To find the best sunscreens, we spoke with multiple cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, and other medical professionals.

We read studies on FDA-approved active ingredients, investigations into how people apply sunscreen (spoiler: poorly), and several literature reviews examining ingredients approved for use in sunscreens sold in the US and abroad. Over years of work on this guide, we have consulted the FDA several times to learn more about its regulation of sunscreens.

Although we previously considered independent SPF test results shared by manufacturers, plus those published by Consumer Reports, we’ve concluded that lab simulations tell us very little about sunscreen efficacy during real-world use.

When seeking shade and covering up with protective clothing are not enough, sunscreen is essential to protect skin from the potentially harmful effects of the sun.

Sunscreen is for everyone over 6 months of age, including people with darker skin. Experts recommend keeping young infants out of the sun altogether; if that’s impossible, using sunscreen is better than not.

“Just because some cultures don’t have a long-standing history of wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean there can’t be a benefit from wearing it,” said Vinod Nambudiri, a dermatologist in Boston. “Darker-skinned people can absolutely get skin cancer as well as other skin problems caused by UV ray damage.”

Applied properly, sunscreen lowers your risk of skin cancer and helps prevent wrinkles; it’s arguably the most effective “anti-aging” skin-care product available. You’re getting hit by a fair amount of the sun’s rays every day, even overcast ones, “unless you are a spelunker,” said Rachel Herschenfeld, a Wellesley, Massachusetts–based dermatologist. “I put it on every single day. I will leave the house in smelly workout wear, but I never leave the house without my sunscreen.”

Many sunscreens meet the basic expert recommendations: a listed SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection. If you’re satisfied with what you already use, and it’s not past its expiration date, continue using it. Particularly if you’ve developed an allergic reaction to a certain formula in the past, you ultimately know which sunscreen is best for you.

For this guide, we considered physical and chemical sunscreen formulas containing FDA-approved active ingredients that are widely available for purchase in the US. We focused our search on:

• formulas with a listed SPF of 30 or higher
• formulas that offer broad-spectrum protection
• formulas that are water-resistant, per the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendation

We prioritized lotion formulas without added fragrance, which can be a potential skin irritant, but did not exclude those that contain it.

Although we’ve tested continuous-spray sunscreens in the past, we don’t recommend any. Although aerosolized sprays seem like an appealing option for covering hard-to-reach parts of your body, every expert we asked said that you can’t just spray your own back and be good to go (you still have to rub the sprayed sunscreen into your skin). Aerosol-spray sunscreens are also easy to accidentally inhale, posing a significant health risk. “If you can smell your spray sunscreen, you’re inhaling it,” warned pediatric dermatologist Lawrence Eichenfield.

Along with continuous sprays, we also skipped sunscreen foams and powders, since those formats are less common, and it can be hard to tell how much to apply.

Stick sunscreens are semi-solids, so their formulas often differ from the lotion versions from the same brands. We’ve tried a variety of stick sunscreens and concluded that they are best for spot treatment. No stick we’ve tried is the best choice for full-body application, and all of them cost significantly more per ounce when compared with sunscreen lotions.

Altogether, we’ve evaluated more than 100 sunscreens since 2015 (including over 25 reef-safe formulas and even more facial sunscreens).

We considered but ultimately decided against commissioning commercial lab testing of SPF, broad-spectrum, and water-resistance claims because the results of even the most sophisticated lab tests can’t predict how a given sunscreen will perform in the real world, where application amount and frequency matter much more than a subtle difference in SPF.

“Most people underapply sunscreen or don’t reapply it frequently enough,” said dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. “So they’re getting a much lower SPF on their skin than what is on the label.” She suggested that people who are concerned about getting adequate SPF (at least 30) consider buying lotions with higher SPF to account for common user errors, such as not applying enough sunscreen and not reapplying as often as directed.

“Purchasing a sunscreen you will use is the most important factor in sun protection,” Dr. Taylor continued. Thus, for this guide we’ve focused on the factors that affect people’s sunscreen use: namely, how the formulas look and feel. We have, of course, continued to use all our picks long-term, slathering them on ourselves and our families for time spent in the sun.

Physical sunscreens available for sale in the US contain varying concentrations of the FDA-approved active ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. The FDA recognizes these ingredients as safe and effective.

Physical sunscreens are also commonly called mineral sunscreens.

Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50

Top pick

A reef-safe physical sunscreen that rubs in easily

Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50

This lotion is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, an active ingredient known to be safer for marine life. It’s not just for trips to Hawaii, though: Compared with most physical sunscreens, it’s easier to rub in and essentially transparent on skin.

$30 from Amazon
(5.8 ounces)

Thrive’s Bodyshield SPF 50 is a “reef-safe” physical sunscreen that’s easy to rub in and water-resistant, and it didn’t leave a white cast on any of our panel testers, including people with darker skin or lots of body hair.

Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide (23.5%), it offers broad-spectrum protection and was a staff favorite in our tests for a couple of reasons.

It rubs in easily. Testers found it easy to apply—easier than any of the other 20 mineral body sunscreens we have tested. Compared with most mineral sunscreens, this formula rubs in almost as smoothly as a chemical sunscreen (like our pick from Banana Boat), and most people find this sunscreen to be near colorless on the skin—no infamous white cast.

It’s reef-safe. Our testers appreciated that this sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, so it’s safer for marine life and passes muster with vacation destinations that have strict sunscreen parameters to prevent further coral reef destruction.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s pricey. Thrive’s sunscreen lotion costs more than double our chemical pick from Banana Boat and more than 10 times as much per ounce as our budget chemical pick from Equate.

It contains fragrance. This formula leaves a strong, sweet smell on the skin that can take hours to fully dissipate.

Key specs

• SPF: 50
• Type of protection: physical
• Active ingredient: non-nano zinc oxide (23.5%)
• Broad spectrum: yes
• Reef-safe: yes
• Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $5.16

Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

Top pick

A pleasing, fragrance-free physical sunscreen

Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

Containing just four ingredients, with no added fragrance, this creamy lotion is especially moisturizing. It usually costs more per ounce than our top-pick reef-safe sunscreen, though.

$18 from Amazon

$18 from Walmart

$19 from REI

For people who don’t mind spending more for a fragrance-free, “reef-safe” sunscreen with minimal ingredients (just four!), we recommend Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50.

It’s nearly transparent on skin. It’s a little harder to rub in than our top pick from Thrive, but despite the formula’s substantial amount of non-nano zinc oxide (25%), this “sunscreen cream” (a thicker-than-most lotion) leaves behind only the slightest white cast that is nearly imperceptible on most skin types. However, it can feel heavy on the skin, and testers were split as to whether or not this was a positive (testers with drier skin appreciated it).

It contains only four ingredients—with no added fragrance. So you have a lower chance of experiencing skin irritation. The tradeoff is that this oil-based formula may look and feel too greasy for some.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s even pricier. This formula typically costs around $6 an ounce (20% more than our top pick from Thrive), and it only comes in a 2.9-ounce tube.

Key specs

• SPF: 50
• Type of protection: mineral
• Active ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide (25%)
• Broad spectrum: yes
• Reef-safe: yes
• Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $6

Most chemical sunscreens available for sale in the US contain varying concentrations of the FDA-approved active ingredients avobenzone, ecamsule, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, or some combination of these. The FDA is evaluating additional data to further determine the safety and efficacy of these ingredients.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consider avoiding using sunscreens containing oxybenzone on kids. (Neither of our picks contain oxybenzone.)

Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+

Top pick

A superlative chemical sunscreen

Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+

This easy-to-apply lotion lives up to its name, as it rubs in with a dry, transparent finish and appears nearly colorless on skin. It has added fragrance but not an overpowering, sunscreeny scent.

$20 from Amazon
(6 ounces, pack of two)

If you prefer a chemical sunscreen, the broad-spectrum, water-resistant Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+ stood out as the overall favorite in our brand-concealed testing. In addition to being less expensive than our physical sunscreen picks, we like the Light As Air formula because:

You can forget you’re wearing it. This formula is easy to apply, blends well, and has a nongreasy, dry finish that is translucent and truly feels light as air. We also recommend it as a top pick in our guide to face sunscreens.

It’s scented, but nicely so. Although the formula does contain added fragrance, our testers did not find its scent overpowering. One described it as a “light, fruit-like smell.”

The active ingredients are homosalate (9%), octocrylene (5%), octisalate (4%), and avobenzone (3%).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s not available in a larger size. Currently, this formula only comes in a 6-ounce tube with a seal-tight cap.

Key specs

• SPF: 50
• Type of protection: chemical
• Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4%), octocrylene (5%)
• Broad spectrum: yes
• Reef-safe: no
• Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $1.67

Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50

Top pick

An inexpensive chemical sunscreen in a big pump bottle

Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50

This store-brand chemical sunscreen lotion feels surprisingly good: It rubs in easily and looks nearly invisible on the skin. However, its polarizing medicinal smell may be a dealbreaker.

$12 from Walmart
(32 ounces)

Walmart’s Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50 earned top marks in our brand-concealed panel testing, which was surprising considering it is the least expensive sunscreen we’ve ever tested at just 39¢ an ounce (when purchased in the 32-ounce pump bottle).

It compares to sunscreens that are more than 10 times as much. The majority of testers loved how easy it was to apply and considered it nearly as comfortable, translucent, and nongreasy on the skin as our top pick from Banana Boat (as well as other sunscreens that cost over 10 times as much per ounce, including Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50).

It comes in a huge pump version. It’s the only one of our picks that comes in a value-size format—a pump bottle. But in our testing, even when properly closed, a small amount of sunscreen leaked out of the 32-ounce pump bottle when the container was jostled around.

But you can buy less if you want. This formula is also available in an 8-ounce tube.

The active ingredients are homosalate (15%), octocrylene (7%), octisalate (5%), and avobenzone (3%).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It contains fragrance—a stronger-than-most scent that not everyone likes. Like our picks from Banana Boat and Thrive, Equate’s sport sunscreen contains added fragrance, which proved polarizing during our testing. Some testers either didn’t notice it or enjoyed its short-lived medicinal smell (“reminds me of childhood,” one tester said), whereas others—in particular those who only needed to purchase sunscreen for themselves instead of a household—refused to consider it for long-term use despite giving its feel and appearance positive marks, all because of the “hospital-esque odor.”

Key specs

• SPF: 50
• Type of protection: chemical
• Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (15%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (7%)
• Broad spectrum: yes
• Reef-safe: no
• Price per ounce (at the time of publication): 39¢

Physical sunscreens

If you can’t find or don’t like Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50: Thinksport’s Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 (active ingredient: non-nano zinc oxide 23.4%) is a reliable, slightly less expensive choice (and the runner-up in our guide to reef-safe sunscreens). Compared with the Thrive formula, Thinksport Clear Zinc was more difficult to rub in for our testers. It has a fragrance our panel testers also found less appealing, and it appears slightly chalkier on skin than our other picks. Thinksport also offers a 0.64-ounce SPF 30 stick, which contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide. The applicator is sized such that it’s only practical to use on small patches of skin.

If you want a lower-cost option and are okay with a sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe: Coppertone Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (active ingredient: zinc oxide 23%) is about half of the price of Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50. Our testers found its look and feel inferior. It dries down with a more matte finish than our top pick, but it also has a less appealing scent, according to our testers.

Chemical sunscreens

If you want a clear-gel sunscreen that resists water for less time when compared with our picks: The Trader Joe’s Invisible Gel Body Sunscreen SPF 40, a less-expensive version of the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50-like formula we recommend in our review of face sunscreens, costs $2.60 per ounce. Like the near-identical Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 ($5.80 per ounce), the Invisible Gel Body’s water-resistance rating (40 minutes) is half that of all of the picks in this guide. Still, it’s a great value for a beloved, practically invisible sunscreen.

If you want a pump bottle of luxe sunscreen: Consider Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (active ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%). It’s moisturizing, nicely scented, and normally under $4 per ounce when you buy an 18-ounce jug. Supergoop Play is also one of our favorite face sunscreens.

If you like a little sparkle with your sunscreen: Our testers loved the smell, feel, and shimmery look of mica-infused Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance SPF 70 (active ingredients: avobenzone 2.8%, homosalate 9.5%, octisalate 4.7%, octocrylene 8.5%). The fragrance evokes a classic sunscreen smell—in a good way.

All sunscreens have a sun protection factor, or SPF. It’s a measure of how well sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the type that causes sunburn.

Many sunscreens also protect against UVA rays, the type of rays that cause wrinkles. Both types of radiation can lead to cancer, and sunscreens that protect against both are labeled “broad spectrum.” The SPF rating, though, only applies to UVB protection.

The relationship between SPF and protection is not linear: SPF 15 filters 93% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 30 filters 97%, and SPF 50 filters 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing sunscreens that list a minimum SPF of 30. However, your chances of getting an effective SPF above 30, regardless of what the label claims, are better if you buy a sunscreen labeled SPF 50 or even 70. (All of our body sunscreen picks are labeled SPF 50.)

A sunscreen with a higher SPF can’t make up for poor application. An SPF 15 lotion that you apply liberally and often can protect you better than an SPF 50+ lotion that you put on only once in eight hours.

The two main kinds of sunscreen formulas are physical (reflects rays away from your skin) and chemical (soaks up rays so your skin doesn’t). Some companies also make combination sunscreens, which have both physical and chemical UV filters.

Physical sunscreens, which are also commonly called mineral sunscreens, tend to be thicker and go on whiter. Chemical sunscreens (which are sometimes called “organics” because of the structures of the molecules they’re made of, not because of how the ingredients are sourced) tend to be greasier but go on translucent. Most combination sunscreens strike a balance between those textures and appearances.

Physical (aka mineral) sunscreens deflect UV rays using the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, often in tandem.

• Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB. It tends to make sunscreen whiter. Dermatologists often recommend this active ingredient because it does a great job of protecting against the whole spectrum. Look for formulas with 5% or more zinc oxide.
• Titanium dioxide protects against UVB and some UVA rays.

These FDA-approved active ingredients often come in micronized—finely ground—nanoparticles, which, according to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, are easier to apply and more sheer on the skin. Sunscreens that rely on non-nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be thicker and more chalky. But the trade-off is that those larger particles cannot penetrate the skin (there is no published evidence that nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are harmful, except, possibly, when inhaled).

Chemical sunscreens absorb the photons of the sun’s rays before they reach your skin; the photons’ energy goes into breaking down those chemicals rather than into penetrating your skin. Avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, and octocrylene are the four main FDA-approved filters, though several other active ingredients work similarly.

• Avobenzone, like zinc oxide, protects against UVA1—most other UV filters in chemical sunscreens do not. Avobenzone is also what typically causes some sunscreens to stain white and light-colored clothing yellow. According to scientists at Merck, avobenzone protects about as well as zinc oxide. Avobenzone also goes by the name Parsol 1789. Look for formulas containing 3% or more avobenzone.
• Oxybenzone protects against a portion of the UVA spectrum that avobenzone does not, plus it protects against UVB rays. Many chemical sunscreen formulas contain oxybenzone. (People who experience photoallergic contact dermatitis may have an allergic reaction to oxybenzone or another sunscreen ingredient.)
• Ecamsule protects against some UVA rays and also goes by the name Mexoryl SX.
• Octocrylene protects against UVB and some UVA rays.
• Homosalate protects against some UVB rays.
• Octisalate, or octyl salicylate, protects against UVB radiation.

Currently, the FDA only acknowledges the mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). The agency has said it needs additional data to determine the GRASE status of 12 additional active ingredients.

Globally, many other effective UV filters are approved for use as active ingredients in sunscreens. “The complexities—time, cost, toxicological tests—of getting new sunscreen actively approved in the US have left some effective molecules in limbo for nearly two decades and has deterred many companies from attempting to put other new ingredients through the process,” said Kelly Dobos, an independent cosmetic chemist who has advised personal-care companies that manufacture lotions, hand sanitizers, and SPF-containing lip balms.

“It’s a stuck marketplace,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer of the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy organization that publishes annual reviews of sunscreens. “Sunscreen companies are at an impasse with the FDA.”

To improve the efficacy and appearance of their sunscreen formulas, some companies include inactive ingredients that are sometimes called SPF boosters. These, Dobos explained, are likely how sunscreens that contain differing concentrations of the same active ingredients can provide the same level of stated SPF. One commonly found SPF booster, butyloctyl salicylate, is similar to the FDA-approved UV filter octisalate. Because it is not considered an active ingredient, some so-called mineral sunscreens are functionally combination formulas. “It’s a loophole,” said cosmetic chemist Ginger King, referring to how physical sunscreens with chemical boosters can still be marketed as “100% mineral” or “mineral-only.”

Many sunscreens also contain added fragrance. You may want to avoid fragrances because they can be irritating, and fragrance preferences are largely personal. That said, the sunscreen active ingredients themselves still have a scent, so it’s hard to find a sunscreen that has absolutely no scent (even if its formula is fragrance-free).

To get the SPF listed on the bottle, the average-size adult needs roughly a shot glass’s worth (1 ounce) of sunscreen for their mostly naked body (excluding areas that swimwear typically covers). So as you may have just concluded, you are almost certainly not using enough sunscreen.

Apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, since it takes that long for the formula to fully sink into your skin. Then reapply once every hour (or two hours, per the American Academy of Dermatology), as well as after each time you work up a sweat or go in the water. Consider setting a phone alarm or a timer to remind you when it’s time to reapply.

There’s no reason a body sunscreen can’t work on your face. Face sunscreens are often simply body sunscreens repackaged, according to independent cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski.

If you don’t want to spend the extra cash on a specific face lotion, keep in mind this caveat to using one of our body-sunscreen picks on your face: Water-resistant formulas contain more oil. That’s what makes them water-resistant, Romanowski said. Face sunscreens tend to be formulated with less oil.

We recommend several options in our guide to face sunscreens, but we wouldn’t hesitate to use a body sunscreen on the face for a beach day. No matter what you use, your level of protection depends on how much and how often you apply.

Yes, sunscreen expires. Usually there is an expiration date stamped on the bottle. If you don’t see one, know that sunscreen is generally okay to use for up to three years from purchase. You should discard unused sunscreens that are beyond their expiration dates or more than three years old: Beyond that, the FDA warns, “There is no assurance that they remain safe and fully effective.”

Any sunscreen you’ll use is better than one you won’t. So it’s worth trying several to find the one that’s best for you. Our picks stand apart for their superlative look and feel (or their value price). But every sunscreen we review below meets the minimum criteria experts recommend: broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or higher.

Physical sunscreens

Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 contains no added fragrance and is generally less expensive than other nanoparticle-free physical sunscreen lotions we considered, but most of our testers did not like it because it was difficult to rub in and made skin feel sticky.

The All Good Mineral Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 contains less non-nano zinc oxide than the Thrive formula we recommend, and it leaves more of a white cast.

Testers disliked the artificial, syrupy scent of Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50, which left a whitish cast on our skin.

We found that Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 took significantly longer to rub in compared with most other physical sunscreens we’ve tried, and it consistently left a white cast. Aveeno’s Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 and Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 offer the best values among physical sunscreen sticks we’ve considered. (Even so, the former regularly costs just north of $9 per ounce.) These Aveeno sticks are larger than physical sunscreen sticks from Blue Lizard and Thinksport—more like the size of a stick of deodorant—yet still impractical for full-body coverage.

We previously recommended Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, a fragrance-free physical sunscreen that was runnier than most and absorbed easily. In January 2025 the company reformulated, and while the active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (8%), remain the same, this sunscreen now includes aloe extract and the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, among other inactive ingredients. We’re continuing to evaluate this reformulated favorite and will update this guide with our complete findings.

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, a sunscreen lotion with non-nano zinc oxide as the lone active ingredient (and with butyloctyl salicylate as a possible SPF booster), feels and smells good. But it left more of a white cast than our top pick from Thrive.

Badger Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a reef-friendly, unscented formula that looks and feels nice on skin but is rated water-resistant for only 40 minutes.

Banana Boat Sensitive 100% Mineral Sunscreen, Banana Boat Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, Banana Boat Kids Mineral SPF 50+, CVS Health Baby Sun Lotion SPF 50, and Equate Kids SPF 50 all left more of a white cast than our pick from Thrive. However, they are well priced and, in general, highly rated by customers.

The separated, watery consistency of Bare Republic Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 made it difficult to use.

Many of our testers found Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, a physical sunscreen that contains the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, to be goopy. Though its zinc oxide percentage is among the highest of the sunscreens we tested (over 24%), most testers found that the runny formula made complete absorption nearly impossible.

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 is a nice-feeling, near-odorless physical sunscreen that comes in a convenient pump bottle. But it’s available only in a 3.4-ounce quantity, and leaves more of a white cast than our pick from Thrive.

We liked Hello Bello Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for its price and skin feel. But it’s frequently out of stock, and several of our testers actively disliked this sunscreen’s scent. The Hello Bello formula contains the SPF-boosting inactive ingredient butyloctyl salicylate.

Kōkua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50, which contains the same concentration (25%) of active ingredient non-nano zinc oxide as our reef-safe pick from Thrive, looks and feels as nice on skin. But it costs twice as much.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ felt nice but left more of a white cast than our top picks.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is not water-resistant and requires shaking before every use.

Supergoop Mineral Play Lotion left more of a white cast and is more expensive than our top picks. Somewhat confusingly, the Supergoop Play SPF 50 stick is also a physical sunscreen. (Another Supergoop Play formula we recommend is a chemical sunscreen lotion.) We found it a bit more difficult to spread and took longer to dry down on the skin when compared with other sunscreen sticks we liked.

Test panelists appreciated the lack of added fragrance in Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, a non-nano physical sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin that is beloved by people with eczema, rosacea, and related conditions that sunscreen can aggravate. But this formula is frequently out of stock.

Chemical sunscreens

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Body Lotion SPF 60 felt watery and difficult to rub in, with many panelists noticing a white cast after application.

The deodorant-stick-size Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sun Stick SPF 50 is among the least expensive and most user-friendly sunscreen sticks we’ve tried, but it is still difficult to use and apply anywhere other than small swaths of skin.

Neither Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 nor Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 ranked as well as our chemical picks in terms of translucence, skin feel, and ease of application.

Coppertone WaterBabies Lotion SPF 50, a chemical sunscreen, is easy to apply and wear, but the flowery scent of this fragranced formula isn’t for everyone.

Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 was a pick in this guide for years until it was discontinued.

Hawaiian Tropic Skin Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, a chemical formula, felt nice on skin, but testers found its traditional sunscreen smell to be overly strong.

Equate Ultra Light Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion for All Skin Tones SPF 50 felt overly greasy.

Early on in our testing, we eliminated one chemical sunscreen lotion, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen Weightless Face SPF 30, because of its bottle. With one drop on the floor, the pump broke, making it difficult to dispense.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 is a much-revered chemical sunscreen lotion. Per ounce, it tends to cost more than 10 times as much as our picks. In a practical sense, each hour spent wearing this formula costs a few dollars.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45 comes in a bottle that’s small enough to toss in a purse, but despite the marketing, the feel was not significantly drier than that of other sunscreens we tried.

Our testers did not rate the No Ad Sport 50 Sunscreen and No Ad 85 Sunscreen nearly as highly as the less-expensive Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50.

Combination sunscreens

CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 is a fine choice, but it leaves a white cast on darker skin.

Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby SPF 50 took longer than most sunscreens to fully absorb into our skin.

Panelists generally liked EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, rating its feel and appearance highly. But at $7.50 an ounce, it’s costlier than any of our picks.

Shannon Palus contributed reporting. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.