Senior Magnificence & Way of life Director
Senior Magnificence & Way of life Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior magnificence and way of life director at mindbodygreen and host of the wonder 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 time, we’ll be sharing our greatest recommendation for reaching Wholesome Summer time Pores and skin—learn all June lengthy. Right here’s to a summer time of feeling good, residing effectively, and preserving your pores and skin protected beneath the solar.
Skincare is private. The merchandise that make their manner into your routine are probably influenced by many various elements which are distinctive to you: What your skincare targets are, what issues you’re coping with, pores and skin sort and tone, finances constraints, how a lot time and vitality you’re keen to decide to a routine, and naturally, your private preferences. Contemplating all these variables, it’s no surprise there are such a lot of differing opinions on magnificence merchandise. As I all the time caveat: What works for me, could not give you the results you want.
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 sporting make-up, the place on the physique it’s going, what your deliberate actions are, and a lot extra.
Thankfully, 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 do you have to select?
The perfect sunscreen is the one that you just’ll put on. We frequently advocate sporting non-nano zinc oxide-based mineral formulation as they’re full-spectrum and are usually higher for pores and skin well being and the setting. Nevertheless, you’ll see chemical-based sunscreens on this checklist, as everybody’s wants and preferences are totally different. The underside line is that if you happen to discover one you want, keep it up.
Paula’s Alternative 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 method makes use of each zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum safety—after which consists of allantoin and Centella asiatica as famous person soothers. Most “delicate pores and skin” sunscreens simply do their greatest 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 mild, hydrating, and sits effectively beneath make-up, so I’ve no drawback sporting it each day. At this level, it is not simply a part of my “solar care” routine—it is a very important a part of my skincare lineup.” — magnificence director Alexandra Engler
Paula’s Alternative 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 effectively achieved. First up, I merely should spotlight their non-aerosol physique sprays. Arms down, one of the best 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 like. Whereas I choose the mineral choice, they’ve a number of chemical physique sprays if that is what you favor 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 method is natural components. It additionally donates to melanoma analysis. And it prioritizes sunscreen schooling, so individuals will be extra knowledgeable about their purchases.” — Engler
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
$ 32
Coola Mineral Physique Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
$ 36
Thrive Every day Sunscreen For Delicate Pores and skin & BodyShield 50
“Pay attention: 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 staff behind the model practices regenerative farming strategies, offers 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 supply antioxidant safety. The BodyShield 50 is ideal for energetic days outdoor.” — Engler
Editor’s tip: Construct a “sunscreen wardrobe”
The sunscreen you employ on seashore days is probably not the identical one you need to use day-to-day. Get a number of totally different choices to check out, and pick-and-choose primarily based in your wants!
Thrive Every day Sunscreen For Delicate Pores and skin
$ 31
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
“I like that this sunscreen is true to the title and goes on sheer, with none greasiness or heavy scent. It performs effectively with different skincare merchandise and is a simple method to shield my face with SPF each day. It feels considerably moisturizing, in all probability due to the squalene, and I like understanding it’s made with zinc versus a chemical sunscreen. Reapplication goes on simply in addition to the primary coat, even on a sweaty summer time 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 reasonably priced 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 depart a solid or have a stickiness to it. I maintain 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 children’ 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 are zinc-based, fragrance-free, and water resistant. The stick and spray are particularly useful for wiggly toddlers, and my daughter’s delicate pores and skin has achieved simply fantastic with every model of this sunscreen. We apply each morning earlier than faculty and a number of other instances a day when enjoying outdoors.” — Cowell
Babo Botanicals Delicate Child Sunscreen
$ 19
It Cosmetics CC+ With Nude Glow
“I like this light-weight make-up. It gives sufficient protection to hide any redness I’ve, but it appears like I’ve no make-up on. I really feel good sporting it through the day as a result of I do know it helps shield my pores and skin, and even decide to put on it within the night. The method feels hydrating and by no means muffins even hours later.” — dietary supplements editor Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Editor’s tip: Tinted sunscreens supply extra safety
Sunscreens supply safety from UVA and UVB lights, however not seen mild (similar to synthetic mild coming from screens). Seen mild 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 not too long ago been my go-to. It’s compact, gives 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 depart a filmy residue.” — Knudsen
Trip Tremendous Spritz
$ 22
Elta MD UV Clear
“A dermatologist really useful this sunscreen to me as a teen (I’ve very zits 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—in contrast to 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 turn out to be 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 someway manages to really feel ultra-moisturizing with out being greasy.
“It by no means breaks me out, which truthfully appears like a small miracle given what number of SPF merchandise have prior to now. It does take a minute to rub in absolutely, and there’s a slight white solid at first, however I often combine it with a tinted moisturizer or bronzing drops and it blends proper in. As soon as it’s on, it simply appears like a part of my skincare routine—no stickiness, no residue. I really feel good utilizing it every single day understanding it is reef-safe, fragrance-free, and made with out questionable components.
“Additionally, I’ve to say their sunscreen chapstick. It’s significantly one of the best one I’ve ever used. Tremendous thick and hydrating, with zero bizarre style (if you recognize what I imply). I maintain 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 proper blendable consistency. The mineral sunscreen opts for non-nano zinc—too massive to be absorbed by pores and skin—but doesn’t depart behind a noticeable white solid (on me, anyway). As a substitute the sheer method seamlessly absorbs into pores and skin, delivering brightening vitamin C and an antioxidant-rich oil for added safety. Plus, highly effective niacinamide makes an important addition for shiny 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 need a light-weight, creamy method, then you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with Plumscreen. The consistency feels nearer to an on a regular basis moisturizer than your typical sticky sunscreen, which suggests it layers effectively beneath make-up. I personally like this method for on a regular basis put on; the non-nano zinc doesn’t depart 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 final word 3-in-1 safety.” — Wooden
Plumscreen® $78 Broad Spectrum SPF 31 PA+++
$ 78
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Whole Safety® Face Defend Flex SPF 50
“When summer time rolls round, this tinted sunscreen shortly replaces my basis. The mineral method 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 an important choice for seashore days.” — Wooden
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Whole Safety® Face Defend 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 aren’t any exception. I like utilizing Bare Sunday’s glow balms so as to add heat and blush on busy summer time days. The right addition to your pool bag, they provide broad-spectrum SPF50 from a 100% non-nano mineral method. 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 one of the vital important (and most private) steps. As our lengthy checklist of faves may recommend, the “greatest” sunscreen really relies on your distinctive wants: your pores and skin sort, way of life, preferences, and values. So discover what works for you—perhaps one from this checklist—and put on it every single day.
