's "5 Best" SPF Sunscreens On The Market
By now, we all know the havoc sun exposure can wreak on the skin. Although we all crave and need that kick of Vitamin D, we must be sure to protect our skin from UV damage. 80% of the visible signs of skin aging come from environmental aggressors with sun being one of the biggest culprits. Sun damage presents in many ways, including dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, hyperpigmentation and premature aging of the skin. The right SPF can help defend against these environmentally caused calamities.
With so many sunscreens on the market, it is a daunting task to choose the best SPF products. We turned to our researchers and testers to try hundreds of sunscreen products, to find the top treasures for your skin. They analyzed technologies, ingredients, price, quality, company practices and of course, results to choose their favorites.
These are the “ TOP 5 BEST ” SPF moisturizers on the market, according to our researchers and testers.
- Quality Rating: 10/10
- Expert Rating: 9.9/10
- Users Rating: 9.8/10
There are many reasons NourishMax SPF 25 Moisturizer and its sister product Tinted SPF 30 Sunscreen made their way to the TOP of the list. This essential daily moisturizer, provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in an ultra-light, easily absorbed formula. While many SPF moisturizer formulas are thick and hard to rub in, our researchers and testers found this one easily glides on and soaks in. A potent blend of antioxidants and active ingredients of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide ensure that UV rays are blocked and neutralized, before they attack.
NourishMax Tinted Mineral Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is a daily essential to protect the skin while refining its appearance with a subtle boost of color for all skin colors. It features broad-spectrum, all-mineral SPF 30 protection. This easy-to-blend formula is touched with a hint of color to help smooth the appearance of uneven skin tone and leave a healthy-looking, flawless finish.
Researchers and testers loved the results they saw from NourishMax Sunscreen & SPF Moisturizer products. They found that this magical moisturizer not only provided UV protection, but also nourished and hydrated the skin and blended beautifully for a sheer finish. The tinted higher SPF formula contains all the same attributes as the SPF 25 and 30, but it also helps even out the skin tone and provides a great makeup base. The company’s commitment to cruelty free, vegan friendly, gluten free, made in the USA, top tier products and a 60-day money-back guarantee helped NourishMax top the list.
For 1.7 fluid ounces, it is affordably priced compared to other products on the market! The company offers additional ways to save with special offers for multiple bottles. NourishMax SPF 25 Moisturizer and SPF 30 Sunscree, are hard-working SPF’s and hydrators that work double time to defend against environmental stressors.
Pros
- Features a powerful ingredient blend, including Zinc Oxide, plant stem cells and botanical extracts
- UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection
- Weightless texture blends easily for a sheer finish under makeup
- Gluten-free formula
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance or parabens
- Clinically tested and chemist developed to ensure the highest quality
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula is suitable for conscientious consumers
- The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Special offers make the already great price even better
Cons
- Currently available in limited quantities on the company’s website only
- The product can sometimes be out of stock
#2 Dermalogica
Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 50
- Quality Rating: 9.1/10
- Expert Rating: 9.0/10
- Users Rating: 8.9/10
Like other SPF products, Dermalogica’s Pure Light SPF 50 helps protect the skin from sun damage like brown spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone. It combines technology and powerful ingredients including peptides to help regulate melanin and Red and Brown Algae to help balance uneven skin tone. The formula also includes Hyaluronic Acid, like many other tested moisturizers, to deliver hydration.
Equipped with Dermalogica’s Oleosome technology, which uses plant spheres filled with sunscreen to increase SPF performance, this product helps reduce the appearance of UV damage.
At $68 dollars for 1.7 ounces the price is comparable to some of the other products our researchers and testers tried. The formula’s medium weight was a concern for some researchers and testers, especially those with oily skin.
Pros
- Features Dermalogica’s Oleosome technology
- Gluten free, vegan friendly, paraben free, cruelty free
- No artificial fragrances or colors
- Contains a powerful blend of algae and botanicals
- Helps exfoliate surface cells to enhance skin tone and eliminate dark spots
- Provides sustained moisture delivery for optimal hydration
- The company has an auto-replenish program that includes free shipping and a gift with every order
Cons
- Medium weight raises some concerns for more oily skin types
- All auto-replenish orders must have a credit or debit card on file, no other payment options for auto-replenish
#3 Perricone MD
Perricone MD Photo Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Quality Rating: 8.7/10
- Expert Rating: 8.6/10
- Users Rating: 8.5/10
This product is touted as for its brightening benefit as well as its SPF. The main ingredient in this skin brightener is Vitamin C Ester which provides the appearance of collagen-rich skin. It works to smooth and minimize discoloration over time. Antioxidant benefits and alpha-lipoic acid help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections.
Perricone MD Photo Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is oil-free making it a good pick for any skin type. Our researchers and testers found that while easily absorbed, the feel and scent varied between bottles. This formula rings in at $69 for 2 ounces. The researchers and testers were happy with the larger size compared to the other products tested.
Pros
- Weightless texture
- Broad Spectrum protection
- Auto-Replenishment with 15% off initial auto-replenishment orders & 30% off recurring order
- Contains powerful ingredients including Vitamin C Ester, antioxidant botanicals and alpha-lipoic acid
- Free from nuts, gluten, fish, milk, corn, fragrance, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, oil, talc, and mineral oil.
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Feel and scent varies between bottles
- The company accepts returns on website purchases, but the process is not simple
#4 Peter Thomas
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer SPF 45
- Quality Rating: 8.1/10
- Expert Rating: 8.0/10
- Users Rating: 7.9/10
With the company’s namesake as the formulator, Peter Thomas Roth is committed to making premium skincare. The Water Drench® Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer is a hyaluronic based SPF moisturizer. Many brands use hyaluronic acid as an anchor due to its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. This formula with its proprietary 5% SunBoost ATB™ helps boost sun protection, while Ceramides help reduce the appearance of photoaging and sun damage.
Our researchers and testers enjoyed the lightweight cream to liquid feel and easy absorption. Many also said that their skin felt very hydrated and smooth. Some were however concerned with the long list of ingredients that were unfamiliar. The cost of shipping and delivery time is something that disturbed our test group, as well. Shipping is pricey and standard delivery will take 7-10 business days from date of purchase. They did like the free gift with purchase and ninety day return policy.
Pros
- Created by scientists
- Lightweight, non greasy, easily absorbed
- Proprietary SunBoost ATB™
- 30% Hyaluronic Acid
- Ceramides to reduce appearance of photoaging
- Reef Safe – free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
- $52 for 1.7 ounces
- Free gift with purchase
Cons
- Unfamiliar ingredients
- Shipping is pricey
- Standard delivery is 7-10 business days from order date
- Return shipping is not reimbursed
#5 Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF
- Quality Rating: 7.6/10
- Expert Rating: 7.5/10
- Users Rating: 7.7/10
Another historical tried and true beauty company made the list, Estee Lauder. This brand also is holding the seventh rank. The brands Perfectionist Pro Multi Defense UV Fluid SPF 45 had eight antioxidants that help protect the skin from sun damage and free radicals. It is made with 100% mineral based sunscreen, antioxidant botanical extracts and vitamins C and E.
Our researchers and testers found that although the formula kept skin hydrated, they would have preferred a full moisturizer with SPF. They shared that like most of the others it was lightweight, oil free and not sticky. They also said that consumers need to be sure to shake the bottle to activate the fluid. Coming in at $45 for 1 fluid ounce, it is more reasonably priced than some of the other contenders on our list.
Pros
- Broad Spectrum defense
- Lightweight, easily absorbed and oil free
- Won’t clog pores
- Pollution defense
- Dehydration defense
- Priced affordably ($45 for 1 fluid ounce)
- The company is a beauty industry staple
- Free standard shipping
Cons
- Free standard shipping can take up to 10 business days
- It is not a combination moisturizer and SPF
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