Consumer Reports Best Sunscreens Summer 2018
These Are the 10 Best Suncreens Money Can Buy
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Even though it's common knowledge (and we hope practice!) that you should wear SPF all year round, sunscreen understandably gets more attention when temperatures heat up. Consumer Reports just released its annual Summer sunscreen guide, which is a roundup of SPFs that impress based on a combination of effectiveness, price, and user reviews.
Though you'll need a login to see the full list, the folks at the nonprofit rating organisation gave POPSUGAR a copy of the results. Ahead, you'll see the 10 best lotion and spray sunscreens ranked by safety. Read on to see if your favourite made the cut — and if it didn't, consider heading to the drugstore to pick up a new one!
#1 Lotion: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
The best of the best award goes to La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk ($36), which won a perfect score from Consumer Reports for the fourth year in a row. Not only does this luxurious option feel velvety-soft once applies, it also dries super fast, and is made with an antioxidant complex that fights against UV ray-caused free radicals.
#1 Spray: Trader Joe’s Spray SPF 50+
Trader's Joe's isn't just for Cheddar Rocket Crackers and blemish-banishing rose toner — it also packs a mean punch in the sunscreen aisle, too. This Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+ ($6) is the Consumer Reports highest-rated spray. It's affordable, offers the best UVA/UVB protection, and doesn't leave a streaky cast.
#2 Lotion: Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50
And yet, winners can also cost less than a Venti iced coffee! This Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 ($5) scored high as it can last up to 80 minutes in water, is lightweight, not runny, and is quick-drying.
#2 Spray: Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray SPF 50+
You know that musty, metallic smell some sunscreens have? You won't find it with this Amazon favorite Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray SPF 50+ ($16), which is a go-to for many outdoor workers since its easy to apply, doesn't stain clothes, and works wonders in the hot sun.
#3 Lotion: BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50
BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50 ($13) is a darling among Amazon shoppers as the gel formula is not oily, leaves no white cast, and can be applied with less mess than traditional lotion sunscreens.
#3 Spray: Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
Sorry — you can't use fear of sun exposure as an excuse for not working out. This Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($5) is a go-to for runners and Summer fun-havers of all walks of life, as it stays put for 80 minutes, even through vigorous exercise.
#4 Lotion: Coppertone WaterBabies SPF 50 Lotion
Little ones need the strongest protection, and Consumer Reports suggests this Coppertone WaterBabies SPF 50 Lotion ($8), as it's gentle, non-irritating, and won't feel rough against baby soft skin.
#4 Spray: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 30
Sweat all you want: this Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 30 ($8) will stick on through both splashing around in the pool and when your pits are acting up. But despite it's strength, this moisturizing lotion is also aluminum, dye, and paraben-free.
#5 Lotion: Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF 70 Lotion
No surprise here — the drugstore staple also delivers in the adult department. This Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF 70 Lotion ($9) not only delivers water-resistant UVA and UVB protection, but it also contains vitamin E to nourish and hydrate your fine self — while keeping your bikini 'gram skin looking ace.
#5 Spray: Neutrogena Beach Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 70
This Neutrogena Beach Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 70 ($9) might be smarter than I am as it contains Helioplex, a broad-spectrum technology that protects against both sun exposure, burns, and age spots. It's also lightweight, contains a fresh scent that won't offend sensitive noses, and leaves your skin soft.
