Lather Up This Summer With Our Top 7 Sunscreen Brands

Written by: Elektra Team

Published on: May 30, 2023

Last modified on: May 30, 2023

4 min read

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to stock up on your favorite sunscreen to keep skin protected on long walks, beach days, and bike rides.

Below, we’ve rounded up our go-to sunscreens based on two key criteria:

☀️Broad spectrum, meaning it protects from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
☀️SPF 30 or higher because those rays are powerful and sometimes, SPF 15 just won’t cut it

Note that while we tried to include as many water resistant options as possible, not all are — in which case it’s important to reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re swimming (or sweating 😅).

For the face and neck…

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30

Best if you’re looking for a daily moisturizer plus SPF.

This oil-free, lightweight face moisturizer provides all-day hydration and also offers prebiotic benefits to help balance the skin’s microbiome. It’s safe for sensitive skin and formulated without fragrances, oils, or parabens.

2. eltaMD

Best if you’re looking for higher SPF with tinted options.

All eltaMD sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and are free of fragrances, parabens, and other sensitive ingredients. Bonus points for the variety: SPF ranges from 36-50+ with tinted blends and products for acne-prone skin.

3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Best if you’re looking for the most lightweight (they call it weightless!) invisible option.

Supergoop’s scentless sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. It provides both UVA and UVB protection while also helping to filter blue light. Plus it doubles as a makeup-gripping primer.

For the whole body…

4. Sun Bum Original SPF 50

Best if you’re looking for protective SPF with added perks.

Sun Bum’s original formula is enriched with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, the culprits behind premature skin aging. Also worth noting: Sun Bum is vegan and Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant (a ruling that prohibits the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals Oxybenzone and Octinoxate).

5. Paula’s Choice Everyday SPF Duo

Best if you want something that feels rich but never greasy.

We love that this duo comes with full-body sunscreen and lipscreen. It’s light and silky in texture and also has extra antioxidants to help keep skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and healthy. Both products are broad-spectrum SPF 50.

6. Vanicream

Best if you have sensitive skin.

Vanicream sunscreens (SPF 30 – 50+) are free of common irritants found in ordinary skin and hair products — think dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers.