Best sunblock

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce wrinkles and discoloration with this roundup of the best sunblock.

best sunblock
(Image credit: Jens Kreuter via Unsplash)

It is so important to wear sunblock all year round, regardless of whether it is sunny or not. Sunblock protects your skin from harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of premature wrinkles and discoloration. Whether you're engaging in a strenuous sport, going for a stroll, or even sitting by a window, sunblock is always a good choice. Here's a roundup of my favorites.

Staff pick

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc mineral sunscreen lotion

(Image credit: Amazon)

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc mineral sunscreen lotion

Comes in a three-pack

This sunblock is made from minerals and comes in multiples.

Pros:

  • Three-pack
  • SPF 50
  • Made from naturally-sourced 100-percent zinc oxide
  • Free of parabens, fragrances, phthalates, dyes, and chemicals
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • May leave a white residue behind
  • Takes a little longer to absorb

This SPF 50 sunblock comes in a three-pack. It's made from 100-percent naturally-sourced zinc oxide to protect your skin from sunburn. The hypoallergenic formula is great for sensitive skin and is free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, chemicals, and fragrances. Keep one bottle in your purse, one in your beach bag, and one in your car to stay prepared. 

Best for babies

Thinkbaby natural sunscreen

(Image credit: Amazon)

Thinkbaby natural sunscreen

Protective and gentle

This sunblock is gentle enough for your baby's skin.

Pros:

  • Great for babies
  • No harmful chemicals
  • Water-resistant
  • Not oily

Cons:

  • Not great for sensitive skin
  • Can irritate eczema 

If you're looking for a water-resistant sunblock that is mild enough for your infant's delicate skin, this one is a terrific option. The Thinkbaby sunblock prioritizes your child's health because it's formulated without harsh chemicals. It has a non-greasy texture and absorbs quickly, keeping your littles happy. 

Best for tanning

Coppertone tanning sunscreen lotion

(Image credit: Coppertone/Beiersdorf )

Coppertone tanning sunscreen lotion

Safely get some color

This tanning sunblock is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Pros:

  • Helps with tanning
  • Lightweight formula
  • Non-greasy
  • Water-resistant
  • Enriched with Vitamin E

Cons:

  • Can stain fabrics
  • Unappealing odor

This sunblock is formulated for tanning and protects your skin. It is enriched with nourishing Vitamin E, so your skin is hydrated and glowing. The lotion is water-resistant and easily absorbs into your skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.

Best for sports

Coppertone SPORT SPF 30 sunscreen lotion

(Image credit: Coppertone/Beiersdorf)

Coppertone SPORT SPF 30 sunscreen lotion

This one is water-resistant

This enduring sunblock is terrific for active individuals. 

Pros:

  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Great for active people
  • Light and breathable
  • Delivers UVA and UVB protection
  • SPF 30

Cons:

  • Can slow natural tanning
  • May need to be scrubbed off

This SPF 30 sunblock stays on all day long while delivering UVA and UVB protection. Its formula is light, allowing your skin to breathe in the sun, but won't melt off easily if you're sweating or swimming. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring your skin stays protected. As a bonus, this sunblock moisturizes to nourish as well as protect skin. 

Best for face

best sunblock

(Image credit: Amazon)

Solimo sheer facial sunscreen lotion

Light and gentle

Keeping your face protected at the beach or on a hike is important really important. This great formula will do the trick.

Pros:

  • Formulated for your face
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons:

  • Not for sensitive skin
  • Formula is quite thick

This dermatologist-tested sunblock will keep your face protected as you greet the sun. Not only does the formula provide a healthy sun barrier, but it also hydrates to enhance your natural glow. The sunblock is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for a day at the beach or by the pool.

The bottom line

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best sunblock protects you from UV rays while keeping your skin hydrated. The Neutrogena Sheer Zinc mineral sunscreen lotion comes in a convenient three-pack. Its hypoallergenic, SPF 50 formula is great for kids and adults, and it doesn't have any fragrances, phthalates, parabens, or chemicals. Use this sunblock daily in every season.

The Thinkbaby natural sunscreen is the perfect choice for your littles. Free of harmful chemicals, this gentle sunblock hydrates and protects delicate skin. The formula absorbs quickly without feeling oily, so your baby feels comfortable.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.