Discover the Top 6 Sunscreen Brands for Your Ultimate Summer Protection

Sun protection is the most important part of your skincare routine.

Klaus Vedfelt /Getty Images

With Summer just around the corner and warmer days already being welcomed, there is no better time to talk about how important sunscreen is. Sunscreen should be a step never missed in your daily routine, as it is crucial to prevent wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer. So what makes a sunscreen worth the purchase? There are four main things to consider when shopping for sun protection: SPF, active ingredients, water resistance and broad-spectrum.

What to look for in a great sunscreen

1. SPF

“SPF’’ stands for sun protection factor, which is a measure of protection from the sun’s UVB rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using at least SPF 30,(which blocks 97% of UVB rays) is recommended, as anything above SPF 50 won’t really protect your skin from more of the sun’s rays and leads to a false sense of all-day protection.

2. Active Ingredients

There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens physically block UV rays while chemical sunscreens rather absorb UV rays within the skin. Dermatologists generally recommend mineral sunscreens for those with more sensitive skin, but both types will protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. When it comes to active ingredients, a good rule of thumb is to look for mineral sunscreens made with zinc or titanium dioxide, as chemical sunscreens can sometimes contain more irritating and harmful ingredients.

3. Water Resistance

A sunscreen can only claim to be water resistant if it has undergone testing for proof of the claim. If water resistance is not clearly printed on the label, chances are the sunscreen will easily sweat or wash off. Water-resistant sunscreen is key to ensure your skin is protected throughout the day.

4. Broad-Spectrum

Broad Spectrum refers to sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Many conventional sunscreens only block UVB rays, so opting for a broad-spectrum option whenever possible is the way to go.

Here we have rounded up five of our favorite sunscreen brands with the best sun protection options.

SI Swimsuit’s favorite sunscreens

Sun Bum

Target

Starting off with the winner of SI Swimsuit's Best of Awards for the best Body Sunscreen, Sun Bum takes a simple but effective approach to sun care. All sun bum products are vegan, cruelty-free, Hawaii Act 104 reef compliant, sulfate-free and paraben-free. The formulas are not only moisturizing and easy to apply, but smell like Summer in a bottle.

Soleil Toujours

Soleil Toujours

Soleil Toujours creates high-quality sunscreen with natural ingredients. The brand’s portfolio includes mist, oil, and lotions—all free of parabens, phthalates, pegs, polysorbates, silicones, sulfates, gluten, glycols, mineral oil, and artificial colorants.

Supergoop!

Supergoop!

Cult favorite, Supergoop!, has become a sunscreen standout for good reason. The brand has been a frontrunner in turning people’s attention towards the importance of everyday sunscreen, beyond just the beach. Offering solutions for both your body and face, Supergoop! sells sunscreen-focused skincare, makeup, moisturizers, primers, powders and more. Acknowledging that there is no one size fits all solution, Supergoop! has 40+ options for all skin types, tones, and routines.

Vacation Inc.

Vacation Inc.

Vacation Inc. uses a proprietary CleanClassic™ formulation process. Each product and formula is developed with board certified dermatologist Elizabeth Hale. The brand proclaims to have “the world’s best smelling sunscreen” thanks to its collaborative work with Carlos Huber of ARQUISTE Parfumeur and Rodrigo Flores-Roux (the renowned perfumers behind Cire Trudon and Clinique’s Happy). The signature scent includes primary notes of coconut, banana, pineapple and underlying scents of pool water and swimsuit lycra—all of which contribute to a nostalgic and immersive scent of quintessential summer.

Dune Suncare

Dune Suncare

Dune is a female-founded suncare brand committed to creating sunscreen products packed with skincare benefits accessible to all. From the Bod Guard to the Sporto Spray and everything in between, Dune provides a full ingredient list for each sunscreen, highlighting the power player ingredients and their advantages. All of the brand’s products are paraben-free, vegan, non-toxic, reef friendly, non-GMO and cruelty-free.

Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist is an Australian skincare brand that utilizes scientific formulations and natural ingredients to offer innovative skincare solutions. The brand offers a Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen that blends easily into the skin and has no white cast. The sunscreen is 100% natural and reef safe.