When trying to achieve youthful skin, the sun can seem like your worst enemy. Whether you are looking to fight against aging or want to avoid painful sunburns, selecting the right sunscreen to protect your skin, especially on your face, from the harsh summer rays is important.
With so many formulas on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. There are chemical and physical sunscreens in different textures and ingredients, that will add a level of protection to the skin.
Fortunately, NewBeauty Editor-at-Large Sarah Eggenberger previously shared with TODAY some of her suggested SPF picks for everyday use and activities, including some for travel and sitting beachside. Additionally, we interviewed other experts for their best recommendations and what ingredients to look out for.
Below, you’ll find a range of sunscreens that can boost your makeup game or easily be stowed in your favorite tote — all of which are approved and recommended by our experts.
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Sunscreens for all activities, as seen on TODAY
Based on Naked Sundays’ website, they created the first-ever clear sunscreen. (That fact alone is enough to keep us interested.) So if you’ve ever worried about a white cast from sunscreen, even while underneath makeup, this one will ease your worries. Instead, the Radiant Sun Serum should leave a semi-matte and satin finish that acts like a serum, moisturizer and primer to shield, hydrate and keep your look intact.
Shop TODAY editors also love this brand for their hydrating formulas and innovative approach to sunscreen. Commerce writer Jannely Espinal owns the stick version and she loves how moisturizing it feels on her skin.
The packaging might look delicious, but don’t mistake this powerful sunscreen for your favorite can of whipped cream. Although it will be a playful addition to your beach bag, the unique packaging keeps the product air-tight and sealed.
“The mousse dispenses in a billow of swirling ribbons, its texture light and airy and nearly indistinguishable from a dollop of edible cream,” describes Eggenberger. “It is genuinely fun to use and its a great encouragement to get kids to apply sunscreen.” Plus, it makes for easy and swift application as you’re rushing to the shore.
It is a universal rule that you should reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes. But, admittedly, we don’t always follow that because applying sunscreen on sandy and sweaty skin is never appealing. As an alternative to reapplying cream-based SPF, this Kopari body mist lightly drenches the body with a delicate mist that promises to be fast-absorbing and quick-drying.
“To get the best efficacy out of a spray sunscreen, you want to spray until a sheen is visible on the skin, then rub it in and allow it to dry,” advises Eggenberger. “The additional benefit of the sheen, is you can see exactly where you applied, ensuring you do not miss any spots.”
For when you’re on-the-go this summer, you’ll need a sunscreen that will protect and adapt to your environment. That’s where Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Cream comes into play.
According to the brand, the product has “HeatForce” and “WetForce” technology that are activated based on external heat and water exposure. As it senses heat or water, it claims to form a stronger protective barrier. It’s even water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which helps if you’re in the water for a long time.
EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad Spectrum sunscreen doesn’t just protect — it actively works to treat common skin concerns, too. For instance, it contains niacinamide to help combat blemishes and discoloration, and promises to be non-comedogenic (indicating that it shouldn’t clog pores). And notably, the finish is sheer, which Eggenberger says is uniquely unusual for a sunscreen that contains zinc.” The resulting application is virtually transparent,” she says. It has even been recommended by one of our experts for sun protection.
Espinal is also a fan of this formula for the effective results. “I never break out with this sunscreen and always run out as it blends easily on my face,” she says.
For added protection during outdoor festivities, Shiseido offers this sunscreen that is said to be good for the face and body. If you have darker skin, this one works well because it has a weightless and invisible consistency that blends easily under makeup. Also, according to the brand, this sunscreen has an anti-aging formula to target fine lines.
Dermatologist-approved facial sunscreens for outdoor activities
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Wattenberg previously stopped by TODAY to share how to choose the right sunscreen for every kind of outdoor activity, plus shared her favorites.
This lightweight and sheer sunscreen from Neutrogena is fast-absorbing, non-greasy and has a matte finish. Since it does not have a heavy texture, this sunscreen is great to use for everyday activities to stay protected from the sun and prevent sunburn. If you will be using this sunscreen on the beach or by the pool, it’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
For Wattenberg, the best sunscreen is one you will use every single day, and this Sun Bum lotion is sure to do the trick. She recommends an SPF of 30 or higher and a sunscreen that is water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes with broad-spectrum protection. With a signature scent that instantly reminds people of summer, Sun Bum ticks off all of the boxes for a must-have summer essential. Shop TODAY team members Sierra Hoeger and Vivien Moon are also fans of the timeless scent.
For babies and kids, the best sunscreen to start with is a mineral sunscreen like this one because it is mild and can be used on both body and face. Lotions are the best option since sprays are harder to apply and aerosol is not good for young children. This baby sunscreen has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.
P.S. It’s important to remember not to apply sunscreen on babies under the age of six months. They should never be in direct sunlight.
The weightless formula is great to mix with the rest of your skin care products. This sunscreen has a light consistency and SPF 30 protection for a sheer complexion that won’t look greasy. The product is great for normal, combination or sensitive skin and is formulated with grapefruit and tangerine oils for a smooth finish.
For those looking to add an extra glow to their makeup routine, this formula works great. It has a sheer formulation that offers an even texture on the skin.
Even while indoors or driving, Wattenberg recommends applying sun protection since UVA rays can penetrate glass windows and damage your skin. This one from Avène features an ultra-lightweight formula with niacinamide, allantoin and spring water that feels soothing on the skin.For those looking to add an extra glow to their makeup routine, this formula works great. It has a sheer texture that offers an even texture on the skin.
Editor-approved facial sunscreens
Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo employs this body and face sunscreen as her everyday go-to, as its low SPF count (SPF 30) offers just enough protection for office days.
Plus, it’s long-lasting, meaning you don’t need to reapply throughout the day, and it has a nice scent, according to Shigo. Reviewers love how easily it glides over and blends into their skin, even those with tattoo sleeves.
“I officially found the mineral sunscreen of my dewy girl dreams,” says senior editor Jess Bender. “I’ve been curious about Vacation for a while due to their throwback marketing that throws me right back to the ‘90s, but they further won me over with the “shakerball” packaging and flip spout to neatly pour out just enough sunscreen to cover my entire face.”
While it takes a little bit of effort to blend in, and you have to remember to shake the bottle before each use, the brand promises a lightweight application and streak-free results.
Founded by surfing icon Kelly Slater, this daily sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, fragrance-free, reef-safe and is long-lasting, according to Shigo.
Shigo has been using it as her daily SPF for a few days now and compliments its staying power and lightweight texture. “It is great for when you’ve got too much sun the day before because you feel super protected with how thick it is,” says Shigo.
Commerce writer Danielle Murphy adores the sheer glow this sunscreen provides her with, which she mentions sits well underneath her everyday makeup.
It includes ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide to help brighten the skin, and help it look and feel smoother. Plus, it leaves a glowy finish after application thanks to the ethically-sourced mica.
According to associate SEO editor Kamari Stewart, this face and body sunscreen feels similar to a moisturizer, which is a first for her when it comes to SPF. “I’ve been using this sunscreen for the past week or so and love how lightweight it is,” Stewart says. This might be because it contains an array of “good-for-your-skin ingredients” (e.g. hyaluronic acid, coconut oil), she notes, which have perks in hydrating and nourishing the sin. “Plus, it doesn’t leave behind any white cast, which is amazing.”
This pick is also well-loved by Moon, who notes that it checks all of her boxes when it comes to a facial sunscreen. She agrees with Stewart, in terms of how lightweight it feels, adding that it “works well under makeup,” making it the ideal option for everyday.
When it comes to sunscreens, editorial assistant Madison San Miguel looks for two things: Protection and a radiant finish. This mineral sunscreen from SkinCeuticals provides both, and leaves a slightly translucent tint to even skin tone.
“This is a great base for ‘no-makeup makeup’ days because the coverage is minimal, but it does enough where you’ll notice a difference in your complexion,” she suggests. “I love that it promises no white cast or heavy residue.”
“This is my all-time favorite one-and-done face product, and it just so happens to be a sunscreen,” says editor Rebecca Brown. “It’s chemical-free, which is how I found it. A little goes a long way. Once my face is clean I apply all over and I’m completely set for the entire day. It blends so well and doesn’t leave my face — or my fingers — sticky after application.”
What makes this product 5-in-1? The fact that it hydrates, primes, moisturizes, protects and covers the skin, leaving it with a “sheer, dewy” look, according to the brand.
Moon finds herself reaching for sunscreens with a higher SPF on days where the sun tends to shine a little bit brighter, making this SPF 50 option from SkinCeuticals a product that helps put her mind at ease. Aside from protecting the skin, it adds hydration and feels soothing.
“It’s really lightweight and blends in nicely, but the part I love most is that it’s a mineral chemical blend that can help with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection which I want to have on days that I am outside more,” she says.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with experts in the beauty and skin care industry, including NewBeauty Editor-at-Large Sarah Eggenberger, doctor of pharmacy Dr. Sajani Barot and dermatologist Dr. Debra Wattenberg, to gain insight into choosing the right face sunscreen, as well as tips for proper usage.
We then scoured the internet and chose shopper-loved items that met the guidelines provided by the experts. We also shared a few of our personal favorites.
Meet our experts
- Sarah Eggenberger is the Editor-at-Large at NewBeauty magazine and a TODAY contributor.
- Dr. Sajani Barot is a doctor of pharmacy, beauty expert and CEO at The Skin Consult.
- Dr. Debra Wattenberg is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
