Get the best sunscreen money can buy!
You want quality sunscreen, but don’t want to spend a fortune on something that doesn’t end up working – we hear ya! We’ve got you covered with the top-performing sunscreens that have been thoroughly vetted by our Hip team & readers.
Important reminder:
Always use your sunscreens as directed to help prevent premature skin aging and risk of skin cancers. According to SkinCancer.org, you should apply sunscreen every day, apply 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours.
Hip Tip: SPF Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with FSA, HSA, and HRA accounts. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF15+ protection (and above) is FSA and HSA eligible! And to make shopping for these products even easier, Amazon now has an FSA & HSA Store!
Without further ado, choose the sunscreen that works for you!
1. Blue Lizard is a team & reader fave that always tops our list!
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen $14.99 (regularly $18.99)
Opt to Subscribe & Save (up to 5% off + free shipping for Prime members)
Final cost $14.99 shipped OR $14.24 shipped!
*Note that unlike typical Subscribe & Save orders, no additional discount will be given unless you have five or more subscriptions.
Voted #1 by the majority of our FB readers! Here are just a few of their reviews…
As someone who has extremely sensitive skin and burns easily, I love Blue Lizard. It works great and without any harmful chemicals. 🦎 I wish I would have discovered it when I was younger. – Hip Reader, Misty D.
Blue Lizard and will never change. It works for my son who is sensitive to everything and it’s never failed us. – Hip Reader, Shelley P.
2. If you want a tried & true sunscreen that won’t break the bank, grab some Equate on your next Walmart run.
Not greasy at all, it spreads easily after applying it. The tube is a nice size, the fact that it is SPF 100 is my favorite part because it protects my skin better against the sun and heat and basically every kind of weather. The tube is easy to squeeze and a good amount of sunscreen lotion comes out of the tube once squeezed. Nice colors on the tube, directions on how to use the lotion on the back of the tube.
Equate. Years ago it was listed in Consumer Reports as a top pick. I would agree. We use both the lotion and sprays. – Hip Reader, Jennifer C.
See why Collin & other team members LOVE Walmart+ more than Prime! 😱
3 . This best spray sunscreen has become so popular, it’s now on Amazon!
As if we could love Trader Joe’s even more. 😍 Their sunscreen provides UVA & UVB protection, contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and coconut oil, and it’s water-resistant!
4. Stay all good in the sun when you grab this toxic-free sunscreen (Psst! Clean expert, Sara, approves!)
We love that this comes in a recyclable tin and a little bit goes a long way – one reviewer stated it lasted her 8 months with daily use. 😱 This sunscreen is completely odorless, lightweight, hydrating (but not greasy), water resistant for 80 minutes, and provides 50 SPF. More importantly, it’s completely safe for your body and certified reef-safe!
Make these 5 easy clean skincare swaps while you’re at it!
5. Readers & sunscreen expert, Paige, always go for Sun Bum.
Sun Bum is the best for the body. I use Super Goop for my face. – Hip Reader, Timi H.
6. Korean sunscreen is making a name for itself and this is Hip Sidekick, Angela’s top pick.
And 30K+ reviewers agree with Angela…
What an amazing product it is first of all it is not greasy at all then it blends beautifully and also has a great protection gives brightness to your face give such an amazing brightening effect give s dewy finish is good for dry to combination type specially the rice extract works good for your skin feels good gives glow absorbs nicely cast and care totally worth the hype!
7. Sun protection is no joke. Treat your skin to luxury with Supergoop.
Once you try this super-powered sunscreen, you won’t go back! It has makeup–gripping power and goes on like a lightweight primer, plus it has shine control and leaves a velvety finish on the skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and helps filter blue light from your devices as well as UVA/ UVB rays! It works well for the guys, even with beards, as it has a clear finish that feels like nothing!
My FAVVVV is the Mineral Matte Screen from Supergoop. I am horrifically picky about that “sunscreen smell” most products have. This doesn’t have that smell, which makes me 50x more likely to put it on. Plus, it has the same skin-smoothing effect as Benefit’s pore-fessional primer (loooove that). This is my holy grail sunscreen, and all the things I love about it justify the price for me! Note: (but I especially love it when it’s on sale or I can get a “bang for my buck” when it’s in a travel set) – Hip Sidekick, Madison
Supergoop for my face and Blue Lizard for body and kids ❤️❤️ sunscreen is a must in our household. – Hip Reader, Michelle C.
Super Goop is the best! It’s pricey but not chemical ridden, so you get what you pay for. – Hip Reader, Christie L.
8. Protect your beautiful skin shade with these sunscreens.
This is my go-to absolute favorite daily face one (I try a bunch and always go back to it. Great natural glowy finish and works well under makeup) – Monica
9. OR get your makeup and sun protection in one with this luxury combo.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint $48 – over 30 shades!
Shipping is free for Sephora members
Final cost $48 shipped!
Allure 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner & the holy grail for many of our team members!
It’s pricey and I wish it wasn’t as good as it is lol . It does have a slight smell but the skin-like finish is unreal. Your skin but better! – Hip Sidekick, Monica
10. Everyone is jumping on this sun shield bandwagon!
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow $42
Subscribe & Save for 10% off
Final cost $37.80 shipped!
No white cast! It’s made with nourishing and pearlescent minerals that give the skin a radiant glow.
My go-to, I LOVE the glow it leaves. – Monica
Best. Summer. Decision. Ever. I went with the trial size as I was skeptical that this would provide any sun protection, but after using it 3-4 times outside at the park, pool, and more, I am hooked! And I haven’t been sunburned yet. This is the PRETTIEST sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all! – Hip Sidekick, Chelsey
11. Looking for the #1 dermatologist-recommended pick?
EltaMD Clear Broad Spectrum Sunscreen $39
Clip the 10% off digital coupon
Opt to Subscribe & Save (5-10% off + free shipping)
Final cost $33.15 shipped (5% off) OR $31.20 shipped (10% off)!
And, bonus, this size is TSA-approved so you can throw it in your travel bag as-is!
Elta MD – We go through a lot of sunscreen where we live and this has been one of the best I have found. suggested by our dermatologist as well. – Hip Reader, Carolyn P.
12. When it comes to kids sunscreen, you need gentle on skin but tough on sun protection.
Pipette mineral sunscreen! Our favorite. So clean & blends sooo easily. It’s baby sunblock but we all use it!
I really like to watch the ingredients in our sunblock… why try to defend against skin cancer with cancer causing chemicals? – Hip Reader, Jamie A.
What is the best sunscreen?
Not all sunscreen is created equal. The EWG reports that only 1 in 4 products meets their strict sunscreen standards, so you may consider being a little bit more picky about yours.
According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, a quality sunscreen should achieve the following:
- Offer broad-spectrum protection. The sun contains both UVA and UVB rays and both can cause skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both.
- Contain at least SPF 30 – this amount will block up to 97% of the sun’s rays.
- Should NOT be past their expiration date. Sunscreen typically retains its original strength for up to 3 years.
- Consider chemical vs. mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are typically more lightweight, but absorb the sun’s rays and change their chemical structure to decrease sun damage. Mineral sunscreens have a thicker texture, but reflect the sun rays, so they provide a physical separation between your skin and the sun.
Keep in mind that the only sun protectant you need is the one that works best for you!
How much sunscreen should you be applying?
If you buy sunscreen only once during the summer, you may not be applying adequate sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that most adults need at least 1oz (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover their entire body.
Keeping in mind that most sunscreens need to be reapplied every 60-80 minutes, if you are at a lake or beach for just 4 hours, you might end up using half of an 8oz. bottle. ☀️
What’s your favorite sunscreen brand to use? We love learning about new ones!
Pack these clever beach hacks along with your sunscreen!
