As summer approaches, if you’re planning on spending extended time outdoors (hello beach trip!), your regular sunscreen might not cut it. Finding water resistant sunscreens that actually sticks through the sweat, the heat, and more sweat, is crucial.
I’ve sifted through the different sunscreen options, and compiled a list of ones that won’t disappoint. But before that, let’s review some good sun protection practices!
Best sun protection practices
- Always wear sunscreen, even if you’ll be indoors. UVA rays can penetrate glass and cause dark spots, collagen breakdown, and wrinkles!
- Water-resistant sunscreens are a must if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods and/or sweating. But you knew that, which is why you’re on this post 😉
- Pair sunscreens with physical protection like hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, or if you can tolerate it, long sleeve UV jackets. Ok the latter two might be tough, but hats and sunglasses are your best friends when you’re outdoors!
- Reapply regularly. The rule of thumb is to reapply every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating profusely or have been in the water. These sunscreens are water resistant, not water proof.
- Double cleanse at the end of the day. Water-resistant sunscreens must be removed with an oil-based cleanser, whether that’s a balm or oil is up to you. Micellar water won’t work well and can leave sunscreen residue on your skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid
Protection Levels: SPF50+, Broad Spectrum, PA++++, 5 Boots Stars, UVA Circle
Full review. I will sing praises of this sunscreen till the day I die, because it’s that good. Excellent UV filters, including their proprietary Mexoryl 400 that protects against long UVA-I rays, so you know your skin is safe from burning and aging.
It’s also surprisingly light, with the milk texture blending in effortlessly to leave a dewy finish that’s neither heavy or sticky. In my experience this is the best sunscreen for outdoor activities, and it’s a must have when I travel.
This is also the only reef safe sunscreen on the list, as it doesn’t contain any filters that can harm coral reefs.
→ 50ml for ~$20 on Box of Color ($4 shipping), Perfumes Club ($12 shipping), OneBioShop ($11 shipping), eBay, Escentual and CultBeauty (can’t ship to the US)
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Protection Levels: SPF60+, Broad Spectrum
For a local US option, I recommend this one from Shiseido. The new SynchroShieldRepair technology builds on top of their old HeatForce and WetForce technology, which means that not only is the protection strengthened when your skin comes into contact with heat and water, but any disturbance to the sunscreen from rubbing or contact will automatically self-repair. How cool is that?
The texture is also lovely – a light serum that feels comfortable on the face and body, though it can sting the eyes if it gets in. Between its unique features and filters safe for coral reefs, this a good option if you plan on doing water sports.
→ 50ml for $25 on Stylevana (SHOPJENNY for 10% off), Sephora
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+
Protection Levels: SPF50+, Broad Spectrum, PA++++, 3 Boots Stars
The better version of the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion thanks to its next generational filters. It features the same HeatForce x WetForce technology (renamed Aqua Booster EX Technology), and also includes a Thermo Booster Technology that helps create an even layer of protection once the skin reaches 37 degrees.
You’d think a sunscreen with this kind of protection would feel very noticeable (and sticky) on the skin, but nope, it’s actually the lightest of all the sweat-resistant sunscreens here. Feels like a milky toner and leaves behind a weightless matte finish. My new favorite.
→ 50ml for $23.89 on Stylevana (SHOPJENNY for 10% off), YesStyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Amazon
ALLIE Chrono Beauty Gel UV EX
Protection Levels: SPF50+, PA++++
What if you’re not planning to do any outdoor sport or don’t have an active lifestyle, you just want something that won’t sweat off when it’s hot? Then this one by Allie is my top pick, and it was actually my everyday sunscreen for a while.
Despite it being stubbornly budge proof (a good thing!), my skin feels so comfortable wearing this thanks to its elegant texture. It’s often compared to the Anessa, and I’ll say this: they’re both great in their own ways. Planning an outdoor workout? Go with Anessa. Just plan on being outdoors? Go with Allie. Both of these were tested and found that skin didn’t tan nor burn with either.
→ 90ml for $15.99 on Stylevana (SHOPJENNY for 10% off), YesStyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Amazon
Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen
Protection Levels: SPF50+, Broad Spectrum
I would categorize this one similarly to Allie – good for hot days when you know you’ll sweat, but not the best for intense activities where you’ll be drenched. I like this one because it’s been tested by Consumer Reports to have SPF 55 and a UVA protection rating of 4/5! Given that most US sunscreens don’t go through third party testing or fail miserably when they do (more on that below), this is an impressive feat.
This one does feel a bit greasier than the other options, so I actually prefer using this as a face sunscreen instead, and going with a lighter option for my body. Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourishing plant oils to moisturize, so feel free to skip your moisturizer when using this one!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion
Protection Levels: SPF60, Broad Spectrum
La Roche-Posay has several different versions of the Anthelios sunscreen in the US, none which are as effective as the original, but this one feels so much more elegant while still offering water resistance.
True to its name, it really does have a cooling effect on application, making it a super comfortable option if you plan on spending a lot of time in the heat. The texture is reminiscent of Japanese sunscreens, with a watery texture that spreads easily and sets almost instantly on the skin. Oily and combination skin types will really enjoy this one.
→ 150ml for $37.99 on Amazon, Ulta, Dermstore (JENNYWU for 15% off)
If you must use a mineral sunscreen…
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Lotion
Protection Levels: SPF 50, Broad Spectrum
I’ll be honest, I personally would only wear chemical/hybrid sunscreens if I plan on spending a good amount of time outdoors, but if I had to recommend a mineral sunscreen, it would be this.
A lot of mineral-based sunscreens can be pretty thick and pasty, and while this one can feel that way initially, it actually blends in quite easily. It also leaves no white cast on my NC20 skin tone, though I’m not sure about darker skin. I suspect the better wear is due to the lack of Titanium Dioxide, which all non-white-cast mineral sunscreens seem to exclude. This is also a great sensitive skin option if you happen to be allergic to chemical filters.
→ 50ml for $23.99 on Target, Naked Sundays
Looking for more mineral sunscreens with no white cast? Here are my 5 top picks!
What about spray sunscreens?
One word: coverage. It’s much easier to get good coverage when applying a lotion or milk sunscreen because you can see and measure the amount. At the very least you can use the two-finger method to make sure your face is well protected.
With sprays, there’s no way to know how much protection you’re getting or if you’re even applying it evenly. Meanwhile the high SPF gives you a false sense of security, so you end up applying too little, exposing your skin to harmful UV rays and increasing your risk of skin cancer.
If you must use spray sunscreens, I’d spray them first on your hand and then apply it on the rest of your skin so you can better gauge the amount applied. Remember, you need 1 oz or 30 ml (a shot glass) worth of sunscreen for your entire body!
Sunscreens to avoid (according to Consumer Reports test results)
Banana Boat Sport Series
The Banana Boat Sport Ultra Lotion SPF 50+ actually rated 5/5 for UVA protection but tested to be only SPF 20, which in my opinion is barely enough for everyday wear when you’re mostly indoors! Their Cool Zone Spray SPF 30, Ultra Roll-On SPF 60+, and Ultra Face Lotion SPF 30 all have the same issue, testing SPF 18, SPF 18, and SPF 15 respectively. Yikes.
Supergoop
I know this brand is popular among influencers, but I’ve also heard horror stories from friends who’ve gotten burned from using their sunscreens. Not surprising as the Supergoop Unseen Lotion SPF 40 tested a measly SPF 8 while Every.Single.Face Watery Lotion SPF 50 tested SPF 16, but at least both scored 5/5 for UVA protection. The Supergoop Play Antioxidant Mist SPF 50 only got 4/5 for UVA and still tested SPF 8.
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active
The Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sport Lotion SPF 30 has an average tested SPF of 11, while the Sport Spray SPF 50 from the same line has a tested SPF of 13. Definitely not ok for a sports sunscreen. Ironically their Sheer Touch line tested much better, but those aren’t water resistant.
SPF, PA, Broad Spectrum… Confused by all the terms? Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about sunscreens
Others
- Badger Active Mineral Cream SPF 30 tested to be SPF 15
- Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Beach Defense Lotion SPF 30 tested to be SPF 12 and 4/5 for UVA protection
- Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid Lotion SPF 50 tested to be SPF 13 and only 3/5 for UVA protection
- Coppertone Sport 4-in-1 Performance Spray SPF 50 tested to be SPF 19
- Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Spray SPF 50+ tested to be SPF 15
Other Consumer Reports Approved Sunscreens
I haven’t personally tested any of these, but Consumer Reports gave these sweatproof sunscreens top marks:
Surprisingly many of these “approved” sunscreens still didn’t live up to their claimed UVB protection levels, so if you do try any of these, make sure you apply extra diligently to protect your skin against sun burns!
Looking for more sunscreen? Browse my extensive sunscreen database for more sweatproof options!
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