The best dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for 2024 (and the ones they use themselves!)

SPF: 70 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Lotion | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone

Experts agree that most people don't apply enough sunblock — 1.5 ounces for most adults — so a high SPF option can act "like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection possible," Dr. Zeichner said. 

“This sunscreen has been clinically tested and shown to give better sunburn protection compared to sunscreens with lower SPFs,” Zeichner continued. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is lightweight, fast-absorbing and has a non-greasy, matte finish that can be used all over the body.

SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Fluid lotion | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide

Whether you're looking for a sunscreen for that's kid and baby safe, or want something free of chemicals for your sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are the way to go. Dr. Magovern recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen because of it includes both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. 

As for whether chemical or mineral sunscreens are better, experts say it can be a matter of personal preference and your skin's unique needs. "Personally, I prefer mineral-based sunscreen because I like the idea of less absorption of chemicals," Dr. Magovern said. "I'm happy if people just find a sunscreen that they enjoy to use and use it regularly."

SPF: 70 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Spray | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

Sometimes spray sunscreen is the most convenient option, especially if you're in a hurry and need something that's easy to apply. Dr. de Moll herself uses Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen when she's in a hurry and needs something that's quick and easy.

"I'm a big believer in using what you like! I feel like patients hate to tell me that they use spray sunscreen, but honestly — you're way more likely to use what you like — and that counts for a whole lot more."

SPF: 30 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Spray | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide

For kids and babies, you'll want to reach for a mineral spray sunscreen like Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Sunscreen Spray, which is made with zinc oxide. 

All of the experts we spoke with recommended reaching for mineral sunscreens for children because they're made with physical sun blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation in little ones.

In general, sunscreen is recommended for all children ages six months and older; younger than six months should not be in direct sun exposure. 

SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Stick | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide

For little ones, a sunscreen stick might be easier to apply than sunscreen lotion or spray. Dr. de Moll uses Babo Botanicals Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick on her own kids. "My toddler loves to get involved using it." 

Experts recommend mineral sunscreens for use on kids as the ingredients are less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. "Not all sunscreens that are advertised for kids are mineral sunscreen, so this is something to pay particular attention to," Dr. de Moll said.

SPF: 40 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Tinted fluid lotion | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide

Dr. Magovern uses Natura Bissé Diamond Luminous UV Defense Light Tinted Fluid in her daily skin care routine. 

What makes it unique is that it doubles as both SPF and everyday anti-aging skin care. Age-defying ingredients rejuvenate the skin to lessen dark spots, lines and wrinkles. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect your skin from the full spectrum of the sun's harmful rays. It also includes just a touch of color to blur imperfections and smooth the complexion.

SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Tinted lotion | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide

This is another tinted sunscreen recommendation by Dr. Magovern, but this one will make a smaller dent in your wallet. EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum can triple as sunscreen, skin care and a skin tint, which makes it a particularly smart choice for those who want an easy skin care routine that doesn't require much thought or effort. Plus, it's an easy way to ensure you wear sunscreen each and every day.

"I recommend wearing sunscreen to your face and neck daily as part of your daily routine to help prevent premature aging and skin cancers on the face," Dr. Magovern said. "If you are going to be in direct sun and have a chance of sunburn, I recommend applying it to all exposed areas as well."

SPF: 46 | Broad spectrum: Broad spectrum | Type of applicator: Lotion | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Both | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, Octinoxate

Anyone who's lived with acne knows that thick sunscreens can often exacerbate already sensitive skin. To help, Dr. Yoram Harth, dermatologist and Medical Director of MDacne, offer a few key tips. "Look for chemical sunscreens with ingredients like Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Avobenzone in a light, clear, oil-free base. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and phthalates, which can worsen acne."

Two experts we spoke with — Dr. de Moll and Dr. Magovern — recommend EltaMD UV Clear for those with oily, acne-prone skin because of its lightweight, oil-free formula that won't clog pores. It's formulated with niacinamide, a known ingredient for soothing irritated, red skin and restoring suppleness. 

SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Lotion | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

If oily skin is your main concern, beauty expert and melanoma survivor Kerry Spindler offers a few pointers to follow. "Look for sunscreens that have a matte finish to help control excess shine throughout the day," she said. "Additionally, sunscreens with ingredients like silica or dimethicone can help to mattify the skin and control oil production."

Dr. de Moll recommends Eucerin Clear Skin Sunscreen to many of her acne patients for this very reason. It contains oil-absorbing minerals like silica and silica dimethyl silylate which work to smooth the skin while regulating oil and sebum on the surface.

SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Lotion | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide

This mineral sunscreen is amped up with 11% zinc oxide for superior protection and it's packed with sun damage-healing ingredients to help protect against further damage and repair skin from the inside out.

The name may be a mouthful, but Dr. Goldenberg swears by this one. He especially recommends it for patients who have known sun damage. Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica is lightweight, won’t leave your skin feeling greasy and has UVA/UVB protection. It also has DNA repairsomes and vitamin E to help fight UVA-induced skin damage.

SPF: 60 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Lotion | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

This high-SPF, oil-free sunscreen won't clog pores, and it contains oatmeal — a nourishing ingredient — that helps repair and moisturize the skin's outer layer.

Zeichner likes Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate sunscreen for a few reasons. “Besides offering broad spectrum sun protection, it delivers a little oatmeal to repair and hydrate the outer skin layer,” he says. “We know that UV light can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to dryness and irritation.” The sunscreen is fast-absorbing, oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it won't clog your pores. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

SPF: 30 | Broad spectrum: No | Type of applicator: Cream | Water resistance: No | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Octocrylene

In our guide to building a skin care routine in your 60s, experts told us that aging skin becomes dry and dehydrated, which is why most anti-aging products contain moisture-boosting ingredients. Dr. Magovern said the same is true when it comes to buying sunscreens for mature skin.

"For aging, mature skin, I recommend SPFs that are formulated with ingredients that hydrate and plump the skin," she said. " ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is a great option, as it not only has UV protection, but it also boosts the skin's hydration levels with antioxidant-rich botanical and marine extracts."

This particular SPF cream is made with marine collagen that reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to improve the look of firmness and elasticity. 

That said, this is the only sunscreen on our list that does not provide broad spectrum sun protection.

SPF: 30 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Lip balm | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene

Dermatologists agree that sunscreen for less obvious areas — like the lips and scalp — is a crucial part of overall suncare protection. Dr. de Moll reaches Coola's Liplux Lip Balm for her lips when she wants extra protection. 

Dr. Chacon advises thinking of lip and scalp protection as an addition to your sun protection routine. "These products should not replace sunscreen but rather be used in conjunction with it for comprehensive sun protection," she said.

Coola's Liplux Lip Balm is made with hydrating ingredients like carnauba wax and raspberry butter to give lips a natural gloss, increased suppleness and to tackle wrinkles.

SPF: 30 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Type of applicator: Scalp mist | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Chemical | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

Dr. Magovern is also a fan of SPF products for the lips and scalp. "We also see a lot of skin cancer on the scalp, in particular in the hairline and part, where cumulative sun damage occurs," Magovern said. 

Using a minimum SPF 30 product for the scalp and hairline, such as Sun Bum's Scalp and Hair Mist Sunscreen can boost your overall sun care protection. It's a lightweight, fast-drying hair mist that won't leave your hair weighted down or greasy. It's even non-comedogenic and lightweight enough to spritz on your face for an added boost of protection, too.