Worried About What Sunscreen to Use? Check Out These Safe, Dermatologist-Approved Brands
It's the middle of one particularly hot and sunny summer, and while we know now, better than ever, the importance of wearing sunscreen every day, some recent news stories may also make us question the sunscreens we use.
After hearing that certain Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens have been recalled for containing trace amounts of the cancer-causing chemical benzene, we've been particularly careful about what we put on our bodies before we head outside. Lucky for all of us, there are tons of great (and safe) options out there, with tested and dermatologist-approved ingredients. Keep reading to discover some of our favorites.
Absolute JOI Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream with Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40: $42
Many sunblocks can leave an annoying white cast on your skin, and that problem gets even worse when you naturally have dark skin. This SPF 40 moisturizer and mineral sunscreen combo was designed specifically for dark skintones, and comes in two tinted shades for invisible blending. It also includes great ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration without clogging pores, as well as antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea and chamomile extracts.
(via Absolute JOI)
Alastin Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen: $40
Alastin's Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen is another great moisturizer/sunscreen combo. It's specifically designed to protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and is water-resistant, and includes soothing ingredients such as cucumber and aloe leaf extract.
(via Alastin)
Australian Gold SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion: $15.99
Australian Gold SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion is designed specifically for fair skin, with a gentle tint that blends into light skin tones and offers extra facial protection from the sun. It's also oil-free with a powdery feel, acting as a BB cream that can double as a foundation, while also including Australian botanicals such as Kakadu plum, eucalyptus and red algae.
(via Australian Gold)
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45: $21.99
We love that brands are making sunscreens particularly with women of color in mind, and Black Girl Sunscreen is one of the companies doing it best. This SPF 45 sunscreen protects against UVA as well as UVB rays while leaving a sleek matte finish, instead of icky white residue. It's perfect for wearing under makeup, and infused with ingredients such as aloe, squalene and shea butter to moisturize and heal skin.
(via Black Girl Susncreen)
cocokind Daily SPF: $24
cocokind is one of our favorite clean beauty brands at the moment, and their Daily SPF has been a go-to product of ours for a long time. With unique ingredients such as blue phytoplankton and microalgae, it's made to protect against pollution and blue light, as well as UVA and UVB rays—all in a satiny, never greasy formula that protects your face without leading to breakouts.
(via cocokind)
Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen: $36
Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen is a bit like a serum and a sunscreen in one, brightening the skin and improving its health while also protecting from both UVA and UVB rays, all without clogging your pores. It's designed to work for all skin types, and is great for even breakout-prone skin.
(Dr. Sam's)
Juice Beauty Sport SPF 30: $18
Need a sunscreen that will last even through your workout sessions, or pool and beach days? Juice Beauty Sport SPF 30 is water-resistant and made especially for active lifestyles. It's also made with organic ingredients, including jojoba and soothing aloe, antioxidants and vitamins to repair and replenish skin as it protects.
(via Juice Beauty)
Maelove The Sun Protector SPF 30: $19.95
Looking for an ultra-light SPF to start off your days? Maelove's The Sun Protector SPF 30 might be right for you. It's ultra-silky and super protective, as well as fortified with vitamins C and E for beautiful skin. Plus, it also doubles as a makeup primer, setting the stage for all of your cutest looks.
(via Maelove)
Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection $38
Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection is an SPF 50 sunscreen that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide lasting sun protection. It goes on matte and blends in smooth, while also combining antioxidants with protective polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to strengthen skin while creating a moisture barrier for extra protection.
(via Neostrata)
Wandering the West Apothecary Tinted Mineral SPF 31: $12
Wandering the West Apothecary Tinted Mineral SPF 31 is yet another great tinted sunscreen—this time coming in four different tones ranging from fair to dark. It color corrects to the tone of your skin when applied, giving an all-around even look, while using olive oil, jojoba oil and shea butter to feel silky smooth on your skin.
(via Peak Scents)
Zitsticka Megashade SPF Serum: $40
Zitsticka is a brand that's all about fighting acne, so when they make ansunscreen, you know it's going to be great for your skin. Their Megashade SPF Serum is a silky, breakout-busting, fragrance-free serum made especially for sensitive skin. It hydrates, brightens dark spots and protects with an SPF 50 with zero white cast.
(via Zitsticka)
Why exactly do you need to wear sunblock? Click HERE to find more about how summer damages your skin—and how to fix it.