The warm season is approaching — it’s time for vacations and just being outdoors. Of course, this is very beneficial for human health, but we must not forget about protection. In particular, you should protect your skin from the negative effects of sunlight. You can get burned not only in resorts, sunburn can be earned even in high latitudes. Cloudy weather can also play a cruel joke, since clouds do not represent any serious obstacle for ultraviolet rays.
In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from the extremely unpleasant consequences associated with sunburn, you must use special formulations. The choice of appropriate creams in stores is quite large — choosing the best remedy is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. In our ranking of the best sunscreens, we decided to try to understand this issue, give you some useful tips on choosing products, and we will also analyze the compositions and the principle of operation of several of the most popular formulations among users.
How to choose the right sunscreen?
Sunburn is a very unpleasant and dangerous thing. UV rays not only damage the upper layers of the skin, but also penetrate deep into its structure, which leads to premature aging and increases the likelihood of melanoma and skin cancer. Most sunscreens are labeled SPF — Sun Protection Factor, which indicates how effectively this product protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. This coefficient shows the proportion of rays reaching the skin through the cream layer. For example, the label SPF 15 will report that only 1/15 of the total amount of UV will hit the skin. Cream SPF 100 will allow 99% to protect the skin from negative effects.
Sunlight includes two types of ultraviolet — A and B. The latter leads to superficial burns, as a result of which the skin can turn red, crust, there is a feeling of tightness and burning. Any sunscreen can effectively deal with such rays. Type A rays are able to penetrate much deeper, it is under their action that the skin begins to age much faster, and the likelihood of developing cancerous growths increases.
On sale you can find waterproof sunscreen. It is best suited for people who are going to relax by the sea. Such a composition is practically not washed off with water. However, it must be remembered that any cream is easily washed off with a towel. If you dry yourself after bathing, you will need to reapply the composition.
Creams made on the basis of mineral compounds form a special protective film on the upper layer of the skin, which will scatter and reflect ultraviolet rays. Usually these products are made on the basis of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Such compounds cope with any type of radiation, are absolutely harmless to the human body. Zinc oxide is also able to overcome small inflammatory processes. These creams are allowed to be used not only by adults, but also by young children, as well as pregnant women. They do not begin to act immediately — you need to wait about half an hour for the product to be well absorbed. Chemical creams do not reflect the sun’s rays, but convert them into heat. Here, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate are used as active substances. They lie on the skin with a very thin transparent layer, are much cheaper, but can often cause allergic reactions.
When we chose the compositions for inclusion in our ranking of the best sunscreens, we relied on all of these recommendations. We also took into account the ratio of price and quality of products, as well as user reviews. The review includes far from the most expensive means, so each of our readers will be able to choose products for themselves, based on their financial capabilities.
Top 10 Sunscreens
10. Kora Sunscreen SPF30
This is one of the latest developments of a domestic cosmetology company, whose products have been popular on the market for many years. The composition perfectly copes with the protection of the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With its help, it is possible to prevent sunburn, the occurrence of thermal stress, overdrying of the upper and deep layers of the skin. The cream is able to actively nourish the epidermis, makes it softer, prevents excessive moisture from evaporating, and fights peeling and premature aging of the skin well. If you use this cosmetics, you can spend whole days in the sun without worrying about your health. The composition contains special sunscreens, a number of natural components, which include extracts of strawberry leaves, hawthorn, clary sage. There are also several synthetic compounds — panthenol, betaine and allantonin. They have a softening and soothing effect on the skin, natural vegetable oils, moisturizing ingredients and vitamins are provided.
The consistency is oily, rather oily, the cream has a white-milky color. It spreads over the skin with ease, no effort is required. Absorbed almost instantly. The aroma is light, unobtrusive and quite pleasant.
Advantages:
- Although the composition is quite oily, there is no feeling of stickiness and tightness;
- Perfectly protects the skin from burns and other adverse effects of prolonged exposure to the sun;
- Leaves no marks on clothes;
- Acceptable cost;
- Minor expense;
- Does not cause allergic reactions.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for people with very fair skin.
Kora Sun Cream SPF30
9. Floresan Full Block Sunblock Barrier Cream Formula 113 SPF 45
Another domestic product, characterized by reasonable cost, high efficiency and a long period of action. The cream is able to reflect from the surface of the skin almost all ultraviolet rays that fall on it, while providing the maximum possible protection. It can fight the appearance of age spots, restores the protective functions of the skin. It can be used by people who are allergic or intolerant to ultraviolet rays. The product takes care of the skin itself, moisturizes even the deep layers of the epidermis.
A similar effect was achieved largely thanks to vitamin E and aloe vera extract. The cream is not washed off with water, it is often used not only on the beach, but also in high mountain areas, where the activity of sunlight is even higher. Its active substances reduce the production of melanin, allow you to maintain the whiteness of the skin. It contains coconut, jojoba and almond oils, which additionally nourish the cells of the dermis, stimulate their rapid renewal. Apply to dry skin about half an hour before going outside. It is allowed to use not only on the body, but also on the face.
Advantages:
- High efficiency;
- Acceptable cost;
- Does not wash off with water;
- Contains many nutrients;
- Successfully fights against hyperpigmentation.
Flaws:
- You will have to wait for some time until the composition is absorbed and begins to act.
Floresan Full Block Sunblock Barrier Cream Formula 113 SPF 45
8. My sunshine Children’s sunscreen SPF 20
It was developed for high-quality protection of delicate children’s skin from the adverse effects of sunlight, well protects against the formation of burns. The composition contains mineral filters that are safe for the child, which are supplemented with vitamin E and calendula extract. Thanks to these substances, protection against all types of ultraviolet rays is provided. The cream softens the skin well, does not allow it to dry out, fights inflammation, and does not allow to lose a lot of moisture. Features a waterproof formula.
The tube is made of polymeric materials, does not wrinkle, retains its original appearance throughout the entire service life, is pleasant to the touch, and is equipped with a protective membrane. It retains the composition, does not allow air to it. The method of application is standard — the cream is applied to the body and face of the child, distributed in an even layer with soft movements. After treating the skin, you should wait for some time for the composition to be absorbed into the integument — this usually takes about 10 minutes. During the day, you need to apply as needed, for example, if the child is in the sun for a long time or sits in the water for a long time. It is recommended for babies aged 3 months, but it is also suitable for adults.
Advantages:
- Provides reliable protection for children’s skin;
- The composition is hypoallergenic;
- Suitable for very young children;
- The texture is not too greasy, so the cream is quickly absorbed;
- Convenient packaging.
Flaws:
- If you dress a child when the cream has not yet been completely absorbed, then stubborn stains may remain on things.
My sunshine Children’s sunscreen SPF 20
7. Biocon Spray Sunscreen Sunscreen SPF 50
Effective and quite popular products of Ukrainian production. The spray is able to create a protective film on any part of the skin. Applying and spreading over the surface is much easier compared to a cream. The substance not only reliably protects the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays, but also helps to get a beautiful and even tan that lasts for a long time. The composition has a positive effect on the condition of human skin. It prevents premature aging of the skin, forms a reliable filter of ultraviolet rays, provides the epidermis with the necessary nutrition and additionally moisturizes it. No allergic reactions to the products during testing were found, as evidenced by the corresponding certificate.
The spray is best suited for people with skin phototype I, it focuses mainly on protection from UV rays type A. Apply to the skin about 5-10 minutes before sun exposure. After drying, it does not leave marks on clothes, there is no feeling of tightness of the skin. The spray is water resistant and can be used throughout the day, suitable for people 18 years of age and older.
Advantages:
- Easy to apply and quickly spread over the surface of the skin;
- High composition efficiency;
- After drying does not leave any traces;
- It has a light pleasant aroma, which quickly disappears;
- Waterproof.
Flaws:
- Can only be used by adults.
Biocon Spray Sunscreen Sunscreen SPF 50
6. The Saem Eco Earth Power Sunscreen Waterproof SPF 50
The optimal composition for prolonged exposure to the sun, has a high protection factor, reliably protects against sunburn and prevents photoaging of the skin. Developed by South Korean cosmetologists, it has all the necessary international certificates. With the main function — blocking ultraviolet radiation — it does an excellent job. It can be used as a skin care product, as the cream contains soothing and moisturizing substances, it is able to soften the skin, making it smoother and more elastic. In the form of a cream, there is a rich complex of plant extracts.
Peruvian maca is distinguished by a high content of substances useful for the skin — iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, there is a rich set of fatty acids, polysaccharides. This substance heals the skin, saturates them with the necessary amount of moisture, relieves fatigue and stress, and also fills them with strength. The protective functions of the skin before external influences increase several times. The texture of the cream is very light, so it is absorbed instantly, no oily sheen or sticky feeling occurs. Free from parabens, mineral oils, formaldehyde, talc and artificial colors. Apply as a final skin care product just before going outside, as a protective film forms in just a couple of minutes after using the cream.
Advantages:
- The maximum level of skin protection is provided;
- Almost instantly absorbed due to its light texture;
- Protects throughout the day;
- Contains many active ingredients — can be used simply as a cosmetic product.
Flaws:
- The expense is relatively large.
The Saem Eco Earth Power Sunscreen Waterproof SPF 50
5. SolBianca Sun Protect Complex sunscreen for face and body SPF 35
It contains panthenol, Shea butter and a large amount of vitamin E. In general, this brand is quite new — the cream is produced by the domestic company Integra, which has been producing body care cosmetics for 10 years. The cream was originally created for use in tanning beds, but subsequent studies have confirmed the possibility of using it outdoors to combat the negative effects of natural ultraviolet rays. The packaging is soft, made of polymeric materials, the tube is stable, the dispenser is a hole closed with a hinged lid. The texture of the cream is pleasant, completely homogeneous, dense and slightly oily. The cream has a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.
It should only be applied to clean and dry skin. Repeat the application approximately every 2-3 hours with constant exposure to the sun or every half an hour when swimming. It spreads quickly on the skin, absorbs well too, leaves no residue, sticky or tight feeling. Protects the skin from all types of UV rays. The manufacturer also recommends using this product as a complete nutritional composition for daily use. It is not heavy for the face, suitable for all skin types — it provides good nutrition and hydration of the integument, does not clog pores, and is characterized by an antiseptic effect.
Advantages:
- Excellent protection against harmful effects;
- Nourishes the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles;
- Can also be used in the solarium;
- Suitable for daily use as a nutrient;
- Convenient packaging.
Flaws:
- Relatively long absorption time
SolBianca Sun Protect Complex SPF 35
4. AVENE mineral shield cream SPF 50
The cream is allowed to be used by adults and children with hypersensitive skin, as well as people with intolerance to chemical filters and fragrances. It successfully protects the epidermis from the entire spectrum of ultraviolet rays — this effect was achieved largely thanks to the active complex of natural ingredients created in the Pierre Fabre research laboratory. Mineral filters are stable in operation, retain their effectiveness for a long time. Pretocopheryl is an antioxidant of high power — with its help it is possible to reliably protect the skin from the negative effects of free radicals, which can damage healthy cells.
The composition also contains thermal water, which has a calming effect on the skin and relieves irritation. The cream is characterized by high water resistance, rich and soft texture, so it saturates even quite sensitive skin with moisture. Contains no parabens. The composition is well suited for light integuments prone to rapid burns. Photoprotection is provided due to the high concentration of titanium dioxide. There are practically no chemical components here, so delicate skin will not be irritated.
Advantages:
- Nice texture;
- Well protects even weakened skin from the sun;
- Thoroughly moisturizes even deep integuments;
- Acceptable cost;
- Economic consumption;
- Produced from high quality ingredients of mineral and vegetable origin.
Flaws:
- If the cream is not allowed to fully absorb, white stains may remain on the clothes.
AVENE mineral shield cream SPF 50
3. Hyalual Sunscreen Face & Body SPF 50
In third place in the review of the best sunscreens is professional-grade products that provide high-quality protection against the negative effects on the skin of free radicals formed in the environment when ultraviolet rays pass through it. In addition, the cream does not allow the occurrence of sunburn of varying degrees, inflammation, hyperemia. With it, you can ensure that you get an even and beautiful tan. The product has effective emollient and moisturizing properties, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The composition also contains the original RE-Derm protective complex, with which you can ensure the rapid restoration of sun-damaged covers. The cream is perfectly absorbed, does not give the skin a greasy sheen, and is resistant to moisture. It is allowed to be used for whitening the epidermis, recovery after peeling.
The degree of protection is maximum, the products are suitable for sensitive and dry skin, it is allowed to apply to children’s skin if the child is over 3 years old. There is vitamin E and a rich mineral complex here, moisturizing occurs due to the extract of lemongrass fruits. It is recommended to apply this cream about 20 minutes before sun exposure. After water procedures, if a person has been in the water for more than half an hour, you need to reapply this cream, it is permissible for them to treat the skin of the face.
Advantages:
- Full protection from the negative effects of sunlight;
- Allows you to restore skin already damaged by ultraviolet radiation;
- Helps to fight age spots on the face and body;
- Effectively moisturizes even deep skin;
- Absorbs quickly and leaves no residue on clothes.
Flaws:
- Very expensive for a sunscreen.
Hyalual Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50
2. Holy Land Sunscreen
These are original products that not only protect the skin of the face and body from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, but also have a toning effect that masks minor imperfections. The cream was developed by Israeli cosmetologists and belongs to the group of professional skin care products. Supplied in a plastic tube that retains its shape no matter how much cream is left. Two substances are used here as the main sunscreen — titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, there are vitamins E and C, as well as nourishing extracts of gingko biloba and green tea. It has practically no foreign smell, the texture is as light as that of conventional creams for morning or evening use. The color of the cream is just perfect, it fits well on the skin and adapts to its tone, lies on the face imperceptibly, regardless of the shade.
The texture is thick, similar in density and consistency to BB creams. Initially, it is oily and rather sticky, but after absorption it is not felt at all on the skin — it takes from 5 to 10 minutes. A noticeable color after applying the cream is not visible — it simply evens out the tone, makes the skin evenly colored. During the day it does not darken and does not oxidize. Reliably protects the skin from all types of ultraviolet rays, but does not clog pores.
Advantages:
- Very high degree of skin protection from the sun;
- Has a moisturizing and nourishing effect;
- Able to even out skin tone, adapts to it;
- Absorbed in the shortest possible time;
- During the day does not change its color;
- On the skin of the face is absolutely not noticeable.
Flaws:
- When first applied to the skin, it causes a feeling of oiliness and stickiness;
- There is only one tone, although it adapts to the color of the skin itself.
Holy Land Sunscreen
1. Village 11 Factory Daily Mild Sun Cream SPF 50
The leaders in the ranking of the best sunscreens is a product from a world famous manufacturer, which contains a large complex of natural ingredients. In particular, the extracts of centella asiatica and purslane contained here have an action aimed at maintaining skin health, soothe cells, eliminate itching, slow down, and then completely stop inflammatory processes, create an invisible protective barrier. The cream has a light texture, able to moisturize the skin even from the inside. There is no film or oily sheen on the surface, the manufacturer claims that the cream can be used as a base for makeup. The consistency is thick, but this does not prevent this composition from being quickly absorbed, there is no whitish effect.
The sun protection factor blocks all types of ultraviolet rays, prevents burns, and slows down the aging process. Extracts of plant components stimulate the production of collagen, they have a very high antioxidant potential, regulate the processes of keratinization. With the help of these substances, it is possible to restore skin tone, accelerate the healing of minor injuries — wounds or cracks. Purslane extract is able to remove harmful and toxic substances from the skin. Extract from chia seeds promotes thorough hydration, stimulates the work of protective functions and increases local immunity of the skin. The cream proved to be excellent when working with irritated and sensitive skin.
Advantages:
- Easily distributed over the skin of the face and body;
- Consists mainly of natural ingredients;
- Suitable for all skin types;
- Can be used as a base for make-up;
- long-term action;
- The skin after application acquires a beautiful matte sheen.
Flaws:
- Not very common in stores.
Village 11 Factory Daily Mild Sun Cream SPF 50
In conclusion, a useful video
The ranking of the best sunscreens is over. We are glad that you were with us all the time that you read this article. For each position of this short review, we tried to collect all available information. If you have a desire to share your own experience of using such products with other readers, then you can always do this in the comments.