The Finest Sunscreens, Examined in Hawaii

Should you have been on a abandoned island and will solely carry one factor with you, what wouldn’t it be? In case your reply isn’t “sunscreen,” strive once more. 

I moved to Hawai’i this yr, and whereas it’s actually not a abandoned island, it’s pressured me to rethink the sunscreen I throw in my seashore bag, particularly since I’ve honest, delicate pores and skin. After testing 54 sunscreens from 18 manufacturers, I’ve realized there are so many issues that differentiate an excellent physique sunscreen from a “effective” one, like vast spray protection, a non-greasy end, precise solar safety, and longevity, as a result of I’m not making an attempt to purchase a brand new sunscreen bottle each different day.

Maintain studying for the physique and face sunscreens I belief whether or not I’m browsing, operating errands round city, or simply hanging within the yard with buddies.

Finest General

Neutrogena Extremely Sheer Spray Sunscreen

Neutrogena Extremely Sheer Spray Sunscreen is the very best of the very best for on a regular basis out of doors use. It supplies glorious protection by way of a large, constant mist, providing efficient solar safety. It feels tremendous mild and breathable on my pores and skin, and the bottle itself can be lighter than another on this listing (so it doesn’t overwhelm my Jennifer Garner-inspired tote bag).

Neutrogena makes many high quality sunscreen merchandise, like Seaside Protection Sunscreen Spray and Invisible Each day Protection Lotion, however this sheer mist continues to be my favourite as a result of it’s really easy to make use of, and I by no means burn with this sunscreen utilized correctly.

This bottle lasts me no less than two weeks with on a regular basis utility and reapplication, which is a very long time in comparison with different sunscreen sprays. Plus, the model confirmed that it’s Hawaii Act 104 Compliant (extra on that later).

Sort: Chemical Spray | Protection Choices: Spray, Mist, and Lotion | Safety: SPF 30, 45, and 70

Finest General (Nearly)

Banana Boat 360 Sunscreen Mist

This 360 Sport Spray is new from Banana Boat this yr, and it gave my trusted Neutrogena sunscreen a run for its cash. Right here’s what I like about this one: It has completely different modes, so it will possibly supply a steady mist or simply spray small squirts relying on the place you’re making use of. 

I might see this coming in helpful with a squirmy child, however for me, I like this non-aerosol spray bottle as a result of I can really cowl my total again with out assist. Because of the continual mist, I can press the lever after which simply type of wave it round for full protection. Not one of the different sunscreens on this listing can try this.

The low value makes this an excellent worth, and after you’ve purchased the unique mister, you should buy refill bottles for even much less. Nonetheless, It’s not reef-safe, which I don’t love as an island resident. We’ll report again on the longevity of the mister head after just a few weeks of constant use.

Sort: Chemical Mist | Protection Choices: Spray or Mist | Safety: SPF 50

Finest Lotion

Supergoop Play On a regular basis Lotion SPF 50

I are likely to favor sunscreen sprays, however I wish to put lotion on my chest and arms to make sure full protection. I like this Supergoop Play lotion as a result of it’s not sticky or thick: It’s straightforward to unfold, and it’s efficient. Supergoop affords many different nice merchandise in its Play sunscreen line, too, like Play Antioxident Sunscreen Spray and Play Mineral Sunscreen Stick.

I additionally love this specific product as a result of it is available in a number of sizes, so I can throw the mini model in my clutch whereas the usual model stays in my seashore bag.

Sort: Chemical Lotion | Protection Choices: Lotion or Spray | Safety: SPF 30 and 50

Finest Lotion (Cheaper)

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Contact Sunscreen Lotion

I grew up utilizing Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen, and it hasn’t let me down but. Should you choose a lotion however don’t need to spend on tremendous fashionable manufacturers, Hawaiian Tropic is a tried-and-true decide. Whereas this lotion doesn’t have a melt-in-your-hand milky texture like Supergoop Play or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, its medium thickness ensures that it’s straightforward to use however not runny, and it doesn’t go away any type of residue behind.

Sort: Chemical Lotion |  Protection Choices: Lotion and Serum | Safety: SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70

Add to Cart

Should you’re searching for sunscreen, likelihood is you’re additionally available in the market for different summer time necessities. We check hundreds of merchandise to carry you the very best of the very best, so we suggest the under summer time must-haves.

Andie The Amalfi One-Piece Swimsuit

Over the previous two years, we’ve examined 40 swimsuits for girls to seek out the very best ones for lounging, swimming, and posting in your social pages. The Amalfi One-Piece Swimsuit from Andie was — and nonetheless is — the clear winner. 

Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip Flops

We examined 20 pairs of ladies’s flip-flops to seek out the very best ones, and I’ve tried 9 pairs this yr alone. My favourite is the Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip Flop as a result of it’s light-weight, supportive, and cute.

Finest for the Seaside

Solar Bum Unique Sunscreen Spray

Should you’re on the seashore, your sunscreen must be reef-safe, and that’s why Solar Bum is in all places in Hawai’i. If I’m browsing or diving, I often use mineral sunscreen simply to be tremendous secure, but when I’m out and in of the water or simply having fun with a day on the sand, Solar Bum is my go-to. It’s straightforward to spray, and one bottle lasts me for weeks, making the upper value simpler to justify.

Sort: Reef-safe Chemical Spray |  Protection Choices: Lotion and Spray | Safety: SPF 30 and 50

Best to Apply

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Soften-In Milk Sunscreen

I first picked up a bottle of La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen at a pharmacy in France earlier than hitting the seashore, and it’s nonetheless one among my favourite sunscreen lotions. It’s so straightforward to use — it mainly simply melts onto my pores and skin. It is a nice on a regular basis sunscreen regardless of the place you’re going. It’s costly, however you should utilize it as each your face and physique sunscreen.

Sort: Chemical and Mineral Mix Lotion |  Protection Choices: Lotion | Safety: SPF 60 and 100

Finest Over Make-up

Trip Tremendous Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist

I wrote about my love for this Trip sunscreen mist final summer time, once I was nonetheless dwelling in New York Metropolis. I saved it in my purse and was continuously spritzing myself for a dose of hydration blended with SPF.

Take notice that that is meant to be an SPF refresher, which means that it shouldn’t be your solely sunscreen utility for the day. Begin with a trusted SPF lotion or serum and use this in between common functions. (Don’t fear, your make-up will keep in tact!)

Sort: Chemical Mist |  Protection Choices: Mist | Safety: SPF 50

Finest for Tanning

Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Immediate Bronzer

This can be controversial, however I nonetheless take pleasure in tanning. I don’t want a bronzer in Hawai’i, however once I’m laying by the pool again house in Tennessee with my mother, we all the time be sure that now we have some Australian Gold on us. It all the time will get me bronzed shortly and safely (a.okay.a. with out burning beneath).

Sort: Chemical Spray with Bronzer | Protection Choices: Gel Spray | Safety: SPF 4, 8, 15, 30

Finest Face Sunscreen for On a regular basis Use

Neutrogena Invisible Each day Protection Face Serum

Whether or not I’m operating down the sidewalk in New York Metropolis (in my former life) or assembly buddies for a yard dangle, this Neutrogena serum is my favourite on a regular basis face sunscreen. Irrespective of the place the day takes me, I’m protected by this moisturizing possibility. 

There aren’t any purple flags to talk of, however since some individuals choose tinted face sunscreen, take notice that this isn’t tinted. (Nonetheless, it layers properly with different make-up merchandise.) It’s a tad bit costly, however I’ve been utilizing the identical bottle for months, so it’s nonetheless worth.

Sort: Chemical Serum |  Protection Choices: Serum, Lotion, and Spray | Safety: SPF 60

Finest Face Sunscreen for the Seaside

Coola Natural Face Sunscreen

This Coola sunscreen has a lightweight consistency, however I’ve by no means skilled sunburn after utility (I can’t say the identical for Supergoop Glowscreen), so I attain for this sunscreen once I know I’m going to be on the seashore all day. 

After we examined face sunscreen final yr in our lab, we awarded our prime decide to Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. Whereas I agree this can be a nice decide, I personally wish to see my sunscreen as I apply it, so I like this Coola decide higher.

Sort: Natural Chemical Lotion | Protection Choices: Lotion | Safety: SPF 50

Finest Mineral Face Sunscreen

Bare Sundays Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

Earlier than I moved to Hawai’i, I steered away from mineral sunscreen as a result of I discovered it exhausting to unfold, and it left a white solid. Then I attempted this tinted mineral face sunscreen from Bare Sundays, and now I’m a fan. Of all of the face sunscreens I’ve tried, this one affords probably the most safety, and it undoubtedly retains the darkish spots at bay on extraordinarily sunny days or lengthy browsing afternoons.

Sort: Mineral Lotion |  Protection Choices: Lotion | Safety: SPF 50

Finest Sunscreen for Canines

Emmy’s Finest Pets Canine Solar Pores and skin Protector

Do you know that you simply’re not supposed to place human sunscreen in your canine? My chihuahua loves accompanying me to the seashore, so after studying a number of rave opinions, I bought this canine sunscreen for her, and it’s actually been a lifesaver. (Nobody desires a burnt Pup!)

Sort: Pet-Secure Spray |  Protection Choices: Spray | Safety: SPF not listed

What to Know About Sunscreen

SPF Energy

SPF stands for solar safety issue, and, in accordance with the Pores and skin Most cancers Basis, it is best to apply a product with SPF 30 or increased should you plan to spend the day outdoor. Reapply no less than each two hours and after any water exercise. 

UVB rays trigger sunburn, however UVA rays are in charge for wrinkles and pores and skin harm, so along with in search of SPF 30 or increased, the Pores and skin Most cancers Basis says to go for broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects towards each forms of damaging rays.

Mineral Sunscreen vs. Conventional (Chemical) Sunscreen

“Most drugstore sunscreens comprise a mixture of chemical substances that present cheap UVA and UVB safety. Whereas utilizing these merchandise is certainly higher than not utilizing something, here is the rub: these are chemical substances our physique absorbs,” says Dr. Heather D. Rogers, a double-board licensed dermatologic surgeon based mostly in Seattle. Although the FDA has deemed them non-toxic, chemical-based sunscreens may cause pores and skin and eye irritation, and a few substances could also be damaging to the atmosphere.

Whereas mineral sunscreens used to have a foul repute for leaving a white solid, many formulation right this moment mix in simply, and a few are even tinted, like Bare Sundays Mineral Lotion.

Sure, Sunscreen Expires.

“Usually, sunscreens are good for about two years, however we all know they degrade quicker if they’re left in daylight or in a sizzling atmosphere,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale. “It is necessary to maintain them in a cool space or drugs cupboard, but when they’re left in a sizzling place, I would toss them sooner.” 

The draw back of expired sunscreen? Much less safety. (Which defeats the purpose, proper?) In case your sunscreen is watery, has a chunky consistency, or smells unusual, it’s time to buy a brand new bottle.

Dermatologist-Really helpful Sunscreen

The dermatologists we spoke with confused the significance of discovering a sunscreen you like so that you simply’re motivated to use it on daily basis. 

“One of the best sunscreen is the one you’ll really use,” says Dr. Hale. “I am thrilled that there are such a lot of forms of sunscreens and formulations obtainable, however you must select one you may apply recurrently.” 

My go-to every day face sunscreen is Neutrogena Invisible Each day Protection Face Serum as a result of it’s hydrating and doesn’t irritate my delicate pores and skin.

Worth Vary

The sunscreen on this listing ranges from beneath $11 for 8 ounces (Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Contact Sunscreen) to $38 for the same measurement (La Roche-Posay Anthelios Soften-In Milk Sunscreen). It’s price it to spend just a little additional on a sunscreen you’re enthusiastic about — so long as you really apply it.

Why Belief PEOPLE?

Erin Johnson is the affiliate editorial director of purchasing at PEOPLE. She has examined quite a few skincare, house, and journey must-haves and written product guides for digital retailers resembling Actual Easy, Higher Houses and Gardens, and Journey and Leisure. For this story, Erin examined 54 sunscreens by sporting a unique one every day on the seashore, within the water, and round Oahu. After giving all of them a strive, those that she saved reaching for each day made this listing.

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