Top 10 Facial Sunscreens that are Actually Worth the Hype
Summer’s here, folks, which means beach days, sun-tanning, boat trips, and more. Unfortunately, these longer and warmer days also mean dealing with long-term UV exposure, which can cause skin damage such as wrinkles, sun spots, and even skin cancer. We all know that sunscreen helps to prevent these effects, but there are so many types and brands to choose from, how can we narrow it down to the best for us? Looking at hundreds of different options can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Well, worry no more, because here are the top 10 sunscreens of 2023.
1. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Credit: Black Girl Sunscreen
Price: $18.99
Size: 3 fl. oz.
Do you want a sunscreen that’s both lightweight and water-resistant? Do you hate that white cast that some sunscreens create? Then this one’s for you. With added ingredients such as jojoba, cacao, and avocado, this sunscreen moisturizes your skin without making it feel oily or heavy, perfect for those who want a dewy, youthful look. Additionally, with no white cast, this product’s perfect for all skin colors, making it the perfect universal sunscreen.
2. Banana Boat Light as Air Face Lotion SPF 50+
Credit: Banana Boat
Price: $13.99
Size: 3 fl. oz
This budget-friendly sunscreen is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic formula is fast-absorbing, feels light, and easily blends into your skin, leaving no annoying white cast. It absorbs extra oil and moisture, allowing your skin to breathe and making it perfect for those with oily skin types. This product is great for anyone who hates the feeling of sunscreen yet wants its protection.
3. Supergoop Play SPF 50
Credit: Supergoop!
Price: $22
Size: 2.4 fl. oz.
This lightweight formula is perfect for those who want to wear makeup over their sunscreen without their skin feeling oily or cakey. It contains sunflower and rosemary leaf extract, which both leaves pores unclogged, improves circulation, and tightens your complexion. Its long-lasting formula ensures that your skin will be protected during those long beach days under the hot sun. If you’re looking for a resilient and light sunscreen that leaves your skin feeling refreshed, then this one’s for you.
4. Bliss Block Star Mineral Daily Sunscreen
Credit: Ulta Beauty
Price: $25
Size: 1.4 fl. oz
This vegan and cruelty free sunscreen blends effortlessly into your skin while giving it the protection it needs. It contains rosa canina fruit oil, which controls excess oil production and minimizes the appearance of pores, making it a great fit for those with oily or sensitive skin types. Its slight tint also works to combat a white cast.
5. Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
Credit: Glow Recipe
Price: $35
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Created with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, watermelon, and aloe, this sunscreen soothes and evens skin tone and texture while giving fantastic protection. Its hydrating formula produces a dewy finish without feeling sticky or greasy. This water-resistant sunscreen also blends perfectly with any skin tone or color, making it a wonderful universal product.
6. Hampton Sun SPF 50 Continuous Mist Sunscreen
Credit: Hampton Sun
Price: $32
Size: 5 oz.
Voted “Best Spray Sunscreen” of 2023 by Good Housekeeping, this easy-to-use sunscreen mist provides antioxidant-rich nourishment without a white cast. Its hydrating formula also protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re looking for an airy, lightweight sunscreen that dries clear, this product is perfect for you.
7. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion
Credit: Sun Bum
Price: $20.49
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
This zinc-based mineral sunscreen both leaves a smooth, matte finish and acts as a primer, making it perfect for makeup looks. Its lightweight and silky formula leaves your skin feeling clean and protected. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, making it a wonderful fit for those who have dry or sensitive skin.
8. Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Credit: Babo Botanicals
Price: $18.50
Size: 3 fl. oz.
Made with chamomile and cocoa butter, this fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, vegan sunscreen is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Its hydrating formula contains 24 plant-based ingredients, including sunflower oil and shea butter, to moisturize and soothe your skin. Featured in the EWG Sunscreen Guide for “Best Recreational Sunscreens,” this formula ensures protection and comfortability.
9. Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Credit: Shiseido
Price: $30
Size: 0.71 oz.
Voted “Best of Beauty” by Allure in 2021 and considered the #1 sunscreen stick in the U.S, this clear sunscreen works both over and under makeup looks. It’s compact design makes it perfect for skin protection on the go. This sunscreen’s WetForce x HeatForce technology creates a protective shield against the sun that only becomes more effective in water and heat, making it perfect for long days at the beach or pool. If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-apply, and protective sunblock, this is the one for you.
10. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Credit: SkinCeuticals
Price: $42
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
We are finishing off this list with the Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. This non-tinted sunscreen is great for all skin types, specifically helping with discoloration and effects of aging, and provides an even, radiant finish. This formula also includes artemia salina, a plankton extract known to increase your skin’s resistance to UV rays and heat. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it the perfect match for those who have sensitive skin.
These hot, summer rays hopefully act as a reminder that the right sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin. Although we’ve explored what we consider to be the best facial sunscreens of 2023, it is important to understand key factors when searching for the best product for you, such as understanding your own skin type and sensitivities. Additionally, it’s important to ask yourself key questions when buying a new sunscreen, such as “What kind of look am I going for? Do I want a matte or dewy finish?” If you’re looking for a hydrating sunscreen, then the Hampton Sun SPF 50 might be a great match for you. Or if you’re looking for moisturizing sunscreen that does not leave a white cast, then Black Girl Sunscreen might be your perfect match. As always, if you liked this article, check out barbiepatel.com for more articles about beauty, fashion, and skincare.