JuicyTalk
Get the best sunscreen for your summer adventures.
Quality sunscreen shouldn’t cost a fortune (or disappoint). That’s why we’ve rounded up the top picks, all vetted by our team and trusted readers!
Here are the top sunscreens to buy for summer 2026:
Important reminder:
Always use your sunscreens as directed. According to SkinCancer.org, you should apply sunscreen every day, apply it 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours.
Hip Tip: SPF Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with FSA, HSA, and HRA accounts. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF15+ protection (and above) is FSA and HSA eligible! Easily shop eligible sunscreens on Amazon!
1. Blue Lizard
Best Overall
Blue Lizard is trusted by many on our team and voted #1 by the majority of our Hip readers! Here are just a few of their reviews…
“As someone who has extremely sensitive skin and burns easily, I love Blue Lizard. It works great and without any harmful chemicals. 🦎 I wish I had discovered it when I was younger.” – Misty, Hip Reader
“Blue Lizard and will never change. It works for my son, who is sensitive to everything, and it’s never failed us.” – Shelley, Hip Reader
2. Equate Sunscreen
Best Value
If you’re looking for a good sunscreen that won’t eat up your summer budget, Equate Sport Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen is affordable, water-resistant, and does the job without the hefty price tag. Making it an easy pick for beach days, pool trips, and everyday sun protection
Walmart+ members, easily add it to your grocery delivery order from your Airbnb if you forgot it while on vacation!
3 . Trader Joe’s Spray Sunscreen
Best Spray
Trader Joe’s sunscreen provides UVA & UVB protection, contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and coconut oil, and is water-resistant! If you’re looking for the ease of spray-on sun protection, this is it!
4. All Good Tinted Sunscreen Butter
Best Reef Safe
We love that this sunscreen comes in a recyclable tin and is made of organic ingredients. A little bit goes a long way – one reviewer stated it lasted her 8 months with daily use. 😱 This facial sunscreen is completely odorless, lightweight, hydrating (but not greasy), water-resistant for 80 minutes, and provides 50 SPF. More importantly, it’s completely safe for your face and certified reef-safe!
Best Korean
Our Hip Sidekick, Cass, loves this Korean sunscreen. If you prefer a lightweight sunscreen that feels more like skincare, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen is worth checking out. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a white cast, and feels comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Here’s what Cass has to say about it:
“I’ve always preferred Korean sunscreens because in my experience, they tend to be lightweight, sit well under makeup, don’t leave a white cast, and won’t dry out my skin or cause burning as some well-known brands can. My husband, who has eczema and super reactive skin, tends to like them better as well.” – Cass, Hip Sidekick
6. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Best Splurge
Once you try this super-powered sunscreen, you won’t go back! It has makeup–gripping power and goes on like a lightweight primer, with shine control and a velvety finish on the skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and helps filter blue light from your devices as well as UVA/ UVB rays! It works well for the guys, even with beards, as it has a clear finish that feels like nothing!
“I’m picky about that ‘sunscreen smell’ most products have. This doesn’t have that smell, which makes me 50x more likely to put it on. Plus, it has the same skin-smoothing effect as Benefit’s pore-fessional primer (loooove that). This is my holy grail sunscreen, and all the things I love about it justify the price for me!” – Madison, Hip Reader
“Supergoop for my face and Blue Lizard for body and kids. Sunscreen is a must in our household.” – Michelle, Hip Reader
Best Tinted
I personally love and use liquid foundation daily. It covers imperfections just enough that it makes my skin look even and flawless. It’s my secret to a glowing, natural makeup routine that requires minimal effort.
It offers lightweight coverage with a dewy finish, blends beautifully into the skin, and packs SPF 40 protection into your everyday makeup routine. It’s the perfect multitasker when you want skincare, sun protection, and a natural-looking glow all in one step.
8. Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow
Best Glowing
No white cast! It’s made with nourishing and pearlescent minerals that give the skin a radiant glow. If you love that sun-kissed, vacation-skin look, Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen is such a fun pick. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while leaving behind a subtle shimmer that makes your skin look healthy and luminous. Plus, the hydrating formula feels lightweight and adds an extra boost of glow to arms, legs, and shoulders.
“Best. Summer. Decision. Ever. I went with the trial size as I was skeptical that this would provide any sun protection, but after using it 3-4 times outside at the park, pool, and more, I am hooked! And I haven’t been sunburned yet. This is the PRETTIEST sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all!” – Hip Sidekick, Chelsey
9. EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Best for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen $41
Clip the 20% off digital coupon
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Final cost $30.75 shipped (5% off) or $28.70 shipped (10% off)!
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen is one of those products that has earned its cult-favorite status for a reason. The lightweight formula feels barely there, layers beautifully under makeup, and won’t leave behind a greasy residue. It’s also formulated with niacinamide to help calm and support the skin, making it a great everyday SPF for anyone who wants effective sun protection without the heavy sunscreen feel.
What are the factors to consider in choosing the best sunscreen?
Not all sunscreen is created equal. The EWG reports that only 1 in 4 products meets their strict sunscreen standards, so you may consider being a little bit more picky about yours.
According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, a quality sunscreen should achieve the following:
- Offer broad-spectrum protection. The sun contains both UVA and UVB rays, and both can cause skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both.
- Contain at least SPF 30 – this amount will block up to 97% of the sun’s rays.
- Should NOT be past their expiration date. Sunscreen typically retains its original strength for up to 3 years.
- Consider chemical vs. mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are typically more lightweight, but absorb the sun’s rays and change their chemical structure to decrease sun damage. Mineral sunscreens have a thicker texture, but reflect the sun rays, so they provide a physical separation between your skin and the sun.
Keep in mind that the only sun protectant you need is the one that works best for you!
How much sunscreen should you be applying?
If you buy sunscreen only once during the summer, you may not be applying adequate sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that most adults need at least 1oz (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover their entire body.
Keeping in mind that most sunscreens need to be reapplied every 60-80 minutes, if you are at a lake or beach for just 4 hours, you might end up using half of an 8oz. bottle. ☀️
