The Best Sunscreens of Summer 2023

Skin experts consistently name sunscreen as the most important precaution you can take for skin health. While helping to protect and prevent skin cancer, it is also a way to protect the skin from aging forms of UV radiation. As much as you *think* you might want that glow, remember that even a tan is technically a burn. So while National Sunscreen Day may be May 27, for skin experts, every day is national sunscreen day—even on cloudy and overcast days.

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“Sunscreen is important to wear everyday,” confirmed board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “It should also be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.” Dr. King is very passionate about protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays—including skin cancer, but also cosmetic concerns like premature aging and hyperpigmentation—that she recommends donning UPF-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Because there are so many options to consider and questions to ask in selecting the right SPF for you, we broke it all down below.

In this article

1 Mineral vs. Chemical SPF

2 Reef-Safe Selections

3 Applying Your Sunscreen

4 Choosing Your Sunscreen

5 The Best Sunscreens of Summer 2023

Mineral vs. Chemical SPF

The two main types of sunblock are mineral (AKA physical) and chemical formulas, while hybrid formulations include both types. The bottom line is that most dermatologists prioritize finding a sunscreen you will wear consistently. That being said, there are some important distinctions between the two types.

First, mineral blockers (i.e. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) work immediately—meaning that you can apply them and head straight outside—whereas chemical blockers (i.e. homosalate, avobenzone, octocrylene, etc.) require a 15-minute window to take effect. Mineral formulas are also praised for being photostable, which means that they remain effective when exposed to sunlight. The main concerns with mineral sunscreens comes down to their texture and cast. Some formulas leave behind an ashy sheen, which is especially noticeable on deeper skin tones, with a thicker consistency to the product. Chemical and hybrid formulas, on the other hand, absorb more like your typical moisturizer.

It should also be noted that certain chemical blockers are undergoing continued FDA testing before being designated GRASE, which stands for being “generally recognized as safe and effective.” While this does not mean they have been deemed unsafe, certain chemical sunblocks were found to be absorbed into the bloodstream at levels higher than previously thought, so the FDA is requesting more information on long-term exposure before giving them the GRASE designation.

Reef-Safe Selections

Some chemical blockers have also been linked to adverse effects on the environment, with oxybenzone specifically harming coral reefs (this is why Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018). As Dr. Ben Van Handel, a stem cell biologist at the University of Southern California and cofounder of Heraux, explained, “The researchers show that UV light converts oxybenzone into a toxic derivative, [requiring algae found within the coral colony to detoxify it].” He said that as the concentration of oxybenzone in the water increases, “the algae cannot keep up, and the coral die.” So if you wear a chemical sunscreen, try to steer clear of oxybenzone. Keeping in mind that everything we rinse off ultimately ends up in the oceans, eco-friendly types also tend to select non-nano zinc, which refers to the particle size of the mineral, out of caution for effects on marine life.

Applying Your Sunscreen

Board-certified dermatologist and “dermfluencer” Dr. Sheila Farhang, who is also a skin cancer surgeon, offered three main tips for applying your sunscreen. First, she said to get your suncare advice from credentialed skin experts rather than, say, TikTokers or influencers. Second, she noted that certain supplements might help with sun protection, citing research about vitamin B3. Finally, when applying your chosen SPF, focus on commonly forgotten areas where skin cancer can pop up: the scalp, ears, lips, and face, which are easy to remember with the acronym, “S.E.L.F.” Another word of warning from experts is that trendy powder formulas are best for touching up your protection throughout the day but not for using as your first line of defense.

Choosing Your Sunscreen

This is a lot of information to digest, and the beauty industry is literally packed with sunscreen options for all skin tones, lifestyles, and preferences. So Dr. King broke it down: “I recommend physical sunscreens (i.e. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) because they block a wide range of UV wavelengths and they are photostable,” she said. “There are also fewer concerns about their potential adverse effects both to the body and the environment.” She assured us that mineral formulas have come a long way from their chalky predecessors. Plus, they also come in tinted formulas.

“Wear something that feels good on your skin,” recommended board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield of Schweiger Dermatology Group. “New formulations of powder, stick, and gels are available from many brands to cater to everyone’s preferences.” There are even multi-tasking sunscreen formulas that prime the skin for makeup and relay cosmetic coverage and even sprays that can set your makeup. Skincare devotees can also find formulas that offer beneficial active ingredients just like a skincare serum. Medical Esthetician Amy Peterson, founder of Miami Medspa, recommended seeking vitamin C, licorice root, and vitamin E to maximize the effects of your sun protection.