you make the right decision.

Water Resistance

The best sunscreens are typically water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Some options are formulated to last longer (up to two hours). But read the application instructions carefully! All sunscreens should be reapplied each time you get out of the water or towel dry, no matter how long it’s been since you applied. This is easy to forget but essential to protecting your skin.

If you notice your sunscreen is pilling or dripping, your protection has been compromised. Reapply or try a different formula.

Active Ingredients

Active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene. They absorb more easily and provide better protection when exposed to moisture, whether that’s water or sweat. Note that, unfortunately, chemical sunscreens can be irritating for folks with sensitive skin.

Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They are safer for the environment and sensitive skin, but can feel thicker, are harder to rub in, and don’t stand up to moisture as well.

For these reasons, a physical/mineral sunscreen can work well for the face and chemical sunscreens do the trick when longer-lasting protection outdoors is needed.