Senior Magnificence & Way of life Director
Senior Magnificence & Way of life Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior magnificence and life-style director at mindbodygreen and host of the sweetness podcast Clear Magnificence Faculty. Beforehand, she’s held magnificence roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports activities Illustrated, and Attract.com.
Picture by mihailomilovanovic / iStock
June 24, 2025
As we kick off summer time, we’ll be sharing our greatest recommendation for attaining Wholesome Summer time Pores and skin—learn all June lengthy. Right here’s to a summer time of feeling good, residing nicely, and holding your pores and skin secure underneath the solar.
Skincare is private. The merchandise that make their manner into your routine are possible influenced by many various components which are distinctive to you: What your skincare objectives are, what considerations you’re coping with, pores and skin kind and tone, finances constraints, how a lot time and vitality you’re prepared to decide to a routine, and naturally, your private preferences. Contemplating all these variables, it’s no surprise there are such a lot of differing opinions on magnificence merchandise. As I at all times caveat: What works for me, could not be just right for you.
That is no extra true than with sunscreen! Discovering a sunscreen that works for it’s possible you’ll rely in your pores and skin tone, how reactive your pores and skin is, if you’re sporting make-up, the place on the physique it’s going, what your deliberate actions are, and a lot extra.
Happily, there are so many extra choices available on the market than there have been only a few years in the past. So there’s a bounty of high-quality, sensorially interesting sunscreens to select from. Right here, a number of of our favorites—all tried and examined from mbg staffers.
Mineral vs chemical: What do you have to select?
The perfect sunscreen is the one that you simply’ll put on. We regularly advocate sporting non-nano zinc oxide-based mineral formulation as they’re full-spectrum and are typically higher for pores and skin well being and the setting. Nonetheless, you’ll see chemical-based sunscreens on this record, as everybody’s wants and preferences are totally different. The underside line is that for those who discover one you want, keep it up.
Paula’s Selection Calm Barrier Shield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
“I’ve delicate pores and skin that reacts to fairly a bit, together with typically sunscreen. Fortunately, there are such a lot of nice sensitive-skin SPFs formulation available on the market, so I am not missing in choices.
“I’ve tried numerous, and that is the present star in my lineup. The mineral formulation makes use of each zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum safety—after which consists of allantoin and Centella asiatica as celebrity soothers. Most “delicate pores and skin” sunscreens simply do their finest to not irritate the pores and skin. However this goes above and past by infusing it with components that help the pores and skin barrier, calm irritation, and proactively soothe reactive pores and skin.
“The feel is gentle, hydrating, and sits nicely underneath make-up, so I’ve no drawback sporting it day by day. At this level, it is not simply a part of my “solar care” routine—it is a very important a part of my skincare lineup.” — magnificence director Alexandra Engler
Paula’s Selection Calm Barrier Shield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
$ 39
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 & Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
“Coola’s whole portfolio is exceptionally nicely finished. First up, I merely should spotlight their non-aerosol physique sprays. Palms down, the most effective within the biz. I personally use the zinc oxide spray. I discover it really easy to use, quick absorbing, and has a delicate, silky end. It’s additional supported with a plant extract mix for antioxidant safety towards free radicals, which I really like. Whereas I favor the mineral choice, they’ve a number of chemical physique sprays if that is what you favor on your personal pores and skin. For when a lotion is extra handy, I seize their Mineral Physique Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 50. It’s light-weight but hydrating.
“Another causes to like Coola: It abides by the California Natural Merchandise Act (COPA) requirements, which requires that at least 70% of each formulation is natural components. It additionally donates to melanoma analysis. And it prioritizes sunscreen schooling, so individuals could be extra knowledgeable about their purchases.” — Engler
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
$ 32
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
$ 36
Thrive Every day Sunscreen For Delicate Pores and skin & BodyShield 50
“Pay attention: I do know most individuals don’t purchase skincare merchandise due to environmental or moral causes. They purchase skincare merchandise as a result of they work. The excellent news is that Thrive sunscreens do each!
“Thrive is likely one of the most considerate skincare manufacturers I’ve ever come throughout. The staff behind the model practices regenerative farming strategies, offers again to the communities they work with, companions with a wide range of environmental teams, and makes use of sustainable packaging. No stone is left unturned.
The merchandise are additionally nice. The Delicate Pores and skin sunscreen is filled with super-plants to assuage pores and skin and provide antioxidant safety. The BodyShield 50 is ideal for lively days open air.” — Engler
Editor’s tip: Construct a “sunscreen wardrobe”
The sunscreen you utilize on seashore days is probably not the identical one you need to use day-to-day. Get a couple of totally different choices to check out, and pick-and-choose primarily based in your wants!
Thrive Every day Sunscreen For Delicate Pores and skin
$ 31
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
“I really like that this sunscreen is true to the title and goes on sheer, with none greasiness or heavy scent. It performs nicely with different skincare merchandise and is a simple option to defend my face with SPF day by day. It feels considerably moisturizing, in all probability because of the squalene, and I like figuring out it’s made with zinc versus a chemical sunscreen. Reapplication goes on simply in addition to the primary coat, even on a sweaty summer time day.” — well being editor Ailsa Cowell
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
$ 32
Native Unscented Mineral Physique Sunscreen
“Lastly, an all-over mineral sunscreen that’s unscented, sheer, and really reasonably priced so I’m not afraid to drench my whole physique. This feels extra like a physique lotion than a sunscreen—it’s straightforward to rub in and doesn’t go away a solid or have a stickiness to it. I preserve this round for each time I’m about to get outdoors; it’s nice simply to have in my purse.” — Cowell
Native Unscented Mineral Physique Sunscreen
$ 16
Babo Botanicals Delicate Child Sunscreen
“I am a label-reading mother, and I’m not sorry. I don’t need pointless components in my youngsters’ merchandise, so I used to be inclined to discover a sunscreen for her that’s EWG licensed. Babo Botanicals makes a number of nice choices which are zinc-based, fragrance-free, and water resistant. The stick and spray are particularly useful for wiggly toddlers, and my daughter’s delicate pores and skin has finished simply superb with every model of this sunscreen. We apply each morning earlier than college and several other occasions a day when enjoying outdoors.” — Cowell
Babo Botanicals Delicate Child Sunscreen
$ 19
It Cosmetics CC+ With Nude Glow
“I really like this light-weight make-up. It offers sufficient protection to hide any redness I’ve, but it seems like I’ve no make-up on. I really feel good sporting it through the day as a result of I do know it helps defend my pores and skin, and even decide to put on it within the night. The formulation feels hydrating and by no means muffins even hours later.” — dietary supplements editor Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Editor’s tip: Tinted sunscreens provide further safety
Sunscreens provide safety from UVA and UVB lights, however not seen gentle (akin to synthetic gentle coming from screens). Seen gentle may cause pigmentation and different indicators of harm. For defense towards this type of environmental stressor, go for tinted sunscreens.
It Cosmetics CC+ with Nude Glow
$ 47
Trip Tremendous Spritz
“I by no means go anyplace in the summertime with out throwing a sunscreen spray in my bag, and this has not too long ago been my go-to. It’s compact, offers SPF 50 safety, and is allowed in a carry-on suitcase. It’s by no means the primary layer I apply, however is nice for mid-day touchups because it goes on seamlessly over make-up and doesn’t go away a filmy residue.” — Knudsen
Trip Tremendous Spritz
$ 22
Elta MD UV Clear
“A dermatologist really helpful this sunscreen to me as a youngster (I’ve very pimples inclined pores and skin), and it’s been the cream I’ve reached for since. It goes on easily, feels light-weight, and leaves no white solid—not like many different mineral sunscreens I’ve tried. It’s the bottom layer I exploit on a regular basis, together with underneath make-up. Plus, I can belief that it received’t trigger me to interrupt out!” — Knudsen
Sky & Sol Face and Physique Sunscreen SPF 50
“This has shortly change into my go-to mineral sunscreen for each face and physique. It’s made with simply 10 nourishing components—like grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, and zinc oxide—so it feels extra like skincare than sunscreen. Plus, it by some means manages to really feel ultra-moisturizing with out being greasy.
“It by no means breaks me out, which actually seems like a small miracle given what number of SPF merchandise have up to now. It does take a minute to rub in totally, and there’s a slight white solid at first, however I normally combine it with a tinted moisturizer or bronzing drops and it blends proper in. As soon as it’s on, it simply seems like a part of my skincare routine—no stickiness, no residue. I really feel good utilizing it daily figuring out it is reef-safe, fragrance-free, and made with out questionable components.
“Additionally, I’ve to say their sunscreen chapstick. It’s severely the most effective one I’ve ever used. Tremendous thick and hydrating, with zero bizarre style (if what I imply). I preserve one in each bag.” — assistant well being editor Ava Durgin
Sky & Sol Face and Physique Sunscreen SPF 50
$ 40
Effectively Folks Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34
“Effectively Folks’s EWG verified sunscreen has the right blendable consistency. The mineral sunscreen opts for non-nano zinc—too giant to be absorbed by pores and skin—but doesn’t go away behind a noticeable white solid (on me, anyway). As a substitute the sheer formulation seamlessly absorbs into pores and skin, delivering brightening vitamin C and an antioxidant-rich oil for added safety. Plus, highly effective niacinamide makes an awesome addition for shiny complexions. I by no means have to fret about breakouts!” — Deputy commerce editor Braelyn Wooden
Editor’s tip: Search for antioxidants
Effectively Folks Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34
$ 36
Plumscreen® $78 Broad Spectrum SPF 31 PA+++
“If you need a light-weight, creamy formulation, then you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with Plumscreen. The consistency feels nearer to an on a regular basis moisturizer than your typical sticky sunscreen, which implies it layers nicely underneath make-up. I personally like this formulation for on a regular basis put on; the non-nano zinc doesn’t go away a white solid, the Antioxidant-Wealthy Plum Superfruit Advanced® protects towards metropolis air pollution, and the addition of zonaria tournefortii extract promotes pores and skin longevity. It’s the final word 3-in-1 safety.” — Wooden
Plumscreen® $78 Broad Spectrum SPF 31 PA+++
$ 78
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Complete Safety® Face Protect Flex SPF 50
“When summer time rolls round, this tinted sunscreen shortly replaces my basis. The mineral formulation is water- and sweat-resistant (a should by August!) with sufficient protection to blur out pimples and redness. In the event you don’t need added pigmentation, the unique sunscreen delivers the identical light-weight consistency, making it an awesome choice for seashore days.” — Wooden
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Complete Safety® Face Protect Flex SPF 50
$ 58
Bare Sundays SPF50 GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Stick
“As of late nearly each make-up product can comprise SPF—and your bronzer and blush are not any exception. I really like utilizing Bare Sunday’s glow balms so as to add heat and blush on busy summer time days. The proper addition to your pool bag, they provide broad-spectrum SPF50 from a 100% non-nano mineral formulation. Want one more reason to make the swap? They’re filled with skin-loving additions like avocado seed oil, vitamin E, and peptides.” — Wooden
Bare Sundays SPF50 GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Stick
$ 28
The takeaway
Within the ever-expanding world of skincare, sunscreen stays one of the crucial important (and most private) steps. As our lengthy record of faves would possibly recommend, the “finest” sunscreen really is dependent upon your distinctive wants: your pores and skin kind, life-style, preferences, and values. So discover what works for you—perhaps one from this record—and put on it daily.
