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![woman squeezing sunscreen onto her hand from blue bottle](https://corporette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/favorite-sunscreen-2021.jpg)
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so this is the perfect time to talk about sunscreen. Today, we've rounded up the favorite sunscreens of the Corporette and CorporetteMoms team. Please share your favorite sunscreens in the comments!
How do you decide which sunscreen (and SPF) to use? Do you prefer physical or chemical sunscreens?
First, here are a few important facts about sunscreen and sun safety:
1. A very high SPF is worth buying. I've googled this occasionally over the years, and for a long time, the conventional wisdom said that there wasn't any point to using products with a very high SPF such as 85 or 100 — and that it was basically a marketing ploy. However, a recent study found that wearing SPF 50 sunscreen does lead to significantly more sun-induced skin damage than SPF 100+. (Experts have warned that you might get a false sense of security from wearing sunscreen with a very high SPF, so make sure you reapply according to the instructions.)
2. Chemical sunscreens aren't necessarily “dangerous.” Physical (mineral) sunscreens act like a shield to deflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which has their own sunscreen guide, considers the ingredients oxybenzone and vitamin A “of particular concern” and rates products that contain them accordingly.
Regarding the EWG, a few articles I'd recommend are “Dear EWG, This Is Why Real Scientists Think Poorly Of You” (American Council on Science and Health) and “The Sunscreen Ratings That Scare People Every Year Are Bulls***” (Lifehacker). (FYI, the EWG also sells the sunscreens they recommend on their website…) If you're looking for an alternate source of sunscreen info, check out Consumer Reports' Best Sunscreens of 2021.
That aside, here's an excerpt from a 2020 statement from the American Academy of Dermatology:
While these active ingredients [avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate] were absorbed into the bloodstream at levels exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s threshold for waiving additional safety tests, more research is needed to determine if the absorption has any effects on a person’s health. As the researchers point out, just because an ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream does not mean that it is harmful or unsafe.
3. You should pay attention to the UV Index. The UV Index ranges from 1 and 2 (low) to 11+ (extreme), and I like to check it on my weather app before I go outdoors. If it's pretty high and I'm going out in the middle of the day, I might add a sun hat, for example. Here's a chart that recommends sun protection for each level.
Without further ado, here are our favorite sunscreens — some of our favorites are linked in the little widget below, as well as some of the other sun protection products we've mentioned over the years…
Kat's Favorite Sunscreen
I have a few approaches to sunscreen — there's my “daily basis” sunscreen, my “going for a run” measures, and then my “walking around an amusement park or sitting at the beach for 12 hours” sunscreen.
My daily sunscreen at the moment is a chemical sunscreen — I'm using an older bottle of Missha but might buy another bottle of reader-favorite Elta MD when I'm finished. (I only had a mini-size before but I liked it.) I apply a light coating (probably too light, to be honest) on my face, chest area, and back of my hands. (I realize I'm probably washing it off within an hour or two, but I figure it doesn't hurt to get a layer on there while I'm thinking about it.) In summertime I'll take an old bottle of Obaji sunscreen and use it for my hands and chest; it leaves a white cast so I don't like it for daily use on my face. (Yes, I realize I shouldn't be using so much expired sunscreen… we've been such shut-ins over the past year plus, so it hasn't really mattered too much!)
If I'm going for a run I always wear a brimmed hat to keep sun off my face, and I'm trying to be better about reapplying a layer of sunscreen before I go outside. (This is a work in progress though.) I usually run in a lightweight random hat, but this UV-protectant hat looks even better.
I always carry a teeny tiny sunscreen stick (like this Neutrogena one) in my purse — I've pulled it out when a friend and I have randomly decided to sit in the park or have a drink outside.
For “day at the beach” sunscreen, I've applied my regular sunscreen (or maybe the Obaji physical one) to my face, hands, and chest at the start of the day, and then for my legs and other exposed areas just use whatever sunscreen I'm inflicting on my kids, which tends to be the spray sunscreen, supplemented by my sunscreen stick. (We've also tried and liked this and this for the kids' faces.) We're also big proponents of hats and rashguards, particularly if we're going to be in or near the water — after a mild burn on my forearms, I'm sticking with long-sleeved rashguards only. I think Athleta, Boden, and J.Crew make reliably cute ones; Lands' End also has a ton.
Kate's Favorite Sunscreen
![](https://corporette.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Neutrogena-sunscreen.png)
I've been using the same sunscreens from Neutrogena for a long time now. I'm very pale and burn easily — and I have tattoos that I want to protect from the sun — and I trust these products.
Face: For years, I've used Neutrogena Age Shield sunscreen that's oil-free and 110 (!) SPF ($10.99/3 oz. at Target) and Neutrogena Clear Face sunscreen ($10.29/3 oz. at Target; SPF 30 and up). Once it dries, it's not oily at all, but since the skin on my nose gets a bit oily in the summer anyway, I sometimes use a blotting paper beforehand. (I use these sheets from Clean & Clear.) I use these sunscreens when I'm going to be in the sun for longer than, say, 30–60 minutes, but no matter what, every day I cover my face and neck with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($9.99/4 oz. at Target), which I recommended over at CorporetteMoms. (It has a strong sunscreen-y smell, but I don't care.)
Body: I've been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunscreen for years in various SPFs ($7.99/3 oz. at Target). This sunscreen dries with a bit of a white sheen (which I don't like on my tattoos — what can I say, I love my tattoos), so I'm currently looking for something that doesn't do that. (I slather on a LOT of sunscreen, so maybe that's it?) Disclaimer: I am not a beach person and not really a pool person either (we go to a water park every year with our son… but most of it is indoors), so I can't speak to using this in the water. (Note: Ann is also a fan, as she noted this morning over at CorporetteMoms!)
{related: serums, sunscreens, and retinoids}
Ann's Favorite Sunscreen
I flew all the way to Tokyo to buy this sunscreen. (I’m exaggerating, but my very patient husband and then toddler-daughter probably thought so when we burned an entire afternoon of our precious vacation at the Japanese version of CVS.) But now, you don’t have to, because it’s available on Amazon.
This my favorite facial sunscreen — it melts into your skin like your favorite moisturizer but features a high level of sun protection (SPF 50) and a powdery finish. I’ve tried physical sunscreens, but haven’t found a texture or finish I love. For me, the best sunscreen is the one I will happily wear every day, and this is my skin’s sunscreen match.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is available (stateside) at Amazon for $19.96 (50 g).
{related: the best summer hats}
Elizabeth's Favorite Sunscreen
I’ve tried at least 20 different sunscreens (both chemical and physical) over the last five years, and I keep coming back to the City Serum from Supergoop ($42/2 oz. at Supergoop.com).
My sensitive skin tends to freak out whenever I introduce a new product, but for some reason this SPF 30 serum always seems to work. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a weird white cast on my face, and absorbs quickly enough that I can put on makeup within a minute or two of applying. It’s also super hydrating, so it does double-duty as a moisturizer for me in the spring and summer months.
I don’t have a strong preference for chemical versus physical sunscreen, but I have noticed that the chemical sunscreens (like this one) seem to cause fewer breakouts and are easier for me to apply.
As an additional PSA, one of the best things I’ve learned in the last few years is that you can use your Health Care FSA to cover your sunscreen purchases. I’ve been setting aside some tax-free dollars each year to buy a few bottles of the City Serum and a giant bottle of the PLAY Everyday SPF 50 Lotion ($10–$58 at Supergoop.com).
Readers, do tell! What are your favorite daily sunscreens and other sunscreens? What source do you rely on for sunscreen information?
Stock photo via Stencil (woman squeezing sunscreen onto her hand from blue bottle).
Anon
OMG my favorite topic!!
I bought or had samples of at least 20 sunscreens last year and Biossance SPF 30 was the clear winner. Non-mineral sunscreens make my rosacea worse (as does sun exposure) so finding a mineral sunscreen that I’d wear every day was key. Biossance’s doesn’t leave a white cast on me and has a lovely moisturizing quality as well, so it’s a 2-for-1 as far as I’m concerned.
Anonymous
someone recommended this sunscreen on here and I also love it
Golf outing outfit help
I do not golf and am not generally in the country club circles, but have an upcoming work event that involves golf for everyone (including novices) followed by cocktails and dinner at our local country club.
What would you wear to this? The country club has vague rules about no denim or yoga pants, but is not terribly helpful beyond that. Do I need to get golf shoes? Weather will be low 60s/high 50s, likely breezy and possibly wet. TIA!
Anon
In a similar situation myself, I bought a golf outfit from a golf-related online seller. It was on sale. I also needed a light jacket, but for our event they gave out branded windbreaker style jackets so I just used that.
Anyway, my golf outfit was cute, I liked it, and the pictures from that day look good. I would ask the event planner or whomever you’re closest to that knows more about the event whether the course requires golf shoes for this specific event. I did end up buying some but again, got a really good deal. And I took a few golf lessons to prepare so they were handy for that.
Anon
I wore something like this but mine was plaid
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/lady-hagen-womens-sea-animal-print-17-golf-skort-20lhawstcnmlprntdapb/20lhawstcnmlprntdapb?recid=product_PageElement_pdplanding_rr_2_40151_&rrec=true
Anonymous
Given the cooler temperatures, wear some kind of long pants (chinos would be ideal). Traditional golf look would be a collared polo shirt. Any kind of casual shirt would probably be fine, as long as its not a tank top. You won’t want low-cut both for dress code & modesty (ie bending over to swing the ball).
Wear whatever tennis/workout shoes you have. I would not get golf shoes for a single outing.
MJ
I would wear a polo shirt in a cute print and capri pants or chinos, plus a v-neck sweater and bring a light windbreaker or fleece.
Many golf clubs require collared shirts and not-too-short shorts/skirts, so the skort rec above is risky, plus it sounds too cold for that anyway.
You do not need golf shoes. If you have boat shoes or running shoes or any tennies, that would be great. If you’re not golfing at all, wear ballet flats or similar.
Anonymous from MD
Trader Joes sells great sunscreens that rate higher from folks like Consumer Reports and they’re reasonably priced. I have a small stick one I keep in my purse for sunscreen emergenices.
Anon
I am all about Korean sunscreens. Loved Biore Aqua Riche for a while, but starting tretinoin made me sensitive to the alcohol. Switched to MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Essence SPF45 PA+++ and the only thing I hate about it is typing out the ridiculous name.
MJ
My favorite sunscreen is the Coola spray, because it’s reef safe and better for all bodies of water, if you’re going to be swimming. Recommend.
For face, I am acne-prone and I like pure zinc, in a little tub. Even the neutrogena non-comedogenic face sunscreens do a number on me–I think I am sensitive to chemical sunscreens and so I prefer physical ones, at least for my face.
I am also in love with a teensy travel-size coppertone spray I have. It’s perfect to whip out of my purse in a pinch if I feel like I’m burning.
Madi
My ex-husband was a big golfer, and I occasionally had to join him on the course. My go-to outfit was a Lululemon skirt (the ones with shorts underneath: https://shop.lululemon.com/p/skirts-and-dresses-skirts/Pace-Rival-Skirt-Tall/_/prod3770005?color=28948) and a polo shirt or a sleeveless button-down. In the cooler months, I’d wear a long sleeved quarter-zip with a collar (https://www.nike.com/t/element-womens-1-2-zip-running-top-JGvKfj/CU3220-430) and nice-looking joggers. Plain tennis shoes are fine.
Aunt Jamesina
Avoiding plastic whenever possible is important to me, and I strongly prefer mineral sunscreens. Badger balm makes one that comes in a tin and I LOVE it.
anon
For any activity involving water, Coppertone is my go-to. I haven’t found a face sunscreen that I love, but I have liked both Neutrogena and Clinique City Block. Aveeno burned my face something fierce.
Marie
A couple people around here gave me a recc for the EltaMD facial sunscreen and I have really liked it for my extremely fair, sensitive skin.
Anon
I don’t know if they are available in the US but Vichy or La Roche-Posay (they are basically identical). Phyaical sunscreen, SPF 50. For face I use clarins untinted (also physical). It has a very light white cast bilit I really don’t mind.
Anin
Second the La Roche recommendation. I have sensitive skin, am on tretinoids and am super pale. So far, I liked LRP Anthelios SPF50 AntiShine Tinted and non-tinted. They hold nicely during the day and I dust the tinted version with my very light powder to make the color fit. Other sunscreens I like: controversial Purito Centella Perfume-free SPF50 (I don’t care what is their real SPF, it worked for my super-sensitive skin in the height of European summer), Biore Aqua, Pharmaceris Emotopic SPF50 (this is probably hard to get by, but it worked like wonder for sensitized skin dried out by tretinoids).
Jennifer N Lee
I use EltaMD sport when cycling and if sweating or water is involved. My day-to-day is Kiehl’s (can’t remember the name but it’s a blue tube). Goes on smoothly and works well with makeup. A dermatologist friend recommends EltaMD and, if that doesn’t work for someone, then Avene.
Danielle DeVoy
If you’re going to be in the sea/ocean, it’s so important to get Reef Safe sunscreen and other products. I like Stream2Sea a lot – it was recommended on our dive boat at the Great Barrier Reef. Great leave-in-conditioner too.
Jana
To begin, I use Jurgens Natural Glow Skin Moisturizer daily that is recommended for medium to tan skin women, even though I am naturally very light skin color being of both Swiss Alpine and Austrian descent. Because of my desire for darker body tone and moister skin, I liberally apply it every morning all over my entire body after showering, and just love the natural looking results for a very modest investment. My husband loves the perfect tan all over result, which has even more benefits that I won’t detail here.
Now, to the crux of this topic. I also use Jurgens Glow Face Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF20 to parts of my body that might be exposed to the sun for any lengthy period; in fact, I keep this product in my handbag all summer as it fills the gap for skin protection where needed, while also having the moist, tanned skin I desire. We frequent Miami and South Beach in the winter, and I do love an occasional natural tan wearing my favorite Vix ripple bikini set, or the bikini bottom with no top at South Beach. The SPF20 Jurgens works for me in this situation, even though it’s advertised as a facial lotion. Literally, I purchase these two products by the case when finding deals, while recommending others at least try the product and see if it works for them.