All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

David Kim, MD, MS, cosmetic dermatologist atIdriss Dermatologyin New York Citypreviously told SELF.

Photo of a young person applying sunscreen while being outdoors at the beach

AleksandarNakic / Getty Images

You should also pick something with SPF 30 or above.

Whats the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?

What makes mineral and chemical SPF different from each other comes down to the way they block UV rays.

Supergoop sunscreen

The key difference is referring to the active ingredient thats actually screening the sun,Dr.

Jerome Potozkin, MD, founder and practitioner atPotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Centerin California previously told SELF.

Mineral sunscreenstypically have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the two key ingredients.

Sunscreen in blue and yellow bottle

Mineral sunscreens are reef-safe options since they dont include oxybenzone and octinoxate.

[Chemical sunscreens] absorb the heat from the UV and dissipate it.

In general, as SELF has previously reported, theres nothing inherently better about onetype of sunscreenthan the other.

Sunscreen in white and yellow bottle

Below, we used dermatologist guidance to find the best sunscreen you could buy for your face and body.

And while these will be your summer staples, we highly,highlyrecommend stocking up for year-round use.

Sun protection is a must whether you could see the suns rays or not.

Sunscreen in aqua blue tube

Folks withsensitive skinshould also avoid dyes and parabens and opt for fragrance-free choices.

Amazon

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50

Sephora

Ulta

Supergoop!

CeraVes skin-care products are packed with skin barrier-loving, protectiveceramides, and the mineral sunscreen is no different.

Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral Sunscreen in tube packaging

Plus, it has a thicker formulation so that it stays put all day long.

Neutrogena makes an excellentdrugstore optionthat has chemical filters and is oxybenzone-free.

Black Girl Sunscreens moisturizing chemical SPF is formulated with jojoba, cacao, and avocado.

Bronze bottle of sunscreen on white background

Plus, its reef-safe and paraben, and fragrance-free, making it a solid pick for folks withsensitive skin.

Grown Alchemist makes a lightweight mineral SPF moisturizer thats suitable for year-round use.

Paulas Choice is similar, but with chemical filters, if thats more your jam.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 in silver bottle

These beloved sunscreens are a breeze to apply, offer broad-spectrum protection, and are water- and sweat-resistant.

Supergoops Play lotion is aSELF favoritefor its watery formula that soaks in quickly.

For a budget-friendly dupe, turn to Neutrogenas Beach Defense lotion.

Sunscreen in white tube

Supergoops Glowscreen gives your skin a subtle shine, making it a great pick foroutdoor weddingsand vacations.

Play Everyday Lotion (2.4 oz.)

Glowscreen Body SPF 40

Its not easy finding a mineral body sunscreen thats easy to blend in.

Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 on white background

Hawaiian Tropics milky mineral sunscreen is a2021 Healthy Beauty Award winnerfor that reason.

Neutrogenas and La Roche-Posays mineral sunscreens are beloved by derms and consumers thanks to their fast-absorbing, soft-to-the-touch feel.

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 30

Walmart

Supergoop!

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 on white background

Just yo, for the love of everyone,dontspray against the wind.

Bare Republics Clearscreen won aSELF Beauty Awardfor its invisible formula, affordable price, and tropical scent.

Theyre great for little bits like noses, knees, elbows, and lips.

Sunscreen in white and orange tube

Both of these options areSELF Beauty Award winnersa vigorous nod to their effectiveness.

Article image

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, Sunscreen, and Lotion

Sunscreen in white tube

Sunscreen in black tube

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 on white background

Image may contain: Cosmetics, and Bottle

Tinted sunscreen in tube

Moisturizer in red tube

Sunscreen in yellow tube

Sunscreen lotion tube

Sunscreen in tube

Sunscreen in white and orange tube

Sunscreen in yellow bottle

Sunscreen in teal and brown bottle

Sunscreen in white and yellow tube

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 30 in white bottle

Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 30 on white background

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen in white bottle

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Mineral Sunscreen on white background

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion on white background

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen in white bottle

Sunscreen body mist in spray bottle

Sunscreen in spray bottle

Sunscreen in spray bottle

Sunscreen spray in blue bottle

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 on white background

Sunscreen stick in aqua packaging