Blog Post Title One
What is your favorite sunscreen?
fter many years of the EltaMD UV Clear reigning supreme, it has been dethroned by the brand’s tinted formula (not a major departure, I know). The tinted version has the same ingredients as the beloved clear but with some additional pigment, which makes it a better option for deeper skin (though if you have very deep skin, I would recommend patch-testing before slathering it all over). I like that it has a silky, lightweight feel and disappears after rubbing it in for a few moments. And once on, my skin feels a bit more hydrated, complementing my moisturizer. I’m also a fan of the ingredients list. The EltaMD utilizes both chemical and physical SPF, so you get the silky feel that’s often associated with chemical SPF along with the physical SPF, which, in addition to blocking a wide range of UV rays, also helps with hyperpigmentation. It also contains additional antioxidants and niacinamide, a vitamin-B3 derivate with anti-inflammatory properties that can help with breakouts. Beyond being my best-overall pick, it’s also a hit with dermatologists. Dr. Marnie Nussbaum likes it so much she wears it every day. Dr. Patricia Wexler of Wexler Dermatology says her patients love it because it doesn’t feel greasy like traditional sunscreen. In addition to being fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, EltaMD’s sunscreen is especially effective because it’s rich in antioxidants that help protect against skin-damaging free radicals, Wexler says. Dr. Jennifer MacGregor of Union Square Laser Dermatology appreciates that it’s “lightweight and oil-free, so it won’t clog pores,” and Dr. Dendy Engelman of Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue points out that the formula contains “lactic acid, which will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum buildup,” keeping breakouts at bay. It should be noted, though, that because of the octinoxate, this one isn’t reef-safe, so while it might be great as an everyday option, I would switch to something reef friendly if you’re swimming in the ocean.
Best less expensive sunscreen
Best sunscreen for reapplication
Best compact-powder sunscreen
SkinBetter SunBetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
If you prefer compact-powder makeup, there is this one from SkinBetter. It’s a 100 percent mineral foundation with UVA and UVB protection that’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It also has an SPF of 68, making it the highest on this list. We’ve written about it before as it protects against blue light from our devices and is a favorite of writer Kaleigh Fasanella, who has really sensitive skin.
