The 15 Best Sunscreens for All Budgets and Skin Types in 2026, Tested and Expert-Vetted

We enjoyed the lightweight, lotion-like feel of this sunscreen. It left our dry skin moisturized and dewy, with a base that worked well for applying makeup. It’s one of our top picks because it works for both face and body. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for the beach or pool.

Although this sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin, it doesn’t have the same moisturizing feel as some of the other options tested, so you may want to apply moisturizer first. Also, since it isn’t water-resistant, it’s probably best for an everyday sunscreen rather than a day at the beach. It’s fairly pricey per ounce, but it may be worth it if you’re dealing with acne or discoloration.

Additionally, the antioxidant-rich formula adds skin-care benefits to support healthy skin. Though the packaging notes it’s scent-free, we do detect (and enjoy) a subtle scent. So consider this formula if you like a faint botanical aroma in your sunscreen.

If this sunscreen doesn’t seem like the right fit, McTighe also recommends Glowscreen SPF 40 from the same company, for those who want a wash of color. “Supergoop! Glowscreen is another tinted hydrating facial sunscreen that’s great because it comes in four shades,” she says.

“The DNA repair enzyme in Isdin Eryfotona Actinica is a protein derived from plankton that recognizes UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer, and helps repair it,” says McTighe. “However, more research is needed to understand its efficacy fully.”

It’s important to note that this is not an unscented product. Its fresh and verdant fragrance may be a bonus for some and a turn-off for others, especially those with sensitive skin.

If the greasy feel of sunscreen prevents you from applying it frequently — or at all — then you’ll likely want to consider this lightweight, ultra-absorbent formula. “SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a great mineral sunscreen, with a lightweight, tinted formula that blends well and enhances skin tone,” says Kopelman.

McTighe agrees, saying, “I often recommend it for those who want a purely physical sunscreen that feels elegant and offers additional antioxidant protection. This broad-spectrum tinted mineral sunscreen is lightweight and applies smoothly.”

Unlike sunscreens that are visibly white or tinted, this formula is translucent and luminescent, with a bit of glow that blends in to give a natural and glazed look. This is best for people looking for low-coverage tint, since it won’t provide significant coverage for redness or discoloration. It can sometimes cause a stinging sensation for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s water-resistant only up to 40 minutes, which isn’t ideal for long days in the sun.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On SPF 50 is ideal for touch-ups at the beach or pool. We love how easy this was to use during testing. We just tapped and applied the powder SPF with the brush for an even distribution of sunscreen — no mirror required. It’s also easy to reapply every few hours, which is a huge plus in keeping your skin safe from harmful rays.

McTighe likes the lightweight texture. We also love that it's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

That said, this product has the highest price per ounce of any of the sunscreens I reviewed, and it doesn’t work as a stand-alone sunscreen. Because it’s so sheer, it’s hard to tell whether you’re getting full coverage, so this sunscreen is really only for touch-ups or an extra layer of protection. “I wouldn’t rely on Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF 50 as a stand-alone sunscreen because it’s difficult to apply enough product for full protection,” says Kopelman. “It works best for reapplication over makeup or in addition to a liquid or cream sunscreen.”

McTighe agrees: “I recommend this more often as an addition or a way to reapply facial SPF later in the day.”

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is one of writer Crystal Hoshaw’s go-to’s for water sports and days out at the beach or lake. She slathers up the whole family, kids included, from head to toe. Then they happily splash around with a slight ghost-like cast, which is worth it because she’s confident they’re all protected.

For such a high-quality product, Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 has the lowest price per ounce of any of the sunscreens I tested, including other drugstore brands. However, it’s probably not the most cosmetically pleasing pick, especially if you have a dark skin tone. It includes a cap that changes color in UV light as a reminder to apply sunscreen, which is fun for kids.

As a teen with oily, acne-prone skin, I swore by an earlier iteration of Neutrogena dry-touch sunscreen for a lightweight, nongreasy finish. Now, the company has stepped it up by adding a 100 percent mineral sunscreen to the collection. Although my skin has gotten drier now that I’m no longer in my teens, this is still a great sunscreen when you don’t want to look shiny or greasy.

We prefer sunscreen that does double duty in terms of moisture if it’s going on our faces, and this one from CeraVe doesn’t disappoint — especially for the low price point and drugstore availability. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support your skin barrier, making it a great option for dry and sensitive skin.

We loved using this sunscreen as a makeup replacement. We found it acts as an excellent complexion enhancer, especially for those with uneven skin (raises hand). It provides solid coverage, concealing redness and blotchiness with a radiant glow. Although it wasn’t a perfect match for Hoshaw’s skin tone, she prefers products that streamline her skin-care routine, and this one definitely delivers. She says that those with warmer, more-tan, or golden undertones to their skin might appreciate the coloring best.

Hoshaw, who has sensitive, reactive skin, has observed that the ingredients in some sunscreens can be a recipe for a flare-up. That’s why Obagi Medical Sun Shield did so well during testing.

This mineral sunscreen is both hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. We love how easily it glides on and that it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. It’s so safe that the derm-recommended formula is designed for post-procedure skin, or delicate skin that’s just been through trauma and needs SPF.

The moisturizing formula uses zinc oxide and titanium oxide to provide sun protection. We found that the product absorbed easily, leaving no greasy residue behind. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, which is helpful if you have sensitive skin.

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 gives you a hydrating, lightly dewy finish without feeling heavy. During testing, we could tell that this hybrid sunscreen was made by a skin-care brand, because it’s so lightweight and absorbs quickly. It feels smooth and not overly greasy like some sun products. We also tried it under our makeup with no pilling or cakiness.

The squeeze tube with a flip-top cap is pretty easy to use. But bottles like this can be more prone to leaking, especially if you tend to toss your sunscreen in the bottom of your beach bag. It’s worth noting that some users with acne-prone skin said they had breakouts after using this formula. Also, the brand describes the finish as matte, but in our experience, it gives the skin a soft, subtle glow.

Stream2Sea EcoStick Sport Sunscreen is a 100%-mineral stick that’s not only reef-safe but also EWG-verified and USDA-approved biodegradable. Its small applicator is ideal for applying sunscreen to your face and ears, and it gives you up to 80 minutes of water-resistant SPF 35+ protection.

The formula uses non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like green tea extract, cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E.

During testing, our first impression was that the formula was thick and took some effort to blend. The stick itself glides really well over skin, though. And once we used our fingers to work it in, it blended well. It does leave a white cast at first. On lighter skin tones, this faded a bit after a few minutes, but it may not be the best fit for darker skin tones.

The stick is only half an ounce (oz), so it’s not the best choice for covering larger areas like your back or stomach. And you might go through it pretty quickly if you share it with your family.

We love a solid, non-oily SPF. This sunscreen lotion from Neutrogena delivers many of the same perks as our non-greasy budget choice, but at a lower SPF for those who prefer lighter protection.

We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this mineral formula felt on our skin. Some people may prefer a thicker consistency, but its slightly runny texture makes it easier to spread. It dries quickly to a matte finish and, true to its “dry touch” name, leaves no tacky residue. It sank in almost immediately.

You do need to work it into your skin thoroughly for it to fully disappear. Just know that rubbing it in too aggressively can lead to some pilling. Like most mineral formulas, it leaves a white cast that’s more noticeable on deeper skin tones.

The formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oxybenzone-free. It’s also pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested. It contains La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water along with panthenol (provitamin B5), niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin to give your little one’s skin some extra hydration. This sunscreen is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

While a few users reported facial irritation after application, most say it works well on their bodies and arms. This isn’t a mineral sunscreen, so you’ll want to choose another product if that’s what you’re looking for.