The Best Sunscreens by Skin Type

Summer is here, which means it's time to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which SPF is right for your unique skin type. Whether you’re looking for a cream, serum, oil, or spray, we’ve got the best SPFs under the sun to address all of your skin’s top concerns. Let’s dive into the diverse world of sun protection so you can live up to your summer skin’s fullest potential! 

Get ready to glow responsibly with an expertly curated selection of the best clean sunscreens for every skin type.

What are Clean Sunscreens?

Clean sunscreens are mineral based, and contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, to create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects harmful UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral formulas remain on the skin’s surface and are not absorbed by the body. Due to the naturally occurring ingredients, mineral sunscreens are generally safer for sensitive and reactive skin types—and are definitely safer for the environment. 

Mineral sunscreens do not contain the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate—believed to contribute to coral reef bleaching and the destruction of marine ecosystems. In 2021, Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in efforts to protect the rich marine life. It’s estimated that 14,000 tons of chemical sunscreen enters the ocean each year, which means making the shift to clean, mineral sunscreens not only benefit your skin, but the environment too!

What SPF Factor does your skin need?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how much a formula will protect you against UVB rays, known for causing skin damaging sunburns. However, the difference between an SPF 30 and an SPF 60 is minor—it doesn't offer double the protection! Products with SPF 30 shield roughly 97% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 60 shields roughly 98%. In fact, there is no SPF that will protect against 100% of UVB rays! 

For daily sun protection, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and to reapply every 2 hours, or sooner if you’re breaking a sweat or participating in water activities. That being said, it’s best to avoid long durations of direct sun exposure and seek out the shade whenever possible! Afterall, the sun is responsible for 90% of the skin’s visible signs of aging.

Find an SPF suited to your skin type 

Best Sunscreen for Balanced Skin

If your skin is balanced, you're in luck! You have the luxury of choosing from a wide range of SPF formulas. We recommend looking for protection with added skincare benefits to keep your skin in perfect harmony.

Odacité - Sun Guardian Day Creme SPF 30

Price: $65

If you’re into minimalism when it comes to skincare, this is the formula for you. This delicate day cream blends the skincare benefits of a daily moisturizer with the sun shielding power of an SPF 30—in one simple step. Packed with powerful antioxidants and soothing calendula, vitamin E and green tea extracts, this lightweight moisturizer will keep balanced skin cool, calm, and collected—even in the heat. Plus, it features oceanic ingredients like glacial water and sea nutrients to fortify and refresh your summer-time skin.

Sun Guardian is silicone and fragrance-free, making it a gentle option for sensitive and reactive skin. The best part? This hydrating sunscreen has a matte finish that blurs the appearance of pores and reduces redness so you can always put your best face forward.

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you'll want an SPF that provides protection and hydration. Look for an SPF with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides to help lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out—especially in the heat of the sun! We recommend choosing sun protection packed with peptides to moisturize and nourish.  

Solara Suncare - Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk SPF 50

Price: $56

Meet dry skin’s guardian angel! Although this formula is oil-free, it provides some serious moisturizing benefits. The multitasking milk contains 12 biocompatible actives for serum-level results. Infused with antioxidant-rich superfruits, adaptogenic triphala, and plumping peptides, this SPF keeps the skin barrier supported and protected against UV rays, pollution, and oxidative stress.

Unlike most sunscreens geared towards dry skin, this formula won’t leave you feeling greasy and weighed down. Plus, dry skin will soak up the active ingredients, leaving skin silky smooth with a satin finish. Due to it’s lightweight and milky texture, start with one dropper full and apply evenly over face and neck. Because it’s a clean mineral sunscreen, be sure to give it a minute to work itself into the skin for no signs of white casts. 

Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’ll love an oil-free formula that won't clog your pores or leave behind a greasy sheen. We recommend opting for a lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish to reduce shine and excess oil. 

LASPA Naturals - SPF20 Tinted Matte Sunscreen

Price: $35

Oily skin, meet your SPF BFF. This 3-in-1 cream blends a lightweight sunscreen with the benefits of a tinted moisturizer into one mattifying formula! Made with organic ingredients, this mineral sunscreen is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it a gentle option for those looking for skin blurring benefits. This SPF is perfect for daily use, especially if you not spending prolonged periods of time outdoors in the sun, as it is an SPF 20—if so, fear not, be sure to reapply liberally, or opt for LASPA’s untinted SPF30.

Available in 5 inclusive shades, finding your perfect tinted tone is an easy way to ensure you never have to worry about white casts again! Makeup layers effortlessly overtop too, making this a great suncare option to add to your everyday sun routine.

No matter what your skin type is, it's essential to choose an SPF that works for you. Everyone’s skin is unique, and it's not just about choosing the right SPF—it's also about using it correctly! Apply SPF generously and frequently throughout the day, especially if you're spending extended time in the sun. With the right sun care you can enjoy a safe and healthy summer glowing responsibly. 

How we chose the best SPFs on this list

These clean sunscreens were meticulously curated by our team of experts based on their innovation, performance, and buzz-worthiness. At the Detox Market, all of the products we carry have pure ingredients, exceptional performance, and cruelty free formulations. We've been the trusted clean beauty experts for over a decade, cutting through the clean beauty noise and providing you with nothing but the best in green beauty. You can learn more about our commitment to clean beauty here.