22 Best Sunscreens of 2022, Tested by Experts

This Rodan + Fields SPF for both body and face was the winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreens test. In Lab evaluations, 100% of testers agreed it was easy to apply, absorbed well, didn't leave white residue on skin, didn't feel greasy or tacky and didn't stain fabrics.

"I honestly loved everything about this sunscreen," a tester raved. "I found myself picking it up daily." Another remarked that "it felt similar to applying a moisturizing lotion."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.8%), Homosalate (9.6%), Octisalate (4.8%), Octocrylene (9.6%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$6.80

The Hawaiian Tropic drugstore bargain excelled across the board in GH Beauty Lab evaluations, earning perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin. It rated highly for easy absorption, not feeling tacky or oily, having a pleasant aroma and rinsing off easily. The formula also ranked near the top for sun protection and not leaving white residue on skin.

In addition, its "beachy" scent was total crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend to be especially critical about scent. "It worked perfectly," a tester marveled.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (5%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$1.49

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent face sunscreen test, Vichy came out on top in almost every category. It earned the best score for being easy to apply, making skin feel hydrated, and not leaving a white cast, being sticky, causing breakouts or irritation or interfering with makeup.

An impressive 100% of testers agreed it had an appealing texture. The formula ranked highest at effectively protected skin from sunburn. Users disagreed on its scent: some adored it while others were put off by it. "It blended in easily and didn't leave a white film and was also very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester noted. Another reported: "My skin looks/feels more healthy and vibrant after using this."

• SPF 30
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
• Water resistance: None
• Price per ounce: ~$23.07

For a lightweight, more affordable option, this GH Beauty Lab top-tested Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen rated well for not inflaming skin and gives an grease-free matte finish. The fast-absorbing liquid ranked well among testers at not leaving a visible white film on skin or running into eyes. Users also found it has a pleasant, mild aroma.

Two testers' takes: "It went on smooth, soaked in quickly and had a nice 'vacation-y' coconut scent with no sticky oily feel," and "works much better than anything I have used."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical and mineral
• Active ingredients: Homosalate (8%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (5.7%), Zinc Oxide (7.3%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$1.66

A top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test, Ulta's mineral formula didn't make skin feel oily or dry, making it great for combination skin types. It scored high for its pleasant texture,"light, clean" scent, and not feeling tacky or greasy or drying out skin. Note that some users found it left a white residue on skin, wasn't as easy to rinse off, and could stain or rub off on fabrics.

"I really liked how it absorbed into my skin," a tester noted. "It felt more like a lotion than a typical sunscreen." Two users described the formulas as "smooth and silky".

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4%), Zinc Oxide (4%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.00

A top performer in GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing, this versatile fragrance-free SkinCeuticals SPF works for both face and body, making it great for everyday use. It scored well for its appealing texture, absorbing quickly, and not feeling sticky or greasy or making skin feel dry. In Lab evaluations, 93% of testers also agreed it doesn't leave a white residue on skin.

"It was easy to rub thoroughly into my skin and invisible," a tester remarked. "When using it I did not burn and I felt protected from the 100 degree sun rays and heat."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (7%), Octocrylene (7%)
• Water resistance: None
• Price per ounce: ~$5.70

Shiseido's luxe SPF earned the highest score in GH Beauty Lab testing for not making skin feel dehydrated, making it a perfect match for those with dry skin types. It also ranked highly for rinsing off easily, not leaving a white film on skin, and having a pleasant fragrance. Note that some users found it felt runny and slippery on skin.

One tester loved "the silky feel when the product was applied — felt luxurious and more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen!" Another user's take: "Quite light and fresh; this is actually one of the best lotion sunscreens I think I have ever used."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (5%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$9.80

A GH Beauty Lab test winner, this innovative clear gel Julep sunscreen is lightweight and super-easy to apply with no greasy feeling or white cast left behind. It excelled in Lab tests, earning perfect scores for not causing breakouts or running into or stinging eyes. A true universal product, we found it performed well on all skin types, including oily and acne-prone and all skin tones from fair to dark.

"It didn't feel oily, sticky, or leave a white or gray cast on my skin," a tester commented. "This is extremely important to me because I already have oily skin, so I'm always looking for products that work well to combat my skin's natural oil and this did that." Another reported that "it didn't break me out."

• SPF 40
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (8%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2.6%)
• Water resistance: None
• Price per ounce: ~$20

A great choice for those with sensitive skin, the Everyday Humans lotion received the highest score for not stinging or irritating skin in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. An impressive 100% of testers who also used it on their face reported no irritation to eyes or the surrounding skin. The gentle formula infused with skincare ingredients also performed well for its pleasant texture and rinsing off easily. Note that the package is smaller than other body sunscreens.

"I liked how well it absorbed into my skin, leaving it feeling moisturized but not greasy, that there was no noticeable scent and that it didn't cause any allergic reaction!" a tester raved.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octyl Salicylate (5%), Octocrylene (8%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$5.30

Several GH Beauty Lab testers found this Bare Republic gel-lotion sunscreen left a matte finish or helped control their oily skin throughout the day, earning it the highest score in this category. Testers also gave it top marks for not leaving shine after use and staying put even during workouts. With that, it's important to note that some users found it chalky and not as moisturizing as desired, so you may need to layer it with your favorite moisturizer.

Consumer testers noted that it was a "reallly great sunscreen for my oily skin" and "not greasy at all, almost seemed to blur my pores and give a matte finish".

• SPF 30
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide (18.2%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$10.00

GH Beauty Lab testers who described themselves as Mexican American, Black or African American, and Asian origin rated this La Roche-Posay sunscreen the highest score for not leaving a white film on the skin in a recent test. The formula for both face and body also rated high for not feeling oily or tacky, though some testers reported seeing seeing a slight sheen after use. Note that one tester did report tearing up from the scent.

"It did not leave a white cast on my face and absorbed very well into the skin," a tester reported. "It was weightless and even on the go I forgot that I was wearing a SPF 100 sunscreen.

• SPF 100
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$8.30

A unique milk formula, Hawaiian Tropic was the best mineral sunscreen in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test, made with the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It was the most-liked among consumer testers of all the mineral sunscreen lotions evaluated, least likely to stain fabrics and earned the highest score for its pleasant "tropical" scent.

Users found the SPF easy to apply and rinse off, non-drying on skin and praised the pump packaging. Note that the bottle is smaller than the average size of a body sunscreen and it ranked average for absorption and a greasy feel on skin. "I looked forward to putting on this product," a tester remarked. Another noted: "It has wonderful staying power; even through sweat, the sunscreen stayed in place — staining, no running."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.50

The "silky texture" of this Sun Bum sunscreen was a hit among GH Beauty Lab testers. It had a "velvet feel" and didn't make skin shiny or oily. The sunscreen earned a near-perfect score for not causing irritation or redness, and many testers found that it worked under makeup. However, some noted a white cast or slight grayish tone after application.

"Very easy to apply and non-sticky," a tester commented. "This product feels silky on my skin and looks so natural."

• SPF 30
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (5.3%), Zinc Oxide (2.4%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$10.60

Made with 20% zinc oxide mineral suncreen and organic, naturally-derived ingredients like chamomile and cocoa butter, bargain-priced Babo Botanicals was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's sunscreen test. Lab evaluations found it was easy to apply and rinse off, didn't stain or rub off on fabrics and doesn't leave skin feeling oily or dry. Note that testers commented on its thick texture and the aroma of its fragrance-free formula was polarizing.

"It felt great on my skin and didn't look white. I loved it!," a user commented. Two more added: "Goes on easier than other zinc products," and "I forgot I had it on".

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (20%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.50

For those who prefer to spritz on their sun protection, Hampton Sun was the winning spray in the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. Evaluations found it was the easiest spray to apply, doesn't leave a white film on skin or rub off on fabrics, won't dry out skin and rinses off easily. Note that it may leave skin feeling tacky or slippery and some testers commented on the strong scent.

"The application was great — covered a wide angle without spraying all over the place," a tester said. Another reported that "it held up in the sun; I spent time at the pool and no issues."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$5.70

This tropical-scented Sun Bum mist ranked highly in past GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing, applying easily and leaving no chalky cast on skin. The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection.

The “continuous and even” spray “covered my skin quickly,” two testers said. “I would definitely buy this,” another added. Good to know: Some users found that it left an oily finish on skin that took time to disappear.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$2.66

Dr. Chen personally recommends (and uses!) this mineral SPF from La-Roche Posay. "It's ultra light, has zinc and titanium dioxide and was made for sensitive skin," she says. The fragrance-free formula has a matte finish and dries invisibly on the skin. It also provides UVA and UVB protection and contains antioxidants that add an additional layer of skin shielding.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (6%), Zinc Oxide (5%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$19.70

This Banana Boat drugstore sunscreen earned the best score among GH Beauty Lab testers for its "piña colada" scent, with one tester reporting it put her in a good mood whenever she put it on. It also ranked highest for not leaving a residue on skin, being tacky or running into eyes and causing them to tear.

Plus, the sunscreen is very affordable, almost three times cheaper than the average price of the entire roundup of tested products! "Feels so light on the skin, dries fast and is not sticky or oily," a tester reported.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (5%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$2.05

A bargain buy, Banana Boat’s lotion sunscreen created for sports and outdoor activities had the most appealing texture in past GH Beauty Lab testing, soaking in fast and not leaving any visible film on skin. An impressive 100% of users reported that it was absorbed quickly and left zero white cast. It received the top score for its “smooth, creamy” texture and performed well at shielding skin from the sun.

Testers especially liked that the bottle’s slightly curved shape made it super-easy to dispense sunscreen even with slippery hands. Many commented on how “amazingly well” it absorbed. “I forgot I even had sunscreen on,” a fan said. Another commented: “Protected against sunburns and lasted a long time outdoors before needing to reapply.”

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (6.7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$2.05

Coola’s fruity sunscreen feels so light on skin that many GH Beauty Lab testers said they forgot they were even wearing it. One compared its texture and feeling to a lightweight moisturizer, rather than a traditional thick sunscreen. Great for people with sensitive skin, it earned perfect scores for being gentle on skin (face and body). Note that tropical scent is pretty strong at first. Some testers loved it, while others thought it was too much, though it dissipates after about 15 minutes.

"I love how much it feels like a light skin lotion (and not like a sunscreen at all!)!" a user marveled. "It goes on so easily and smoothly and disappears into the skin; after I rubbed it in very lightly, it was like it wasn't there at all and I wouldn't have known I was wearing it."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Chemical
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (1.75%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (2%), Octocrylene (5%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$5.60

GH Beauty Lab consumer testers say this Colorescience zinc oxide formula goes on smooth and leaves a powdery, silky finish. One tester described it as “melting into” her skin. Evaluations also found it was gentle on skin, causing no irritation or stinging even when applied around testers’ eyes. Note that some users reported it was hard to remove.

Several testers commented that it "spready on easily" and produced minimal visible residue on skin. "Not sticky, absorbed quickly and seemed to protect well from burns," one said.

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (12%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~ $11.50

A budget-friendly zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, Coppertone’s fragrance-free lotion was among the most gentle in GH Beauty Lab testing. In evaluations, 94% of testers reported that it didn’t sting or irritate. Unlike other mineral sunscreens, users found it easy to apply and moisturizing; it also rinsed off well and didn’t stain clothing. The formula earned near-perfect marks for effectively protecting skin from the sun.

A caveat: Some said it left a white coating that had to be rubbed in. “My new favorite mineral SPF,” a fan reported. Another noted, "I liked that it left my skin feeling 'matte'; it wasn't greasy or tacky."

• SPF 50
• Active type: Mineral
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~ $1.49