Sunscreen 101: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

sunscreen

Sunscreen 101: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

July 11, 2025

Overview

Stay protected with our comprehensive Sunscreen 101 guide for 2025! We break down everything you need to know about sunscreen, from understanding SPF levels and application techniques to navigating different formulations for every skin type. Discover the latest innovations and best practices in sun protection, ensuring you're armed with the knowledge to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Learn about key ingredients, debunk common myths, and find recommendations to build your perfect sunscreen routine. Whether you're headed to the beach or just stepping outside, this guide will help you make informed choices for healthy, radiant skin, all year round.

Magdalena Fazekas

In this guide

Sunscreen Formulations for Every Skin TypeTop-Rated Sunscreen Recommendations for 2025

Our picks

The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Moisturizing Body Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 and Prebiotic Oat, Weightless, Paraben, Oxybenzone, and Oil Free Sunscreen, 12 FL OZ, $27.27

The Top-Rated Sunscreen Recommendations of 2025: Glowscreen SPF 40, $38.00

The Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $44.00

Sunscreen Formulations for Every Skin Type

Discover the best sunscreens for sensitive, oily, dry, and combination skin types.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36 – Korean Face Sunscreen, Invisible Finish, Broad Spectrum, No White Cast, Lightweight, Hydrating

$18.00

Shield your skin with this award-winning Korean sunscreen! Perfect for all skin types, this invisible SPF 36 formula leaves *no* white cast, just a radiant glow. Infused with green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, it hydrates, soothes, and protects against UVA/UVB rays. Experience daily sun protection that's both effective and feels amazing.

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$18.00

at Amazon


Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Moisturizing Body Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 and Prebiotic Oat, Weightless, Paraben, Oxybenzone, and Oil Free Sunscreen, 12 FL OZ

$27.27

Shield sensitive skin from the sun's harmful rays with Aveeno's Protect + Hydrate SPF 60 Body Lotion. This oil-free, unscented formula combines broad-spectrum protection with all-day hydration, thanks to nourishing prebiotic oat. Dermatologist-recommended and water-resistant, it's the perfect choice for gentle yet effective sun defense, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy.


Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 Set

$32.40

Shield your skin with this gentle SPF 50 sunscreen, perfect for all skin types! The lightweight, non-greasy formula blends seamlessly, leaving no white cast while soothing and hydrating. Experience the benefits of sun protection without irritation; this sunscreen keeps your skin healthy, calm, and radiant.


COOLA Organic Rosilliance BB Cream With SPF 30, Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen & Foundation, Dermatologist Tested, 1.5 Fl Oz

$52.00

For a touch of effortless radiance, try COOLA's tinted moisturizer! This mineral-based BB cream with SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection while evening out skin tone with a sheer, makeup-free glow. Infused with rose stem cells and antioxidant-rich ingredients, it combats free radicals and leaves your skin fresh, hydrated, and beautifully protected.


Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

$10.99

Tired of chalky sunscreen? This hydrating SPF 30 is formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin, leaving a dewy, moisturized finish without the dreaded white cast. Its non-comedogenic formula is gentle and effective, making it a perfect choice for a daily dose of sun protection that won't clog pores.


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Water Gel Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Water-Resistant & Non-Greasy Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion, Oil-Free, 3 fl. oz

$10.98

Quench your skin's thirst for hydration with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen Lotion. This oil-free, non-comedogenic formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection that layers invisibly under makeup. Enjoy eight hours of moisturized, healthy-looking skin without the greasy feel, making it perfect for all skin types seeking superior sun protection and hydration.


Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50

$69.00

Shield your skin with ease using this dermatologist-recommended, powder sunscreen perfect for sensitive skin. This all-mineral formula offers SPF 50 protection, water resistance, and defense against blue light, pollution, and infrared rays. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it nourishes while protecting, making reapplication a breeze on-the-go, even over makeup.


CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide, Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides, Oil Free, Non-Greasy, Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen For Body, 5 oz

$13.97

Shield sensitive skin with CeraVe's 100% Mineral Sunscreen. This dermatologist-developed lotion uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to gently reflect harmful rays, offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Its oil-free, non-greasy formula is enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, providing all-day hydration and helping to restore your skin's natural barrier, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Top-Rated Sunscreen Recommendations for 2025

Find the best-performing sunscreens of the year to suit various needs and preferences.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, Sunscreen For Body & Face, Broad Spectrum SPF + Antioxidants, Oil Free, Lightweight & Fast Absorbing, Oxybenzone Free

$31.19

Shield your skin with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, the award-winning choice for broad-spectrum protection. This dermatologist-tested formula, enriched with antioxidants, is fast-absorbing and leaves a velvety finish—ideal for both face and body. Its oil-free, fragrance-free, and water-resistant formula makes it perfect for daily wear, even for sensitive skin.


Glowscreen SPF 40

$38.00

Looking for sun protection that doubles as a radiant complexion enhancer? This tinted sunscreen offers a luminous, sun-kissed glow while shielding your skin with SPF 40. Beyond UV defense, it primes your skin for makeup, visibly evens tone, and provides all-day hydration for a healthy, beautiful look.


Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Fragrance Free Facial Sunscreen Serum

$40.00

Shield your skin with the ultra-light Future Screen SPF 50 from ULTRA VIOLETTE. This mineral-based, fragrance-free serum offers superior sun protection without feeling heavy or greasy, making it ideal for daily use. Designed for sensitive skin, it protects and nourishes, giving you a healthy glow and peace of mind. Get yours now at Sephora!


Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

$24.00

Shield your skin with the highest level of defense! This top-rated SPF 50+ lotion from Shiseido offers superior sun protection, perfect for those prioritizing skincare. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your skin is safeguarded, plus benefit from YesStyle's remarkable prices and FREE worldwide shipping.


EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$44.00

Protect your skin while treating it with EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46! This top-rated sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with the added benefit of 5% Niacinamide to reduce blemishes and even skin tone. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula is perfect for daily use, leaving your skin smooth, healthy, and shielded from harmful rays.


Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 - 2 pack

$76.00

Shield your skin with our ultimate bestseller, now in a value pack! This weightless, invisible sunscreen with SPF 50 protects while doubling as a makeup primer. Clinically tested to boost skin clarity and suitable for all skin types, it offers all-day protection and a flawless base for your look.


Supreme Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Moisturizer and Primer

$36.00

Prep your skin for a flawless day with this multi-tasking marvel from ULTRA VIOLETTE. This SPF 50 formula acts as your daily sun defense, a deeply hydrating moisturizer, and a smooth primer all in one. Get ready for effortless application and a radiant base – all while protecting your skin. Find it now at Sephora!


Eryfotona Actinica 1.7 FL OZ

$46.00

Shield your skin with the ultimate protection! This ultralight mineral sunscreen boasts SPF 50+ for superior defense against harmful rays. Free shipping on orders over $55 adds to the appeal of this top-rated formula, making it a must-have for anyone serious about sun safety and healthy, radiant skin.


Mineral Crème SPF 50

$32.00

Prime your skin for sun protection and a flawless look with this top-rated mineral crème. This SPF 50 formula delivers broad-spectrum defense with a smooth, matte finish – perfect for wearing under makeup. Enjoy anti-aging benefits while staying protected from the sun's harmful rays. Subscribe now and get a massive discount on your first order!


Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50

$18.98

Shield your skin with this SPF50 face fluid, a game-changer for daily protection. This ultra-light formula offers superior defense against UVA and UVB rays while hydrating and soothing. Experience the ultimate in sun protection with a glowing finish – no greasiness, no white cast, just pure, radiant skin.


Classic Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen

$13.30

Shield your skin with Vacation's Classic Spray! This award-winning, lightweight sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with a delightful signature scent. Its innovative "non-aerosol" and "continuous-spray" technology ensures easy, transparent application, perfect for sun-drenched days and worry-free travel. Get ready to relax and enjoy the sun responsibly!


Clear Sunscreen Spray - Fragrance Free

$12.00

Shield your skin effortlessly with this fragrance-free SPF 50 spray, ideal for daily wear or sun-soaked adventures. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula provides a continuous, easy application while nourishing your skin with antioxidant-rich plant extracts. Stay protected and enjoy the sun with confidence, knowing your skin is shielded from harmful rays.


Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

$32.99

Looking for a reliable sunscreen that delivers? This original formula is a classic for a reason! Offering powerful SPF 50 protection, it's designed to shield you from the sun's harmful rays. Perfect for outdoor adventures and travel, this trusted lotion provides peace of mind so you can enjoy your time in the sun.


Face Sunscreen Lotion - Fragrance Free

$32.00

Shield your skin with this top-rated, fragrance-free SPF 50 lotion that feels incredibly lightweight. This daily essential offers clear, hydrating protection, ideal for both everyday wear and active outdoor adventures. Packed with antioxidants like Prickly Pear Extract, it nourishes your skin while defending against sun damage and free radicals.


Clé De Peau Beauté Exclusive UV Protective Cream SPF 50 | Default Title

$109.99

Indulge in luxurious sun protection with this top-rated broad-spectrum SPF 50+ cream. Beyond shielding against UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors, its ultra-nourishing formula combats fine lines and delivers 10-hour moisture. Experience a visibly improved skin texture and enhanced resilience, all while benefiting from the advanced technology that restores your skin's natural barrier.


La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60, Lightweight Sunscreen For Face, Fluid Texture, Broad Spectrum SPF + Antioxidants, Oil Free & Oxybenzone Free, Travel Size 1.7 Fl. Oz.

$27.19

Shield your skin with La Roche-Posay's ultra-lightweight facial sunscreen, boasting SPF 60 broad-spectrum protection and a matte finish, ideal for all skin types. This fast-absorbing, oil-free formula won't clog pores and offers a perfect base for makeup, visibly reducing sun damage while being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Experience advanced protection in a travel-friendly size, perfect for on-the-go sun care!

Topics

sunscreen
SPF
UV protection
sunscreen guide
skin protection
sun care
best sunscreen
2025 sunscreen

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