Many of the Best Sunscreens Are Surprisingly on Amazon
And some formulas are on sale for Prime Day.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Rain or shine, winter or summer—no matter what, sunscreen is one of the most important parts of any beauty routine. “Sunscreen is your first line of protection against UV light exposure from the sun,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “While sunscreen is of course important over the summer, what you may not realize is that even low grade exposures during the year add up over a lifetime.” That’s why any dermatologist you talk to will recommend you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single day.
Luckily, many of the best sunscreens on the market are available on Amazon. This year, Amazon Prime Day is running July 8 through 11, and it’s filled with can’t-miss deals, including discounts on skin-saving sunscreen. Prime Day is the perfect time to stock up on the beauty routine essential. Below, find editor-favorite picks for the best sunscreens to shop during prime day.
Pros
- Lightweight and sinks in quickly
Cons
- Some don’t like the consistency
If high SPF protection is what you’re after, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen has SPF 70. The fragrance-free formula is sheer and sinks into skin instantly, leaving a matte, traceless finish that feels like absolutely nothing on the skin, but is still highly protective.
Key ingredient: Helioplex
Size: 3 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I am incredibly pale, and wear sunscreen on the daily. I love this sunscreen for a few reasons. It dries incredibly quickly and does not leave a greasy film all over my body. I reapply three times a day and never feel as if I am caking on lotion. I use it everywhere except my face. I spend a lot of time outside and this really helps protect the back of my neck and ears from being burned.”
Pros
- Hydrates and protects
Cons
- Some find it isn't the most waterproof
This sunscreen is made with skin-nourishing ingredients in mind The formula is made with safflower oleosomes, which are super-emollient, helping optimize sun protection and adding moisture to skin.
Key ingredients: Safflower oleosomes, antioxidant complex
Size: 5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’m very fair, so in the summer, my body care routine also includes sunscreen all-over. Body sunscreens can be really tricky, since they often smell too sunscreen-y or feel too tacky on the skin. This one goes on like a body lotion and disappears completely into skin, which makes it an easy sunscreen to add into my routine.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Helps repair damage with photolyase
Cons
- Pricey
Isdin’s innovative sunscreen formula does more than just protect your skin from the sun. It also helps repair previous sun damage, thanks to DNA repairing ingredients—like photolyase, an enzyme derived from plankton, which works to mend invisible sun damage.
Key ingredients: Photolyase, vitamin E
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s a lightweight mineral lotion that goes on white but quickly absorbs and gives my skin a natural, supple, not greasy appearance.”
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrates and brightens skin with vitamins C and E
Cons
- Some may not like the iridescence
If you want your skin to glow, this sunscreen has a radiant finish that leaves skin looking luminescent. The oil-free formula sinks into skin easily and is infused with vitamins C and E to brighten and moisturize.
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, antioxidants
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of using glow-boosting formulas on my face, but I never really use them on my body (I’m pale, so I’m worried I’ll look like a Twilight vampire). This formula, however, has just the right amount of radiance, so it makes my skin look healthy, not shiny. I also find it to be moisturizing, and I love the way it smells—like the Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens of my youth.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
If you have sensitive skin, you know how challenging it can be to find a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate you. This mineral sunscreen actually helps calm and soothe skin, thanks to niacinamide, which works to reduce redness for rosacea-prone skin.
Key ingredient: Niacinamide
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 1.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve struggled to find a sunscreen or moisturizer that doesn’t aggravate my adult acne-prone skin, but finally, I’ve found it with this. My dermatologist recommended it and after months of using it, I couldn’t be happier. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, too, leaving no greasy residue.”
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Sunscreen
Pros
- Helps even skin tone and provides sheer coverage
Cons
- Shades may not work for every skin tone
This sunscreen comes in four different flexible shades, so it’s ideal for a wide range of skin tones. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and on top of shielding skin from the usual UV spectrum, it also protects against damage from pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
Key ingredient: Niacinamide
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 1.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is an excellent tinted sunscreen that gives you a natural glow and protects your skin. Easy to reapply as well. Absolutely love this and wear it every day!”
Pros
- No white cast on darker skin
Cons
- Some find the formula greasy
On darker skin tones, sunscreen can often leave a white cast, making skin appear ashy. Black Girl Sunscreen sets out to change that, with formulas customized for melanin-rich skin. It doesn’t leave behind any white cast, and ingredients like jojoba, cacao, and avocado ensure that it also works overtime as a moisturizer.
Key ingredients: Jojoba, cacao, and avocado
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very good protection from the sun. Doesn’t leave a white cast on brown skin. Smells pretty good. Even with as much sunscreen as I use, there is still a lot left in the tube. Also, my skin has started to clear after using this sunscreen—it’s great for uneven skin and dark spots.”
Pros
- Sunflower, rosemary, and rice bran extracts nourish skin
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
Supergoop!’s cult-favorite formula soaks into skin instantly and can be used on both face and body. It has sunflower extract to protect skin against other environmental aggressors, and rosemary and rice bran extract to soften and soothe.
Key ingredients: sunflower extract, rosemary extract, rice bran extract
Size: 2.4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “This is one of my favorite sunscreen formulas, particularly on days when I plan on spending a lot of time outside (like if I’m going to the beach or going on a run). It sinks into skin instantly and doesn’t feel sticky. Plus, it’s water and sweat resistant, so I feel protected using it before being active.” —Katie Berohn. beauty editor
Pros
- Mattifies skin
Cons
- Might not be suitable for dry skin
If you have oily skin, you know how tricky it can be to find a sunscreen that doesn’t make your skin feel like an oil slick. This sunscreen was formulated specifically with oily skin in mind. It’s a lightweight, fluid formula that hydrates skin but dries down into a satin-matte finish.
Key ingredients: pomegranate extract, goji extract, green tea, chamomile
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m loving this sunscreen moisturizer. It has not caused breakouts or an oily or thick feeling on my face. The texture is runny, like sunblock, which at first I thought was going to not do well under make up, but it has been great. I also like that it has a high SPF to prevent sun damage, which is critical for preventing premature age spots!”
Pros
- Stays on when swimming or sweating
Cons
- Some reviewers said the formula can pill
Sun Bum sunscreens are a summertime staple. Formulated with vitamin E and antioxidants, this sunscreen also moisturizes and conditions skin while it shields you from sun damage. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and reef-safe. Plus, it’s banana and coconut smell will transport your senses to a tropical location.
Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidants
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I swear by Sunbum for my beach sunscreen! This SPF 50 protects so well against the strong Florida sun and stays on when swimming in the ocean. It’s reef safe, too. It smells good and hydrates skin, and it’s easy to rub in like a lotion!”
Pros
- Smells like perfume
Cons
- The scent could irritate sensitive skin
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a nostalgic conversation piece, it doesn’t get much better than Vacation. Vacation sunscreens are exactly what you might imagine a lifeguard on Baywatch using to protect themselves from the sun. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and supremely hydrating, thanks to coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, vitamin E, and niacinamide. It’s also one of the few sunscreens on the market known for its scent, which was created in collaboration with Arquiste, a perfumer—the lotion smells like coconut, banana, pool water, and swimsuit lycra.
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, vitamin E, and niacinamide
Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this sunscreen more than any other that I have used over the years! The smell is what I love the most, followed by the consistency of the lotion. It’s not watery or too thick and it spreads on very easily. ”
Pros
- Doubles as a primer for makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers say it may sting if it gets in your eyes
Glowscreen is the perfect glow-boosting sunscreen formula to wear on a daily basis, since it also doubles as a grippy makeup primer. The formula has a pearly glow that doesn’t look too sparkly on skin. It’s also infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and tone skin.
Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidants
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 1.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’m not kidding, I never get more compliments on my skin than when I’m only wearing Glowscreen. It has great sun protection, and it evens out skin tone and makes you look unbelievably glowy. It’s my go-to for faux good skin when I’m in a rush.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Lasts through sweat and water
Cons
- May leave a yellow tinge
All La Roche-Posay products are formulated with the brand’s thermal spring water, a soothing water that’s chock-full of antioxidant-rich selenium. It’s also made with Cell-ox technology, which combines broad-spectrum sun protection with antioxidants for plenty of protection. Plus, it’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Key ingredients: Cell-ox technology, thermal spring water
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “When I trained for the marathon last year, I needed a sunscreen that could withstand pretty much everything for my 20 mile training runs. This sunscreen is it. It lasts through sweat, rain, and water. One thing to note: when you’re sweating a lot, it can turn a bit yellow-ish on skin.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes skin
Cons
- Some reviewers find it leaves a residue
This sunscreen is a TikTok favorite. It leaves no white cast and makes skin look glowy in a flash. It’s also infused with plenty of skin-friendly ingredients, like green tea to moisturize, sunflower seed oil to nourish, and cica to calm.
Key ingredient: Green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a new favorite. No white cast, no greasy feel, just light moisture that doesn't make my skin feel heavy or tacky. It goes on very smooth and makes your skin look moisturized without an over-the-top glow.”
Pros
- Stays on through sweat and water
Cons
- Some find it a bit oily
If you are planning to sweat a lot or spend a long time in water, this sunscreen is equipped to resist pretty much any activity you throw at it. It’s lightweight, water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, and formulated to be durable in harsh conditions.
Key ingredient: Vitamin E
Size: 7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I grew up hiking in Colorado—the sun is strong and you need to take sunscreen with you that can withstand high UV and sweat. This one has been my family’s go-to since I was a kid, and it’s never let us down.”—Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Meet the expert
Dr. Joshus Zeichner is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Why trust ELLE beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and tested products to find the best sunscreens on Amazon.
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