I used to love to suntan when I was young. But now, I know as well as anyone the risks of tanning and sunburn, and I’m committed to protecting myself and my kids from a future case of skin cancer. Still, that doesn’t mean we want to stay indoors all summer! We live in Florida, and we get to the beach or out on a boat as often as we can. So, it’s essential that we use long-wearing sunscreen with a high enough SPF that we can safely frolic in the sun. My girls and I have tried a lot of sunscreens, and here are our picks for the top seven sunscreens for safe summer fun.
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50 ($8-$10): I love that this is an oil, which means it absorbs easily into the skin and provides non-greasy protection. Plus, it’s available in SPF 15, 30 and 50. Through December 31, L´Oreal will donate $1 from every product purchase to the Melanoma Research Alliance.
Nature’s Gate Broad Spectrum Sunscreen ($7.50-$11): If you’re looking for sunscreen that is free of parabens, phthalates and never tested on animals, Nature’s Gate is the way to go. This fragrance-free line, available in SPF 25 and 50 and for sports and water enthusiasts and kids, goes on dry and moisturizes with Sea Buckthorn and Aloe Vera.
Banana Boat Sport Performance Coolzone Lotion Sunscreens ($7.50): Banana Boat is a tried and true brand that keeps innovating. Its latest Coolzone™ line instantly cools the skin upon contact—a welcomed relief on a hot, sunny day. Available in SPF 30 or 50, this long-wearing sunscreen features a crisp, pleasing scent.
Sport TruKid Sunny Days SPF 30 ($14.99): This super kid-friendly coverage has won accolades from several children’s and environmental advocacy groups and more importantly—my kids give it two thumbs up! It’s long-lasting, cruelty-free, and as my two little nature lovers pointed out, it’s reef-friendly, meaning it contains no chemicals that can damage fragile coral reefs.
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Vichy Capital Soleil Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($28.50): Seriously, this is a splurge for an everyday sunscreen, but it’s luxurious satiny coverage, indulgent scent and anti-aging properties make it worth the price. In SPF 30, this spray-on oil goes on smooth and lasts about two hours.
No-Ad Sunblock Lotion ($9): Sunscreen doesn’t come much more friendly-priced than No-Ad, and this heavy-duty sunblock (SPF 60!) is no exception. Sure, you’ll miss out on some of the fancy ingredients and exotic fragrances, but what you get is safe, effective coverage in the highest SPF available, and the 16 oz. bottle means there’s plenty of coverage for the whole family.
Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($9): Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that we normally get from soaking up the sun’s rays. But with Ocean Potion’s vitamin-enriched product line, wearers get 200 IU’s of Vitamin D3 with every application. Plus, it’s fortified with skin-friendly vitamins A, C and E, for extra anti-aging benefits.
