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Say goodbye to sunburns.
Photo:Real Simple
Thats where we come in.
Plus expert insight fromDr.
Caren Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist.
PHOTO: Ulta
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Supergoop!
Play Everyday Lotion
It blends in quickly and doesnt leave a white cast.
It isnt overly hydrating.
PHOTO: Real Simple
True to its name, the Supergoop!
We found that the formula absorbed into our skin quickly and evenly without leaving a white cast.
Even after swimming in the pool and walking our dog in the blazing heat, we felt well protected.
Plus, its water and sweat resistant, so you wont have to worry about constant reapplications.
This formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesnt clog your pores and leave you feeling greasy.
And the best part?
It comes in several sizes.
Whether you opt for a2.4-ounce travel tubeor a giant18-ounce pump-topfor the whole family, theres something for everyone.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, sunflower extract |SPF: 50 |Size: 118 oz.
It leaves a subtle white cast, which could stain darker materials.
After trying this formula ourselves, we can confirm its definitely worth the hype.
It also held up really wellwe only reapplied once at the beach, and we didnt get burned.
Theyre made with powerhouse ingredientstitanium dioxide and zinc oxidethat act as a barrier against UVA and UVB rays.
While it absorbed quickly, it did leave a white cast, which unfortunately stained our dark-colored swimsuit.
We suggest waiting for it to fully absorb before putting on clothing.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |SPF: 50 |Size: 5 oz.
The spray bottle may clog.
For a reef-friendly option, we like the Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray.
The formula comes out as a fine mist that absorbs into our skin almost instantly.
It has a slight sheen, but it wasnt any greasier thantypical spray sunscreens.
We also loved the coconut banana scent, which added to the tropical vibe.
Still, for anyone looking for a reef-friendly and easy-to-apply sunscreen, its a great choice.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, vitamin E |SPF: 30 |Size: 6 oz.
Its on the pricier side.
PHOTO: Amazon
La Roche Posay, known for its sensitive skin-friendly formulas, has a great sunscreen for just that.
While sprays can often feel greasy, this sunscreen had a creamy texture, almost like a lotion.
It did leave a white cast when first applied, but once we rubbed it in, it disappeared.
PHOTO: Real Simple
We also liked the scentit was subtle, but a bit more elevated than drugstore sunscreens weve tried.
Our skin never got overheated, splotchy, or sunburnt.
We spent extra time rubbing it in to ensure it was absorbed into the skin.
It has a light, airy consistency that makes it super easy to apply.
It blended seamlessly into our skin with a wet, cooling effect that we enjoyed in the summer heat.
It smelled a bit like alcohol at first, but once we worked it in, the scent faded.
Since it comes out clear, this sunscreen sprayworks well for all skin tones.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, antioxidants |SPF: 60+ |Size: 5 oz.
The formula may feel heavy on certain skin types.
It absorbed into our skin within five minutes and wasn’t greasy or oily.
Just note that it may be heavy for certain skin types.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, Plant Protection complex |SPF: 50 |Size: 5 oz.
At almost $40, its the most expensive option on this list.
The tropical scent will whisk you away on a sensorial vacation.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C & E, hyaluronic acid |SPF: 42 |Size: 4.7 oz.
During testing, we paid attention to consistency and how easily the formulas absorbed and blended into our skin.
We also took note of fragrance, potential skin reactions, and overall value.
That said, lotions and sprays each have their pros and cons.
Lotions, like our best overall, theSupergoop!
Play Everyday Lotion, require extra effort to rub in but ensure a more thorough program.
Dr. Campbell typically prefers a lotion or cream to ensure youre fully covering your body.
However, since theyre often opaque, it can beharder to tell if you missed a spot.
Chemical vs.
Mineral formulas can also be gentler on sensitive skin types and are recommended for kids and pregnant people.
PHOTO: Amazon
If you have questions about which style is best for you and your family, ask your dermatologist.
SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
A broad-spectrum formula can also help reduce the aging effects of the sun, aka wrinkles and sun spots.
PHOTO: Real Simple
UVA rays are your aging rays, Dr. Campbell says.
Most modern sunscreen formulas are broad spectrum, and it should be clearly stated on the label.
Most popular sunscreen formulas are water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Questions You Might Ask
Is a higher SPF always better?
According toclinical studies, yes, a higher SPF provides better protection from UV rays.
However, efficacy also hinges on how often you reapply.
Just because you opt for a higher SPF doesnt mean you might reapply less frequently.
Can you use face sunscreen on your body and vice versa?
Should you wear body sunscreen every day, even if its cloudy?
She prefers sunscreen in a lotion formula as she feels it’s more thorough and less greasy.
Our top picks were easy to apply, lightweight, fast absorbing, and effective.
We also spoke withDr.
PHOTO: ULTA
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PHOTO: Amazon
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