Our team tested and selected the five best sunscreens of the year. We considered formulation, application, texture, as well as sun protection and performance. During our testing, sunscreens that lasted the longest and stayed comfortable on our testers’ skin throughout their daily activities scored the highest.

Best Sunscreen of 2026

• Best Overall: Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen
• Best Daily Sunscreen: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday
• Best Sunscreen for Kids: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen
• Best Korean Sunscreen: Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
• Best for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Best Face Sunscreen Comparison Table

Sunscreen	Type	Active Ingredients	SPF	Finish	Tinted?	Fragrance-Free?
Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen	Hybrid (chemical and mineral) lotion	Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5%	46	Lightweight	Available as tinted or non-tinted	Yes
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday	Chemical lotion	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%	50	Hydrating	No	No
Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen	Mineral lotion	Zinc Oxide 19%	50	Lightweight	No	Yes
Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen	Chemical lotion	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.5%, octisalate 4.5%	45	Moisturizing	No	No
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Lotion	Mineral lotion	Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide	50	Fast-absorbing	No	Yes

Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen
Type	Hybrid (chemical and mineral) lotion
Active Ingredients	Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5%
SPF	46
Finish	Lightweight
Tinted?	Available as tinted or non-tinted
Fragrance-Free?	Yes
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday
Type	Chemical lotion
Active Ingredients	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%
SPF	50
Finish	Hydrating
Tinted?	No
Fragrance-Free?	No
Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen
Type	Mineral lotion
Active Ingredients	Zinc Oxide 19%
SPF	50
Finish	Lightweight
Tinted?	No
Fragrance-Free?	Yes
Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Type	Chemical lotion
Active Ingredients	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.5%, octisalate 4.5%
SPF	45
Finish	Moisturizing
Tinted?	No
Fragrance-Free?	No
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Type	Mineral lotion
Active Ingredients	Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
SPF	50
Finish	Fast-absorbing
Tinted?	No
Fragrance-Free?	Yes

Best Sunscreen Overall: Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen

Our Thoughts on Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen

Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen is our pick for the best overall sunscreen because the bottle is compact enough to keep in a purse, work bag, or beach bag and can be used every day or on vacation. The finish doesn’t leave an obvious white cast like other mineral sunscreens tend to do.

Paige tested Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen on her dry and acne-prone skin. She wore this sunscreen for an hour while outside. Paige rated the application a 5 out of 5. “This sunscreen was really pleasant to apply. I only needed about one or two pumps for full coverage on my face, and it spread evenly. I especially liked how easy and well it layered with my other makeup and did not feel heavy or pill, either. A little goes a long way with this product to achieve full coverage,” she said.

She also rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5. “This sunscreen has a cream consistency which is really pleasant to apply. It feels extremely light and breathable and is not greasy or tacky on my face. At first, it has more of a dewy finish that dries down to a natural, glowy finish,” Paige said.

When it comes to sun protection and performance, Paige raved about Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen. “My skin felt very well protected after being outside for an hour. I did not see any signs of sun exposure. My skin can be sensitive to sunscreens, but I did not experience any sensitivity or breakouts while using this product on my face. It held up well while outside and was minimally displaced by sweat,” she said, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category.

Paige added that she would recommend this product to a busy professional. “The finish is natural enough to use every day and does not leave an obvious white cast like other mineral sunscreens tend to do. This would be suitable for all skin types!”

Specs:

• SPF level: 46
• Price per ounce: $26.47
• Finish: Lightweight
• Tinted: Available as tinted or non

Best for Daily Sunscreen: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday

Our Thoughts on Supergoop! PLAY Everyday

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday is our pick for the best daily sunscreen because it is water- and sweat-resistant, non-comedogenic, and our tester loved its protection. 

Courtney tested Supergoop!’s PLAY Everyday sunscreen. Her skin is typically dry, and her face is sensitive. She used this sunscreen while she was at the beach and rated the application a 4 out of 5. “It was easy to pump the product into my hand and spread fairly easily. I am very meticulous when applying sunscreen to avoid burning and use a lot. But I feel like the consistency or quality of the product required me to use more than usual,” Courtney said.

When it comes to the texture and feel of the sunscreen, our tester rated it a 4 out of 5. “The texture is similar to a lotion; I don’t love it, but I also don’t hate it. It is fairly lightweight, but I also felt like it left a greasy feeling afterward. This may be due to me lathering up before hitting the beach. I wonder if I were to use less product and really rub it in, if it would still feel like that,” she said. 

Courtney loved using this product on her vacation, rating the performance and practical use a 4.5 out of 5. “I felt like my skin was very protected. I used it as my first (base) layer of sunscreen for the first two days and didn’t burn. I have fair skin which tends to burn easily, and this protected my skin more than usual. On day three, I thought I was safe to use a different sunscreen and got completely burnt. I don’t feel like it sweat off or came off in the water,” she said. 

Lastly, Courtney added, “This sunscreen is well-suited for a busy professional. It applies easily, wears comfortably throughout the day, and fits well into a daily skincare routine with only minor drawbacks.”

Specs:

• Type: Chemical lotion
• SPF level: 50 
• Price per ounce: $5.09
• Finish: Hydrating
• Tinted: No

Best Sunscreen for Kids: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen

Our Thoughts on Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen 

Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen is our pick for the best sunscreen for kids because its mineral formula provides SPF 50+ protection for outdoor activities. This sunscreen is tear-free and fragrance-free, making it a good fit for kids while they’re playing outside. 

Nathaniel tested Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen. He has a normal skin type (meaning not especially dry, sensitive, or oily) and wore this sunscreen while spending 40 minutes outdoors going for a run. “The sunscreen rubbed in really well, and I was able to get an even application,” he said, rating application a 4 out of 5. “The reason I docked it a point is that it was a little runny/liquid-y. So, I had to be careful getting it from my hand to my skin so it wouldn’t drop,” he said. 

When it comes to texture and feel, Nathaniel rated this sunscreen a 4 out of 5. “Once I rubbed it in, it felt great and disappeared really easily. It was just a little gooey when it first came out of the bottle. I felt like I had to cup my hand to make sure it didn’t spill,” he said. 

Of sun protection and performance, Nathaniel was really happy with the effectiveness. “I was outside a lot that day, both for extended periods of time and sporadic trips to run errands here and there. I didn’t burn at all and felt well-protected,” he said, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category.

In addition to protecting the family, Nathaniel added that the sunscreen also appeals to a busy professional. “The finish was very even, professional, and barely noticeable. You can go from an outdoor workout to lunch to a meeting with little issue,” he added. 

Specs:

• SPF level: 50
• Price per ounce: $1.50
• Finish: Lightweight
• Tinted: No

Best Korean Sunscreen: Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

Our Thoughts on Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

Roundlab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+ Broad Spectrum is our pick for the best Korean sunscreen because it comes in a stick, which is perfect for on-the-go use. With this sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about getting your hands messy, and you can throw the stick in your bag to reapply throughout the day.

Emily tested Roundlab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+ Broad Spectrum. She has dry and sensitive skin. She tested this sunscreen for two hours, rating the application a 4 out of 5. “This sunscreen spreads very smoothly and feels like a tiny layer on your skin. Using a stick, I feel like I swiped over my skin more just to make sure it was applying enough,” Emily said. 

When it comes to the texture and feel of this sunscreen, Emily loved it, giving it a score of 5 out of 5. “This feels extremely lightweight, with a smooth balm texture. It feels like a second skin when you apply it,” she said.

Emily was also pleased with its sun protection and performance. “I think it worked well with prolonged time because I could reapply it over my makeup without it really messing it up. My skin felt protected, and it was surprising how invisible it looks on my skin,” she said. Lastly, Emily added, “This sunscreen is perfect for busy on-the-go people.”

Specs:

• SPF level: 45
• Price per ounce: $14.79
• Finish: Moisturizing
• Tinted: No

Best Sunscreen for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Our Thoughts on La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is our pick for the best sunscreen for outdoor activities because it provides 50 SPF mineral protection and is made to be used on your face and body. We think this sunscreen will work well for just about anyone, and especially well for folks who have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Reese tested La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. He has combination skin and sensitivity to sunscreen, especially when it is scented. Reese wore this sunscreen on his body for about three hours. 

“This sunscreen was fairly time-consuming to apply given the thickness of the product and the initial white cast it leaves behind,” he said. “It took a few minutes to rub in the sunscreen so it didn’t appear to have a white residue. I opted to use it on my arms, neck, and chest before going out for a hike. Once the product was fully absorbed, it felt smooth on my skin. There was no sticky or greasy residue, and no overbearing smell, which I appreciated. There was a mild mineral/chalky type of odor, but I expect that with a mineral sunscreen.” He rated the application a 3 out of 5.

When it comes to texture and feel, Reese rated this sunscreen a 4 out of 5. “While it was not particularly lightweight or easy to apply, I was pleasantly surprised that after absorbing, it felt almost silky on my skin. There was no greasy or sticky residue, and the white cast eventually faded over a period of time. I was also planning to be in an area that is buggy, so having a sunscreen that wasn’t dewy or wet after application was a plus for me,” he said.

“Practical sun protection is where the Anthelios Mineral Sunshine really shines,” Reese said, rating the performance of this sunscreen a 5 out of 5. “I used SPF 50 and was outdoors in the summer heat for over three hours without burning. I used the product on my arms, neck, and chest and saw a noticeable difference in protection compared with my legs, where I used a spray-on sunscreen. After extended use, I did not experience any burning or irritation and felt that the sunscreen held up well,” he said. 

Reese cautioned those on a tight schedule. “While this sunscreen was highly effective for preventing sunburn (especially under a high UV index), it’s not something I would reach for as a daily-use sunscreen given the thickness of the product and the white cast it leaves behind,” he said. 

Specs:

• SPF level: 50
• Price per ounce: $7.88
• Finish: Fast-absorbing
• Tinted: No

Why the Right Sunscreen Matters to Professionals 

For busy professionals, your sunscreen must fit into your schedule. The formulations that our team liked the best were quick to apply, stayed on throughout the workday, and were compatible with testers’ skincare and makeup routines. Our testers liked sunscreens that dried without greasiness and avoided a white cast, too. 

If you’re commuting, having lunch outside, and then going back into meetings, you may want to select a lightweight sunscreen like Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen. A portable stick like Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen makes it easy to reapply at your desk. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Sunscreen

When testing sunscreens, we considered texture, feel, formulation, application, and skin compatibility.

Texture and Feel

Our testers evaluated how the sunscreen felt as it came out of the bottle, on their fingers, face, and body. Sunscreen texture is a personal preference: some folks like a thinner consistency, while others prefer a creamier, thicker-feeling sunscreen. 

Formula

Our team tried sunscreens in categories such as chemical, mineral, and hybrid. During our testing, testers typically found the mineral formulations to be long-lasting. Others left a temporary white cast. Our testers also mentioned that the chemical and hybrid formulations felt lightweight. Testers also considered other aspects of the formulation, such as fragrance and tint.

Application and Coverage

Our testers made note of how well the sunscreen covered their face, neck, or body. Testers preferred sunscreens that were easy to apply evenly and without a mess. 

Skin Compatibility 

Sunscreen is often layered with other steps of a skincare routine or makeup. We had testers assess how well the sunscreen performed under makeup or other skincare products. Testers also made note of any irritation, redness, or sensitivity they may have felt in reaction to the sunscreen.

Value

Sunscreen	Type	Active ingredients	Price
Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen	Hybrid (chemical and mineral) lotion	Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5%	$45.00 for 1.7 oz
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday	Chemical lotion	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%	$28.00 for 5.5 oz
Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen	Mineral lotion	Zinc oxide 19%	$13.49 for 5 oz
Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen	Chemical lotion	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.5%, octisalate 4.5%	$24.99 for 1.69 oz
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Lotion	Mineral lotion	Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide	$31.99 for 4 oz

Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen
Type	Hybrid (chemical and mineral) lotion
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5%
Price	$45.00 for 1.7 oz
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday
Type	Chemical lotion
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%
Price	$28.00 for 5.5 oz
Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen
Type	Mineral lotion
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide 19%
Price	$13.49 for 5 oz
Roundlab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Type	Chemical lotion
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.5%, octisalate 4.5%
Price	$24.99 for 1.69 oz
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Type	Mineral lotion
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Price	$31.99 for 4 oz

How to Find the Best Sunscreen for You

Here’s what to consider when buying the best sunscreen for you.

Your Skin Type

Consider your skin type before purchasing sunscreen: do you have dry skin, acne-prone skin, or overall sensitive skin? If your skin is usually dry, you may want to try a hydrating sunscreen. If you have oily or combination skin, you may want a sunscreen that’s matte and lightweight. 

Sunscreen Type

Type of sunscreen	Ingredients
Chemical	UV filters that absorb rays, such as oxybenzone
Mineral	Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Hybrid	Combination of chemical and mineral ingredients

Chemical
Ingredients	UV filters that absorb rays, such as oxybenzone
Mineral
Ingredients	Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Hybrid
Ingredients	Combination of chemical and mineral ingredients

SPF Level

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of 30 or higher. We tested sunscreens that were primarily 45 SPF or higher.

Primary Skin Concerns

Consider your primary skin concerns. Do you have sensitive, acne-prone, or dry skin? Are you purchasing sunscreen for your face or your entire body, or both? You may want to avoid sunscreens with essential oils or other fragrances if you have sensitive skin.

If anti-aging is a top priority, sunscreen is incredibly important. Pairing your daily sunscreen with a tool like one of the best red light therapy masks may help address fine lines.

Finish

Think about the type of finish that you’d like the sunscreen to have: dewy, matte, natural, or glowy. 

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

The best sun protection is the one you’ll use consistently, every day. Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen is our top pick because it is lightweight enough to wear daily, works well under makeup, and didn’t irritate our tester’s skin. 

If you’ll be spending more time outdoors, we recommend either Supergoop! PLAY Everyday or La Roche-Posay Anthelios, both of which cost a little more but are portable and long-lasting.

We also like Banana Boat’s Mineral Sunscreen, which can be found at your local pharmacy. It’s fragrance- and tear-free, plus it’s budget-friendly, too. Whichever sunscreen you choose, look for a broad-spectrum option that’s SPF 30 or higher. And remember to reapply every two hours, or even sooner if you’ve been swimming.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best sunscreen for older skin?

Our team selected Elta MD Clear UV Sunscreen as the best sunscreen overall. We think it would work well for the needs of older skin, too.

What is the best drugstore sunscreen brand?

Our team chose Banana Boat as the best drugstore sunscreen brand.

What is the healthiest sunscreen for your body?

The healthiest sunscreen for your body is generally a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher.