The 34 Best New Sunscreens Of Summer 2023

Jun 01, 2024

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

By now you know the drill—rain or shine, hot or cold, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day, no matter the weather. “Although it can be tempting to skip the sunscreen during cold, darker months, radiation is present year-round,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “And that’s the take home point: it’s about radiation, not temperature. Even on cloudy days the ultraviolet radiation can penetrate clouds and cause damage to skin: sunburn, wrinkles and sun spots. UVA also continues to damage even if we’re indoors, by a window, as it penetrates glass and creates free-radical damage that leads to premature aging and skin cancer.”

Summer is typically when we’re slathering on sunscreen the most, since it’s often when we get quality al fresco time. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of reapplication. Dr. Nazarian recommends applying at least every two hours and even more often if you’re physically active, swimming, sweating or toweling off. “Sunscreen is wonderful, but it’s often unstable, and it’s not made of steel!” she says. “Consistent and repetitive application is necessary for optimal protection.”

Don’t let splotchy burns happen to you by accidentally skipping a spot or two. “Sneaky places like the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of feet and the back of hands are often missed!” Dr. Nazarian says. “If you have thinning hair on top, don’t forget to protect your scalp—a broad-brimmed hat goes a long way.”

If you’re wondering what to look for when shopping for a sunscreen, there are a few factors to keep in mind. “A broad-spectrum minimum SPF 30 is the basis of what you should be using daily,” Dr. Nazarian says. “But the quality of sunscreens has come a long way. You can get your sunscreen to multitask to address many other skin concerns: redness, hydration, wrinkles, etc. Truly, the most important thing is that you love it, and enjoy applying it. Having a sunscreen that you really feel good about wearing every day will help you stay compliant with daily use year-round.”

To get the most out of your daily sunscreen, look for multitasking formulas that have other skin-boosting factors besides SPF. “I like antiaging ingredients, which motivates me to apply it,” Dr. Nazarian says. “I look for peptides and antioxidants. I love hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate, and it’s important for mine to have a little tint to protect better against visible light damage. I can’t imagine going one day without putting it on—that’s how much I love it!”

When it comes to sun protection, remember that sunscreen isn’t the only tool in the toolbox. “There are so many ways to incorporate sun-safe habits into your daily life,” Dr. Nazarian says. “I love sunscreen, but this is the bare minimum that we should be doing. Skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancers, also caused by free radical damage. Free radical damage can be caused by visible light, pollution, living in an urban setting and being surrounded by computers and cellphones. It’s vitally important to incorporate antioxidants into your daily skincare regimen. I have my patients use topical antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, but also encourage them to take a daily antioxidant supplement. My absolute favorite is Heliocare, which contains 240 milligrams of polypodium leucotomos, a fern plant extract that’s part of the proprietary Fernblock technology. This is a remarkably effective complement to your sunscreen and your daily skincare regimen. It’s also an easy way to boost your skin’s health and protective abilities with a simple and safe vegan supplement. I take it daily and year-round to shield from environmental damage.”

Now that you know the drill, here are the best new sunscreens to shop for summer 2023.

Rose Inc Solar Power Luminous SPF 30 Serum

No matter your skin tone, this sheer formula won’t leave a white cast. Powered by 100% mineral filters, the serum instantly gives a glow and is spiked with sustainable squalane for light hydration, knotgrass extract to minimize fine lines, and marine plant oils to brighten and even skin tone. $46, roseinc.com

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear with Vitamin C SPF 42

Sunspots will be no more thanks to Shiseido’s proprietary Sun Dual Care Technology that works to treat and prevent them, making skin smoother and more even toned. Spiked with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and chock full of vitamin C ethyl, the only sign of the invisible sunscreen is the glow it leaves behind. $38, sephora.com

Ware Sonny Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Mineral sunscreens have gotten a bad rep for leaving a white cast behind. But Sonny is enough to dispel that notion forever. The moisturizing mineral face serum is meant for everyone of all skin tones, with the invisible formula to prove it. The reef-safe SPF works to even skin tone with its microsphere technology and is also facial-hair friendly and won’t leave telltale signs in beards. It’s spiked with green tea extract and hyaluronic acid to fight the effects of free radicals, stress and sun damage. $65, thewarecompany.com

Chanel UV Essentiel

Chanel gave its antioxidant and anti-pollution SPF 50 facial sunscreen a makeover, featuring a skin strengthening complex with blue ginger extract and Tahitian gardenia extract to prevent premature aging and boost the skin barrier. Skin stays hydrated for up to eight hours, looking glowing and gorgeous. The gel-cream formula instantly blends into skin. $60, chanel.com

Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen

Living up to its name, this mineral sunscreen looks and feels like you have nothing on, yet it safeguards your skin from everything. We’re talking UVA and UVB rays, blue light, infrared light, free radicals and pollution. $45, colorescience.com

Paula's Choice Healthy Glow Invisible Sunscreen Oil SPF 30

Even though this face oil sunscreen is completely incognito on skin, its effects certainly aren’t. The waterless SPF features a Barrier Support Antioxidant Complex to ward off the signs of aging and blocks blue light damage. Even though it’s an oil, it doesn’t look or feel greasy at all, instead leaving a subtle dewy finish that works for all skin tones. $29, paulaschoice.com

Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Oil

Those who prefer body oils over lotions will want to add this sunscreen oil to their shelf ASAP. Made with organic coconut oil for mega moisture and a dreamy, beachy scent, it safeguards while giving off a gorgeous—not greasy—sheen. $20, cvs.com

Naked Sundays SPF 50 Glow + Go Lip Oils

Taking the skincare-makeup hybrid to the next level, these non-sticky lip oils pamper your pout with amino acids, lycopene, and vitamins C and E. There’s also watermelon extract to hydrate while preventing damage from free radicals, raspberry seed oil to reduces collagen breakdown and tomato extract for its anti-inflammatory powers. The lip oils come in four scents/shades: Coconut, Watermelon, Cherry Pie and Salted Caramel. $22, nakedsundays.com

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist

Never worry about ruining your makeup again with this soothing SPF face mist. Simply spritz it on whenever you need a refresh; the tube is great for on-the-go. It quickly dries down to a subtle satin finish, plus combats daily environmental skin stressors like blue light and pollution. $24, vacation.inc

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

So much more than a sunscreen, this fantastic formula actually improves skin as you wear it courtesy of plumping peptides, strengthening ceramides and allantoin to soothe and prevent irritation. The silky sunscreen works with makeup, hydrates skin and leaves a radiance behind. $40, kosas.com

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Fenty’s OG favorite chemical SPF is now available in mineral format, with the same skincare benefits like brightening and evening tone, minimizing pores and delivering mega moisture. You can thank ingredients like niacinamide, kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid, aloe and baobab for those perks. $39, sephora.com

Beekman 1802 Milk Tint SPF 43

Ace your base with this twofer that provides a hint color and SPF protection. True to the brand’s theme, the tinted primer serum is made with goat milk to nourish and hydrate skin. Available in six shades, the buildable tint adapts to your skin tone. Infused with squalene to minimize inflammation and elderberry to reduce photoaging, the multitasker reduces the appearance of pores and evens out skin tone. It can be worn solo or under foundation. $48, beekman1802.com

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson has earned a cult-following for his beloved vitamin C serum and now it’s available as a sunscreen to get two jobs done at once. Containing sheer zinc sunscreen and 20% vitamin C serum, each ingredient boosts the other, working to brighten skin, safeguard from UVA and UVB damage and free radicals, plus minimize dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles. $85, beautystat.com

First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen

Consider this the no makeup-makeup version of sunscreen. Delivering SPF 30, the lightweight mineral sunscreen provides an ultra-sheer tint, just enough to blur imperfections and leave a satin finish. But if you’re looking for more coverage, it also layers beautifully under makeup. $36, sephora.com

Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

A slew of super ingredients makes this oil-free face sunscreen a standout. First, there’s zinc oxide, a mineral filter that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. Then there’s tranexamic acid to prevent and fade dark spots and boost overall skin tone. Finally, three humectants—hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate and dipropylene glycol—work together to attract and bind water to the skin to boost hydration and plump up fine lines. $42, sephora.com

EltaMD UV AOX Mist SPF 40

Those who are too lazy to slather on sunscreen have no excuses with this effortless spray! Simply spritz on the 100% mineral sunscreen for easy application, featuring air-powered spray technology to deliver 360° application at any angle—even upside down. It’s loaded with antioxidants to prevent the signs of aging, plus it has a sheer finish. $45, eltamd.com

Supergoop! (Glow) Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35

Tame an oily T-zone with a setting powder that does double duty with SPF 35. Great for on-the-go with its built-in brush, swipe on this mineral powder whenever you need protection. The golden peach tone is infused with a shimmery finish for the perfect glow. $35, supergoop.com

Savor Beauty Protect Radiance Sun Milk UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Packed with natural, potent ingredients, this lightweight sunscreen designed for the face, neck and décolleté spotlights coffee seed, argan and coconut fruit extract to nourish skin. There’s also hyaluronic acid to hydrate, 2% niacinamide to brighten, and bisabolol and allantoin to soothe. The milky formula fights fine lines and wrinkles while delivering a dewy finish. $38, savorbeauty.com

Pur HydroGlow Daily Moisturizing Niacinamide Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Skin will look better over time when you slather on this lightweight moisturizing formula—think minimized pores and improved tone and texture. Infused with aloe and zinc to hydrate, there’s also niacinamide to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. $34, ulta.com

Skin Proud Serious Shade Sunscreen SPF 50

SPF and vitamin C are the ultimate dream team, and in this case acerola cherry extract is the source of brightening vitamin C. The super lightweight formula is also infused with antioxidant spirulina and ceramides to boost the skin barrier. There’s no need to worry about a white cast or pilling, which is why it also works as a great primer for makeup. $14, walmart.com

MD Solar Sciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30

Protecting your pucker is crucial and this tinted lip balm makes it fun to do so. The hydrating balms feature shea butter, avocado oil and olive oil to smooth and moisturize lips. Available in seven shades, including a clear option with a sheen, they bring buildable color. $23, mdsolarsciences.com

OleHenriksen Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

OleHenriksen has earned a devoted following for their banana bright line and now they’re adding SPF to the mix. The 100% mineral face sunscreen is enriched with vitamin C and 16.3% zinc oxide to protect skin from the sun and signs of aging, plus brighten your complexion. Made to work for all skin types, it took five years to perfect the formula, which boasts a blurring effect and a natural soft-matte finish. $35, sephora.com

Kopari Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 45

Get glowing from head to toe with this body gel sunscreen that features ethically sourced rose gold pearlescent minerals for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance. The limited-edition rose gold is also infused with moisturizing oils and nourishing vitamins. $39, koparibeauty.com

Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator

Clinique gave its Moisture Surge a makeover to add UV protection as well as vitamins E and D for a dose of antioxidants to minimize the signs of aging. Aloe vera bio ferment and hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture are also included in the light-as-a-feather cream. $48, clinique.com

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids 50 Gentle Lotion Sunscreen

Designed for kids, that means this face and body sunscreen is also ideal for sensitive skin for all ages, especially since it’s fragrance- and oxybenzone-free. The lightweight, gentle formula is water-resistant and easily glides onto skin without leaving a white cast. Since it’s not sticky at all, sand can easily be brushed off of skin. $33, laroche-posay.us

Banana Boat Protection + Vitamins Sunscreen Spray

Loaded with vitamins C and B3 (aka niacinamide), this spray sunscreen brightens and evens skin tone while protecting from harmful rays. The lightweight formula provides 12-hour hydration and features a crisp and yummy light citrus scent to keep you coming back for more. $10, walmart.com

Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum SPF 50

The triple threat of 1.5% VitaGlow-D (a plant-derived ingredient related to Vitamin D that improves moisture), CoQ10 and vitamins B5 and E are the potent ingredients in this rich anti-aging formula. Those antioxidants protect skin from environmental hazards while leaving a youthful glow behind. $42, sephora.com

Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30

Moisturizing and mineral-based, this SPF 30 relies on plant-based ingredients to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, blue light and pollution. The smooth formula does double duty as a moisturizer thanks to sodium hyaluronate and improves texture, fine lines, dark spots and redness with elfdock flower and lingonberry stem cells. $58, ursamajorvt.com

Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50

Sneaking this into your suitcase wasn’t uncommon—this cult-favorite sunscreen was only available in Japan, but it’s finally launching in the US this month thanks to popular demand. Once you experience the watery texture that invisibly sinks into skin and provides lasting hydration, you’ll see why this formula was a global hit. Safe for sensitive skin, it was developed with Bioré Japan’s unique Aqua Rich technology with aqua capsules that release moisture once applied to skin. $15, amazon.com

e.l.f. Suntouchable! All Set For Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Sun Protection + Setting Spray

Not only will this SPF face mist not mess with your makeup—it will help it last even longer, thanks to the dual action setting spray formula. Quick drying and clear, it has a natural finish. Watermelon fruit extract and prickly pear seed oil nourish skin while protecting it. $14, elfcosmetics.com

Every Man Jack SPF 30 Mineral Face Lotion

For men who want to keep their skincare routine simple, this SPF is practically a one-stop shop since it’s a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. Infused with shea butter, squalane and vitamin B5, the lightweight lotion doesn’t leave a cast and is fragrance-free, making it a great choice for all skin tones and types. $12, everymanjack.com

Sonäge Roux Tinted Day Crème with SPF 30

Chock full of skin-loving ingredients, this day cream taps zinc oxide for protection but doesn’t leave a white cast. It also contains niacinamide to prevent and minimize fine lines, astrocaryum tucuma seed butter sourced from the Amazon to form a protective film on skin that doesn’t clog pores, ceramides to improve hydration and the skin barrier, squalane to prevent UV damage, and green tea to soothe redness and even skin tone. $60, sonage.com

Bliss Block Star Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

Completely invisible, this 100% mineral daily sunscreen is free of any tint, so you can’t see or even feel it, thanks to the featherweight formula. Since it’s sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes, that means it’ll stick around, even on the stickiest summer days. $28, ulta.com

Neutrogena Purescreen Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid SPF 30

Cover all your bases—literally—with this SPF that has a hint of tint. The flexible shades offer just enough color to blur imperfections and giving you a glow, letting you skip foundation, but they work under it too if you want more coverage. Made with 100% mineral actives, the formula also contains vitamin E to prevent fines lines, wrinkles, dark spots and discoloration that results from sun damage. $17, target.com

Bubble Solar Mate Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

This sunscreen was designed to remove all the reasons why people don’t like wearing SPF: It doesn’t leave a white cast, clog pores or feel heavy on skin. Even better, it’s spiked with raspberry seed extract, an antioxidant that naturally helps protect skin from the sun, cocoa seed butter for moisture and glycerin so that it glides right onto skin. $19, hellobubble.com