As a collective of skincare enthusiasts, we understand the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Therefore, we have invested countless hours in researching and evaluating a variety of broad spectrum sunscreens to bring you the very best options available. In this article, we will discuss the significance of broad spectrum sunscreens and highlight our top picks that are both effective and affordable.
Broad spectrum sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. It’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both types of rays to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
In our research, we tested over 20 broad spectrum sunscreens to identify the ones that offer the best protection without leaving a greasy residue or causing breakouts. Our findings show that the best broad spectrum sunscreens not only offer high SPF protection but also contain additional skincare benefits such as antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients. We’ll dive deeper into our top picks and the key features that make them stand out in the following sections.
Best Broad Spectrum Sunscreens
When it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, broad spectrum sunscreens are a must-have. Unlike regular sunscreens, broad spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin damage, aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best broad spectrum sunscreens available on Amazon to help you find the perfect one for your skin type and lifestyle. From lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas to water-resistant and sweat-proof options, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Second Layer Organics – All Natural SPF 32 Sunscreen Body Lotion | Vegan & Reef Safe | Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB | Mineral based with Shea Butter & Vitamin E
If you’re looking for a sunscreen lotion that is all-natural, vegan, and reef-safe, then Second Layer Organics’ SPF 32 Sunscreen Body Lotion is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The lotion is mineral-based and contains non-nano zinc oxide, making it safe for marine life.
- It is free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
- The lotion is rich in antioxidants, thanks to the addition of shea butter and vitamin E.
Cons
- The lotion may leave a slight white cast on your skin, which can be noticeable if you have darker skin tones.
- The lotion may feel a bit greasy on your skin, especially if you apply too much.
- The lotion may not be suitable for those who prefer a scented sunscreen.
We’ve been using this sunscreen lotion for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its effectiveness and natural ingredients. The lotion is easy to apply and doesn’t leave any sticky residue on your skin. We love that it is reef-safe, making it a great choice for those who love spending time in the water.
One of the best things about this sunscreen lotion is its natural ingredients. It is free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. The lotion is also rich in antioxidants, thanks to the addition of shea butter and vitamin E, which helps to nourish and moisturize your skin.
However, we did notice that the lotion may leave a slight white cast on your skin, which can be noticeable if you have darker skin tones. Additionally, the lotion may feel a bit greasy on your skin, especially if you apply too much. Finally, the lotion may not be suitable for those who prefer a scented sunscreen.
Overall, we would highly recommend Second Layer Organics’ SPF 32 Sunscreen Body Lotion to anyone looking for a natural, effective, and reef-safe sunscreen lotion.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a sunscreen lotion that is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides broad-spectrum protection, then Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 70
- Lightweight and non-greasy formula
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones
- May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
- May not be ideal for extended periods of indoor use
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion is a great option for those who want to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays without feeling weighed down by a heavy, greasy lotion. The lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
The lotion provides broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 70, which is higher than the recommended SPF for most people. This makes it a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or who have fair skin that is prone to sunburn.
One potential downside of the lotion is that it may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones. However, this is a common issue with many sunscreen lotions and can usually be minimized by applying the lotion in thin layers.
Another potential downside of the lotion is that it may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin. While the lotion is non-greasy and lightweight, it does contain some chemical ingredients that may cause irritation in some people.
Overall, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion is a great option for those who want to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays without feeling weighed down by a heavy, greasy lotion. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides broad-spectrum protection, then Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The sunscreen is lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect for daily use.
- It provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- The Helioplex technology ensures that the sunscreen provides UVA protection even when exposed to water.
Cons
- The sunscreen may leave a slight white cast on your skin, which can be noticeable if you have darker skin tones.
- It may not be suitable for people with extremely sensitive skin.
- The sunscreen may not be completely sweat-proof, so you may need to reapply it after intense physical activity.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 is a great choice for people who want to protect their skin from the sun without feeling greasy or sticky. The sunscreen is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. It provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The Helioplex technology ensures that the sunscreen provides UVA protection even when exposed to water.
One of the best things about this sunscreen is that it is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It is also oxybenzone-free, which is a common ingredient in sunscreens that can cause skin irritation.
The sunscreen is water-resistant, which means it will provide protection even when you’re swimming or sweating. However, it may not be completely sweat-proof, so you may need to reapply it after intense physical activity.
Overall, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 is a great choice for people who want a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. It is affordable, effective, and easy to use.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen UV Lotion, 1.7 fl oz + Moisturizer Sample
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s gentle on your skin and doesn’t leave a white cast, then the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen UV Lotion might be the one for you.
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50
- Lightweight and non-greasy formula
- Contains vitamin C derivatives for radiant-looking skin
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones
- Can be a bit drying for some users
- The pump may dispense too much product at once
This sunscreen is perfect for those who want to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays without feeling greasy or heavy. The lightweight formula makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, and the vitamin C derivatives help to brighten and even out your skin tone.
The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen UV Lotion is also fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for all skin types. It’s even suitable for use after micro-dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s effective, gentle on your skin, and won’t break the bank, then the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen UV Lotion is definitely worth trying out.
Aloe Up SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that can keep up with your active lifestyle, Aloe Up SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion is a great option.
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for water activities.
- Contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Cons
- May cause a slight white cast on darker skin tones.
- Some users may find the scent too strong.
- May not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin.
We’ve used Aloe Up SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion during our outdoor activities, and it has performed well. The sunscreen provides excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays, and we didn’t experience any sunburns while using it. The water-resistant formula also makes it ideal for water activities, as it stays on even when we were swimming.
One thing to note is that the sunscreen may cause a slight white cast on darker skin tones. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily fixed by applying a little extra sunscreen or using a makeup remover to blend it in. Additionally, some users may find the scent too strong, but we didn’t find it to be too overpowering.
Overall, we recommend Aloe Up SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion for those who are looking for a sunscreen that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It provides excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays, and the aloe vera and vitamin E in the formula make it perfect for soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best broad spectrum sunscreen, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various sunscreens to identify the most effective ones. Here are some of the factors to consider:
SPF Rating
SPF rating is the most important factor to consider when choosing a sunscreen. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it measures the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection the sunscreen provides. We recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.
Broad Spectrum Protection
It is important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum protection means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging and skin damage, while UVB rays can cause sunburn.
Water Resistance
If you plan on swimming or sweating, it is important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens provide protection even when you are in the water. However, it is important to note that water-resistant sunscreens do not last forever. Be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Skin Type
Different skin types require different types of sunscreen. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Application
Finally, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply. Some sunscreens are thick and difficult to spread, while others are lightweight and easy to apply. We recommend choosing a sunscreen that is easy to apply and feels comfortable on your skin.
In summary, when choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen, it is important to consider the SPF rating, broad spectrum protection, water resistance, skin type, and application. By considering these factors, you can choose a sunscreen that provides the best protection for your skin.
