As the weather gets milder and daydreams of the beach seem closer to reality than they did back in February, it’s time to start thinking about your most important summer companion: sunscreen.
To make sure you’re well-protected, we rounded up some of the best new sunscreen launches for this year. Always look for “broad spectrum” on the label, which means you’re getting protection against both UVB and UVA radiation—that way you can prevent wrinkles, brown spots, and deadly skin cancer.
1Supergoop! Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream, $45
Eyes are often neglected when it comes to UV protection, and are quick to show age. This two-in-one sunscreen and anti-aging cream reduces the appearance of dark circles and protects the delicate eye area from damage while shielding skin from UV rays. Oat peptides boost collagen production to diminish fine lines, and the smooth metal tip helps cool eyes to reduce puffiness as you apply.
2Extrashade Daily Defense Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $40
As the first company to focus on sun protection specifically for darker complexions, Extrashade’s new Sun Protection For Rich Complexions line offers unique photostabilized sunscreen packed with hydrators, antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients to protect skin from UV rays and water damage, without leaving a chalky or greasy residue. It’s also free of any irritants known to stimulate the production of excessive melanin, a common issue in dark skin that manifests as uneven patches and spots.
3CeraVe Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face, $15
The brand’s first extension into sunscreen includes eight different face and body products in SPF 30 and 50. Their “Invisible Zinc” technology features a micro-fine zinc oxide that has a dry and clear finish (instead of zinc’s signature white goop). The lotion also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help repair and moisturize the skin barrier.
4Shield Me Sheer Physical Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, $35, [email protected] to order
What makes this spray so unique is its formula free of chemical absorbers normally necessary in spray sunscreens (mineral blocks tend to clog the spray mechanism). This light, transparent spray contains all physical UV blockers—12 percent micronized zinc oxide—packed into a convenient, 360-degree (you can spray it upside down!) bottle. Plus, co-founded by a NYC-based dermatologist, you can be sure its safe for all skin types.
5Kate Somerville Body Glow Sunscreen SPF 20, $45
Light reflective pearls make this sunscreen not only protective, but also radiance-boosting. The subtle shimmer it creates adds a healthy glow to the skin and minimizes imperfections, while antioxidants, rosemary extract and mango butter all help fight free radicals, moisturize and improve skin’s overall texture. A little kick of caffeine makes skin appear firmer and improves the texture and tone. We can all use a bit of that when we’re in a bikini!
6Honest Sunscreen SPF 30, $14
No need to buy separate sunscreens for you and your little ones: With zinc oxide as the only active ingredient, this all-natural, vegan, fragrance-free sunscreen is safe for everyone in the family, including infants.
7Juice Beauty Oil-Free SPF 30 Moisturizer, $29
The newest addition to Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Collection is the first oil-free, non-chemical, non-nano particle SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, made from certified organic ingredients. If you shy away from sunscreen because you have acne-prone skin, this lightweight and sensitive formula is the perfect solution for you to keep skin protected without clogging your pores.
8Ocean Potion Dab-On SpotStick SPF 50+, $5
This unique dab stick is non-greasy and fragrance-free, making it an ideal method of protecting the areas that are a little tougher to tackle with normal lotion, such as the nose, ears and scalp. The liquid absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, so you don’t need to worry about your hair or face looking greasy.
9Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation, $36 for case and foundation
Can’t stand the thought of going to the beach completely bare-faced? Shiseido’s got you covered (literally), with its Sun Protection Compact Foundation, now available in limited addition, beach-ready cases. The foundation comes in seven shades, all with SPF 34. But remember: SPF in foundation is NOT enough—you’d have to cake it on to successfully protect your skin. Make sure to apply SPF lotion or sunscreen underneath first to block out UV rays, and consider the protection here to be an added, skin-benefiting bonus.
10Vichy Capital Soleil Lightweight Foaming Lotion SPF 50, $29
Vichy’s light, non-sticky foam formula makes sunscreen application easy and mess-free. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated, while white grape polyphenols and phytoquintescine (a patented botanical anti-aging ingredient) provide anti-oxidant defense against free radical damage and help prevent loss of skin’s resiliency.
11Sun Bum Flavored Lip Balms, $4
Keep lip wrinkles away! While aiming all of your sun protection efforts on easily burnt areas, it’s easy to forget that your lips need some love, too. Formulated with vitamin E, aloe and cocoa butter, these lip balms come in fix different fruity flavors, all with SPF 30.
12Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, $12
The all-natural ingredients packed into this sunscreen include cucumber extract, aloe vera and green tea extract, which all help soothe skin and reduce inflammation while keeping skin soft and moisturized. Vitamin E also helps protect against wrinkles.
13Coppertone Tattoo Guard Stick PF 50+, $6
Protect your tattoos from sun-induced fading and blurring with a moisturizing sunscreen stick. Also available in a lotion, this stick is good for targeting specific areas and making sure you get the right coverage and protection across your ink. The formula offers photostable, broad spectrum protection, and contains vitamins C and E to nourish and protect the skin.
14Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $10
Aveeno’s “Active Natural” oat ingredient keeps skin supple by protecting against dehydration cause by chlorine, sun, sweat and salt water. Plus, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so you can freely apply to your face without worrying about a nasty breakout.
15Mustela Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Stick, $16
This hypoallergenic, water and sweat-resistant sunscreen is safe to use on babies. Plus, the convenient, mess-free stick makes it so you don’t need to worry about missing the important spots on a squirming toddler. No more messy sunscreen applications for mom and baby!
16Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50, $40
Tested by marathon runners, this broad spectrum sunscreen is formulated for extreme conditions and use during sports. According to the 82 runners who took it for a test drive (run), this sunscreen is proven to feel comfortable on skin and resist wearing off during rigorous outdoor activity. So whether it’s tossing a football on the beach or hiking to the top of a mountain, you can count on being protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Visit Skinceuticals to find out how to get a free skin check in honor of Melanoma Awareness Month!
17Peter Lamas Naturals Skincare Sheer Zinc Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Powerful, lightweight and moisturizing, this sunscreen not only provides broad spectrum protection, but it also contains powerful skin-rejuvenating ingredients. Among them are grape stem cells and photosomes, both of which increase cell turnover rate and help reverse and repair damage. Olive leaf extract adds moisture to the skin and helps keep it looking young and healthy.
18Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Clear Mist Spray, $10
Protect your skin from UV rays while also keeping it intensely hydrated with this convenient spray sunscreen. It promises to provide 12 hours of moisturization, while giving the skin a good dose of antioxidants and a light, tropical scent.
19L’Oreal Sublime Sun Feather Light Foaming Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, $10
Mousse sunscreens are the newest additions to the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun collection. The lightweight, oil-free mousse is easy to apply and gives you an even, matte coverage, without the shiny and oily sunscreen feel. (Also available in SPF 50+).
20MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30, $32
A lightweight, tinted formula infused with antioxidants, this mineral cream can be used alone to help even skintone and give a natural finish or under foundation to enhance its smoothing effects. It’s free of allergens and irritants, won’t clog your pores and is long-lasting and water-resistant. Sounds like the perfect beach-friendly tinted moisturizer to us.
21Goldfaden Sun Visor Ultralight Oil Free SPF 30 Mist, $45
This product is available on our sister site, BeautySage, where we only sell products proven to work!
Because it’s dispensed in such a fine and light mist, this sunscreen can be applied directly to the skin and won’t clog pores, smear makeup or make skin look slick and oily. You can even apply it right on top of your makeup. The addition of red tea extract helps further protect skin from the aging effects of the sun.
22Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70, $11
Neutrogena’s “Helioplex” formulation is a photostable combination of avobenzone and oxybenzone, which reduces the amount of sunscreen degradation—meaning, UV protection lasts longer. This water and sweat resistant sunscreen has a light, fresh scent and is available in SPF 30 and 70.
23Parrot Head “Fins Up” Sport Spray, $12
Stay protected while wasting away in Margaritaville with Jimmy Buffet’s latest addition to his franchise: a sunscreen line. Among the many selections (which all contain aloe for extra hydration) is a continuous spray, instantly drying sport sunscreen, which comes in three different SPFs and is sweat, swim and humidity-proof.
24LCN SOL Hand Cream SPF 15, $50
After each time you apply sunscreen, you probably wipe or wash it all off your hands. But the skin there is just as exposed—and just as important to protect—as the rest of your bod. Enriched with sunflower oil and vitamins C and E, this cream nourishes skin and protects against sun damage and premature aging.
25La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, $36
La Roche-Posay’s Cell-OX Shield XL technology offers broad spectrum protection with a unique blend of filters to prevent UV damage while using significantly fewer ingredients than their previous sun care products. This lightweight sunscreen milk absorbs quickly and contains antioxidants (particularly the plant extract senna alata, which protects against cell damage) in addition to its filters that provide powerful, photostable protection.
26Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35|PA+++, $25
This convenient stick makes for mess-free application on the face and eye areas. The formula contains antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage and dehydration caused by the sun. This little stick offers broad spectrum protection, and a PA+++ rating (a rating system used widely in Asian brands), which means this sunscreen offers the highest protection available against UVA rays, which isn’t always as high in a normal broad spectrum sunscreen.
27Australian Gold Sheer Coverage SPF 45 Faces with Self-Tanner, $10
If you’re looking for a sun-kissed glow on your face without the dreaded threat of skin damage and wrinkles, this sunscreen with built-in self-tanner is the way to go. Kakadu plum, with high levels of vitamin C, provides antioxidant benefits and protection from damage. A gradual tan builds in two to three days, bronzing skin while simultaneously protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.
