Best and Worst Sunscreens
Provided by Total Beauty
We all know it: Sunscreen is a must. Fun? Nah. But with these reader-approved products, maybe it won't seem like such a chore. We need an SPF "of at least 15 daily," says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY. Going to the beach? You need "a higher SPF (30 or above), and a water-resistant formula," she says -- preferably one containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, or mexoryl.
Make sure you apply enough, too. The average adult needs "a shot glass full of sunscreen" reapplied every hour or two you're outdoors.
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The Worst: No. 4: Eminence Sun Defense Minerals, $58
Avg. rating: 6
Why: This powder sunscreen caused one reader to "breakout with all these whiteheads everywhere." Others complain that it "is too orange" and "the brush bristles break off and shed" onto their faces.
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The Worst: No. 3: Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18, $30
Avg. rating: 5.5
Why: Although this claims to fade sun spots, readers say "I didn't really notice any kind of difference in my skin." They also didn't like the "thick and sticky" formula and hue, which "turns my skin yellowish and made me look like I was sick," one reader says.
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The Worst: No. 2: Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 15 Continuous Clear Spray, $10
Avg. rating: 5.3
Why: The biggest complaint: the spray "does not go on evenly." One reader says, "A bunch of us used this while on vacation at the beach, and we all burned in splotches and streaks."
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The Worst: No. 1: DDF DAILY MATTE SPF 15, $40
Avg. rating: 3.8
Why: Instead of the "flawless finish" the product claims, readers said it "seemed to clump." It also did "not help to control oil" and gave one reader an "ashy, sickly look." Others complained of increased breakouts.
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The Best: No. 6: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $12
Avg. rating: 9.3
Why: This sunscreen has added protection against insects, without DEET. Readers say "it worked great at preventing bug bites" and they "could definitely see the difference between the protected and unprotected areas of skin." They say it's "one of the best all-around products on the market."
Buy It
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The Best: No. 5: Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, $16.50
Avg. rating: 9.3
Why: Readers say this is the "best sunscreen to use under makeup by far." "It works great alone or as a base under makeup" and it "stays put and protects no matter what I'm doing!" readers say. They also like "that it's oil-free and doesn't clog" pores. It also gives one reader "a healthy protective glow."
Buy It
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The Best: No. 4: Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, $37.60
Avg. rating: 9.5
Why: Even though this has a high SPF, readers say they "actually forget that I'm wearing [it]" since their "skin is just smooth and wonderful." "It fully protected my skin from sun and I never have breakouts!" one reader says. It also "lasts a super-duper long time" and "works well as a moisturizer before applying your makeup."
Buy It
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The Best: No. 3: DDF Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30, $32
Avg. rating: 9.8
Why: One reader sums it up: "Goes on easily, lasts all day, doesn't get shiny, evens skin tone … while letting your skin come through." Others say they like "that it does not [have] that sunscreen smell" and that the "bottle lasts a good six months."
Buy It
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The Best: No. 2: Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant, $48
Avg. rating: 9.8
Why: Readers love the "sponges" in the formula "that absorb oil." They also appreciate "the texture and performance" and that it works well for even "very sensitive skin" without causing breakouts. "If I could only have one product on a desert island this would be it!" one reader says.
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The Best: No. 1: ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30, $85
Avg. rating: 9.9
Why: This sunscreen has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and readers say "it is the best sweat-proof sunscreen" they've ever used. Also, since it can act as a primer and has a slight tint, "it has replaced my sunscreen, my primer and my tinted-moisturizer!" one reader says. "It gives me great sun protection, is not at all greasy and evens my skin tone as well."
Buy It
Wait! There are 19 more top-rated sunblocks here.
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SoleoKen 11:29:08 AM May 15 2009
As someone that works for company that manufactures sunscreen, for $85 bucks there needs to be some amazing ingredients. Our sunscreen has amazing ingredients, is an EWG #1 ranked product, selected best sunscreen by Elle magazine, and only costs $19.99.Zinc is expensive, the single most expensive ingredient. I would caution people looking for a product to only select products that us zinc oxide for it's active ingredient. I think someone mentioned the CVS zinc sunscreen. But also Badger, SolarKeys, BurnOut, etc. Our product, Soleo, not only uses zinc as it's active ingredient, but the remaining ingredients are all organically sourced, antioxidant rich oils and extracts to create a very water resistant product. Check out the EWG's cosmeticdatabase.com for more information on effective/safe sunscreens.
Aliciatitus80 01:09:00 PM May 10 2009
I agree you guys, ridiculous research. I have read another research article, and the best overall sunscreen for the protection (not for the cosmetic appeal, scent, blah blah blah) is actually CVS brand sunscreen. As a sunworshipper, I can assure you, my dermotologist thanks me every time I come in to see her now. The sunblock specifically for faces is AMAZING, it contains zinc oxide. Another good one for everyday under your make-up is the skinceuticals line. Their daily self defense is AMAZING!! Take heart, there is a better (less expensive) sunscreen out there!
yeahitsstephh 12:59:35 PM May 10 2009
I agree with some of what others are saying. You guys really need to do some research on sunscreens that don't cost a fortune. I CANNOT afford $85 sunscreen. Currently I'm using bananna boat scentless, sweatproof, and waterproof spf30 sunscreen. I can even use it on my face because it's oil free and doesn't clog pores! It never leaves me with streaks and I always get an even tan. And here's the kicker...it's only 9 bucks!
M69PYRO 12:10:37 PM May 10 2009
Was this "research" done in Beverly Hills? How about doing some research that "most" of the population could actually afford to use.
grischm 11:43:57 AM May 10 2009
Who on earth spends $85 on sunscreen? Seriously AOL you can come up with better "research" front page stories!
itsmarebearduhh 11:21:27 AM May 10 2009
that's great and everything if you wanna spend $85 on sunscreen.
Tacomacoon 10:54:15 AM May 10 2009
I am always traveling to mexico and all over the world with my wife and kids. I always use a sunscreen with a high spf and I cant stand a greasy formula. It makes you feel sticky in the heat when you sweat and it is just uncomfortable. I tried some new sunscreen about two years ago called bullfrog and it rocks. my children love it when we go camping we use the one with mosquito repelent in it and its 100 percent safe for the kids.. Oh and by the way its water proof...
Whwi8223148 10:42:26 AM May 10 2009
I have fair skin and have seen a dermatologist twice yearly for the last 15 years for actinic keratosis on my arms and face. Over the years I have had a number of them tell me that one of the best sun screens was Oil of Olay with an SPF of 15. As a golfer, I am in the sun for up to 4 hours. I try to play mostly early in the day, although sometimes later in the day. My sun screen regimen has been quite effective.H. Wilcox
SeaWitch1313 10:05:51 AM May 10 2009
Type your own comment hereall of the sunscreen 30 are great for kids the fake tanning lotions are rediculous! I have fair skin w/freckles and all i've used in the last 25yrs is Ban De Soliel (sp?) #4 gel on vacation in the Bahamas in '84 I used one of the higher SPF's and i looked like a walking tornado the way it swirled it was aweful! While on a snorkeling cruise a Sweedish woman told me about BDS and said to get an even nice tan, to use it as early in the season as possible (March or April) and lay out for an hour a day bewteen 10-12. From June on all i needed was an hour from 10-11 I never burned, and got a nice tan I wont use anything else.
SeaWitch1313 10:05:43 AM May 10 2009
all of the sunscreen 30 are great for kids the fake tanning lotions are rediculous! I have fair skin w/freckles and all i've used in the last 25yrs is Ban De Soliel (sp?) #4 gel on vacation in the Bahamas in '84 I used one of the higher SPF's and i looked like a walking tornado the way it swirled it was aweful! While on a snorkeling cruise a Sweedish woman told me about BDS and said to get an even nice tan, to use it as early in the season as possible (March or April) and lay out for an hour a day bewteen 10-12. From June on all i needed was an hour from 10-11 I never burned, and got a nice tan I wont use anything else.
