Why it’s great: I never travel without my giant refill of Supergoop’s Play sunscreen in tow; sure, I love having the smaller sizes on hand too, but this bag covers all our SPF needs, head to toe, whenever we hit the beach or have a day of in a new city. Supergoop’s entire range of sunscreen products is one of the best options in the United States, and could compete with the many of the options overseas where there are more updated sun filters like Tinosorb and Uvinul. This product, in particular, is the brand’s most universal, given its full-body wear, lightweight application, and 80-minute water resistance.
The Best Mineral SPF Moisturizer: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
Formula: Mineral (19% Zinc Oxide)| Key active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid for hydration retention and Vitamin E for nourishment. | Water resistant? Not formally tested for it. | Size(s): 1.7 fl. oz.
Why it’s great: Grown Alchemist is experiencing a steady ascension to household-name status and products like this terrific mineral facial moisturizer are to credit. Not only does it provide high zinc oxide defenses that blend easily, but it wears every bit as lightweight as a moisturizer. I’ve been able to use it as a reliable layer beneath concealer, too, And, if you value things like vegan formulas, reef-safe recipes, and fully natural ingredients, then here is a perfect pick for you. It does take an extra 15 seconds to blend in (given that high mineral concentration), but chalky it is not.
The Best Chemical SPF Moisturizer: Cardon SPF 30 Moisturizer
Formula: Chemical (Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate) | Key active ingredients: Cactus extract soothes and hydrates skin; turmeric provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial abilities, while chia seed extract provides oger-3-powered defense. | Water resistant? Not formally tested for it. | Size(s): 1.2 fl. Oz.
Why it’s great: Cardon’s core products are the perfect baseline regimen for most men (see: my praise for them in these posts about gel moisturizer and clay face wash). This SPF moisturizer combines two imperative morning skin care steps into one with a pocket-size product that travels easily and lasts much longer than you’d expect. Its anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and antioxidant ingredients make it a superb moisturizer, but the inclusion of chemical UV defenses rounds it out for minimalists who want to wear a product that does it all.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Athletes: Vertra Clear Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 45
Formula: Mineral (Zinc Oxide 22%) | Key active ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, sunflower seed wax, and cocoa seed butter provide a nourishing and fortifying base. | Water resistant? 80 minutes | Size(s): 0.39 oz.
Why it’s great: Verta’s name is synonymous with active, outdoorsy, high-sweat lifestyles, which is why I trust them foremost when I find myself at high altitudes or outside for long stretches of time. It’s TSA-friendly, has 80-minute water resistance, and given its 22 percent zinc oxide concentration, it has a clear application. While I prefer the clear-wear option for sweating in the sun, the brand also has various tinted renditions of the product, should you want to use it as a daily sunscreen that blends cleanly into your skin.
Different Types of Sunscreens, Explained (To Help You Shop for the Best SPF)
Mineral SPF Versus Chemical SPF
This is one of the first things to consider when shopping for sunscreen. Do you want it to use chemical UV filters, or mineral ones? The difference could impact how it feels on skin, and how it applies.
