Top Sunscreens Are Put to the Test

If you need more coaxing to restock on sunblock, check out the latest government data: cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, have more than doubled since 1982. Still, the vast majority of Americans don’t wear SPF regularly, according to a recent study. For those who do, some good news: two new reports looked beyond labels and assessed how some sunscreens stacked up against others, as well as whether or not they met their own label claims. (Natural sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block rays, and chemical kinds absorb them.) Here are six standout sunscreens that, when used properly, have an SPF of at least 30, offer broad-spectrum coverage and have earned accolades from scientists at either Consumer Reports (CR) or the Environmental Working Group (EWG)–or both.

–MANDY OAKLANDER

1 DRUGSTORE GO-TO

Coppertone, the brand that makes Water Babies SPF 50 ($10, 8 oz.), did well in the categories that CR tested, but this was its top performer.

2 THE CADILLAC CREAM

The FDA frowns on claims of SPF above 50, but La Roche–Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk ($36, 5 oz.) lived up to its label claim. It was the only product to earn a perfect score from CR.

3 BUDGET-FRIENDLY BLOCK

Walmart’s Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 ($9, 16 oz.) was the least costly product, by the ounce, to make CR’s recommended list–and was also its fourth best performer, providing top UVA and UVB protection.

4 EASY-TO-FIND ECO PICK

Goddess Garden Organics Everyday SPF 30 ($20, 6 oz.) has a good UVA-UVB balance, and unlike many natural sunscreens, it’s easy to find: many CVS, Target and Whole Foods locations stock it.

5 THE NATURAL BLOCK-STAR

CR found that many natural sunscreens don’t work well, but California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ ($20, 3 oz.) met its SPF claim and offers good UVA and UVB protection. It was also a top EWG choice.

6 SUNSCREEN WITH A STORY

The creator of Suntegrity Natural Mineral SPF 30 ($24, 3 oz.) launched the line when her mom died of melanoma. This SPF– which uses zinc oxide to block the sun in lieu of chemical blockers–was a top pick of the EWG.