THE SPF PEDIA
The sunscreen-pedia! 2024
I know sunscreen can be incredibly personal. It's also overwhelming for most people! Finding the right SPF is truly a journey and you will run into some FLOPS along the way. After trying hundreds of sunscreens over the years I can say that this my list of favorites.
Truly the best sunscreen is the one that you will actually wear. Hopefully this guide can help point you in the right direction and save you some grief from wasting time and money on the sunscreens that are FLOPS.
I have linked all the products and receive small affiliate commissions for most of them. Thanks for your support!
Let's get into it.
I'm sorting these by chemical and mineral filters. Here is a quick breakdown of the differences.
Chemical filters- no white cast, usually very light texture, easy to blend in, almost always undetectable. cons- may not be ideal for sensitive skin, has been known to irritate sensitive eyes
Mineral filters- great for sensitive skin and especially babies older than 6 months. (if your baby is less than 6 months please keep them out of direct sunlight hats and sun shields work great for outdoor activities. Less possibility for eye irritation. cons- white cast on most skin tones, not ideal for melanin skin since it can leave a gray cast so please be aware. Usually has a thick formula and can feel drying on some skin types.
Everyday SPF for face- CHEMICAL filters
These are 'screens that I find sit well under everyday makeup. Some of them are perfect for a day by the pool and provide a water resistant formula. We do not say “waterproof” anymore. That was found to be a misleading marketing term that confused consumers. Brands are not allowed to say that anymore regarding sunscreen. We say “water resistant”. Just a fun fact. I actually had someone asking me for water proof sunscreen recommendations and NOT water resistant ones. So that was fun.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum SPF 50 PA ++++
This is the sunscreen for people who DO NOT LIKE sunscreen. It's light, doesn't smell like sunscreen and truly feels like a fragrance free light lotion. This is a korean sunscreen and uses different filters that are effective but not available for US brands of sunscreens.
Please be careful when purchasing sunscreens on AMAZON- there have been many sellers who know the high demand for these SPF products and truly just put lotion in a bottle and sell it.
**My teen pick! If your teen/tween is needing an SPF this is a great one!
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
This is probably the most talked about KBeauty Sunscreen- it has a lot of similar characteristics as the Skin1004 SPF in that they both are fragrance free, don't smell like traditional SPF, and are moisturizing. The only difference is that this one seems to be richer. It feels more moisturizing and less like a light lotion + more like a face cream. Once again, please be careful buying this on amazon this is probably the most "duped" SPF since it really feels similar to lotion. You can always skip your moisturizer and use a sunscreen instead if needed. Not everyone will need to apply a moisturize and then follow with a sunscreen. You can just use sunscreen if you do not have extremely dry skin. Almost all sunscreen has moisturizing properties in the formula.
Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
This is a rich dewy lotion that is also an SPF! I like to skip my moisturizer step on days that I use this sunscreen. It is a double dip! It's also conveniently sold at Target which can be grabbed as a last minute SPF if you aren't so good at planning ahead.
This truly does leave a dewy, glow finish. If you are looking for a matte sunscreen this is not the one for you. It's rich but doesn't feel heavy on the face.
Use code ALEXA for 10% off on Naturium’s website
Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40 PA +++
This is tinted and shimmery! It won't be a crowd favorite for everyone but I have adored using this over the years. I'm a big fan of using Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter or Kosas Glow I.V. as a shimmer base before makeup. I always want glowing skin!
The Glowscreen reminds me a lot of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless filter and once I apply concealer or foundation it’s the perfect amount of shimmer+glow that peeks through. NOT GLITTER.
This will stain white clothing so it should be treated like makeup. You won't want to apply this at the beach and then dry your face on a white beach towel. (BTW don't buy white beach towels. that’s just silly- unless you're at resort then it's not your problem)
Last time I checked Glow Screen comes in 4 different shimmer shades.
I usually use SUNRISE which is a champagne glow. But deeper tones might enjoy SUNSET or GOLDEN HOUR
Everyday SPF for face- MINERAL filters
Also ideal for under makeup and on a bare face. Yes, these are higher in price than most people want to pay but they really are incredible formulas. You will return to these time and time again.
But first, I have an issue with affordable mineral sunscreen. It all feels like the same heavy zinc paste mixed with lotion. I’m really excited for the day when the technology advances and we are able to have affordable, high quality mineral sunscreen. Of course I am always on the look out but time and time again I feel tricked into looking like Mark Zuckerberg in hawaii.
Here are the ones I personally love and find to be worth the money.
INNBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43 PA +++
This is light and almost fluffy! I love the texture of this and the tint since it helps to counteract the white from the zinc oxide. This is fragrance free and truly a dream to apply especially with the pump applicator. It’s the same style packaging as the Skin 1004 SPF. This also has Vitamin C to help with free radical protection as well as a peptide complex to visibility firm and plump skin.
That being said if you are sensitive to vitamin C please patch test this.
Summer Fridays SHADEDROPS SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
This is super milky and simultaneously light feeling. This is the only mineral featured here that does not have a tint but also does not leave a stark white cast on most skin tones. Fragrance free and gentle, this would be my recommendation for acne prone skin.
Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth SPF 40
DreamBeam leaves a beautiful, subtle glow that can be worn under makeup or even used without makeup. There is no need to cover up since this helps to visibly even out skin tone. This brand always blows me away since Kosas is truly makeup– but for skincare freaks. All of their makeup is “skincare forward” and that’s something I can appreciate! DreamBeam has ceramides and a peptide complex to moisturize and smooth skin with consistent use. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin as well.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Silk Screen has been my favorite mineral for a long time and they just recently relaunched with new packaging. This feels like a sister to the Summer Fridays Shade drops as in they both have a really liquidy, milky texture that makes them super easy to dispense and apply. The price feels a bit high but it’s truly a luxury product. They have a few sales throughout the year so I recommend waiting for those if you are hesitant. The Silk Screen does also feel like a primer. There is no need to worry about pilling or balling up with this sunscreen.
Body SPF
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist SPF 42
This is a true GLAZE! It comes out of the dispenser as a fine mist. It feels like a shimmery oil and is truly an experience to say the least. I definitely would NOT use this and go lay on the beach - sand will coat your body.
But the coconutty smell in combo with the instant glow. This absoloutely screams-girls-weekend-in-scottsdale - gimme another aperol spritz please and play some Beyonce. thanks. Or just spray this all over your body then close your eyes and pretend. Simple, I just saved you a money on that trip.
Eucerin Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 50
This feels like a basic sunscreen without the frills. Sometimes you just need that. It’s a lightweight lotion and although it is fragrance free it does have mildly familiar sunscreen smell. It reminds me of boat rides and I think that’s part of the reason why I’m a fan of this spf (if i’m being entirely honest). This is fast absorbing so great for reapplying. The size is pretty large at 5 fl ounces so I would definitely bring thai with me on a pool vacation.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense SPF 60+
I personally love a body spray even thought you have to be extra liberal with application. This is 60+ and so nice! When we go on trips this is the first SPF to be emptied by the adults.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt in Sun Milk SPF 60
This can double as a face and body spf! It has a velvet matte finish which makes this ideal for hiking or biking. It's not bulky and can double as face and body reapplication.
Sunscreen Sticks
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Silky Fit Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
There have been a LOT of fake versions of this sold so please be aware. This has a pastel blue formula and a soft, almost powdery finish. It doesn’t mattify skin and doesn’t leave a glow. This is a great SPF to throw in your bag for reapplications but the catch is you need to make sure you are applying enough. 1-2 swipes across the face won’t protect you. There is a lot of controversy about how many swipes you need but I think for reapplication you should apply until you can really feel the product on your skin then gently do 1-2 passes over your face with your hands for a quick massage and to ensure the product has been distributed.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
The Airy Stick has a tear drop shape which at first glance might seem cute but it’s actually functional! With the tear drop shape I feel as if I am better able to apply the stick in areas that are hard to reach like the undereye area or the side of my nose. It allows for precise application which is really helpful! This has a nice smooth application with a light finish. It’s not glossy but its also not entirely matte. At 22g this feels like there is MORE product in this stick.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort +Camelia
This would be my recommendation for acne prone skin and especially teens for a matte finish. I have a lot of friends who stick this in their teens bags for after school outdoor activities. This is so simple to put on that the kids actually use it. No fragrance and actually smells like nothing. No white caste of any kind.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
This was the first sunscreen stick that most people have tried. It has a glossy/dewy finish which is either exactly what you are looking for OR exactly not what you need. It has a light soapy smell. Pro or con? Depends on what you prefer. I love this OVER makeup for reapplication. It is the stick that is least likely to move my makeup around.
Kids Sunscreen
My kids have pretty sensitive skin when it comes to sunscreen so we stick to mineral filters and fragrance free formulas. They usually have a bit of a white cast after reapplying but we would all rather have them lathered up in sunscreen than deal with a sunburn. These are the lightest mineral sunscreens we have tried. We always come back to these!
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Kidstick SPF 40
This is in a convenient round stick and really easy to find when it’s at the bottom of a beach bag. It has slightly more of a cast than its kidcreme counterpart. Once rubbed in it’s much better. We love sticks for applying sunscreen on kids faces. I usually let them do it first and then I step in and finish the job. I think this teaches good selfcare habits by involving them in sunscreen application.
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Kidcreme SPF 50
A few summers ago my husband was sunburned (ugh yes) and he kept using this product as a soothing cream. I finally took it from him and said THIS IS SUNSCREEN not an aloe lotion. He was shocked because it felt so nice and was so nourishing. Long story short I always bring this with us for the kids and now HIM. Some would say that this feels very similar to Pipette brand sunscreen. Which is also really nice! The Pipette is much cheaper but it is NOT water resistant. So I would say buy the Kidcreme for pool + beach + water days and then use Pipette when you are out and about - for sports or other activities that don’t include water.
Sonrei Kids Zinq Mineral Gel Sunscreen SPF 60
My niece is also incredibly prone to rashes from sunscreen– but this is her top pick! This is more of a mineral gel texture and less of a cream. This feels extremely light and is the least likely to leave a white cast. It is made for extremely sensitive skin and can also be used on the face or body.
Sunbum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF30
Once you have had a scalp burn you know how obnoxious that is an usually will do whatever it takes to avoid another one at all costs. I spray this along my daughter’s scalp especially when she was going through her braids or pigtails phase. It dries fast and has a precision nozzle. This does have a banana coconut smell so if you or your child are sensitive to scents this isn’t the one of you.
Mousse style sunscreen because it's fun
Probably my favorite mousse sunscreen BECAUSE this is so incredibly fun to pull out. People will literally run across the pool to see what you are doing and also ask to try. It’s memorable and so many people are eager to put on the sunscreen! Classic Whip has a signature scent and is nostalgic of banana boat and pina coladas. The nozzle allows the SPF to come out really fast so be careful. Yes- it does look and dispense like whipped cream. The good news is you will definitely apply the amount that you actually need with this bottle. The bad news is it goes fast— this includes all the people around you that will also want to try it. I don’t enjoy this for my face even though I have seen some people use this as a face sunscreen.
my nephews got a kick out of this at our lake vacation so here is their hot take:
I adore the Supergoop Play original sunscreen and this is pretty much the same thing in a light, fluffy mousse form. This made the cut because it is SPF 50. Once again- I wouldn't use this for my face.
Sun & Shine Mineral Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50
THIS IS $8 last time I check on Amazon! Made for face and body– I’m not a fan of mousse on the face but please feel free to apply it on your face if that floats your boat. This has a nice fluffy formula - it made the list because this is a nice MINERAL mousse option. But it would have to be my least favorite out of the 3 mousse options. This does leave a light white cast on fair skin so please be aware of that. Not really much of a scent. No added fragrance.
I’m considering this a LIVING blog post and will be updating this as I find more favorites!
I would love to hear your favorites and if you end up trying any of these please keep me posted. My favorite thing about sharing products is checking in and learning what products worked for some people– as well as what YOU didn’t enjoy. Your feedback always helps since I can share with other people. So thank you for making it this far and hopefully this was worth your while.
But now i’m off to apply more sunscreen…
