RESULTS SUMMARY FOR OUR 2024 30-FOR-30 SUNSCREEN CHALLENGE

In celebration of summer, we decided to test 30 different sunscreens over 30 days to see how these applied, how they held up over time, and even how they wash off. Please head to our TikTok and Instagram channel if you want to see the visuals. Otherwise here’s the running list of sunscreens we’ve tried, our rating, and why:

*To help readers learn more about products showcased in this challenge, we built out and organized these results in Shop My Shelf. We do receive a small commission for using our affiliate link. Thank you for feeding a chemist!

Grading Guidelines: We grade on a 10 point scale with 0 - shouldn't exist and 10 - perfection. Anything from a 6-10 is good! Because in the US we're punished by our limited filter system, most really good ones fall between a 7-8. International sunscreens with great textures can go up to a 8-9. We've never found the perfect sunscreen yet since formulation is just that hard, but who know! Note: It's our first time trying to provide some sort of product rating, so from these learnings it'll continue to dial in with future challenges.

1. Kosas Dream Beam Tinted SPF 40 PA++++: 7/10
1. What it be?: A high coverage tinted sunscreen with 80 minutes water resistance.
2. How it do?: Solid! For a high coverage tint, the finish was still comfortable. Not too cakey or oily. Makeup wipe is needed to reapply.
2. HaruHaru Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen, SPF50+/PA++++: 3/10
1. What it be?: A kbeauty mineral sunscreen.
2. How it do?: This left a pretty unnatural shine and ended up being very dry on Gloria's dry skin.
3. Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30: 6/10
1. What it be?: This is a high-coverage tinted sunscreen with a nourishing, cream finish. 
2. How it do?: This formula is very robust and held up over time. But affter 2 hours of wear, Victoria's skin started to feel pretty oily/greasy. Normal or dry skin types might have better luck!
4. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral SPF 45: 7/10
1. What it be?: A kbeauty mineral sunscreen
2. How it do?: Upon application, Gloria found this to have a light texture but definitely leaves a shinier finish than most. After 2 hours it held up well and surprisingly the drying after feel was pretty minimal. In the realm of mineral sunscreens, this is a good one!
5. Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40: 8/10
1. What it be?: A Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Dupe - A classical silicone emulsion
2. How it do?: Prefacing with I'm not thrilled by silicone-based sunscreens. Ultimately this is similar to any silicone sunscreen, same initial chemical smell and so. much. slip. during application. But surprisingly, once this had been absorbed, skin felt pretty clean. Ultimately the texture didn’t make me feel too oily, and the price is unbeatable at $9 for 1.7 fl oz.
6. Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40: 8/10 
1. What it be?: A sheer, tinted silicone lotion texture with optical powders to leave skin with a dewy finish.
2. How it do?: A fter 2 hours of wear time it was still comfortable (even on a hot day) and Victoria didn't feel overly greasy. There wouldn't be any issues reapplying this one so it's a great option if you're ok with that dewy/glow/shine look.
7. Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF 50: 6/10
1. What it be?: A classic lotion sunscreen for face that claims heavy duty water resistance.
2. How it do?: The texture wasn't anything the write home about.  Despite the claims, Gloria noticed that with a lot of sweat the sunscreen started to run and seemed to pool into the folds of skin. This will probably do just fine with normal sweating scenarios but maybe not so much for more intense workouts and saunas.
8. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk SPF 50: 9.5/10
1. What it be?: A sunscreen fluid with a powdery silicone finish that claims water resistance & rub resistance.
2. How it do?: We've also tested the traditional Anessa Fluid in the gold bottle and Gloria found this version to be even more comfortable. The sunscreen held up well to a rigorous workout. Overall a really solid formula!
9. Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Facial Mist: 6/10
1. What it be?: A chemical filter sunscreen face mist with alcohol.
2. How it do?:  A couple notes! This formula has a solid amount of alcohol to keep the texture light. That means definitely keep your eyes closed if you spray directly to face. Another option is to spray onto hands then apply on face. Also, the spritz is a lot more concentrated, which means it may feel like you're covering a wide area of your face but in actuality, it's a lot more targeted. Just make sure you rub in the sunscreen well. The sunscreen definitely held up well in the sweat test. However, despite the light application, the after-feel still left skin feeling slightly greasy with some drag. 
10. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50: 9/10
1. What it be?: An asian chemical filter sunscreen with a watery lotion texture.
2. How it do?: T his has a refreshing watery break that applies very easily. We wouldn't take the blue light protection claim too seriously - but SPF50+ and PA++++ is great! This was very comfortable on Gloria's dry skin! While it's not super moisturizing - it's definitely nice and non drying. A very solid choice for daily wear.
11. Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50: 0/10
1. What it be?: An asian water gel chemical filter sunscreen
2. How it do?: We were baffled by this sunscreen and we're fully aware of how long this formula has been around for and how popular it is. Our takeaways are the following: 1. We don't feel comfortable recommending this one simply because it's not easy to achieve a uniform film. Sunscreens are only as good as the uniform film it creates. 2. If you feel that this is the only sunscreen you're willing to wear, just rub in well. Very well. So so so well. Rub in this sunscreen to the point that the sunscreen has completely dried down and you no longer feel dampness or that watery break. Hope that helps!
12. Supergoop Protect(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50: 7/10
1. What it be?: A tinted hybrid mineral with high coverage
2. How it do?: This sunscreen texture felt pretty comparable to btoh the Kosas and Tower 28 tinted formulas. It did have a more nourishing finish but help up well and was comfortable to wear. This will need a makeup wipe to remove before reapplication.
13. Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50: 7/10
1. What it be?: A chemical sunscreen fluid
2. How it do?: This UV fluid feels like a textbook sunscreen fluid. It absorbs quickly and leaves a silicone, powdery finish with some residue. It held up well throughout the day and wouldn't have any issues reapplying. However, probably by the third reapplication, this felt like it wanted to pill. Just something to keep in mind if you're relying on this sunscreen for a whole day of sun protection. If Victoria had to choose between the two Naturium sunscreens, she would pick the Dew Glow Screen. The texture is more lotion like but seemed to absorb better on her skin.
14. Saie’s Slip Tint Mineral SPF 35: 4/10
1. What it be?: A tinted mineral lotion with medium coverage
2. How it do?: Victoria was surprised to find that this tinted coverage was somewhere more in the middle. Not as high coverage as the Kosas/Supergoop/Tower 28, but more than the sheer tinted like the Kate Somerville, Tatcha, and Murad City Defense. Unfortunately, the product she had smelled like one of the oils had gone rancid. It could just have been bad luck on her part. More importantly, this texture didn’t quite work for Victoria's oily skin. After two hours of wear it felt like it was sliding around and didn’t want to absorb. Maybe you’ll have much better luck because the amount of coverage was appreciated and did provide a more natural finish.
15. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 60+: 6/10
1. What it be?: A japanese chemical sunscreen with 80 minute water resistance
2. How it do?: This sunscreen has a classic silicone texture with a lot of slip and a powdery finish. However, compared to Anessa, this definitely left more of a film & nourishing finish. The overall texture was appreciated and definitely a worthy sunscreen for dry skin types. But, it didn't hold up as well when it came to sweat resistance, despite its positioning.
16. La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMUNE400 Fluide Invisible: 10/10
1. What it be?: A non-US chemical sunscreen fluid
2. How it do?: We LOVED how fast this sets. It's really helpful in promoting wearing the correct amount of sunscreen as opposed to those formulas that just feel like rubbing forevvverrr. The texture is also very "neutral" - it's not drying or moisturizing - pretty good for all skin types. This definitely lives up to the hype! European friends - y'all are super lucky
17. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Sun Serum SPF50+: 8.5/10
1. What it be?: A kbeauty chemical sunscreen lotion
2. How it do?: This has a refreshing watery break that absorbs fairly quickly. This does leave skin with a bit of shine but it's tolerable. Overall this had some wear but the texture was appreciated and comfortable. We consider this a great neutral texture. Not too powdery, doesn't have too much slip, neither too moisturizing or too drying. A great one to consider for all skin types!
18. Tatcha the Silk Sunscreen SPF 50: 7/10
1. What it be?: A sheer, tinted, mineral sunscreen fluid
2. How it do?:   This felt a lot like Victoria's beloved Murad City Defense. It wears well, and felt comfortable on Victoria's oily skin. Buttt the price tag is just a bit hard to swallow. 
19. Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+: 7.5/10
1. What it be?: A sheer, tinted, mineral sunscreen fluid with essential oil fragrance
2. How it do?: This felt comfortable on Victoria's oily skin with no white cast. It held up quite well through hot yoga as well. This is another one that's comparable to the Tatcha & Murad Tinted Minerals. Bonus that this one is ~$20 than the other two so a definite win!
20. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50 Stick: 7/10
1. What it be?: A baby mineral stick sunscreen
2. How it do?: This stick has a great glidey, layerable texture that held up well with sweat. It does have a white cast like almost all other baby formulas - but really isn't the worst offender. Note that with sunscreen sticks, you're very likely underapplying. More coats! *PSA - sunscreen can play a role in your baby's sun protection kit especially for those exposed little feetsies, but don't forget your UPF gear + keep them in shaded areas! 
21. Blue Lizard Baby SPF50+ Mineral Stick: 3/10
1. What it be?: A baby mineral stick sunscreen
2. How it do?: This stick is noticeably less spreadable and glidey than the Aveeno baby stick. It's pretty hard to get an even, solid film with this product. Sadly... this isn't quite what we're looking for in a baby sunscreen
22. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+: 6/10
1. What it be?: A mineral fluid sunscreen with fragrance
2. How it do?: This is a fluid mineral sunscreen that feels pretty close to La Roche Posays' Anthelios Mineral Fluid. The formula absorbs quickly and leaves only a slight residue on skin. Keep in mind this sunscreen does have a powdery-scented fragrance. This formula doesn't show up that well on the UV camera but seems to hold up ok. Unfortunately, over time this formula started to run into Victoria's eyes and did bother her over time. However, this is a running theme (pun intended) with all thin mineral fluids for her. This might not be the same experience for others. If you enjoy these sunscreens, this could be another one to consider. 
23. DRMTLGY Univeral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46: 8/10
1. What it be?: A tinted hybrid mineral sunscreen with sheer coverage
2. How it do?:  This is a tinted hybrid mineral sunscreen that provides sheer coverage and had a pretty long rub in time. However, once rubbed in this texture was quite nice. It absorbs well, feels comfortable on skin, and left skin with a pretty natural finish. Overall this sunscreen held up well and Gloria didn't find it drying for skin (which happens a lot with anything mineral). She wouldn't have any qualms about using this tinted again.
24. Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50+: 6/10
1. What it be?: An affordable, classic mineral sunscreen.
2. How it do?: This formula has some of the classic issues - long application time, residue, and faint white cast. But, it didn’t dry out Gloria’s skin, help up well, and...in this economy is very reasonably priced. Like $17 for 5oz. reasonable. Strong redeemable qualities that make this an affordable, dependable mineral sunscreen for those with more fair skin looking in this category. 
25. Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Hybrid SPF 50: 0/10
1. What it be?: A hybrid mineral SPF 50
2. How it do?: Ok this was a sad day for us. We've tried other sunscreens in their lineup and didn't face the same issue but this one refused to absorb. So after trying many minutes to rub all of it in, the formula sadly decided to pill profusely on Gloria's skin. It pains us to give this rating, but when you can't apply enough and the sunscreen can't set up a proper film, we can't recommend this as a sunscreen option. Skin is personal after all so maybe some of you have better luck.
26. Biore Aqua Rich SPF 50 US Version: 8.5/10
1. What it be?: A US chemical filter gel cream texture.
2. How it do?: Victoria here! I’ve been a long-time Biore Aqua Rich Lover and heard some reviews of the recent US version. So to do a good comparison, let’s do a split-face comparison of the two. Honestly, it was pretty surprising to find that the US version still retained that signature watery break. I probably had some pretty low expectations going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this sunscreen to be pretty comparable. Yes, it did have a more filmy, nourishing finish but in the grand scheme of US sunscreens, it’s not too shabby. For a US sunscreen, it’s solid. If I only could use this version I wouldn’t be mad. Also, happy to know Biore provides a version that you don’t have to purchase through less straightforward channels.
27. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50: 7/10
1. What it be?: A kbeauty chemical filter sunscreen stick
2. How it do?: Sunscreen sticks are challenging for us to talk about. We totally get the convenience of quickly swiping this on whether you’re on the go or trying to reapply, but it’s really difficult to be sure you’re getting enough. In fact, it’s so challenging we had to use a scale! Despite needing 4 coats, Victoria didn’t look shiny and it was surprisingly not that gross of a feel on skin. Ultimately sunscreen sticks are just going to be a tough category to apply enough of. But in this category, this is a really good formula. For those wanting to use sunscreen sticks as your main sunscreen, aim for 3 coats.
28. Elta MD Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46: 3/10
1. What it be?: A sheer, tinted hybrid sunscreen
2. How it do?: This tinted formula took a surprisingly long time to rub in and absorb. While the formula held up well, if not careful Gloria could get this formula to pill. This formula felt comparable to the DRMTLGY tinted and ultimately we would choose DRMTLGY over this one. Not the greatest initial application and pilling tendency is too high.
29. Baby Bum Mineral Lotion SPF 50: 8/10 (for babies)
1. What it be?: A non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen.
2. How it do?:  We both crossed a crazy milestone in the past year, which means I guess we have to look at sunscreens for babies. In general, baby skin is fresh, new, and oh so volatile and potentially sensitive. That means, baby sunscreen formulas will be non-nano mineral formulas so here we must embrace the WHITE CAST. As an adult human, this will have a lot of things you'll hate in a sunscreen. It will leave a ghostly white cast that takes forever to to rub in. However, once absorbed it leaves a nourishing finish but not dreadfully greasy. So in the realm of baby sunscreens, this formula held up really well in a sweat test and isn't the greasiest of the bunch.
30. Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50: 6/10
1. What it be?: Drugstore accessible chemical lotion.
2. How it do?: If I could provide a textbook example of a chemical sunscreen lotion, this would be a good one. There's honestly nothing too surprising both good or bad about this texture. After working out, this held up just fine so it's a reliable, drug store sunscreen you can snag. But wait! Funny story, this face lotion formula is actually incredibly similar to their regular sunscreen texture at half the cost per ounce. So texture-wise, we'd rate this a 6/10 but I ended up downgrading this one because ultimately I'd recommend to just go buy the bigger bottle of the non-face Sun Bum SPF 50 Lotion. It's way cheaper for pretty much the exact same formula.