Best Sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer the best protection

Experts say that although some companies are still producing sunscreens without UVA protection, it is now easy to find an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. Manufacturers and consumers alike are becoming more aware of the potential dangers of UVA rays. Sunscreens are also becoming more lightweight and less goopy.

Experts and consumers alike say that the lightweight Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch (*Est. $9 for 3 ounces) is the best sunscreen overall. It provides broad-spectrum protection and is available in SPF 30, 45, 55, 70 and 85 formulations. The SPF 55 formula is reviewed most often, but the SPF 30 and 45 receive similar ratings in reviews. Many complain that the SPF 70 formulation is too thick and heavy. One expert claims that an SPF of 70, and especially 85, is a lot for the skin to handle and provides about 24 hours of protection, which is not necessary. Both formulas do, however, include Helioplex (as does the SPF 55), which may give consumers better peace of mind. The SPF 30 and 45 formulas don't contain Helioplex, but experts say that the UVA protection is still adequate. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com show a slight preference for these formulas because they are lightweight and don't leave any residue. Still, we chose to place the SPF 55 sunscreen in the ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section because it provides longer protection and is reviewed most often.

It should be noted that both Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30 and SPF 45 sunscreens contain antioxidants, while the higher SPF formulations do not. Studies show that antioxidants are especially effective at protecting against sun damage when combined with sunscreen.

The drawback to the highly rated Neutrogena sunscreen is its cost of about $3 per ounce, making it a very expensive choice for families who go through gallons of the stuff each summer. One highly rated alternative is the less costly No-Ad Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 (*Est. $10 for 16 ounces). Although it is not reviewed as often, No-Ad is an excellent, water-resistant sunscreen that contains avobenzone and oxybenzone for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. Aloe is also one of the ingredients. Aloe is known to be a soothing water-binding agent that draws water to the skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

It's important to note that issues like the texture or smell of a sunblock can be extremely subjective: What might feel nice to one person could potentially not feel very good at all to another person. That means you might have to try a few sunscreens before you find one that's both effective and feels good to you.

We found good reviews for Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. This doesn't contain avobenzone, but does contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Neither of these ingredients is actually absorbed into the skin. Rather, they are physical barriers against broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays, and reviews say they work just as well as avobenzone and other chemical sunscreens. This type of sunscreen is usually thicker and harder to rub in, but since it contains fewer chemicals, those with sensitive skin may prefer it. Blue Lizard Suncream SPF 30+ (*Est. $12 for 5 ounces) gets nice comments from users who say they found this formula less irritating and like the smell. It does contain some chemical sunscreens, but not avobenzone. Zinc oxide is the active UVA sunblock.

On the other end of the price spectrum, we found good reviews for DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection SPF 30 (*Est. $32 for 4 ounces). Paula Begoun says that it "goes beyond the basics" with its inclusion of several antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E, green tea and grape seed extract. Editors at 3Luxe.com claim that the sunscreen absorbs quickly and "leaves a dry and delicate soft feel to your skin -- without the shine." Reviews posted at Drugstore.com praise the non-greasy feel of Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection, but a handful claim that it doesn't blend well into the skin and isn't good under makeup. The sunscreen includes titanium dioxide to block UVA rays.

Sport sunscreens and spray formulas

Sport-formula sunscreens are more water-repellent to resist sweat. Banana Boat Sport Performance Dri-Blok Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 (*Est. $9 for 6 ounces) has avobenzone (2.5 percent) and oxybenzone (4 percent) for complete UVA and UVB protection. The manufacturer says that it "goes on like a lotion, but dries like a powder," allowing users to maintain a good grip. Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com agree, saying that the Banana Boat sunscreen lotion is very lightweight and dries to a matte finish. The Dri-Blok formula is also available in a spray (*est. $10 for 6 ounces), which Paula Begoun says in her report "Recession-Proof Beauty" is one of the best inexpensive sunscreen products. The sport formula, it should be noted, is identical to the Kid's Dri-Blok SPF 30 Lotion (*Est. $9 for 6 ounces).

Spray-on sunscreens are fairly new to the market. Sunscreen sprays are convenient, since you don't have to rub them in. However, you lose a fair amount of product into the air, and you can't spray them on your face. Many of them also contain alcohol, which can be drying and irritating for skin of all types. One exception is Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Sunscreen Spray Lotion SPF 55 (*Est. $16 for 4 ounces). It is a very water-resistant, fragrance-free formula that can be worn on the face and the body. It receives a high rating at MakeupAlley.com, where users are delighted with the lightweight texture that dries to a matte finish. Many are also impressed by the level of included antioxidants -- vitamins A and E. The active ingredients include 3 percent avobenzone.

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you might prefer a sunscreen that is chemical- and fragrance-free. SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense (*Est. $36 for 3 ounces) uses 5 percent zinc oxide and 10 percent titanium dioxide. It may, however, be too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The manufacturer recommends daily use of this sunscreen on the face, neck and chest. It is also perfectly safe for the body, but for the price, consumers may prefer to use it solely on the face. That's because experts recommend that adults use one ounce of sunscreen for full body coverage and that it be reapplied every two hours. This formula is also very expensive.

Reviews are great for Blue Lizard Sensitive (*Est. $12 for 5 ounces) which also uses zinc oxide (10 percent) and titanium dioxide (5 percent) to block broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. It is chemical- and fragrance-free and costs much less than the SkinCeuticals formula. Because this sunscreen is thick and creamy, users say it takes a while to rub in. Some people don't like zinc-oxide formulas because they can leave a whitish film on your skin, but users say that Blue Lizard blends in better than most in this respect. Keep in mind that Blue Lizard also sells a sunscreen for babies that is identical to the Sensitive formula. The only difference is the label and the color of the bottle cap. One interesting feature of Blue Lizard sunscreen bottles and tube caps is that they turn blue in ultraviolet light, warning you to apply sunscreen.