As summer approaches, if you plan on spending extended time outdoors (hello beach trip!), your regular sunscreen might not cut it. Finding water-resistant sunscreens that actually stick through sweat, heat, and more sweat is crucial.
I’ve looked through the various sunscreen options and compiled a list of the ones that won’t disappoint. But before that, let’s review some good sun protection practices!
Best sun protection practices
- Always wear sunscreen, even if you are indoors. UVA rays can penetrate glass and cause dark spots, collagen breakdown and wrinkles!
- Waterproof sunscreens are essential if you are outdoors for long periods and/or sweat. But you knew that, that’s why you’re on this post 😉
- Combine sunscreens with natural protection such as hats, sunglasses, umbrellas or if you can tolerate it, long sleeve UV jackets. Okay, the last two can be tricky, but hats and sunglasses are your best friends when you’re outdoors!
- Reapply regularly. The rule of thumb is to reapply every 2 hours, more often if you sweat a lot or have been in the water. These sunscreens are water resistantnot waterproof.
- Double cleansing at the end of the day. Waterproof sunscreens should be removed with an oil-based cleanser, whether this is a balm or an oil is up to you. Micellar Water will not work well and may leave sunscreen residue on your skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid
Protection levels: SPF50+, broad spectrum, PA++++, 5 stars to boot, UVA circle
Full review. I will sing the praises of this sunscreen until the day I die, because it is that Good. Excellent UV filters, including proprietary Mexoryl 400 that protects against long UVA-I rays, so you know your skin is safe from burning and aging.
It’s also surprisingly lightweight, with the texture of milk blending effortlessly to leave a dewy finish that’s neither heavy nor sticky. In my experience this is the best sunscreen for outdoor activities and a must have when I travel.
This is also the only reef-safe sunscreen on the listas it does not contain filters that can harm coral reefs.
→ 50ml for ~$20 Color box ($4 shipping), Perfume Club ($12 shipping), OneBioShop ($11 shipping), eBay, Escentual and CultBeauty (cannot ship to USA)
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Protection levels: SPF60+, broad spectrum
For a local US option, I recommend this one from Shiseido. The new SynchroShieldRepair technology builds on the old HeatForce and WetForce technology, meaning not only is protection boosted when your skin comes into contact with heat and water, but any disruption to the sunscreen from rubbing or contact will be automatically repaired. . How cool is that?
The texture is great too – a light serum that feels comfortable on the face and body, although it can sting the eyes if it gets in. Among its unique features and filters it is safe for coral reefs, this is a good choice if you plan to do water sports.
→ 50ml for $25 Stylevana (SHOPJENNY with 10% discount) Sephora
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+
Protection levels: SPF50+, Broad Spectrum, PA++++, 3 Boots Stars
The best version of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion thanks to next generation filters. It features the same HeatForce x WetForce technology (renamed Aqua Booster EX Technology), and also includes a Thermo Booster technology that helps create an even layer of protection when the skin reaches 37 degrees.
You’d think a sunscreen with this kind of protection would feel very noticeable (and sticky) on the skin, but no, it’s actually the lightest of all the sweat-resistant sunscreens here. It feels like a milky toner and leaves behind a weightless matte finish. My new favorite.
→ 50ml for $23.89 Stylevana (SHOPJENNY with 10% discount) YesStyle (GEKYPOSH with 5% discount) Amazon
ALLIE Chrono Beauty Gel UV EX
Protection levels: SPF50+, PA++++
What if you don’t plan on doing any outdoor sports or don’t have an active lifestyle, you just want something that won’t make you sweat when it’s hot? Then Allie’s is my top pick and has actually been my daily sunscreen for a while.
Despite being stubbornly movement proof (a good thing!), my skin feels so comfortable wearing this thanks to its sleek texture. She’s often compared to Anessa, and I’ll say this: they’re both great in their own way. Planning an outdoor workout? Go with Anessa. Are you just planning to be outside? Go with Ali. Both were tested and it was found that the skin did not tan or burn with either.
→ 90ml for $15.99 Stylevana (SHOPJENNY with 10% discount) YesStyle (GEKYPOSH with 5% discount) Amazon
Everyday People Oh My Bod! Body sunscreen SPF50
Protection levels: SPF50+, broad spectrum
I would categorize it similarly to Allie – good for hot days when you I know you will sweat, but not the best for vigorous activities where you will be soaked. I love this because it has been tested by Consumer Reports to have SPF 55 and UVA 4/5! Given that most US sunscreens don’t pass third-party testing or fail miserably when they do (more on that below), this is an impressive feat.
This feels a bit more oily than the other options, so I prefer to use it as a face sunscreen and go with a lighter option for my body. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and nourishing plant oils for hydration, so feel free to skip your moisturizer when using this!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion
Protection levels: SPF60, broad spectrum
La Roche-Posay has several different versions of Anthelios sunscreen in the US, none as effective as the original, but this one feels much sleeker while still offering water resistance.
True to its name, it really has a cooling effect on application, making it an extremely comfortable choice if you plan to spend a lot of time in the heat. The texture is reminiscent of Japanese sunscreens, with a watery texture that spreads easily and binds to the skin almost immediately. Oily and combination skin types will really enjoy this.
→ 150ml for $37.99 Amazon, Ulta, Dermstore (JENNYWU with 15% discount)
If you must use mineral sunscreen…
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Lotion
Protection levels: SPF 50, broad spectrum
I will be honest, I personally would only wear chemical/hybrid sunscreens if I plan to spend a lot of time outdoorsbut if i had to recommend a mineral sunscreen it would be this one.
Many mineral-based sunscreens can be quite thick and runny, and while it may feel that way at first, it actually blends very easily. It also doesn’t leave a white cast on my NC20 skin tone, though I’m not sure about darker skin. I suspect the better wear is due to the lack of titanium dioxide, which all non-leukocyte mineral sunscreens seem to exclude. This is also a great option for sensitive skin if you happen to be allergic to chemical filters.
→ 50ml for $23.99 Target, Naked Sundays
Looking for more mineral sunscreens without white cast? Here are my top 5 picks!
What about sunscreen sprays?
One word: cover. It’s much easier to get good coverage when applying a milk lotion or sunscreen because you can see and measure the amount. At least you can use the two finger method to make sure your face is well protected.
With sprays, there’s no way to know how much protection you’re getting or if you’re applying it evenly. Meanwhile, a high SPF gives you a false sense of security, so you end up applying too little, exposing your skin to harmful UV rays and increasing your risk of skin cancer.
If you must use spray sunscreen, I would spray it on your hand first and then apply it to the rest of your skin so you can better gauge how much is being applied. I remember, you need 1 oz or 30 ml (one shot) of sunscreen for your entire body!
Sunscreens to avoid (according to Consumer Reports’ test results)
Banana Boat Sport Series
The Banana Boat Sport Ultra Lotion SPF 50+ it did get a 5/5 rating for UVA protection, but only tested with SPF 20, which in my opinion is barely enough for everyday use when you’re mostly indoors! Theirs Cool Zone Spray SPF 30, Ultra Roll-On SPF 60+and Ultra Face Lotion SPF 30 all have the same problem, trying SPF 18, SPF 18 and SPF 15 respectively. Yes.
Supergoop
I know this brand is popular among influencers, but I’ve also heard horror stories from friends who have burned from using their sunscreen. Not surprisingly as the Supergoop Unseen Lotion SPF 40 try a bumpy SPF 8 while Every.Single.Face Watery Lotion SPF 50 Tested with SPF 16, but at least both scored 5/5 for UVA protection. The Supergoop Play Antioxidant Mist SPF 50 it only got 4/5 for UVA and still tested SPF 8.
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active
The Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sport Lotion SPF 30 has an average tested SPF of 11, while the Sports spray SPF 50 from the same line has a tested SPF of 13. Definitely not okay for a sports sunscreen. Ironically, their Sheer Touch range tested much better, but they are not waterproof.
SPF, PA, Broad Spectrum… Confused by all the terms? Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about sunscreen
Others
- Badger Active Mineral Cream SPF 30 tested for SPF 15
- Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Beach Defense Lotion SPF 30 tested for SPF 12 protection and 4/5 for UVA protection
- Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid Lotion SPF 50 tested for SPF 13 protection and only 3/5 for UVA protection
- Coppertone Sport 4-in-1 Performance Spray SPF 50 tested for SPF 19
- Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Spray SPF 50+ tested for SPF 15
Other Consumer Reports Approved Sunscreens
I haven’t personally tried any of these, but Consumer Reports gave these sunscreens top ratings:
Surprisingly, many of these ‘approved’ sunscreens still don’t meet the required levels of UVB protection, so if you try any of them, make sure you apply very diligently to protect your skin from sunburn!
Looking for more sunscreen? Browse my extensive sunscreen database for more sunscreen options!
Some sunscreens were provided for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links and each purchase helps cover the cost of running this blog at no extra cost to you! Full disclosure policy
