18 Sunscreens You’ll *Actually* Want To Wear Every Day

Ready for a sun-soaked summer? At home or away, SPF is a must. While slathering on sunscreen every day can feel like a chore, soaking up the sun—even on short outings or through a window—can lead to serious issues, from sunburn and premature signs of aging to skin cancer.

“Sunscreen has come a long way in the past 20 years,” says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto. A slate of new textures and formulas—including gels, sprays and even face mists—ensures you’ll find an option that feels great on your skin.

What to look for in a sunscreen

The sun emits two types of potentially harmful UV rays, both of which can cause skin cancer: UVBs, which are responsible for sunburns, and UVAs, which penetrate deeper and cause visible signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. The best way to protect yourself? A broad-spectrum SPF that shields against both.

Yadav recommends looking for a broad-spectrum formula of at least SPF 30, which blocks about 97 percent of the sun’s rays. (SPF 50 blocks just one percent more—not a huge difference.) “There is no formula that will block 100 percent of UVA and UVB,” she says. Other factors to consider include water resistance, texture, format and the type of filter you want to use: chemical or mineral.

Chemical filters work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it to heat, while mineral sunscreen acts as a shield and deflects UV rays off the skin. Both are safe and highly effective. “What’s most important,” says Yadav, “is selecting a formula that you enjoy using.”

To get maximum protection, you also need to make sure you apply enough product—as a rule, you need one teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck and about two tablespoons for your body.

Whether you're looking for a lightweight, everyday option or a quick solution for on-the-go touch-ups, these broad-spectrum sunscreens have textures so luxurious that you'll actually want to wear them.

The best sunscreens for face

Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $54

This silky mineral formula—the brand’s first sunscreen—boasts a cooling serum-like texture and all-day mattifying properties. It comes in two shades, designed to blend in with most skin tones to counteract zinc oxide’s natural white cast. 

SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50, $62

If you’re battling sensitive skin, redness or rosacea, this gentle sunscreen should be on your radar. The formula features peptides and glycerin to calm and hydrate irritated skin, and also makes use of both mineral and chemical filters for a texture that’s lightweight, easy to apply and comfortable to wear all day. 

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+, $70

Formulated to target signs of past sun damage—like dark spots, redness and fine lines—while protecting skin, this lightweight chemical sunscreen also contains ectoin and vitamin E to hydrate deeply. 

Paula’s Choice C5 Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50, $64

Vitamin C is a key antioxidant when it comes to fighting sun damage. This sunscreen, which boasts five percent vitamin C, also functions as a serum. It levels up your protection against UV rays, helps brighten hyperpigmentation and even moisturizes skin.

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen, $52

With ceramides, shea butter and an antioxidant complex that contains vitamin E, vitamin C and ectoin, this lightweight mineral sunscreen is both hydrating and gentle enough for sensitive skin types. 

Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, $52

Available in both mattifying and hydrating finishes, this fragrance-free, antioxidants-rich formula is ideal for sensitive skin types. 

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 30, $15

A bestseller in Japan, the Bioré Aqua Rich UV Weightless Moisturizer—which comes in SPF 30 or 50—has been reformulated with Health Canada-approved chemical filters. Good news: It hasn’t lost its signature lotion-like texture, and dry skin types will love the extra boost of hydration. 

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 50+, $43

Nostalgic for Push Pops? You'll love this jelly-like sunscreen stick. It’s powered by chemical filters, meaning it goes on clear and can tackle mirrorless touch-ups on the go.

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Ultra Fluid Face Sunscreen, $36

This beloved lightweight fluid contains chemical filters that absorb quickly without leaving a greasy or chalky residue behind, so you can apply makeup on top right away.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Daily UV Fluid Invisible SPF 50, $18

Available in both dewy and invisible finishes, this drugstore pick is infused with vitamin C to protect skin and promote a brighter complexion in one easy step. 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100, $16

Neutrogena’s cult favourite SPF—which features its dry-touch technology for a non-sticky, mess-free application—is now available in a formula that delivers impressive protection: SPF 100, to be exact. 

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Everyday Sunscreen Face Mist, $22

Self-tan brand Bondi Sands hails from sunny Australia, so it’s no surprise that they’ve perfected SPF, too. Ideal for on-the-go reapplication, this fragrance-free face mist gives smooth and even coverage without messing up your makeup.

Vivier Sheer SPF 45, $90

Montreal-based brand Vivier is known for its luxurious textures, and this sunscreen is no exception. This formula is the best of both worlds—it contains a mix of mineral and chemical filters for a beautiful demi-matte finish that wears well under makeup.

The best sunscreens for body

Eucerin Complete Hydration SPF 50 Body Sunscreen Spray, $21

Spray SPFs are perfect for hitting often-missed spots, like the back of the legs or neck. This fragrance-free formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and antioxidants for extra protection. 

Avène Face & Body Spray SPF 50+, $40

Gentle enough for both face and body, this SPF feels invisible and can be applied in seconds with minimal rubbing thanks to the spray nozzle. 

Clé de Peau UV Protective Emulsion for Body SPF 60, $155

It’s a splurge, but this lightweight lotion is exactly the kind of SPF you’ll want to slather on everyday. It feels more like a luxurious body cream than sun protection, down to its floral scent and silky texture.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Eco-Lotion SPF 50+ Body Sunscreen, $37

Now available in an eco-friendlier cardboard tube, this fragrance-free sunscreen is backed by dermatologists and formulated for sensitive skin. The creamy texture is easy to apply and dries down a dry, non-greasy finish.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $23

Applying sunscreen is a chore, but this gentle spray-on mineral formula makes it much easier to cover hard-to-reach areas. It goes on clear and is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.