The 15 Best New SPF Products for Face and Body (2024)

Table of Contents
Best Mineral SPF Moisturizer for Face: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen Best Chemical SPF Moisturizer for Melanin-Rich Skin: MELĒ Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen MELE Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Best Chemical SPF Moisturizer: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer Best Chemical Sunscreen Lotion for Body: COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 70 in Peach Blossom COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 70 in Peach Blossom Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 Best Tinted SPF Moisturizer: Saie Slip Tint Saie Slip Tint Best SPF Foundation: Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 Best SPF Serum: Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face: VERSED Guards Up SPF 35 VERSED Guards Up SPF 35 Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen Best Mineral Sunscreen Spray: Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Spray Coppertone Pure & Simple Spray Best Chemical Sunscreen Spray: Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray Best Mineral Sunscreen Stick: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Best Chemical Sunscreen Stick: COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 References

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Finding the best sunscreen for face and body is one of the pillars of a good skin-care routine. It not only shields your skin from UV rays, but also prevents signs of aging and a host of other skin concerns. So yes, it may feel like a pain, but wearing sunscreen daily is 100% worth it.

With so many new SPF products for face and body coming out every year, from sprays to two-in-one moisturizers with sunscreen, it’s easier than ever to stay protected from the sun at all times. Armed with a variety of new sunblocks, our panel of home testers for this year’s 2021 Healthy Beauty Awards slathered them on in all types of weather to whittle down the best sunscreens for using head-to-toe. We looked for the ones that won’t pill under makeup, leave a greasy sheen on your cell phone screen, and above all, we sought out the creams that are built to withstand all the sweat and humidity that summer brings. Below, we break down what to look for as you select the best sunscreen for your face or body; and then include all of our top picks. Keep scrolling or go here to check out all of our 2021 Healthy Beauty Award winners.

What to Look for When Choosing SPF Products

Perhaps more than any other skin-care product, on this one, derms agree: Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater every. single. day. Yes, even if your makeup also has an SPF. Yes, even if it’s cloudy or rainy. And yes, even in winter.

Now that that’s settled, we can move on to the next great divide: mineral versus chemical sunscreens. In general, as SELF has previously reported, there’s nothing inherently better about one or the other. The best sunscreen for your face or body is the one you’ll actually wear. Having said that, if you have sensitive skin, you may find mineral sunscreens to be less irritating. On the other hand, those with oily or acne-prone skin may find chemical sunscreens to be easier to apply and may leave your face looking less greasy.

If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, stay away from fragrances and dyes (which can be extra drying), and look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. If you’ve already got some sun damage (hello, sunburn from the spring breaks of yore!), select a sunscreen that also contains antioxidants, which can help fight discoloration.

Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

  • Best Mineral SPF Moisturizer for Face: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen

    Grown Alchemist / Lisa Moses

    1

    Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen

    Grown Alchemist has a reputation for producing minimal, plant-based products that are stylish enough to leave out on your bathroom counter, and this hydrating sunscreen lives up to the name. Testers loved how soft it made their skin feel, and how easy it was to rub in without much elbow grease. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This SPF moisturizer includes derm-approved hydrators like hyaluronic acid and has a mineral base that derms recommend for sensitive skin types.

    Just so you know: This product contains essential oils that derms say may be irritating for sensitive skin and occlusives like coconut oil that can clog your pores.

    One tester said: “This was so good. It is extremely hydrating, leaves my skin baby-soft, feeling like I applied a serum or oil, and is super easy to rub in. It has a bit of a mineral smell to it, but not too much like sunscreen. This is definitely something I'll be bringing to the beach or wearing on days when I know I'll be spending a lot of time in the sun.”

  • Best Chemical SPF Moisturizer for Melanin-Rich Skin: MELĒ Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

    MELE / Lisa Moses

    2

    MELE Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

    Finding a decent SPF option for darker skin tones comes with its own distinct challenges, since many sunscreens can have a pasty, chalky effect when rubbed in. This one from MELĒ, a brand that specifically caters to people with melanin-rich skin tones and was founded by two women of color, got top marks from testers for its lightweight, sheer texture and application. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin and skin soothers like niacinamide.

    Just so you know: Derms says that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “Ok, wow! First of all, the name?! So cute. I am really trying to do my best when it comes to sunscreen and this product is awesome. I am used to sunscreen going on a little chalky but this sheer moisturizer is so light and soaks in right away. I have used a lot of sunscreen and this is absolutely top notch. I will be bringing this with me everywhere!”

  • Best Chemical SPF Moisturizer: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer

    Peter Thomas Roth / Lisa Moses

    3

    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer

    Peter Thomas Roth’s best-selling Water Drench Cloud Cream got an upgrade for summer with this SPF 45 version that maintains the 30% hyaluronic acid complex of the original. Testers gave this moisturizer a perfect score for its lightweight, velvety texture and formula that evenly sinks into skin without feeling runny or greasy. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This moisturizer contains a variety of derm-approved hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. It also has a chemical sunscreen base, which derms recommend for a matte application on oily- or acne-prone skin types.

    Just so you know: Derms says that chemical sunscreen ingredients can also be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “If you have dry skin this moisturizer is an ABSOLUTE must!! This gives a gorgeous sheen to the skin but does not feel greasy in the slightest. It has no sunscreen scent, and it has a beautiful, lightweight consistency. It's not runny, but it's not overly thick where it requires so much rubbing to absorb into the skin. It has such a comfortable finish. I especially love it for my neck. Definitely recommend!”

  • Best Chemical Sunscreen Lotion for Body: COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 70 in Peach Blossom

    COOLA / Lisa Moses

    4

    COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 70 in Peach Blossom

    There are some mid-day sun occasions that call for all the sun protection you can get, and for all of those, COOLA has you covered. Their new SPF 70 sunscreen for the body goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, according to our testers, who noted that it really helps prevent sunburn on long park days (and comes in a “divine peach blossom scent”). See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen lotion contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin, and has a chemical sunscreen base, which derms recommend for a matte application on oily- or acne-prone skin types.

    Just so you know: This product contains a variety of oils, like coconut oil, which derms say can clog your pores. Chemical sunscreens can also be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “This is my new favorite sunscreen! The product is really easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and leaves no white cast! Definitely the most lightweight and sheer sunscreen I've ever tried. I wore it during a long afternoon in the park and got no sunburn (a minor miracle for someone as pale as me)..”

  • Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk

    Hawaiian Tropic / Lisa Moses

    5

    Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50

    Mineral sunscreens can be notoriously drying and tough to rub in because of the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in their formulas, but this one adds in coconut oil and glycerin for a smoother application. As the name implies, this Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen has more of a light, milky texture that testers loved underneath makeup and even for coverage on top of tattoos throughout the day. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen lotion contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin and has a mineral base that derms recommend for people with sensitive skin.

    Just so you know: This product contains oils (like coconut oil), which can be comedogenic, and fragrance, which derms say can be irritating for some skin types.

    One tester said: “Overall, I loved the way this went on my skin, felt throughout the day, sat underneath makeup, and didn't feel heavy, like most mineral sunscreens do. It's so gentle, which is great for dry and sensitive skin. It didn't leave a white cast and had a pleasant scent to it. I am really enjoying using this and will continue to purchase this when I can. One of the better mineral sunscreens out there for those who care about skincare!”

  • Best Tinted SPF Moisturizer: Saie Slip Tint

    Saie / Lisa Moses

    6

    Saie Slip Tint

    If you’re going for a lighter, blurred BB cream effect with your tinted moisturizer (for fuller coverage, see the Milk Makeup foundation below), this Saie Slip Tint is one that’s worth adding to your beauty stash for summer. It uses a blend of oils and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to give it some glide, and our testers loved how dewy and even “goddess-like” their skin looked after using it. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This tinted moisturizer includes derm-approved hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, along with soothing aloe.

    Just so you know: This product uses oils for a lighter, smoother texture, though they can also clog your pores.

    One tester said: “This is a really excellent product for those of us interested in more of a light touch on the makeup (this might not be the product for those seeking more coverage). I really, really enjoyed this. While it didn’t cover up my chin pimple, it did make my whole face look dewy and even goddess-like. Plus, it has this incredible blur effect that I haven’t been able to achieve prior. Where are my pores? Did they disappear into the Saie universe? Possibly...”

  • Best SPF Foundation: Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30

    7

    Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30

    It’s not super common to find a good foundation enhanced with sun protection that doesn’t pill or leave a greasy film on skin. This one from Milk Makeup does the trick, and keeps things portable in a click-style pen that pumps product onto a rollerball that you can glide onto skin. Testers were pleasantly surprised by how glowy, but not greasy, their skin felt after using this stuff. Just remember, though, you’ll need to still layer on sunscreen under your makeup to get decent sun protection. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains a range of hydrating oils, like squalane and jojoba oil, which give it the dewy formulation testers raved about.

    Just so you know: Derms say that some of the oils this product contains (like olive oil) can be comedogenic, though, and that the fragrance in this product can be irritating for certain skin types.

    One tester said: “I really liked this product! It gave my face a nice glow, and is a great foundation/skin tint option for summer when you want to have just a bit more extra protection. You definitely can still smell the SPF, but if you don't mind it, I think it's an excellent option. It applies nicely and leaves you looking really dewy, even, and fresh.”

  • Best SPF Serum: Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum

    Everyday Humans / Lisa Moses

    8

    Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum

    Instagram-friendly brand Everyday Humans knows a thing or two about SPF considering that it’s dedicated its brand to all things prevention and sun protection since its inception. Testers were certainly impressed with this serum for daily protection, saying that it felt nicely lightweight, hydrating, and didn’t add any unnecessary grease. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This serum contains derm-approved soothers like green tea and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

    Just so you know: Derms says that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “I loooved this product. It was such a good lightweight SPF serum/moisturizer that you could easily slather on top of the rest of your skincare routine. My face felt really nice and hydrated after—it left no sheen. It smells like sunscreen, but hey, that's sunscreen. Excited to bring this to the beach this summer.”

  • Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face: VERSED Guards Up SPF 35

    VERSED / Lisa Moses

    9

    VERSED Guards Up SPF 35

    This sunscreen is already an established SELF editor favorite, an SPF 35 option that pulls its weight as a daily sunscreen that’s super hydrating and easy to apply with its slide-on stick packaging. Despite being a physical zinc-based sunscreen, too, testers with darker skin tones noted how easily it blends in. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen lotion contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep it from being chalky, plus skin soothers like aloe. It also has a physical zinc oxide sunscreen base that derms recommend for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “Love it! Blends in really well for a mineral sunscreen, no white cast, and no reactions. Will probably buy again! Pleasant smell, and I love that it is zinc-based which makes me even more amazed about how easily it blends into my brown skin. SPF 35 is great, and I will keep this on hand for easy reapplication.”

  • Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen

    Bliss / Lisa Moses

    10

    Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen

    They don’t call this Block Star sunscreen “invisible” for nothing, since testers noted that once you rub it in, you really don’t see any telltale chalky traces (not bad for a mineral sunscreen). It includes an assortment of hydrators to help it glide onto skin, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen lotion contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane for smoother application, and has a mineral sunscreen base that derms recommend for sensitive skin types.

    Just so you know: This product uses a variety of oils that derms say can be irritating and comedogenic for some.

    One tester said: “Even though there is some tint in this sunblock, it goes on very light and blends to dry right away. I like the feel of it. I feel protected from the sun and at the same time, I get the benefit of a light cover-up which is very subtle. It is not heavy at all and doesn’t have an obvious tint to it when rubbed on skin, so it does live up to the ‘invisible’ in its name. It's a great way to accomplish both minor cover up and major sun protection in one fell swoop.”

  • Best Mineral Sunscreen Spray: Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Spray

    Coppertone / Lisa Moses

    11

    Coppertone Pure & Simple Spray

    Nothing’s more convenient than a spritz-and-go sunscreen spray when you need a quick reapplication, and this one from Coppertone uses mineral sun protection, enhanced with calming botanicals like green tea extract. Testers with dry skin found it hydrating, without being overly liquidy. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen spray contains derm-approved skin soothers like green tea extract, and has a mineral base that derms recommend for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “Love this product!! Also love that it’s in a spray form because it makes reapplication incredibly easy. I have very dry skin and didn't find the formula to be gloopy or drying. Highly recommend as a beach bag must-have!”

  • Best Chemical Sunscreen Spray: Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray

    Bare Republic / Lisa Moses

    12

    Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray

    Testers were enthusiastic about this chemical sunscreen spray from Bare Republic, with some saying it was the best they’d ever used. It’s a steal at just over $10, and most importantly, it goes on clear, with just a hint of a fruity coconut scent. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen contains derm-approved hydrators like glycerin.

    Just so you know: This product contains vitamin E, which derms recommend avoiding if you’re acne-prone, and fragrance, which can be irritating to some skin types. Chemical sunscreen ingredients can also be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “This is 100000% my new favorite sunscreen. I always use spray sunscreens and this one is better than any that I've used before. With my last spray SPF from a different brand, the sunscreen was still white and sprayed on fairly thick, so I had to rub it in pretty thoroughly. This sunscreen lightly mists your skin, covers a good amount of area when spraying and is actually clear. I love it!”

  • Best Mineral Sunscreen Stick: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

    Cetaphil / Lisa Moses

    13

    Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

    Cetaphil has been a derm-approved drugstore staple for years, and this stick sunscreen is just as dependable as its peers, with a no-mess stick model that you can slip into a bag. With SPF 50 coverage, you’ll also get a lot of sun protection, swipe for swipe. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: This sunscreen has a mineral base that derms recommend for sensitive skin types.

    Just so you know: This product contains vitamin E, which derms recommend avoiding if you’re acne-prone.

    One tester said: “As a Black woman, I can be picky about my sunscreens. I often feel like I am left too greasy or too chalky. The Cetaphil Sunscreen stick actually works pretty well. It was fairly easy to apply, although it does take a little pressure. Once it is on my skin, I spend some time evening it out and rubbing it in. I like how portable it feels and the stick design makes me feel like it wouldn’t explode in my purse or beach bag.”

  • Best Chemical Sunscreen Stick: COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

    COOLA / Lisa Moses

    14

    COOLA Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

    This twist-up SPF 30 sunscreen stick is ideal for daily application, and times where you’ll be in humid and sweaty situations, too, since it’s water-resistant. Testers loved how convenient the small stick packaging was, and how easily the sunscreen melted into skin. See full ingredients list here.

    Bonus points, per the experts: Derms recommend chemical sunscreens for a matte application on oily and acne-prone skin types.

    Just so you know: This product uses a variety of oils that derms say can be irritating and comedogenic for some. Chemical sunscreen ingredients can also be irritating for sensitive skin types.

    One tester said: “This little sunscreen stick is so convenient! I like that you could keep it in your purse and apply light touch-ups without getting your hands messy. The product glides on easily and leaves a subtle shine. The faint coconut scent is a nice touch. It's as sheer and lightweight as COOLA's other sunscreen options (though their peach blossom scent is probably the best).”

The 15 Best New SPF Products for Face and Body (2024)

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