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    Sunscreens

    Find Ratings

    Sunscreens

    What's behind our sunscreen Ratings?

    Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 67 models in sunscreens to see which ones perform best.
    We look for:
    • Overall score
      This is based primarily on a combination of scores for UVA and SPF.
    • UVA
      The level of protection against UVA radiation.
    • SPF
      Level of protection against UVB radiation. Score based on the product's measured SPF.
    • Type
      Whether the product is dispensed as a spray, lotion, gel, lip balm or stick.
    • Cost per oz.
      Approximate retail price divided by the number of ounces of product in the container.
    • Active ingredients
      Active ingredients as specified on the product label.
    • Tested SPF
      Whether the tested SPF met the product's claim. If tested SPF is lower than claim, average tested SPF is shown.

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    Sunscreen user reviews

    Share your reviews and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers.

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    Recommended sunscreens

    Recommended sunscreens are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
    arrows Recommended sunscreens
    • Recommended
    • Buying Guide
    • Price & Shop
    In tests of water-resistant sunscreen lotions and sprays, we found many that provided very good or excellent protection against UVB radiation (which causes sunburn) after immersion in water, along with excellent protection against UVA radiation (which penetrates deeper than UVB rays, tanning and aging skin). If you're looking for information about sunscreens, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports' sunscreen reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our sunscreen buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased ratings and sunscreen reviews to help you choose the best sunscreen for your needs. Recommended products all have Very Good or Excellent SPF and Excellent UVA scores.

    Ratings & recommended sunscreens

    Sunscreens

    Sunscreens (67)

    Recommended products all have Very Good or Excellent SPF and UVA scores.
    Recommended sunscreens
    Sunscreen Ratings

    Sunscreen buying guide

    Our tests of 34 body and six face sunscreens showed that you can't always rely on the sun protection factor (SPF) number, a measure of protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. We also tested for protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which tan and age skin, and also contribute to skin cancer. We found 15 sunscreens that did well enough against both UVA and UVB to recommend.

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