Best sunscreen brands & why we carry them—because not all sunscreens are created equal
All sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from UV rays, but formulations, and how likely you are to use them consistently, can vary significantly. The best sunscreen is one that's suited to your skin type and comfortable enough to wear every day.
It’s safe to say that sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine. Daily sunscreen use protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of sun damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
But while any sunscreen is better than none at all, not all SPF products are created equal. The quality of the formulation, the active ingredients, and even how the product feels on your skin can all influence how well it protects you—and how consistently you’ll use it.
Is all sunscreen the same?
The short answer: no. Although all sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from UV radiation, there’s a wide range in performance, texture, and overall user experience.
Some products feel heavy or greasy, leave a noticeable white cast, pill under makeup, or irritate sensitive skin. Others are formulated with advanced UV filters, antioxidant ingredients, and lightweight textures that make daily wear easy and comfortable.
Since sunscreen only works when it's applied consistently, and in the correct amount, the best product is often one you'll enjoy using every day.
Types of sunscreen
There are two main categories of sunscreen, and both can provide excellent protection when formulated well.
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Mineral sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from UV rays. They're often recommended for sensitive skin, rosacea, or following dermatological procedures because they're generally well tolerated.
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Chemical sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens use UV filters that absorb ultraviolet radiation before it can damage the skin. They tend to be lightweight, invisible on the skin, and ideal for daily wear. Many modern formulations combine different UV filters to provide high-performing, broad-spectrum protection while maintaining a comfortable, non-greasy feel.
Some products are a hybrid—they combine mineral and chemical filters, offering the benefits of both technologies while creating a cosmetically desirable finish suitable for everyday use.
In addition to mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, there are sunscreens you can buy at the drugstore, and there are those formulated with the same kind of intentionality and quality as other skincare products.
They may include nourishing ingredients such as:
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Antioxidants to help defend against environmental stressors, like pollution
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Hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients to maintain moisture
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Niacinamide to help support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone
These types of ingredients don’t enhance UV protection, but they do work to increase skin hydration, avoid irritation, and improve the overall sunscreen experience.
What to look for in sunscreen?
Within the categories of mineral, chemical, and hybrid sunscreens, there are countless products to choose from. How do you decide which one is right for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these are the most important factors to consider when picking a sunscreen product.
Broad-spectrum protection
Always choose a sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum. This means it protects against both UVA rays, which contribute to premature ageing, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and potentially skin cancer.
SPF 30 or higher
For everyday use, dermatologists generally recommend an SPF of at least 30. While higher SPF products offer greater protection, no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, making regular reapplication just as important as the SPF rating itself.
A formula designed for your skin
Whether your skin is oily, dry, acne-prone, sensitive, or prone to pigmentation, choosing a formula developed for your specific skin concerns can make a significant difference—not only in comfort but also in how consistently you'll wear it.
Popular dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brands formulated with additional skincare ingredients that help hydrate, calm, or support the skin barrier while delivering reliable UV protection include:
A finish you'll actually enjoy wearing
This is where premium sunscreen products often stand out. High-quality formulations are designed to wear comfortably throughout the day. They absorb quickly, sit well beneath makeup, leave little to no residue, and are less likely to feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
They're also available in a wide range of finishes and formats, including lightweight fluids, hydrating creams, tinted mineral formulas, mattifying gels, and brush-on powders for easy SPF top-ups.
When sunscreen feels good on your skin, you're far more likely to wear it every day.
Water resistance
If you're exercising, swimming, or spending extended periods outdoors, choose a water-resistant sunscreen and remember to reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Sunscreen products to avoid
Rather than specific brands or ingredients to avoid, it's more helpful to recognize the qualities that make a sunscreen less practical to use and therefore, less likely to become part of your daily routine.
These qualities include:
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Stickiness
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Greasiness
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Leaves an obvious white cast
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Causes irritation
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Pills underneath skincare or makeup
Likewise, products that don't provide broad-spectrum protection or have passed their expiration date won't offer reliable defense against UV damage.
It's also worth avoiding homemade sunscreen recipes or products that claim to replace sunscreen altogether. Effective UV protection relies on carefully tested formulations that deliver consistent coverage.
If you have concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or you've recently had a cosmetic procedure, a dermatologist can recommend a sunscreen that's appropriate for your skin's specific needs.
The bottom line: which sunscreen is the best?
The best sunscreen is one you'll apply generously and wear every single day.
Look for broad-spectrum protection, an SPF of at least 30, and a formulation that suits your skin type and lifestyle. While budget-friendly sunscreens certainly have their place, many people find that investing in a high-quality sunscreen makes daily use easier thanks to superior textures, skin-friendly ingredients, and finishes that integrate seamlessly into their skincare routine.
Because sunscreen is the skincare product you'll likely use more than any other, choosing one you genuinely enjoy wearing can be one of the best long-term investments you make for your skin.
Key takeaways
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All sunscreens protect against UV rays, but formulations can vary significantly in comfort, texture, and overall performance. Premium sunscreen formulations often offer lightweight textures, added skincare benefits, and elegant finishes that encourage consistent use.
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Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for everyday protection.
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Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can provide excellent protection when properly formulated.
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Consult a dermatology provider for guidance on how to protect your skin from UV rays while managing a chronic condition like acne, rosacea, or eczema
Ready to find your new favorite SPF product? Shop our ShopMD Skincare dermatologist-recommended sunscreen collection.
