No matter the season or setting, protecting your skin from UV exposure is essential.
But with so many options on the shelves, how can you tell which ones are truly safe for you and your kids?
The truth is, many sunscreens contain ingredients linked to health concerns and environmental damage, especially for marine life. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s inside.
To help you choose with confidence, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top-rated SPF 50 sunscreens on Yuka.
Protect your skin without compromising your health or the ocean.
| 1 |
 |
Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Blue Lizard
Excellent - 93/100
This SPF 50 stick uses 100% mineral active ingredients, and formulated for sensitive skin, offering portable, broad-spectrum protection without parabens or fragrance. |
| 2 |
 |
Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 50 - Pipette
Excellent - 93/100
This formula uses zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and sugarcane-derived squalane to help support the skin’s barrier. Water-resistant for 80 minutes. |
| 3 |
 |
Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - Badger
Excellent - 93/100
This sunscreen offers 100% zinc oxide protection with 40 minutes of water resistance. Made with just 6 ingredients, it is also formulated to double as a moisturizer. |
| 4 |
 |
Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50 - Sky & Sol
Excellent - 93/100
This sunscreen uses tallow and nutrient-rich ingredients for skin compatibility. It’s tear-free, and free from oxybenzone, fragrance, and parabens. |
| 5 |
 |
Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Coppertone
Excellent - 93/100
This baby sun stick contains 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide and is free from harsh chemicals and dyes. It is formulated to be tear-free and gentle on sensitive skin. |
| 6 |
 |
Super Shield Sensitive Sun Stick SPF 50 - Babo Botanicals
Excellent - 93/100
Formulated for sensitive skin with no fragrance, this pocket-sized sun stick is water-resistant for 80 minutes, and designed for application on the face and body. |
| 7 |
 |
Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Kopari
Excellent - 91/100
This 100% mineral SPF 50+ stick provides broad-spectrum protection for face and body. Formulated with antioxidants, it applies sheer and is easy to reapply on the go. |
| 8 |
 |
Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 - Thinksport
Excellent - 86/100
This mineral formula offers 80 minutes of water resistance and is made in the USA. This sunscreen also absorbs quickly into the skin and has a non-oily texture. |
| 9 |
 |
Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - Mustela
Excellent - 79/100
This formula uses mineral protection and vegan collagen for added hydration. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, and free from fragrance, oxybenzone, and mineral oil. |
| 10 |
 |
Mineral Multi Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 - Avène
Excellent - 76/100
With 40-minute water resistance, this lightweight sunscreen is formulated with bisabolol and allantoin, which are hydrating ingredients suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. |
Like all our rankings, this one was conducted completely independently, and no brand has paid to be included.
Thanks 🙏
I love that in addition to health concerns, you also consider negative impact on the environment. I wish you’d take it a step further and add only cruelty-free products to your lists.
Thank you so much for all of your work. Not just on this product but for all the products.
Wish we could find a good spray one
Thank you. This is sooo…helpful!
Love the app and thanks for recommendations. I will definitely follow up with them.
I found the Blue Lizard sunscreen for sensitive skin at Costco
I don’t see Native sunscreens on the list, they are good as well, Right?
Thank you so much! I appreciate this most helpful bit of information!
To livevhealthy isn’t always easy but your app in my pocket helps guide me. Controlling gas is an issue for me. I work at keeping my gut in order. I could benefit from a topic gearing toward that. Particularly a healthy vegetable juice since I struggle with veggies. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks for sharing this incredible idea. This is time saving ! My always and first choice is yuka
Great information. Thank You
2nd time asking.
What country are these brands sold at?
I am not familiar seeing any of these brands in the USA.
Via Yuka-checked Whole Foods mineral sun screen in a large tube & it was rated it high. It is affordable.
Those brands are in most drug stores.
Where can I find these product
Sky&Sol should be on your list
Check #4.
I rely on your app for so many recommendations. Thank you for providing such great information regarding these products. It’s a huge timesaver. I have recommended your site to lots of friends. Thank you!
Thank you very much for the Yuka app. I have now put many products back on the shelf because of harmful additives that I may have purchased otherwise. You are appreciated.
I read elsewhere that the sunscreen from Trader Joe’s is top rated, your thoughts
Thank you for leaving healthful and helpful information. In a world that lies and cheats a lot, you are a blessing
Thank you very much for sharing this information.
What about EltaMD? Lots of dermatologists here in the states recommend this one.
Did you include Centella in your testing? I love their sunscreen. It doesn’t feel sticky and I only apply once and it lasts.
Thank you for all the valuable information! Keeping safe & healthy!
Thank you, Julie, for all the great work you do. I use Yuka all the time. Love it!🧡
Can you get them in target or cvs
Are there any good sunscreens without zinc? I hate the way it looks and feels
Look for a tinted zinc oxide. ISDIN PHOTO Eryfotona Ageless is gorgeous on the skin. Not sure how it scores on the Yuka app. I think it scored okay. I bought two bottles. I wouldnt of bought it if it was full of cancer chemicals.
Thank you! Good to know what is the top ten sunscreens. Appreciate it. I ordered one, the Babo Botanicals.
Never mind. Found the Blue Lizard on Amazon-dot-ca
Love you Uks
Are any of these available in Canada?
None on last years list were available in Canada.
I use Thrive and Yuka rates it as “excellent” rating is 86. Very mild scent
I appreciate you doing this SO MUCH! Thank you !
Here I though “NATIVE” was the best 100/100
Thank you for this. It will help me shop for my next bottle of sunscreen. I was wondering if you could tell me what the top rated women’s moisturizer are for the face after age 50?
Thank you for your helpful comments and ratings. Very valuable
Thank you . I find your app very helpful.
Thank you once again for such important information.
Thank you for sharing this valuable info. I will use Blue Lizard. I love this app! I have made changes that I feel have helped our family.
Hi Julie thank you so much for your help this means a lot for me ❤️🥰🙌
Thànks
Are any of the above formulated for melanin skin hues?
Thank you so much for keeping us informed. I truly appreciate it.
Thank you Yuka for all you do! So thankful to have found you. Any chance you have a highly recommended “spray” sunscreen?
I was wondering the same thing. My oldest will only use spray sunscreen but everything we scanned through Yuka at Target was harmful.
I would think any spray, esp the aerosol types would land in the lungs, eyes, etc.
Thank you Julie, your product review is timely.
Thank you very helpful
Thank you!
Would like to see a chemical sunscreen lineup for those who can’t wear mineral sunscreen.
Thank you for this information. Much appreciated
What about tanning sunscreen. Are there. Any good ones?
Are all these sunscreens reef friendly as well?
Your concerns about compromised sunscreens are valid. I’ve used the Badger brand sunscreen for over 2 years now and couldn’t be any happier with the results.
Job well done Yuka!!
I have a problem with the way most sunscreens smell. Are any of them “smell free”?
What happened to Elta that you recommended in the past ?
Do you have any sprays you can recommend?
Yuka rates Zero BS Cosmetics Shade (sunscreen) from South Africa at 98/100-definitely worth listing. I use it myself and it’s fantastic
Zero Bs Cosmetics, Shade
https://zerobscosmetics.com/products/shade-spf-40-250ml
Thank you Julie,I’ve been using Blue Lizard because of your recommedation!
Thanks Julie
You rock!
I’m allergic to Zinc Oxide. What do you suggest?
I’ve seen Titanium Dioxide used as well as an active ingredient in lieu of Zinc …
Do any of these not leave a white cast ?
A lot of these are expensive and/or hard to find regionally; why not expand the list?
I scan Native sunscreen, and you gave it 84/100
Are any of these products tested on animals?
Would love to find a non aerosol spray on high SPF good sunscreen for the face
There’s been some hype in the past year or so regarding Korean sunscreens. Wondering if there’s any information here regarding any of those.
Do any of these products leave a white chalk on your face?
I live in the USA and the only name I recognized was COPPERTONE! Never heard of the other brands. Thanks for the info
I have been using IMAGE Prevention line (tinted) (for my face) for nearly 20 years – they’re based in Florida. Pricey, but physical mineral sunscreen that Lasts a very long time.
Thank you for your diligence in all Yuca does!
Which of these would you recommend for someone who is red-haired and has had multiple facial skin cancer surgeries?
Do you have any recommendations for a spray travel size? I’m having a hard time finding anything like this.
Me too!
glad to see Badger on the list, they have been a favorite of mine for some time, although not always easy to find.
I love this app so much I can’t imagine not using it to check against literally everything and anything lol
I got SCC cancer before. Is La Roche-Posay 60 Anthelios good?
This is excellent, living in Texas using sunscreen is a necessity at times. That being said, with all the questionable ingredients in various brands I really appreciate this being simplified for me. I really find Yuka helpful. Appreciate this list!
Thank you for this info! I got Trader Joe’s w/out checking Yuka the rating was ZERO! I took it back & they didn’t look surprised at the rating. I have “excellent” ThinkSport because of Yuka but want to explore more.
The mineral-based Trader Joes is excellent
These are awesome recommendations! Please send us more emails like this! Highly appreciated
Any chance of seeing a complete list of all the brand you tested?
Thank You Very Very Much.
Extremely Helpful 👍❤️🙏🤗
I LOVE YUKA
All but one are outrageously expensive.
Thank you!!!☺️ I really appreciate this information!
thank u for the info its very helpful!! I truly appreciate it..
What about ones that works best on black skin. Thanks!
I am waiting for a Yuka response/recommendation, but I use the following https://blackgirlsunscreen.com/ It doesn’t leave the white cast residue. Full disclosure, I’m a health conscious Black male.
BGS is rated poorly on yuka. Almost all chemical sunscreens are. The chemicals that America uses are not good which sucks because chemical sunscreens are the only thing that doesn’t leave a white cast or darker skin. The only chemical sunscreens that score well are Korean and those have to be shipped and delivered making them subject to tariffs and other fees so it’s expensive. This list is very frustrating to say the least
Live Tinted Hueguard is my all-time fav. It’s rated 91. It has a orange/yellowish tint that shouldn’t leave a cast. I’m very pale, but I think it would work for everyone. It is thinner (closer to EltaMD clear/tinted consistency) which I love and has a soft, subtle scent that is yummy. Absorbs beautifully. No break-outs. Woman of color owned. Check out their website to see how it blends on darker skin tones 🙂
If it’s all about zinc oxide, I made some myself with powdered zinc oxide and olive oil/coconut oil combination. I’m cheap. But I hope it’s good
Can you please recommend a good sunscreen that doesn’t leave you looking white
Thanks for sharing! Clear Choice Sport Shield is another good one that I have used for many years for myself and my kids. It does not leave a white tint and absorbs quickly! Rated excellent in the Yuka app. 🙂 Just be careful where you buy – I received counterfeit product once from Walmart.
How can we tell if its a counterfeit? Thanks.
What about Sun Bum?
I checked it on Yuka a while back, and came back poor or bad, don’t recall which one.
Thanks for sharing! Love Yuka! Question: What about Native, as that was on your list last year?
I still use Native. You’re right it was recommended last year, thus why I bought it.
If you look up Native on the Yuka app they are rated Excellent.
Thrive bodyshield gets 86/100 ! It works great. My daughters asked me if I had another kind that didn’t work so well!!!
Do you know about Isdin or Ilia?
What about IMAGE?
Thanks for the information!
This is great info to have. I scanned all that Walmart had and it is a definite no go there. Thanks for sharing.
I use Cera Ve. no harsh chemicals and very few ingredients. They have a tinted one that does not make you look like a ghost. It is all I will use now. A lot of sunscreens out there actually have cancer causing ingredients. I will never use anything but a mineral sunscreen again.
This is very helpful to know and great information.
Thank you !
This is very helpful to know and important information. We need to know what is going into our skin.
Did you evaluate the banana boat simply kids options?
Id like to know which ones dont leave me looking like a ghost after I apply them.
Try Thrive sunscreen. Excellent on Yuka. Doesn’t leave you white like the others. It took me years to find and I swear by it. Reel safe too for snorkeling vacations so you’re not killing animals and fish. Don’t know why it’s not in the list.
are there any spray sunscreens that have good ratings?
Native Mineral Suncare spray 30SPF
Is there any kind of spray that is ok to use?
While they are effective, a lot of zinc and mineral sunscreens leave your skin a white color. Are there some in the top 10 that don’t do that?
It’s not on this list but it’s amazing and excelllent rating on Yuka – Thrive sunscreen. Try it! Doesn’t leave me white. I even use it in my face and it doesn’t make me break out. It’s reef safe for the ocean. LOVE it! No idea why it was left off this list.
Can you review FREAKS OF NATURE… it’s a little orange bottle.
I want a good decent sunscreen that doesn’t make me totally white. All of the ones Yuka recommends that I’ve tried makes me look like a mime.
Try THRIVE sunscreen! Excellentl rating on Yuka. Doesn’t leave you white like the others. I LOVE it. I don’t work for Thrive : ) not sure why it’s not on the list. It’s the best.
For face or body?
All Good tinted mineral sunscreen rates at 98/100 on Yuka. Why leave it off the list?
Are these sunscreens in the USA?
Thank you!
Where are these sold?
I would love to see the independent testing that was done; Lab name, details of what was tested, lot number etc. Just a recent search showed that the product tested positive for Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic. Lead Levels: Independent testing found roughly \(4,612 \text{ ppb}\) (parts per billion) of lead. Concerns: The report indicated these were among the highest levels of lead found in any sunscreen tested by Purity Laboratories in Oregon. In the State of Washington it is a clear violation of the new (January 2025) Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). The TFCA limits the total Lead content in personal care items / cosmetics (the class of products that sunscreen is part of) to 1 part per million. 1 ppm is the same as 1,000 parts per billion. This product tested positive for 4,612.5 parts per billion (ppb) Lead. 4,612.5 ppb is the same as 4.6 parts per million (ppm), so this is a clear violation of the TFCA. Given the level of greenwashing used with the marketing of this product – including their repeated assertion that it is “safe to eat” and “made with edible ingredients”, I’m truly concerned that parents will now feel comfortable to use this product on their children. Please share your lab results so we can compare.
Which one of the tested products were you referring too. Could you please let me know so I could avoid it?
Which product are you referring to?
Can you recommend best oil-free sunscreens for the face?
Are you familiar with KOKUA sunscreen?
But which one doesn’t leave a white cast on BLACK skin? You don’t mention white cast in the article and that’s the biggest concern outside of the ingredients
I use the following https://blackgirlsunscreen.com/
I would love to know if there is a safe spf 15, ( preferably a spray oil) out there? I like to let a bit of sun through and I like an oil. Also, which brand is best, of all the brands you see in the stores?
yeah, but which of these goes on smooth without the white sticky residue, the problem I’ve encountered with most of these is they are so goofy they’re not functional, staining your clothes, your leather seats, and everything you touch
I use Trader Joe’s mineral sunscreen. I’m surprised it’s not on the list. I don’t go out the door without it.
Thank you for this info and the links! Looked up each one. Helps with decisions. Much appreciated. ☺
Thank you. This is great information. Do you know if any of these are REEF SAFE too?
‘Freaks of Nature’ I found at R.E.I claims to be reef safe and rates an 86 on Yuka!
REI doesn’t treat their workers well.
Blue Lizard is an Australian brand I’ve used for years bc living at the beach it’s important to be sure to protect yourselves AND the environment.
Badger and Blue Lizard are.
Thrive sunscreen is not on the list but it’s excellent on Yuka, reef safe, and doesn’t leave you white.
Love Yuka!
Thanks for the confirmation. Blue lizard is the only sunscreen we use. It was also recommended by our dermatologist as we are at high risk for melanoma. It was nice to read about alternatives. Again thanks for the confirmation.
Thank you needed these!!!!!
I am extremely grateful to you and your team members for helping us buy good products in this country. I have thrown out so much junk and now don’t buy anything without consulting Yuka first!!!
Thank you for your timely email! Orders are placed and I am all stocked up for the summer now!
Excellent information since I live in Florida. Thanks
I notice they are all mineral….do they leave a white glow when applied? I usually give up on mineral sunscreens because they look so glowy white on my skin, but I would also like to use good sunscreen
SVR Sunscreen from France got a 100/100 from Yuka and is NOT mineral! You do have to pay some taxes and shipping but it’s worth it! They have a whole line of products and they are great! I get them through a site called Caretobeauty.com
What is the best daily sunscreen for the face (not for swimming) that is mineral based, lightweight, doesn’t leave a white residue, and makeup can easily be applied over it?
Badger checks the marks for me
Thank you Julie but you left out a good one! Caudaile Huile Solare Sublimatrice Haute Spray- 100/100. All the best!
I have the Badger one and love it!
Does it leave a white cast ?
No!
The think sport is awful. It leaves a white cast that is even hard to get off in the shower.
Beekman 1802 sunscreens made with goat milk are excellent and moisturizing.
What about BASK sunscreen? I’ve been using it for a while.
So VERY helpful! Thank you!
I like the new DIOR face one you rated at GOOD but need these you recommend for body!
Thank you for these recommendations but I am in Canada , plus many more because I shared the crap out of this app , do it would be helpful to see clean products that can be purchased in Canada
What about sky and sol?
It’s on the list…..
I appreciate all the work that you and your team do. Perfect timing on the sunscreen information. I love using the Yuka app whenever I’m shopping. Thanks again.
I’ll pass this information to my family.
Thank you again❤️
I appreciate this information but these brands are impossible to find. Also, I did find Avene and it was way too expensive. I have shared this app with lots of people and I do love it. Keep up the good work and thank you.
Can find them on Amazon.
I recently started using Tallow Mineral Sunscreen. It doesn’t leave a white residue and keeps your skin soft – I really like this sun screen! It’s available on Amazon. If you are vegetarian or vegan, this product isn’t for you.
Don’t sleep on Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40! The price is unbeatable and I find it doesn’t leave a white cast if it work it between my hands first before applying to my face.
Agreed! It’s also 79/100 so not sure why it didn’t make the list when Avene is lower!
TJ’s is one of my favorites. Unlike some of the sunscreens listed, it’s reasonably priced. Good advice about working it between your hands first. Also shake the tube vigorously. It works beautifully.
Can you look into Roche Posay as they are in the top three by Consumer Reports for its effectiveness for UVA and UVB protection? EWG rates it at 4 which isn’t horrible, but interested in what Yuka thinks.
Thank you for the list. Living in Florida sunscreen is vital. It’s already feeling like peak summer here.
Thank you for caring for others. It’s a blessing to have people like you in our world.
Love this! Thank you for the list and the links to buy them. I was just thinking it would be great to have links included in the app so I can buy the products easier.
I use Avasol—zinc and titanium dioxide and clean ingredients. Packaged in paper. Reef friendly.
Has Yuka tested LaRoche Posay’s UVMUNE which claims to block higher frequency UVA rays?
Thank you 🙏
Are there any good rated spray sunscreens?
7:05
< History
79
CAUDALÍE
/inosun Protect
age. Lèvres et Zones sensible:
Vinosun Protect stick invisible SPF 50
Caudalie
100/100
Excellent
Ingredients
See all
Dicaprylyl carbonate
• Risk-free
Coco-caprylate/caprate
• Risk-free
Candelilla cera
• Risk-free
Oryza sativa cera
• Risk-free
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl tr…
• Risk-free
Ethylhexyl triazone
• Risk-free
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzo…
• Risk-free
Copernicia cerifera cera
• Risk-free
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Check these out!
For those that are ocean bound, which of these sunscreens are “Reef Safe”?
‘Freaks of Nature’ I found at R.E.I claims to be reef safe and rates an 86 on Yuka!
Thank you so much for this.
Cetaphil tinted sunscreen spf40?
These are all spf50
…..
Have you all considered Sky & Sol? My wife and I love it, and it is chemical free. They have awesome products!
Earlier this year I checked every one at Walmart and NOT ONE rated well. Don’t think they carried any off brands but will check again, especially the baby one and Badger (I like that it’s also moisturizer).
Thanks, Julie
Check out Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum scores 65/100 with Yuka! The zinc in it looks only slightly white when applying but quickly fades & it’s wonderful! Found at Walmart in the “higher end” section. Think it was around $13.00 maybe?
Would love to know which waterproof ones are also Reef-Safe as that is one of the key determining factor for me these days. Clean, reef safe, effective.
‘Freaks of Nature’ I found at R.E.I claims to be reef safe and rates an 86 on Yuka!
Which ones are ocean approved for Hawaii as they don’t want screens used the will damage the reefs. Also interested in top sprays to use in addition to sticks
‘Freaks of Nature’ I found at R.E.I claims to be reef safe and rates an 86 on Yuka. They also have a spray as well!
Cocokind scans 100/100
Loved this information !! 💓
Thank you. I definitely need a good sun acrdddd
I’m surprised to see Coppertone on this list as they are NOT cruelty free. I wrongly assumed that your company only recommends cruelty free products. I care about the ingredients but I also want to make sure I’m not harming any animals with my purchases. I will be further investigating anything that Yuka gives a high rating to as cruelty free is just as important to me as the ingredients.
Oh Brother
Good point. Thanks for raising this issue.
Sky and Sol works great for me!
Thank you so much. Always trying to find the best sunscreen for my grandchildren , children and myself. I’ve used The Blue Lizard, the copper tone and the Avene, and they are all great. Some are hard to find at the drugstore or grocery store.
I been using Blue L izard for years. It works wonderful for my sensitive skin and age.
What about Ilia
Any of your recommendations on sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast on face?
Thank you. We are spending 2 weeks in Florida and will be at the beach everyday. I was going to check what is the best sunscreen.
You forgot Native for sensitive skin
Thank you. I think my Walgreens carries Native.
I’m surprised that Neutrogena didn’t make the list?
Also, are there any insect repellents that aren’t harmful to us or the environment that actually work?
Good info!! Native is a good spray as well.
Thank you for this information and the research on it, it was very helpful.
Thank you. I don’t know these brands but will look for them
Are the aerosols in these prints any good thank you so much for all the information you give us
Do these sunscreens make your skin feel like you are wearing a mask (i.e
Hard to breathe)?
I am having difficulty when I use the “good for you” sunscreens that leave you feeling like you have plaster on your face and I get so overheated from how thick they are.
Any suggestions from the Top 10 sunscreens that will not leave me feeling like I have a mask on?
Any suggestions for tinted mineral sunscreens?
Thank you for the information! I love using the app but really appreciate the research on targeted products! I have totally switched how I buy my facial and body products since Yuka! I am an esthetician and want clean products! . One of my favorite brands is Acure!
Have a great day!!
Thankyou Julie and Yuka team! You help me stay healthier! I appreciate the sunscreen tips🥰
I’m looking for the best sunscreens for people of color
Thankyou for helping us make better choices!
Just bought #3 Badger thanks to your app which I use daily
Where did you get the Badger?
Why do you think the big brands in sunscreens don’t manufacture “healthier,” versions?
Thank you for providing me with such useful information. I use the Yuka app very frequently. It genuinely helps me in choosing all my foods, snacks and ice cream. I love it!! I use Alastan sun screen with a tint for my face. I’ll definitely be buying some of your suggestions for my body. It’s such a wonderful app!!
Tinted not mentioned as most of these make face white
I’ve been using thinksport for the last 3 yrs. It’s good!!! Found it thru Yuka! Thanks Julie!!
products with which ingredients were excluded?
Where did Van Man sunscreen get rated?
Did you evaluate any of the brands and compare them. Other certain brands that you did not consider
It would be very helpful to include a sunscreen that isn’t zinc. There are those of us who have a severe sensitivity to zinc of all types and there is never an option listed for us.
I am curious whether you have ever rated Melaleuca’s sunscreen? It’s called SUNSHADES Mineral Sunscreen. I love all
Your reviews and healthy resources YUKA provides! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this info since before becoming a mom I would use yuka. Now being a mom i implement yuka in our daily life’s