The Best Sunscreens
We compared four sunscreens based on owner ratings and reviews, and found the Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray to be the best balance of protection, ease of use, and price.
Updated
The bottom line
The Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is our top pick for its high owner satisfaction, strong protection, and ease of use. It provides broad-spectrum protection, is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a close second, especially for those with sensitive skin, but some users report a white cast. The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen is a budget-friendly option with a pleasant texture and scent, though it provides SPF 30 instead of 50. The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen is also a good choice for those looking for a spray option with SPF 30 protection.
Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray $12.49
Best balance of protection and ease of use
Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray provides strong UVA/UVB protection, is water and sweat resistant up to 80 minutes, and has a non-greasy, lightweight formula. It is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate and has a high user satisfaction with a 4.8/5 rating. The tradeoff is its lower SPF compared to Blue Lizard, but for most users, the ease of use and protection make it the best choice. Priced at $12.49 for a two-pack, it offers good value.
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Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion $15.48
Best for sensitive skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is designed for sensitive skin, providing broad-spectrum protection and hydration. It is hypoallergenic, reef-friendly, and water-resistant. However, some users report a noticeable white cast. Priced at $15.48, it is slightly more expensive but offers higher SPF protection.
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Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen $8.37
Best budget option with pleasant texture
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with an oil-free, non-greasy feel. It contains vitamins C & E and is free of oxybenzone. Priced at $8.37, it is the most affordable option but offers lower SPF protection.
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- Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Best balance of protection, ease of use, and price. 9.0/10 $12.49 Amazon
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion Best for sensitive skin, but watch for white cast. 8.0/10 $15.48 Amazon
- Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen Best budget option with pleasant texture, but lower SPF. 7.0/10 $8.37 Amazon
- Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Good spray option with SPF 30, but less owner data. 6.0/10 $12.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
Users of the Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray appreciate its ease of application and long-lasting protection. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, while slightly more cumbersome to apply, is favored by those with sensitive skin for its gentle formulation. The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen is praised for its pleasant texture and scent, making it a favorite for everyday use. The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen, though less reviewed, provides a spray option for those preferring a lighter application.
What owners complain about after buying
The most common complaint across all products is the white cast left by mineral-based sunscreens, particularly noted with the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion. Some users also mention the thickness of certain formulations, though this is often outweighed by the positives of effective protection and hydration.