It wasn’t always like that Sunscreen enthusiast. Like many millennials, I didn’t understand the risks of turning into a lobster on the beach in high school or spending hours in a tanning bed until prom. I thought I looked better in the sun, but when I applied sunscreen I felt uncomfortable and ended up breaking out. I understand better now. Thankfully, sunscreens have come a long way in terms of formulation and texture, making them actually comfortable to use. I now wear it every day, hoping to atone for my sins of sun worship or at least prevent further damage.
“Wearing sunscreen is so important because it protects us from harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. says Ellen Marmer. “Because of these risks, we recommend that you apply sunscreen every day. Whether you’re driving a car, going to the beach, or flying, sunscreen is critical to protecting your skin. I will fulfill my role.”
OK, we know that sunscreen is important. But once you decide to wear sunscreen every day, choosing a sunscreen becomes a real challenge. There are so many options out there and they really vary a lot. To help you sort through all the bottles on your shelf, we spoke with skincare experts and road-tested them all summer long. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right sunscreen for you, and our top picks for the best sunscreens on sale right now.
For more skin care, check out our guides to red light therapy masks and the best showerhead water filters.
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What is the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?
There are two main ways sunscreen can provide protection. physical or chemical. Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on your skin that reflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that penetrate the skin and absorb UV rays, converting them into heat and releasing it from the body. Some sunscreen formulations use a hybrid of mineral and chemical ingredients.
Every sunscreen has its pros and cons. Mineral formulas tend to stay chalky (unless they’re tinted) and feel thicker and heavier than chemical sunscreens. They’re gentler and less likely to cause irritation, making them a good option for people with sensitive skin, Marmur says. It is also safe for the environment and does not cause significant damage to coral reefs.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, do not leave any marks and feel lighter on the skin. Because it sinks deeper, Marmul says it may have better retention during sweaty activities. What are the drawbacks? Certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause skin irritation in some people.
“Avobenzone is unstable when exposed to light and can cause dermatitis,” Marmur says. Some products contain stabilizers to prevent this. Two other chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been banned in Key West and Hawaii due to their negative effects on marine life, and there are concerns that these ingredients may lead to hormonal disorders in humans. However, there is not enough evidence to support this.
Is a higher SPF always better?
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and this rating specifically refers to how well a product fights UVB rays. “The difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 100 is very small, probably much smaller than you might expect,” Marmur says. For example, SPF 30 reliably blocks 97 percent of UVB radiation, while SPF 50 increases that percentage to 98 percent, and SPF 100 increases that percentage to 99 percent. So technically higher is better, but it doesn’t make a huge difference in the protection you get.
“That said, we recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which generally provides a similar percentage of protection compared to a sunscreen with SPF 100,” Marmur says. Regardless of the SPF rating, you want a product that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB.
What ingredients should I avoid in sunscreen?
Considering what we know about the safety of sunscreens and ingredients in general, “the benefits of wearing sunscreen significantly outweigh the risks,” Marmur says. Applying sunscreen regularly is not only a safety issue, but one of the best things you can do to prevent premature aging. “Good SPF habits are now like money in the bank, offering insurance against expensive lasers to remove sun damage or worse, scars from surgery or skin cancer. “It’s something you do,” Marmer says.
Many of the concerns raised about oxybenzone are related to studies conducted in rats that were given oxybenzone. One analysis by the Archives of Dermatology Research found that it would take 277 years of continuous human use of oxybenzone sunscreen to reach doses comparable to the chemicals that adversely affected rats. Oxybenzone is also found in many products people use, such as nail polish, hairspray, and plastics. “There are zero documented cases of systemic side effects to sunscreen,” Marmur said. “However, there are millions of cases of skin cancer each year that are directly related to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which damages the skin’s DNA.”
That being said, there are certain ingredients you should avoid.
Mahmuru recommends not adding fragrance to sunscreen products, especially for people with sensitive skin. Avobenzone, a common chemical sunscreen ingredient, can cause dermatitis in some people. Retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A used in some sunscreens, is thought to increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are particularly harmful to coral reefs. The sunscreens on this list do not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or retinyl palmitate.
What you need to know about terms like “reef safe”
“Reef safe” and “reef friendly” are not regulated designations, so brands can use the terms as a marketing tool without certification. It also does not mean that the product does not harm the environment. However, there are certain sunscreens that have less impact on marine ecosystems than others. In general, mineral sunscreens are less damaging to coral than chemical sunscreens.
