The best sunscreens in 2022 according to a dermatologist

HELIOCARE Advanced Antioxidant Supplement with Nicotinamide

These pills act as a kind of sunscreen booster, helping protect you skin against damage from free radicals and UV rays. It contains nicotinamide, which was shown in a study to reduce the chance of skin developing certain kinds of cancer. While the packaging suggests two pills a day, Dr. Schlessinger recommends four pills a day in order to receive the same level of nicotinamide as was tested in the study.

At a glance:

• Not a sunscreen
• Helps boost the efficacy of your sunscreen
• Helps skin provide better protection against free radicals
• Gluten-free and vegan
• Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin b3 (prevents skin flushing, anti-inflammatory)

Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ - Non-Tinted

This sunscreen manages to use only mineral UV filters while remaining super lightweight. It protects against pollution and blue light in addition to the sun’s rays, and calms the appearance of redness.

At a glance:

• Soothes and calms with bisabolol and allantoin
• Niacinamide calms skin and helps even tone
• Features plant-based squalane to hydrate and soften skin
• Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
• Zinc oxide (12%)

EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

This sunscreen is in a stick formula that makes it easy to apply on the go. It’s mess-free, making it great for kids. It’s also all-mineral, water-resistant and compatible with all skin tones.

At a glance:

• Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Leaves no white cast
• Dye-, oil-, fragrance- and paraben-free
• 100% mineral formula
• Convenient and powerful sun protection
• Zinc oxide (22%)

TiZO Eye Renewal Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20

Made specifically for the eyes, this sunscreen can be used under, above and around them. While giving your skin sun protection, it also has a Multi-Peptide Complex that visibly smooths and firms skin. The fact that it’s all-mineral and made for the eyes makes this a rare find.

At a glance:

• Gentle zinc oxide (9%) UV filtering
• Designed for use under, above and around the eye area
• Calms puffiness with botanical blend and caffeine
• Transparent and doesn’t interfere with makeup

TiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Great for all skin types and tones, this mineral sunscreen goes on with a sheer, nearly invisible finish. It also moisturizes skin and is photostable, meaning it won’t degrade in sunlight.

At a glance:

• Best for use on normal to dry skin
• 100% mineral formula
• Antioxidants defend against free radical damage
• Hydrating and water-resistant
• Zinc-oxide (20%)

SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

This sunscreen provides protection while using tranexamic acid, niacinamide and phenylethyl resorcinol to address discoloration. Glycerin hydrates skin while mica provides an instant brightening effect.

At a glance:

• SkinCeuticals’ newest sunscreen
• 1% tranexamic acid for brightening
• Balances and brightens skin
• Offers broad-spectrum sun protection
• Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7.2%)

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

This fully physical sunscreen provides a transparent finish with a formula that also protects skin against heat-induced stress and free radical damage. It’s also lightweight and goes well under makeup.

At a glance:

• Creates a matte finish
• Safe for use on post-procedure skin
• Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Fragrance-free and paraben-free
• Zinc oxide (5%), titanium dioxide (6%)

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen

Perfect for anyone who breaks out easily, this sunscreen is available in both tinted and untinted formulas. Part of Dr. Schlessinger’s personal regimen, he notes that “you’ll see me with it if I’m ever out and about”.

At a glance:

• Calms sensitivity and irritation

• Oil-free

• Great for acne-prone skin

• Fragrance-free, paraben-free and oil-free formula

• Zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate

EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

Made with hyaluronic acid and squalane, this sunscreen hydrates while absorbing quickly and leaving no white cast.

At a glance:

• Water- and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Matte finish without leaving a white cast
• Quick-absorbing hydration with hyaluronic acid and squalane
• Provides antioxidant benefits with vitamin C
• Zinc Oxide (15%), octocrylene (10%)

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total protection Brush-On Shield

This is Dr. Schlessinger’ favorite brush on sunscreen. It’s great for keeping up sun protection throughout the day, goes on nicely over makeup and is available in six different shades.

At a glance:

• 100% mineral formula
• Protects against UV rays, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation
• Water- and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes
• Non-comedogenic
• Zinc oxide (22.5%), titanium dioxide (2.5%)

Revision Skincare Intellishade Clear SPF 50

This is a four-in-one multitasker moisturizes dryness, brightens skin tone, corrects imperfections and protects against sun damage. Dr. Schlessinger says “my wife Nancy would not let me go without saying how great this is and how much she loves it.”

At a glance:

• Formerly known as Revision Skincare Multi-Protection Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
• Anti-aging moisturizer plus sunscreen
• Clear, untinted formula
• Octinoxate (7.5%), octisalate (4%), avobenzone (3%), homosalate (3%)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct SPF 70 Sunscreen with Niacinamide

One of La Roche-Posay’s newer products, this sunscreen effortlessly blends into any skin tone with a sheer finish. Cellox-B3 Shield® technology combines UV filters with antioxidants to defend against damage from the sun and environmental stress.

At a glance:

• Offers a sheer finish
• Visibly improves uneven tone, fine lines and rough texture
• Formulated with antioxidants and niacinamide
• Lightweight, non-greasy coverage
• Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Pairing the power of a moisturizer with UV protection, this hydrating product goes on well by itself or under makeup with a 100% mineral formula.

At a glance:

• Leaves skin feeling soft, soothed and hydrated
• Provides twelve hours of hydration
• Contains antioxidant-rich Senna alata
• Glycerin softens dry skin
• Titanium dioxide (5.5%) and zinc oxide (10%)