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Get the best sunscreen money can buy!
Quality sunscreen shouldn’t cost a fortune (or disappoint). That’s why we’ve rounded up the top picks, all vetted by our team and trusted readers!
Here are the top sunscreens to buy – starting at just $5!
- Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen – Best overall
- Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – Best value
- Trader Joe’s Spray Sunscreen – Best spray sunscreen
- All Good Tinted Sunscreen Butter – Best natural sunscreen
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen – Most popular
- Haruharu Wonder Sunscreen – Best Korean sunscreen
- Supergoop Mineral Matte Sunscreen – Most splurge-worthy
- Black Girl Sunscreen OR Neutrogena Clear Face – Best for face
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint – Best tinted
- Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow – TRENDING!
- EltaMD Clear Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – Best derm–recommended
Important reminder:
Always use your sunscreens as directed to help prevent premature skin aging and risk of skin cancers. According to SkinCancer.org, you should apply sunscreen every day, apply 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours.
Hip Tip: SPF Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with FSA, HSA, and HRA accounts. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF15+ protection (and above) is FSA and HSA eligible! And to make shopping for these products even easier, Amazon now has an FSA & HSA Store!
Without further ado, choose the sunscreen that works for you!
1. Trusted by our team and beloved by readers, Blue Lizard remains a top performer year after year.
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen $14.98 (regularly $18.99) – NEW look!
Clip the 15% off digital coupon
Opt to Subscribe & Save (up to 5% off + free shipping for Prime members)
Final cost $12.73 shipped OR $10.48 shipped!
*Note that unlike typical Subscribe & Save orders, no additional discount will be given unless you have five or more subscriptions.
Voted #1 by the majority of our FB readers! Here are just a few of their reviews…
As someone who has extremely sensitive skin and burns easily, I love Blue Lizard. It works great and without any harmful chemicals. 🦎 I wish I would have discovered it when I was younger. – Hip Reader, Misty D.
Blue Lizard and will never change. It works for my son who is sensitive to everything and it’s never failed us. – Hip Reader, Shelley P.
2. Want sun protection that works and fits your budget? Equate is a go-to, and you can snag it on your next Walmart run!
Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Only $5.48!
*Walmart+ members! Add this to your next grocery delivery!
See why Collin & other team members LOVE Walmart+ even more than Prime! 😱
3 . This best spray sunscreen has become so popular, it’s now on Amazon!
As if we could love Trader Joe’s even more. 😍 Their sunscreen provides UVA & UVB protection, contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and coconut oil, and it’s water-resistant!
4. Stay all good in the sun when you grab this toxic-free sunscreen (Psst! Clean expert, Sara, approves!)
We love that this comes in a recyclable tin and a little bit goes a long way – one reviewer stated it lasted her 8 months with daily use. 😱 This sunscreen is completely odorless, lightweight, hydrating (but not greasy), water resistant for 80 minutes, and provides 50 SPF. More importantly, it’s completely safe for your body and certified reef-safe!
Make these 5 easy clean skincare swaps while you’re at it!
5. Readers & sunscreen expert, Paige, always go for Sun Bum.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion as low as $16.13 (reg. $18.49)
Opt to Subscribe & Save (5-15% off + free shipping for Prime members)
Final cost $15.32 shipped OR $13.71 shipped (5% off)!
*Note that unlike typical Subscribe & Save orders, no additional discount will be given unless you have five or more subscriptions.
6. Korean sunscreen is making a name for itself, and this is Hip Sidekick, Cass’ top pick.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Daily Sunscreen $14.30 (reg. $16.90)
Opt Subscribe & Save (up to 5% off + free shipping with Prime)
Final cost $14.30 shipped OR $13.58 shipped (5% off)!
And over 2,000+ reviewers agree with Cass…
“I’ve always preferred Korean sunscreens because in my experience, they tend to be lightweight, sit well under makeup, don’t leave a white cast, and won’t dry out my skin or cause burning like some well-known brands can. My husband, who has eczema and super reactive skin, tends to like them better as well.” – Cass, Hip Sidekick
7. Don’t mess around with sun care—Supergoop makes it feel like self-care.
Supergoop! Unseen SPF40 Sunscreen
Only $38 shipped!
Once you try this super-powered sunscreen, you won’t go back! It has makeup–gripping power and goes on like a lightweight primer, plus it has shine control and leaves a velvety finish on the skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and helps filter blue light from your devices as well as UVA/ UVB rays! It works well for the guys, even with beards, as it has a clear finish that feels like nothing!
My FAVVVV is the Mineral Matte Screen from Supergoop. I am horrifically picky about that “sunscreen smell” most products have. This doesn’t have that smell, which makes me 50x more likely to put it on. Plus, it has the same skin-smoothing effect as Benefit’s pore-fessional primer (loooove that). This is my holy grail sunscreen, and all the things I love about it justify the price for me! Note: (but I especially love it when it’s on sale or I can get a “bang for my buck” when it’s in a travel set) – Hip Sidekick, Madison
Supergoop for my face and Blue Lizard for body and kids ❤️❤️ sunscreen is a must in our household. – Hip Reader, Michelle C.
Super Goop is the best! It’s pricey but not chemical ridden, so you get what you pay for. – Hip Reader, Christie L.
8. Protect your beautiful skin shade with these sunscreens.
Best for darker skin:
Black Girl Sunscreen – $15.99
Best for lighter skin:
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen $10.88 (regularly $15.49)
Opt to Subscribe & Save (5-15% off + free shipping Prime members)
Final cost $10.88 shipped OR $10.34 shipped (5% off)!
This is my go-to absolute favorite daily face one (I try a bunch and always go back to it. Great natural glowy finish and works well under makeup) – Monica
9. Makeup + sun protection? This luxury pick does both—no extra steps needed!.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint $48 – over 30 shades!
Shipping is free for Sephora members
Final cost $48 shipped!
Allure 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner & the holy grail for many of our team members!
10. This sun shield is trending hard—don’t miss out!
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow $42
Subscribe & Save for 10% off
Final cost $37.80 shipped!
No white cast! It’s made with nourishing and pearlescent minerals that give the skin a radiant glow.
Best. Summer. Decision. Ever. I went with the trial size as I was skeptical that this would provide any sun protection, but after using it 3-4 times outside at the park, pool, and more, I am hooked! And I haven’t been sunburned yet. This is the PRETTIEST sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all! – Hip Sidekick, Chelsey
11. Looking for the #1 dermatologist-recommended pick?
EltaMD Clear Broad Spectrum Sunscreen $40
Clip the 15% off digital coupon
Opt to Subscribe & Save (up to 5% off + free shipping)
Final cost $34 shipped OR $30 shipped (5% off)!
*Bonus, this size is TSA-approved so you can throw it in your travel bag as-is!
What are the factors to consider in choosing the best sunscreen?
Not all sunscreen is created equal. The EWG reports that only 1 in 4 products meets their strict sunscreen standards, so you may consider being a little bit more picky about yours.
According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, a quality sunscreen should achieve the following:
- Offer broad-spectrum protection. The sun contains both UVA and UVB rays and both can cause skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both.
- Contain at least SPF 30 – this amount will block up to 97% of the sun’s rays.
- Should NOT be past their expiration date. Sunscreen typically retains its original strength for up to 3 years.
- Consider chemical vs. mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are typically more lightweight, but absorb the sun’s rays and change their chemical structure to decrease sun damage. Mineral sunscreens have a thicker texture, but reflect the sun rays, so they provide a physical separation between your skin and the sun.
Keep in mind that the only sun protectant you need is the one that works best for you!
How much sunscreen should you be applying?
If you buy sunscreen only once during the summer, you may not be applying adequate sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that most adults need at least 1oz (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover their entire body.
Keeping in mind that most sunscreens need to be reapplied every 60-80 minutes, if you are at a lake or beach for just 4 hours, you might end up using half of an 8oz. bottle. ☀️
What’s your favorite sunscreen brand to use? We love learning about new ones!
Pack these clever beach hacks along with your sunscreen!
Shipping Info
Amazon
Get free shipping on most $35 orders OR snag free 2-day shipping on ANY size order with Amazon Prime (you can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here).
Note your Amazon shipping selection may default to non-Prime shipping, so be sure to double-check your shipping options before checking out.
Prime members also score Free One-Day Shipping on millions of products! Check out even more of the best Amazon Prime benefits here!
Ulta
Shipping is free on orders over $35 or starts at $5.95. Or, opt for free in-store or curbside pickup.
Walmart
Walmart+ members score free shipping with no minimum on most orders! Otherwise, you can snag free shipping on any eligible $35+ order. Or pay $6.99 for in-store pickup or shipping for orders under $35.
