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We've said it before, but we'll say it again: sunscreen is a non-negotiable staple in your skincare routine. There's just no excuse or reason to skip it. No matter what time of year it is, applying a good SPF daily is absolutely necessary for maintaining a healthy-looking complexion and preventing premature aging caused by harsh UV exposure. Without it, you put yourself (and your skin) at risk of sun damage, which in turn can lead to a number of preventable skin concerns: sunburn, wrinkles, dark spots, sagging, and even worse, skin cancer.
That being said, not all sunscreens are created equal. There are a plethora of innovative UV protectors made to shield your skin from harsh rays and target any skincare needs. Need a suggestion? From lightweight formulas that melt into skin without clogging pores to tinted versions that seamlessly blend into skin, here are 20 of the best sunscreens that go above and beyond in protecting and delivering a glowing, youthful appearance all year round.
Best Facial SPF
Clark's Botanicals Invisible Hero SPF 30 Anti-Aging Sunscreen + Hyaluronic Acid
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The name says it all. Infused with glycerin, Vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant complex, this luxuriously lightweight sunscreen melts into skin instantly, giving it a boost of hydration and leaving it with a velvety-soft finish. Best of all, you can use it on both the face and body.
Best Facial SPF
Clark's Botanicals Invisible Hero SPF 30 Anti-Aging Sunscreen + Hyaluronic Acid
Clark's Botanical's facial sunscreen ticks all the boxes for us, and all because of its impressive ingredients list: hyaluronic acid and marine algae work together to lock in moisture and plump the skin, while niacinamide minimizes pores and a slew of nourishing plant-based extracts combat blue light and environmental pollution. Even better, it's reef-friendly and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene.
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Sunscreen can be effective and affordable, too. Case in point: the oil-free CeraVe facial lotion is incredibly lightweight, absorbs insanely fast, and leaves skin with a non-greasy finish. What more could you ask for?
Best Drugstore SPF
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Now 28% Off
A longtime pharmacy favorite, this sunscreen glides on easily and absorbs super-quickly for an invisible, weightless feel on your skin.
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We get it, $300 seems like a lot of money for an SPF. But when you see how well this works, you won't even think twice about the price. Formulated with a slew of good-for-skin ingredients (hello, vitamin E and shea butter!), this sunscreen helps block out harsh rays, smooth away visible signs of photo-aging, and hydrate all at once.
All skin types will benefit from Supergoop's best-selling sunscreen, but those who frequently suffer from a greasy complexion will appreciate it even more. The oil-free filter not only goes on sheer but keeps shine at bay, leaving skin with a velvety-soft finish.
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Specifically created for those with acne-prone skin, this oil-free facial sunscreen works double duty to shield your pretty face while zapping away any breakouts and blemishes.
Best for Dry Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 45
Peter Thomas Roth's moisturizing formulation is a dream for a dry complexion. Thanks to a 30 percent hyaluronic acid complex and Pentavitin (a plant-based hydration hero), this invisible sunscreen will leave the thirstiest of skin feeling and looking refreshed, plump, and supple.
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If your skin type doesn't usually react well to most sunscreens, consider trying Avène's sunblock. Gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin, the featherlight formula provides UV protection while soothing and calming redness.
Best Tinted SPF
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
There's nothing worse than applying a mineral sunscreen to your face only for it to leave a chalky cast. Enter SkinCeuticals tinted sunscreen: this glow-boosting SPF delivers a sheer coverage that blends seamlessly with most complexions, allowing your natural skin tone to shine.
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Best Mineral
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Zinc Oxide 3.4 Fl. Oz.
Now 30% Off
What makes this SPF so special is its fast-absorbing formula, which is loaded with naturally occurring enzymes that help repair existing sun damage. Another plus: its dreamy, featherlight consistency that smooths onto skin seamlessly and doesn't leave a dreaded white cast behind.
SPF is a must no matter your skin tone. Those with deep tones will love this ultra-nourishing sunscreen that blends flawlessly into skin, leaving behind no white residue.
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A potent blend of vitamin E, moringa extract, and edelweiss extract work together to provide UV damage protection, hydrate, and prime the skin before makeup application. Now that's a powerhouse product if we ever saw one.
Heading to the beach? You're going to want to make sure to apply this superhero SPF beforehand. Featuring a special WetForce and HeatForce technology, this sunscreen was made to react to water, sweat, and heat to form a stronger protective layer for keeping harsh rays out. Consider it your new go-to during the sunnier months.
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This skin filter not only prevents any skin woes caused by the sun, but it also goes the extra mile to fight visible signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
Leave it to Venus Williams to create an ace (see what we did there?) mineral sunscreen in serum form. Suitable for all skin tones, this one goes on sheer and absorbs super quick, leaving you with a silky-smooth finish.
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For those who aren't fans of rubbing creamy potions into their skin, this spray option is your best bet. It's nowhere near as messy or greasy as some aerosols and leaves your body feeling luscious, thanks to a nourishing blend of coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, shea oil, and vitamin E.
We can't stress enough the importance of reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you plan to be in the sun all day. This powder option serves as an easy solution: just sweep it onto your face whenever you're in need of a touchup.
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Your eyes deserve a bit of protection, too. Combat premature aging with an SPF specifically formulated for the delicate skin on your face. This gentle, tinted option packed with ceramides helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines without leaving your eyes irritated, red, or stinging.
Protect your pout with Sun Bum's lip balm, which comes in a range of fruity flavors—like coconut, mango, and watermelon—that deliver a healthy dose of SPF to your lips.
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn't testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.