Brand Recognition:

Roche-Posay can trace their brand's roots all the way back to the 14th century when an explorer stumbled upon the healing spring waters in the town of La Roche-Posay in France. The thermal spring water was used by kings in the 17th century, and in the 19th century, Napoleon built a Roche-Posay thermal spring hospital to treat the skin diseases of his soldiers. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that this company began branching off to create a wide variety of products to treat and protect the skin from afflictions. Today, they are one of the most trusted brands in the skincare industry and are often recommended by dermatologists.

Sun Protection:

This sunscreen is offered at an impressive SPF 60. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which means this product protects against premature aging and helps to prevent skin cancer. The Cell-OX Shield technology is a special blend of ingredients made only by La Roche-Posay that keeps skin protected in the harsh rays of the sun. To further protect skin from free radicals, this formula also has antioxidants.

Additional Features:

This sunscreen is ultra light and melts into the skin like butter. For those with sensitive skin, it is allergy tested, paraben free, and fragrance-free. It can be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and is waterproof to protect skin from damaging rays of the sun for up to 80 minutes before it needs to be reapplied.

Price:

This sunscreen costs about three times as much as the sunscreens that one would pick up at their local drug store. However, given the additional features of this sunscreen, as well as the comfort that comes with using a La Roch-Posay product, this sunscreen is well worth the padded price tag.

Summary:

Sure, this sunscreen may cost a bit more than many of the other sunscreens on this list, but you are paying for a superior product. It keeps skin moisturized without feeling greasy, protects not only from the sun, but also from free radicals, and doesn’t need to be reapplied as much as some of the other sunscreens. If you have the extra money to spare, this sunscreen is the best choice.

Brand Recognition:

Sun Bum hasn’t quite reached the level of Coppertone or Hawaiian Tropic in the sunscreen world, but they are quickly making a name for themselves. They have generated a loyal following by making sunscreen something fun and trendy, without seeming too serious and clinical. Users that have tried their products fall in love with not only the protection this sunscreen gives them but also the fun ape mascot that is found on every bottle.

Sun Protection:

This lotion is offered in an SPF 30, but users can purchase various levels of protection that start at SPF 15 and cap out at SPF 70. It protects against not only UVA rays, but also against UVB rays.

Additional Features:

Past users have reported that the Sun Bum formula smells like summer in a bottle. Users should apply this sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being exposed to sun and it will protect skin- even when swimming or sweating- for up to 80 minutes before it needs to be reapplied. It is paraben free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and oil free.

Price:

This is where this product really shines. It costs a little bit more than some of the tops brands that can be found at your local drugstore. Given its fantastic formula that offers excellent protection from the sun while still smelling great, this is a great choice for sun-goers without breaking the bank.

Summary:

This is a great product that is set at a reasonable price point. It provides users with excellent sun protection without feeling greasy and uncomfortable, and the stylish and fun bottle will look great in your beach bag or backpack.

Brand Recognition:

Neutrogena has become a household name since it was founded in 1930. Most readers probably have a Neutrogena product somewhere in their bathroom cupboards. Since their founding, they have been producing excellent skin care products that are set at reasonable prices, and claim to be the number one brand that is recommended by dermatologists.

Sun Protection:

The Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is available in SPF 40, offering maximum protection from the sun. The Helloplex Broad Spectrum formula provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring that users are protected from sunburn and premature aging.

Additional Features:

What makes this sunscreen unique is how it sits upon the skin. Unlike some of the other sunscreens that visibly sit atop the skin, this sunscreen finishes clear and dries almost immediately. It is also water resistant for up to two hours before needing to be reapplied. It’s non-comedogenic- meaning that it will not clog pores, it is oil-free, and PABA free.

Price:

The price is one of the best features of this sunscreen. It is one of the most inexpensive sunscreens to make this list. Considering it comes with the name Neutrogena, and offers a whopping SPF 40, this is an excellent deal.

Summary:

If you weren’t looking to spend a lot of money on your sunscreen, but you still want to be protected from the sun’s harmful rays, this sunscreen is an excellent choice for you. Additionally, if you hate when sunscreens make your skin feel greasy and shiny, you can’t go wrong with this product.

Brand Recognition:

Coppertone became a household name in the 1950’s when it debuted the iconic Coppertone girl, and it has quickly become the highest rated brand of sunscreen on the market. Users know that when they purchase a Coppertone product, they are buying a brand that has spent years perfecting their only skincare product - sunscreen.

Sun Protection:

The Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen offers users an impressive SPF 50. This formula protects against 97 percent of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which prevents not only sunburn but also helps to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

Additional Features:

Unlike many of the other sunscreens to make this list, this sunscreen is applied via a spray can. By spraying the lotion directly to your skin, you can ensure that you get an even coverage, and it is even able to be sprayed at an angle to reach those hard to reach areas. This formula also contains Vitamin E to offer antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals. It should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours, or even 80 minutes for those that are swimming or sweating excessively.

Price:

The price is one of the best features about this sunscreen. It is offered at an incredibly affordable price and is one of the least expensive sunscreens to make this list. With the weight of the name Coppertone, this is a great selection for your outdoor sunscreen needs.

Summary:

Coppertone is one of the most well-known brands of sunscreen, so it is no surprise that it has made this list. If you want sunblock that comes with the guarantee of a superior company such a Coppertone, and you don’t wish to spend a lot of money, this is a great option for those long summer days lounging on the beach.

Brand Recognition:

As stated above, Supergoop is relatively new but has a mission to make a sunscreen different than all other sunscreens on the market. It was founded by a woman that had a friend diagnosed with skin cancer in their 20's, and after, she set out to create a formula that was easy and lightweight enough so that users would want to wear it any day of the week. Since hitting the market, Supergoop has generated a dedicated following of users that wish to keep their skin protected year-round.

Sun Protection:

This sunscreen protects on a deeper level than most other sunscreens on the market. It is offered with an impressive SPF 50. Not only does it protect against UVA, and UVB rays, but it also protects a third layer deeper into the skin and protects against IRA rays (infrared rays). Infrared sunscreens are something that are generally new to the sunscreen market and are quickly picking up steam in popularity.

Additional Features:

The lightweight formula is made from clean ingredients that use organic chemicals. Organic chemicals are better for everyday use, because they are absorbed into the skin making them more comfortable to use every day. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog pores.

Price:

The price of this sunscreen is a tad more expensive than some of the other sunscreens on this list, but considering that this product is made from high-quality products that are selected based upon modern research on sun protection, the slightly padded price tag is worth it.

Summary:

If you were looking for a sunblock that you can take to the beach but is also light and easy enough to wear hiking, snowboarding, or an afternoon of shopping at a strip mall, then this product will fit your needs perfectly. It does cost a little extra than some of the other sunblocks, but past users claim that it is well worth the price.

Brand Recognition:

Skinmedica doesn’t carry the same clout in the industry such as Coppertone or Neutrogena, but it has generated many loyal customers that love their products. They formulate their products while using modern research to ensure that sun protection evolves as we learn more about how the sun impacts skin.

Sun Protection:

This sunscreen comes with SPF 34 sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays that shield skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Their proprietary SOL-IR formula does what most other sunscreens don’t do, and that’s penetrate three layers of skin to protect against harmful infrared (or IR) rays.

Additional Features:

Everyone has had days when they were out for too long in the sun and forgot to put on sunscreen. This formula claims to help repair damage that has already been caused to help skin look more healthy and hydrated. It is lightweight and safe enough to wear for all skin types without irritating the skin with harsh chemicals.

Price:

The price of this sunscreen is incredibly expensive, and far surpasses the price of many of the other sunscreens making this list. However, if you have the extra money to invest in this sunscreen, you will not be disappointed by not only the protection that it gives you against the sun but also how great your skin looks with continued use.

Summary:

Sure, this sunscreen costs a lot more than many of the other products making this list, but given the extent of added benefits to the skin based upon the most recent and up to date research and discoveries in sun damage, this product is well worth the padded price tag.

Brand Recognition:

EltaMD may not carry the same impact such as Coppertone or Hawaiian Tropic, but it is a well known and trusted brand by dermatologists and those that are familiar with clinical skincare. EltaMD focuses all of their research and energy on sunscreens and similar products to repair skin against sun damage.

Sun Protection:

This sunscreen is offered with an impressive SPF 46 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It comes in a spray can that allows for an easy and even application, and it is lightweight enough to wear every day.

Additional Features:

In addition to protecting skin against UVA and UVB rays, this formula also contains lactic acid, which helps to reduce breakouts and smooths the appearance of wrinkles. There is also niacinamide (also known as vitamin b3) and hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the face. It is also fragrance-free, paraben free, doesn’t contain any oils, and is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.

Price:

All of the great additions to this sunscreen make it a tad more costly than some of the other sunscreens to make this list, but it is nowhere near the most expensive. If you need a sunscreen that won’t irritate sensitive skin, this is well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Summary:

For those that have a history of having their skin irritated by many brands of sunscreens, this sunscreen will be a perfect fit for you. In addition to protecting skin from the sun and preventing breakouts, it also has many ingredients that will help keep skin looking fresh and moisturized.

Brand Recognition:

Blue Lizard isn’t exactly a household name, but they have generated a loyal following over the years. This company focuses only on sunscreen, so you know that all of their research on improving their formulas are focused solely on UV protection.

Sun Protection:

This sunscreen has an SFP of 35+ and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This will not only prevent uncomfortable and painful sunburns, but it will also help to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. It doesn’t have any of the harmful chemicals that can irritate skin and is composed of naturally occurring minerals such as zinc oxide as well as titanium dioxide (which sits on top of the skin and blocks harmful rays).

What makes this sunscreen unique is the bottle. Indoors, the bottle is white. But once it is taken out into the sun, the bottle will change to blue based upon the level of UV rays in the sky. Sometimes, on cloudy days, one would assume that there are no UV rays and skip the sunscreen and end up sunburned. With this bottle, you can actually see if there is any need for sunblock.

Price:

The price of this sunscreen runs right in the middle of the road. It is not the most expensive sunscreen on the market but is by no means the least expensive sunscreen out there. If you are in the market for an effective sunscreen but aren’t willing to spend top dollar, this is a great choice.

Summary:

For those that are looking for a good quality sunblock that will last during active days on the beach or out camping and don’t want to break the bank, Blue Lizard is a great choice to pack along in your beach bag.

Brand Recognition:

The first batch of Hawaiian Tropic was mixed in a metal garbage can, and bottled in a humble garage. Since then, it has skyrocketed to one of the most recognized names in sunscreen. It is known for smelling like summer in a bottle and comes in a wide variety of options that offer many different types of sun protection.

Sun Protection:

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch is offered in SPF 30. It keeps both UVA, and UVB rays off of the skin which helps to prevent uncomfortable sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. It is best to be applied approximately 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure and should be reapplied every two hours after swimming or excess swimming.

Additional Features:

In addition to keeping you protected from harmful ultraviolet rays, this formula also contains Shea butter and mango fruit extract to ensure that skin doesn’t lose moisture but stays soft and smooth. It also contains vitamins C and E, which can sometimes be depleted from skin that has had excessive exposure to the sun.

Price:

This is the most affordable sunscreen to make this list. With the assurance of the Hawaiian Tropic and all of the additional ingredients that help keep skin healthy and protected, this sunscreen is offered at a great deal.

Summary:

For those that are looking for excellent protection from the sun without a heavy price tag, this sunscreen is an excellent choice. It comes with the assurance of being well known, protects against UVA and UVB rays, and will not break the bank.

Brand Recognition:

Babo Botanicals is not a well-known company. It is a smaller, family company that is concerned with making great quality products that are derived naturally from nature. The company started because it wanted to produce products that are safe enough for newborn babies, and quickly grew a following of customers that also wanted to use skincare products that are derived naturally.

Sun Protection:

This formula offers an impressive SPF 30, and protects against UVA, and UVB rays. This ensures to block sunburns and will help to prevent premature aging. It comes in a stick form to make application easier and to promote even coverage. This stick is made from 15% zinc oxide which is one of the best sun repellents and is water and sweat repellent for up to 80 minutes.

Additional Features:

In addition to excellent sun protection, this formula also comes with natural avocado, sunflower, watercress, and jojoba oils to keep skin soft and moisturized. It is fragrance-free, rubs on clear, and is hypoallergenic, making it perfect for any and all skin types.

Price:

Sometimes when a product is made with all natural ingredients, it costs a lot more than many of their competitors, but not in this instance. This sunscreen runs about mid-road in terms of price. It is not the most expensive sunscreen out there, but it is not the least expensive either.

Summary:

For those that are concerned with the various types of chemicals that can be found in some of the other sunscreens that are currently on the market, this is an excellent alternative. Plus, it’s safe enough to use on the entire family without having to worry.