Best Sunscreens to Buy in January 2026
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint, Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide, Blends Seamlessly For Healthy Glow, Medium, 1.7 Fluid Ounce
-
BLENDS SEAMLESSLY: 3 TINTED SHADES FOR A NATURAL GLOW ON ALL SKIN TONES.
-
DUAL PURPOSE: ACTS AS A TINTED MOISTURIZER AND PRIMER WITH SPF 30.
-
SKIN-FRIENDLY FORMULA: HYDRATES WITH CERAMIDES & HYALURONIC ACID.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70, Broad Spectrum, Water Resistant 80 Min, Oil-Free, Oxybenzone-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Matte Finish, Body Sunscreen, Travel Size 3 Fl Oz
-
SPF 70 PROTECTION: MAXIMUM UVA/UVB SHIELD FOR SAFE DAILY USE OUTDOORS.
-
WATER-RESISTANT: LASTS UP TO 80 MINUTES, PERFECT FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.
-
TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SIZE: TSA-COMPLIANT 3 OZ BOTTLE FOR ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE.
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray | Banana Boat Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, Water Resistant, Oxybenzone Free, Sunblock, 6oz each Twin Pack
- STRONG SUN PROTECTION FOR FAMILY FUN AND SERIOUS COMPETITION.
- BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50+ SHIELDS SKIN FROM HARMFUL UV RAYS.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, WATER & SWEAT RESISTANT FOR ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, Hawaii Reef Act 104 Compliant, Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free, Broad Spectrum, Fast Absorbing & Lightweight, Face and Body Sunscreen, 6.5 Oz
-
LIGHTWEIGHT & FAST-ABSORBING FOR EFFORTLESS SUN PROTECTION ANYTIME.
-
WATER-RESISTANT FOR 80 MINUTES-PERFECT FOR SWIMMING OR SWEATING!
-
SUPERIOR SPF 50 PROTECTION; COMPLIANT WITH HAWAII REEF ACT 104.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, Oil Free for Face with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended Sunscreen Lotion, For Acne-Prone Sensitive Skin, 1.7 oz Pump (Pack of 2)
- LIGHTWEIGHT, TRANSPARENT SUNSCREEN BLENDS IN-NO WHITE RESIDUE!
- OIL-FREE FORMULA PERFECT FOR ACNE-PRONE AND HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN.
- CONVENIENT TRAVEL SIZE-TAKE SPF PROTECTION ANYWHERE YOU GO!
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen 1.69fl.oz - Velvet Finish, No White Cast, Hydrating, Moisturizing, Korean Skin Care, Vegan, Clean Beauty
-
AIRLESS PACKAGING: KEEPS PRODUCTS FRESH & EFFECTIVE WITH EVERY USE!
-
ANTIOXIDANT POWER: BOOST RADIANCE WITH RICE BRAN & BLACK RICE OILS.
-
EASY APPLICATION: USE THE 2-FINGER RULE FOR PERFECT, FULL COVERAGE!
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz
- POWERFUL MINERAL SPF 50: SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, FREE OF HARSH CHEMICALS.
- WATER-RESISTANT & BROAD SPECTRUM: BLOCKS 98% OF HARMFUL UVB RAYS.
- REEF-FRIENDLY FORMULA: PROTECTS OCEANS WHILE CARING FOR YOUR SKIN!
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen For Face & Body, SPF 45 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Lightweight Water Resistant & Non-Greasy, Travel Size Sunscreen, 3 fl. oz 2 pack
- TSA-APPROVED TRAVEL SIZE-PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO SUN PROTECTION.
- NON-GREASY, QUICK-ABSORBING FORMULA FOR A LIGHT, MATTE FINISH.
- WATER-RESISTANT FOR UP TO 80 MINUTES-IDEAL FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays, finding the best sunscreen deals is important, but choosing the right sunscreen is even more crucial. In this guide, we'll explore what factors to consider when selecting a sunscreen that meets your needs, ensuring both affordability and effectiveness. Let's delve into the elements you should look for, so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding SPF: What It Means
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is a critical component of any sunscreen. It indicates the level of protection you can expect against UVB radiation, which causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. While shopping for the best sunscreen deals, consider the SPF level you need based on your skin type and daily sun exposure:
- SPF 15: Offers minimal protection, filtering out about 93% of UVB rays. Suitable for short sun exposure.
- SPF 30: Provides moderate protection, blocking 97% of UVB rays. Ideal for regular outdoor activities.
- SPF 50: Delivers high protection, eliminating 98% of UVB rays. Perfect for prolonged sun exposure or sensitive skin.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Why It Matters
To fully shield your skin, ensure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it defends against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures comprehensive coverage, maintaining skin health and preventing damage.
Water Resistance: A Key Consideration
If you're planning to swim or sweat, water resistance becomes an essential factor in your sunscreen selection. Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF level for a specified duration when exposed to moisture. Typically, they offer either 40 or 80 minutes of resistance, after which reapplication is necessary to ensure ongoing protection.
Ingredients to Look for and Avoid
Selecting sunscreen involves examining the ingredients list carefully. Opt for sunscreens containing safe, effective UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, especially if you have sensitive skin. For chemical sunscreens, ingredients such as avobenzone, octisalate, or octocrylene are common and generally considered safe.
Be cautious of products containing:
- Oxybenzone: Linked to coral reef damage and potential health risks.
- Retinyl Palmitate: May increase the likelihood of skin irritation in sunlight.
Application Tips for Optimal Sunscreen Use
Even the best sunscreen needs proper application to be effective. Here are some tips to maximize your sunscreen's protection:
- Apply Generously: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas. A good rule is about an ounce (a shot glass full) for full-body coverage.
- Reapply Often: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Don’t Forget Sensitive Areas: Be sure to protect often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
- Year-Round Consistency: Wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, to safeguard against cumulative sun damage.
Final Thoughts on Sunscreen Deals
Finding the best sunscreen deals shouldn't compromise quality and safety. By considering SPF, broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and ingredients, you can choose a sunscreen that fits both your budget and skin protection requirements. Remember, consistent use and proper application are key to maximizing your sunscreen's effectiveness. Prioritize your skin’s health by selecting wisely and staying sun-safe all year round.