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 College. 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 season, we’ll be sharing our greatest recommendation for attaining Wholesome Summer season Pores and skin—learn all June lengthy. Right here’s to a summer season of feeling good, residing properly, and preserving your pores and skin secure beneath the solar.
Skincare is private. The merchandise that make their manner into your routine are probably influenced by many alternative components which might be distinctive to you: What your skincare targets are, what considerations you’re coping with, pores and skin sort and tone, price range constraints, how a lot time and power you’re prepared to decide to a routine, and naturally, your private preferences. Contemplating all these variables, it’s no marvel 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 you could rely in your pores and skin tone, how reactive your pores and skin is, in case you are carrying 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 in the marketplace 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 must you select?
The very best sunscreen is the one that you simply’ll put on. We frequently advocate carrying non-nano zinc oxide-based mineral formulation as they’re full-spectrum and are typically higher for pores and skin well being and the atmosphere. Nevertheless, you’ll see chemical-based sunscreens on this checklist, as everybody’s wants and preferences are completely different. The underside line is that in case you discover one you want, keep it up.
Paula’s Selection Calm Barrier Defend Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
“I’ve delicate pores and skin that reacts to fairly a bit, together with generally sunscreen. Fortunately, there are such a lot of nice sensitive-skin SPFs formulation in the marketplace, so I am not missing in choices.
“I’ve tried numerous, and that is the present star in my lineup. The mineral components makes use of each zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum safety—after which contains 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 properly beneath make-up, so I’ve no drawback carrying it every day. At this level, it isn’t simply a part of my “solar care” routine—it is a important a part of my skincare lineup.” — magnificence director Alexandra Engler
Paula’s Selection Calm Barrier Defend Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
$ 39
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 & Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
“Coola’s complete portfolio is exceptionally properly executed. First up, I merely should spotlight their non-aerosol physique sprays. Fingers down, the perfect within the biz. I personally use the zinc oxide spray. I discover it really easy to use, quick absorbing, and has a tender, silky end. It’s additional supported with a plant extract mix for antioxidant safety towards free radicals, which I really like. Whereas I want the mineral choice, they’ve a number of chemical physique sprays if that is what you like to 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 components is natural components. It additionally donates to melanoma analysis. And it prioritizes sunscreen training, so folks 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 Day by day Sunscreen For Delicate Pores and skin & BodyShield 50
“Hear: 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 workforce behind the model practices regenerative farming strategies, provides 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 full of super-plants to appease 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 employ on seashore days is probably not the identical one you wish to use day-to-day. Get a couple of completely different choices to check out, and pick-and-choose primarily based in your wants!
Thrive Day by 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 properly with different skincare merchandise and is a simple strategy to defend my face with SPF every day. It feels considerably moisturizing, most likely 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 season 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 truly inexpensive so I’m not afraid to drench my complete 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 every 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 might be zinc-based, fragrance-free, and waterproof. The stick and spray are particularly useful for wiggly toddlers, and my daughter’s delicate pores and skin has executed simply wonderful with every model of this sunscreen. We apply each morning earlier than faculty and a number of other occasions a day when taking part in 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 looks like I’ve no make-up on. I really feel good carrying 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 components feels hydrating and by no means muffins even hours later.” — dietary supplements editor Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Editor’s tip: Tinted sunscreens provide extra safety
Sunscreens provide safety from UVA and UVB lights, however not seen gentle (comparable to synthetic gentle coming from screens). Seen gentle could cause pigmentation and different indicators of injury. 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 just lately 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 beneficial this sunscreen to me as a young person (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 beneath 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 develop 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 in some way manages to really feel ultra-moisturizing with out being greasy.
“It by no means breaks me out, which truthfully looks like a small miracle given what number of SPF merchandise have prior 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 looks like a part of my skincare routine—no stickiness, no residue. I really feel good utilizing it each day figuring out it is reef-safe, fragrance-free, and made with out questionable components.
“Additionally, I’ve to say their sunscreen chapstick. It’s significantly the perfect one I’ve ever used. Tremendous thick and hydrating, with zero bizarre style (if you already know what I imply). I preserve one in each bag.” — assistant well being editor Ava Durgin
Sky & Sol Face and Physique Sunscreen SPF 50
$ 40
Properly Individuals Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34
“Properly Individuals’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 components seamlessly absorbs into pores and skin, delivering brightening vitamin C and an antioxidant-rich oil for added safety. Plus, highly effective niacinamide makes a fantastic addition for greasy complexions. I by no means have to fret about breakouts!” — Deputy commerce editor Braelyn Wooden
Editor’s tip: Search for antioxidants
Properly Individuals Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34
$ 36
Plumscreen® $78 Broad Spectrum SPF 31 PA+++
“If you would like a light-weight, creamy components, 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 properly beneath make-up. I personally like this components for on a regular basis put on; the non-nano zinc doesn’t go away a white solid, the Antioxidant-Wealthy Plum Superfruit Complicated® protects towards metropolis air pollution, and the addition of zonaria tournefortii extract promotes pores and skin longevity. It’s the last word 3-in-1 safety.” — Wooden
Plumscreen® $78 Broad Spectrum SPF 31 PA+++
$ 78
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Whole Safety® Face Protect Flex SPF 50
“When summer season rolls round, this tinted sunscreen shortly replaces my basis. The mineral components is water- and sweat-resistant (a should by August!) with sufficient protection to blur out pimples and redness. Should you don’t need added pigmentation, the unique sunscreen delivers the identical light-weight consistency, making it a fantastic choice for seashore days.” — Wooden
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Whole Safety® Face Protect Flex SPF 50
$ 58
Bare Sundays SPF50 GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Stick
“Today 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 season days. The proper addition to your pool bag, they provide broad-spectrum SPF50 from a 100% non-nano mineral components. Want another excuse to make the swap? They’re full of 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 probably the most important (and most private) steps. As our lengthy checklist of faves may recommend, the “finest” sunscreen actually is determined by your distinctive wants: your pores and skin sort, life-style, preferences, and values. So discover what works for you—perhaps one from this checklist—and put on it each day.
