Many of the Best Sunscreens Are Surprisingly on Amazon

• Lightweight and sinks in quickly

• Some don’t like the consistency

If high SPF protection is what you’re after, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen has SPF 70. The fragrance-free formula is sheer and sinks into skin instantly, leaving a matte, traceless finish that feels like absolutely nothing on the skin, but is still highly protective.

Key ingredient: Helioplex

Size: 3 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am incredibly pale, and wear sunscreen on the daily. I love this sunscreen for a few reasons. It dries incredibly quickly and does not leave a greasy film all over my body. I reapply three times a day and never feel as if I am caking on lotion. I use it everywhere except my face. I spend a lot of time outside and this really helps protect the back of my neck and ears from being burned.”

• Hydrates and protects

• Some find it isn't the most waterproof

This sunscreen is made with skin-nourishing ingredients in mind The formula is made with safflower oleosomes, which are super-emollient, helping optimize sun protection and adding moisture to skin.

Key ingredients:

• Helps repair damage with photolyase

• Pricey

Isdin’s innovative sunscreen formula does more than just protect your skin from the sun. It also helps repair previous sun damage, thanks to DNA repairing ingredients—like photolyase, an enzyme derived from plankton, which works to mend invisible sun damage.

Key ingredients:

• Hydrates and brightens skin with vitamins C and E

• Some may not like the iridescence

If you want your skin to glow, this sunscreen has a radiant finish that leaves skin looking luminescent. The oil-free formula sinks into skin easily and is infused with vitamins C and E to brighten and moisturize.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, antioxidants

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of using glow-boosting formulas on my face, but I never really use them on my body (I’m pale, so I’m worried I’ll look like a Twilight vampire). This formula, however, has just the right amount of radiance, so it makes my skin look healthy, not shiny. I also find it to be moisturizing, and I love the way it smells—like the Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens of my youth.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor

• Safe for sensitive skin

• Pricey

If you have sensitive skin, you know how challenging it can be to find a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate you. This mineral sunscreen actually helps calm and soothe skin, thanks to niacinamide, which works to reduce redness for rosacea-prone skin.

Key ingredient: Niacinamide

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 1.7/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve struggled to find a sunscreen or moisturizer that doesn’t aggravate my adult acne-prone skin, but finally, I’ve found it with this. My dermatologist recommended it and after months of using it, I couldn’t be happier. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, too, leaving no greasy residue.”

• Helps even skin tone and provides sheer coverage

• Shades may not work for every skin tone

This sunscreen comes in four different flexible shades, so it’s ideal for a wide range of skin tones. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and on top of shielding skin from the usual UV spectrum, it also protects against damage from pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.

Key ingredient: Niacinamide

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 1.7/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is an excellent tinted sunscreen that gives you a natural glow and protects your skin. Easy to reapply as well. Absolutely love this and wear it every day!”

• No white cast on darker skin

• Some find the formula greasy

On darker skin tones, sunscreen can often leave a white cast, making skin appear ashy. Black Girl Sunscreen sets out to change that, with formulas customized for melanin-rich skin. It doesn’t leave behind any white cast, and ingredients like jojoba, cacao, and avocado ensure that it also works overtime as a moisturizer.

Key ingredients: Jojoba, cacao, and avocado

Size: 2 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “Very good protection from the sun. Doesn’t leave a white cast on brown skin. Smells pretty good. Even with as much sunscreen as I use, there is still a lot left in the tube. Also, my skin has started to clear after using this sunscreen—it’s great for uneven skin and dark spots.”

• Sunflower, rosemary, and rice bran extracts nourish skin

• Some dislike the smell

Supergoop!’s cult-favorite formula soaks into skin instantly and can be used on both face and body. It has sunflower extract to protect skin against other environmental aggressors, and rosemary and rice bran extract to soften and soothe.

Key ingredients:

• Mattifies skin

• Might not be suitable for dry skin

If you have oily skin, you know how tricky it can be to find a sunscreen that doesn’t make your skin feel like an oil slick. This sunscreen was formulated specifically with oily skin in mind. It’s a lightweight, fluid formula that hydrates skin but dries down into a satin-matte finish.

Key ingredients: pomegranate extract, goji extract, green tea, chamomile

Size: 2 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m loving this sunscreen moisturizer. It has not caused breakouts or an oily or thick feeling on my face. The texture is runny, like sunblock, which at first I thought was going to not do well under make up, but it has been great. I also like that it has a high SPF to prevent sun damage, which is critical for preventing premature age spots!”

• Stays on when swimming or sweating

• Some reviewers said the formula can pill

Sun Bum sunscreens are a summertime staple. Formulated with vitamin E and antioxidants, this sunscreen also moisturizes and conditions skin while it shields you from sun damage. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and reef-safe. Plus, it’s banana and coconut smell will transport your senses to a tropical location.

Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidants

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I swear by Sunbum for my beach sunscreen! This SPF 50 protects so well against the strong Florida sun and stays on when swimming in the ocean. It’s reef safe, too. It smells good and hydrates skin, and it’s easy to rub in like a lotion!”

• Smells like perfume

• The scent could irritate sensitive skin

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a nostalgic conversation piece, it doesn’t get much better than Vacation. Vacation sunscreens are exactly what you might imagine a lifeguard on Baywatch using to protect themselves from the sun. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and supremely hydrating, thanks to coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, vitamin E, and niacinamide. It’s also one of the few sunscreens on the market known for its scent, which was created in collaboration with Arquiste, a perfumer—the lotion smells like coconut, banana, pool water, and swimsuit lycra.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, vitamin E, and niacinamide

Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this sunscreen more than any other that I have used over the years! The smell is what I love the most, followed by the consistency of the lotion. It’s not watery or too thick and it spreads on very easily. ”

• Doubles as a primer for makeup

• Some reviewers say it may sting if it gets in your eyes

Glowscreen is the perfect glow-boosting sunscreen formula to wear on a daily basis, since it also doubles as a grippy makeup primer. The formula has a pearly glow that doesn’t look too sparkly on skin. It’s also infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and tone skin.

Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidants

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 1.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “I’m not kidding, I never get more compliments on my skin than when I’m only wearing Glowscreen. It has great sun protection, and it evens out skin tone and makes you look unbelievably glowy. It’s my go-to for faux good skin when I’m in a rush.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor

• Lasts through sweat and water

• May leave a yellow tinge

All La Roche-Posay products are formulated with the brand’s thermal spring water, a soothing water that’s chock-full of antioxidant-rich selenium. It’s also made with Cell-ox technology, which combines broad-spectrum sun protection with antioxidants for plenty of protection. Plus, it’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Key ingredients: Cell-ox technology, thermal spring water

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

An ELLE editor says: “When I trained for the marathon last year, I needed a sunscreen that could withstand pretty much everything for my 20 mile training runs. This sunscreen is it. It lasts through sweat, rain, and water. One thing to note: when you’re sweating a lot, it can turn a bit yellow-ish on skin.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor

• Moisturizes and nourishes skin

• Some reviewers find it leaves a residue

This sunscreen is a TikTok favorite. It leaves no white cast and makes skin look glowy in a flash. It’s also infused with plenty of skin-friendly ingredients, like green tea to moisturize, sunflower seed oil to nourish, and cica to calm.

Key ingredient: Green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a new favorite. No white cast, no greasy feel, just light moisture that doesn't make my skin feel heavy or tacky. It goes on very smooth and makes your skin look moisturized without an over-the-top glow.”

• Stays on through sweat and water

• Some find it a bit oily

If you are planning to sweat a lot or spend a long time in water, this sunscreen is equipped to resist pretty much any activity you throw at it. It’s lightweight, water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, and formulated to be durable in harsh conditions.

Key ingredient: Vitamin E

Size: 7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “I grew up hiking in Colorado—the sun is strong and you need to take sunscreen with you that can withstand high UV and sweat. This one has been my family’s go-to since I was a kid, and it’s never let us down.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor

Dr. Joshus Zeichner is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and tested products to find the best sunscreens on Amazon.