Texture: How the sunscreen sits on the skin can make all the difference in your wear. Those looking for something under makeup might appreciate a lightweight formula or something with a primer-like texture. Conversely, someone with dry skin might consider a richer, emollient formula similar to a face cream. That being said, keep your routine (and skin type) in mind when selecting your SPF this year.
White Cast: A white cast is that white, almost-purple hue left behind after applying some sunscreens. This often happens with mineral formulas that utilize zinc oxide to provide a physical barrier between the skin and sun rays. Fortunately, most sunscreens these days—even mineral options—do not leave a white cast.
Broad Spectrum: The term broad spectrum means that your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If a sunscreen is not labeled “broad-spectrum” it only protects against UVB rays, meaning you are more susceptible to damage from UVA rays.
Editors’ Review: Trust that our editorial team has tested each sunscreen on this list (and more, that were not featured!) to ensure we can speak to texture and sensitivity concerns. That being said, if our editors feel strongly about any given formula, you’ll see the endorsement noted in each product caption, alongside those of our dermatologist experts. TL;DR: The Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV SPF 50, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, and SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 are our favorites by far.
What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
“Broad spectrum describes the quality of providing sun protection against a wide range of ultraviolet wavelengths,” explains dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. “Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.”
How Much Sunscreen to Use on Your Face
Murphy-Rose recommends applying two finger lengths of product to the face each application. “One of the most common mistakes un sunscreen application is not applying enough product,” she continues. “Always remember to apply to your whole face including over the brows, ears and around the lips. These are areas where I very often see pre-cancerous skin growths, and I believe that’s partly due to less sunscreen use on these areas." She also recommends using an SPF lip balm.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
There'a an ongoing debate on mineral versus chemical sunscreen. In fact, you might be wondering what those terms even mean, and which you should actually be using in your routine. Here's what you need to know:
- Mineral Sunscreen: “Mineral (or physical) sunscreen contains the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide,” explains Murphy-Rose. “It protects the skin by providing a physical shield or a barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays, blocking the rays from reaching the skin. It sits on top of the skin to work.” Plus, these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, meaning they're generally recommended for those with skin sensitivities. Not to mention, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are said to be safer for the environment. “Coral reef destruction is a major environmental concern, so it is important to choose a sun protectant that contains reef-safe active ingredients. The best sunscreens to choose contain non-nano mineral particles. ”
- Chemical Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens use chemical filters (“like avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate,octinoxate, and oxybenzone, among many others") to protect skin. “[They] work to prevent sun damage and skin cancer by absorbing UV rays and converting them to the less harmful form of energy, heat,” Murphy-Rose notes. “Sunscreen must be applied 15 minutes before exposure to sunlight because it must penetrate the skin to become functional.” That said, “if you apply a chemical sunscreen and jump in the water right away, it may wash off and not work at all.”
What sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists?
In our reporting, dermatologists often recommended broad-spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or more by EltaMD, SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, and Supergoop!. For more insight on their picks, check out the “endorsed by” section of each product, which highlights what some of our favorite dermatologists have to say about the best sunscreens of 2024.
Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Even Indoors?
According to Murphy-Rose, you should absolutely wear sunscreen everyday as the detrimental effects of cumulative sun damage—around medical and cosmetic concerns—are well-documented. “By applying sun protection daily, your risk of developing skin cancer will be greatly reduced and your skin will appear more youthful for longer,” she says. “We are also becoming more aware of the negative effects of blue light on our skin. Indoors, we are exposed to this form of visible light via LED light and electronics like cell phones and computers. For these reasons, wearing sunscreen indoors has skin-protective benefits.”
How to Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen Properly
Now that you know what to look for in a sunscreen, it’s important to apply it with care. “It is a common issue that consumers are not applying it correctly, whether applying a product that is substandard, applying an insufficient amount, or neglecting to reapply appropriately,” dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains. “A good guideline for sufficient coverage is about a shot glass worth of product for one application for the whole body or the equivalent of 2 finger lengths for the face.”
