Your sunscreen of choice can seriously change the game, for better or for worse. Because the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regularly test sunscreens, Consumer Reports assessed the effectiveness of 65 different kinds of sunscreen over the course of four years.
Here's what we now know: "Water resistant" is essentially meaningless (nearly half the water-resistant products researchers tested failed after being dunked); those chemical-free, mineral sunscreens made only with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both are far less effective than chemical formulas; you've got a 57 percent chance of picking up a sunscreen that provides less protection than its label claims; and 1 out of 3 sunscreens function below 30 SPF, the bare minimum to prevent burns and long-term skin damage according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
To protect yourself effectively, avoid these common sunscreen mistakes and reach for the top sunscreen formulas in your favorite category.
The Most Effective Sunscreen Lotion: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60
Ranked first on the Consumer Reports list, La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 has only one downside, which is that it's pricey enough to make any sane person try to use less of the product to make it last longer. The next best lotion on the list, which earned a 98 on Consumer Reports's 100-point scale, isPure Sun Defense SPF 50 Disney Frozen.
The Most Effective Sunscreen Spray: Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+
While spray sunscreens can get a bad rep for being difficult to apply correctly, Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+ topped its category, scoring just as high as the no. 1 lotion.
The Most Effective Solid Sunscreen: Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 55
Consumer Reports only tested four different kinds of solid sunscreens, and none of them ranked as high as the top body lotions and spray. If you're married to stick sunscreen, Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 55 should be your go-to. For what it's worth, this brand is the only natural front-runner made with minerals, not chemicals.
The Most Effective Face Sunscreen: Avon Sun+ Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40
Consumer Reports only tested eight different kinds of facial sunscreens, and none of them ranked as high as the top body lotions and spray. Still, if you're worried that lotion designed for bodies will make your face break out, Avon Sun+ Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40 is your safest bet. If you can't find one of Consumer Reports's favorites, look for a chemical sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher, which meets the minimum protection recommended by dermatologists.
