Sunscreen 101: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36 is an affordable everyday sunscreen (7.5/10) that we found featherlight and easy to layer under makeup. During our review its non-greasy absorption and lack of white cast made it versatile for most skin types, but the lower SPF 36 and added fragrance mean it’s not ideal if you want maximum protection or have fragrance sensitivity. Our experience shows it’s a good daily choice for casual sun exposure, but consider reapplying often and pairing with higher SPF when needed.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 60 scored 8/10 by combining high-level SPF with moisturizing prebiotic oat, which our testing showed helps keep dry or sensitive skin comfortable. We found the lotion’s oil-free claim generally reduces greasiness, yet some users still report an oily feel on application and the fragrance may be irritating for sensitive skin. It’s water-resistant for active days, but be cautious around the eyes during sweating as our experience shows potential stinging. If you want hydration plus strong SPF, this is worth trying with a patch test.

Relief Sun SPF 50 by Beauty of Joseon scored 7.5/10 and impressed us with its gentle, non-greasy feel and skin-calming ingredients ideal for sensitive skin. During our review we appreciated that it’s fragrance-free and lightweight for daily layering, though it’s not water-resistant and requires reapplication after sweating or swimming. Our experience shows it can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones and may feel under-moisturizing for very dry skin. It’s a strong choice for sensitivity and everyday protection, but plan touch-ups for outdoor activity.

COOLA Rosilliance BB Cream SPF 30 scored 6/10 and is best described as a tinted sunscreen that lightly evens skin tone while offering sun protection. In our testing we liked the sheer coverage and soft, hydrated finish, but we found the tint provides minimal coverage and the limited shade range may not suit many skin tones. It’s water-resistant and feels soft on dry to combination skin, yet some users report greasiness and it contains fragrance, so sensitive-skin users should proceed with caution. Use it when you want a light, dewy tint with SPF.

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 scored an 8/10 in our testing and is an excellent, budget-friendly pick for deeper skin tones because it leaves no white cast while providing SPF 30 coverage. We found the avocado and jojoba oils make it nicely moisturizing and the fragrance-free formula is gentle on sensitive skin, but during our review the dewy finish can feel a bit heavy on very oily complexions. Since it isn’t water-resistant, our experience shows you’ll need to reapply after sweating or swimming.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 50 is an affordable 7/10 option that impressed us with fast-absorbing hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid, making it a good daily pick for dry and combination skin. In our testing we liked the lightweight, non-greasy feel and effective broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage, and it’s water-resistant for active days, but some users reported a greasy finish on oilier skin and stinging if it gets in the eyes. It also contains fragrance, so sensitive-skin types should patch test.

Sunforgettable Brush-On Shield SPF 50 feels like a clever on-the-go solution in our testing thanks to its portable brush format and 80-minute water/sweat resistance, providing mineral SPF 50 touch-ups between activities. We found the compact design is convenient for travel and makeup-free days, but during our review dispensing issues and reports of an unpleasant smell were common complaints. Priced at $69 and scoring 5.5/10, our experience shows it’s useful for portability but the cost and application inconsistencies give us pause.

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 scored 5/10 in our testing because, while it supplies barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated, the mineral formula produces a noticeable white cast. We found the lotion can feel a bit thick on initial application but often settles without greasiness, yet during our review the persistent white residue was a frequent downside that limits its use on deeper tones. If barrier repair and hydration matter most, it’s gentle and affordable — but expect visible mineral finish.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 is a reliable high-SPF option for face and body that earned an 8/10 in our testing. We found the lightweight formula absorbs quickly and is fragrance-free, with true water resistance for up to 80 minutes—great for outdoor activity. During our review some users reported a greasy finish and occasional irritation on acne-prone skin, and the presence of octocrylene raises ingredient concerns for daily use. If you need strong protection without a white cast, it’s a solid pick, just patch-test first.

Glowscreen SPF 40 (7/10) doubles as a glow-boosting primer that gave our testers a radiant finish and a smooth makeup base. In our testing it blended easily without leaving a white cast and feels lightweight, but we found pilling and occasional cakiness under heavier makeup a real drawback for some users. It isn’t water-resistant and can lack sufficient moisture for very dry skin, while pearlescent particles may be too noticeable for everyday wear. Use it when you want radiance, but test under your foundation first.

Future Screen SPF 50 facial serum earned high marks in our testing (8.5/10) for its serum-like texture and fast absorption that leaves a natural, skin-like finish. We found the mineral formulation with squalane and vitamin E hydrates nicely without a white cast, making it ideal for normal to combination skin seeking a lightweight mineral option. It’s not water-resistant and can be a touch too emollient for very oily skin, and availability is limited in some regions. If you want a hydrating, modern mineral sunscreen, this one stood out.

Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ (6.5/10) impressed us with a pleasant, lightweight texture that absorbs well, making it easy to apply over daily skincare. During our review we noted it provides solid protection and works nicely under makeup, but our experience shows some users find it too greasy and it can sting the eyes—issues to consider if you’re active or have sensitive eyes. It’s not fragrance-free, so fragrance-sensitive users should be cautious. If you prioritize texture and SPF level, this is an affordable option to test.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is our top-rated pick here (9/10) for sensitive and acne-prone skin—our testing shows it dries quickly, is oil-free and fragrance-free, and contains niacinamide to calm redness. We found it absorbs without a white cast and leaves a light finish that works well under makeup, though it’s not water-resistant and can show a slight shine in oily T-zones. While pricier than drugstore options, its formulation and high satisfaction ratings make it worth the investment for troubled or reactive skin types.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 scored just 5/10 in our review despite its beloved lightweight, gel-like texture that absorbs cleanly and leaves no grease. Our experience shows it feels great under makeup, but we have to flag reports of users getting sunburns even after proper application and reapplication, which undermines trust in its efficacy. It’s fragrance-free and versatile for many skin types, yet that reliability concern makes it a cautious buy—consider pairing with a secondary protection method or choosing a higher-performing alternative.

Supreme Screen SPF 50 performs like an all-in-one moisturizer, primer and SPF in our testing, which makes it convenient on humid days when you don’t want extra layers. We found its zinc oxide and vitamin E blend offers antioxidant support, but the formula behaves thickly on oily T-zones and can take about ten minutes to fully sink in; the subtle peachy-pink tint may also emphasize redness on sensitive complexions. At 7/10, it’s handy for multifunctional use if you can tolerate the texture trade-offs.

In our testing Eryfotona Actinica stood out for its DNA Repairsomes® and SPF 50+ mineral protection, delivering lightweight coverage that absorbs quickly without a white cast. We found it useful for light sweating and outdoor exercise since it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, but during our review the presence of Alcohol Denat. and a runny texture were noted concerns for very dry or reactive skin. At $46 and scoring 8.5/10, it’s a premium, repair-focused option worth considering if you prioritize damage reversal.

Mineral Crème SPF 50 earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for delivering mineral protection with a pleasantly matte finish and up to 80 minutes of water resistance. We found its antioxidant roster — Vitamin C, green tea, cranberry and pomegranate — genuinely boosts skin defense, but during our review some users reported a visible white cast and occasional greasiness that can bother oily complexions. Our experience shows it’s great for outdoor days when you want protection plus antioxidants, though you may see pilling under heavier makeup.

Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 earned a 6.5/10 in our testing because it truly delivers an airy, fast-absorbing feel that’s easy to layer under skincare or makeup. We found it’s a good choice for those who dislike heavy creams, yet during our review some users reported a sticky or oily finish and sensitivity to certain ingredients in the formula. Because it isn’t water-resistant, our experience shows it’s best reserved for low-exertion days and should be patch-tested if you have reactive skin.

Classic Spray SPF 30 is an easy-to-apply, non-aerosol continuous spray that scored 6/10 in our testing and works nicely for quick coverage on the go. We found the coconut oil and aloe vera add hydration and make it pleasant for body use, but during our review the strong scent was a frequent complaint and might bother fragrance-sensitive users. It’s water-resistant for activities, yet our experience suggests avoiding direct facial spraying and reapplying thoroughly for reliable protection.

COOLA’s Clear Sunscreen Spray (Fragrance Free) scored 6.5/10 in our testing for being lightweight, fast-absorbing and convenient with its continuous spray application. We found it’s great for body use and sensitive noses since it’s fragrance-free, but during our review several users flagged that the formula contains alcohol and can run out faster than expected, which hurts perceived value. Our experience shows it’s water-resistant and handy for quick reapplication, though it’s not always ideal for careful facial application or very reactive skin.

As a straightforward SPF 50 chemical lotion, Original SPF 50 gives effective sun protection without leaving a white cast, and in our testing it scored a solid 7/10 for sheer coverage. We found the water-resistant formula works across oily, dry, sensitive and combination skin, which makes it practical for everyday outdoor use. During our review the downsides were clear: users reported a greasy texture on application and occasional eye irritation when sweating, and the fragranced formula may bother scent-sensitive skin. If you can tolerate scent and a bit of slip, it’s a dependable go-to.

Lightweight and non-greasy, the Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion earned an 8/10 in our testing for easy layering under skincare and makeup as a daily SPF 50 option. We found its organic-forward ingredients keep the finish feeling clean and comfortable across oily to dry skin, and the water-resistant claim adds short-term outdoor protection. That said, during our review the reliance on chemical sunscreen actives limits its appeal for mineral-preferring users or those with very reactive skin. Overall, it’s a dependable, fragrance-free daily choice if you prioritize texture and comfort.

Clé De Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50 feels distinctly luxurious on application and in our testing scored 7.5/10 for its lightweight, non-greasy absorption that doesn’t leave a white cast. We found it especially flattering on dry and combination skin thanks to its silkier finish, but during our review the strong floral fragrance was a common complaint and reduces suitability for scent-sensitive users. The lack of water resistance and the high price point also temper its value, so consider this an elegant splurge when you want a premium feel.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid SPF 60 stood out in our testing as a top-performing high-SPF option, earning an 8.5/10 for robust protection paired with a lightweight feel. We found the fluid absorbs quickly, is fragrance-free and water-resistant up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for longer outdoor activity. During our review some users reported pilling and a slight initial white cast on deeper tones, and the small 1.7 oz size may mean more frequent repurchases. Still, its high SPF and smooth finish make it a reliable choice for active days.