10 Best Face & Body Sunscreens for 2026
Every summer, I like to find the best new sunscreens on the market, but I always find myself going back to my old-time favorite—Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch. It goes on so clean and smooth without any stickiness. However, I still like to try out new sunscreens and usually add a few to my rotation.
I watched an interview with a very famous celebrity who casually mentioned she didn’t use sunscreen and didn’t see the point. I gasped out loud. Here was this “influencer” with millions of followers who was suggesting that sunscreen doesn’t matter. Now – maybe it doesn’t matter for HER and that is her own personal choice, but I thought it seemed a bit reckless to plant the no-suncreen thought into her followers heads. But – we’re all adults and to each their own, right? Well – I chose sunscreen for myself.
Here are a few key facts about sunscreen:
- SPF 30+ is strongly recommended. Dermatologists generally recommend using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- Broad-spectrum” coverage is essential. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration1, a good sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA contributes to skin aging and some cancers; UVB causes sunburn and more direct DNA damage.
- Reapplication matters. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, and more often if sweating or swimming, to maintain protection.
- Regular use reduces skin cancer risk. Studies have shown2 that consistent use of sunscreen lowers the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. For example, one randomized trial in Australia found daily sunscreen use reduced melanoma incidence by 50%.
- Higher SPF gives only incremental benefit above a certain point. SPF 15 protects against approximately 93% of UVB rays; SPF 30 protects about 97%; SPF 50 about 98%. The extra protection beyond SPF 30 is smaller in return, and doesn’t extend the duration of protection unless reapplied properly.
Now that I’ve armed you with those scintillating fun-facts, below you’ll find my own personal recommendations and what I’d go back and buy again. Note: I’m not a huge fan of mineral sunscreens. I don’t like that most leave a film or white coating on my skin. I know they are much better for you than the chemical sunscreens, but below are recos on the brands I use and love.
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
A friend recommended this to me last year, and it’s my go-to a lot of the time. It is completely clear, so it’s great for all skin tones and seemingly disappears into your skin once you apply it. (FYI – For all you Trader Joe’s fanatics, they make one crazily similar to this!)
Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 40
Dermatologists love to recommend this one. This is great for sensitive skin and anyone who is acne-prone. There’s a reason why the professionals love it! I have really sensitive and dry skin and this causes zero irritation.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70
Here’s my favorite! Goes on so easy and dry – I never feel like anything is on my face. Really good for sensitive skin and one of the best price points of the group.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen SPF 70
Lightweight with a higher SPF – a little goes a long way without feeling greasy or oily. It runs a little thinner than the others so be careful if you’re turning the bottle upside down.
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer SPF 30
This is one I wear under my make-up. It wouldn’t be my go-to pick for a hard working lotion for a day at the beach, but I do love it for day-to-day use.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
I first found this in a beach town in Northern MI and have been buying it ever since. A classic summer scent, it’s light and not at all sticky!
Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist w/ Vitamin C, 6 fl oz – SPF 50
Just like the face sunscreen, you can’t go wrong with Supergoop! for the body. Supergoop! Play goes on very smoothly and contains Vitamin C.
Banana Boat Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
This is my go-to if I know I’m going to be in and out of the water all day. This one seems to really stay on well with water/sweat so it’s also good for those days you go for a long walk or run.
Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30
Hands down the BEST scent. It makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation every time I put it on. The 3-pack on Amazon is the best deal. Trust me, you’ll love the scent of this one so much you’ll fly through this sunscreen.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist
One that I love just as much as I love the face lotion – also very lightweight and oil-free. The spray makes for easy application over your body.
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