If two products you want to mix both contain only physical ingredients, you'll probably be just fine using two sunscreens. But, if they each contain even a small amount of a chemical ingredient—as many sunscreens do—it's not advisable to combine the two.
If, however, a person is in a less intense UV exposure scenario, such as when they are indoors a good portion of the day and/or they are in the shade or wearing a full hat when outside, then the sunscreen's zinc oxide particles may well last all day.
Mineral sunscreen filters are effective for reflecting UV rays when applied as directed, which includes applying a generous amount (one ounce for the entire body) 15 minutes before sun exposure. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients penetrate the top layers of the skin to absorb UV rays.
You really do not have to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreens are broken down by the effects of direct exposure to daylight, not by the passage of time. During an average day – a work day, let's say – the sunscreen you applied in the morning will still offer enough protection at the end of the day.
The best mineral and natural sunscreens
- Dr Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50.
- Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF50.
- Jan Marini Antioxidant Physical Protectant SPF30.
- Avène Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF50+
- Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF50.
- Jason Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30.
- Madara Body SPF30.
Two ingredients can be harmful when absorbed through the skin (more on that below), but as of this writing, claims that approved chemical sunscreens are toxic or a hazard to human health have not been proven, says Dr. The brief reports that "there is evidence that some sunscreen active ingredients may be absorbed.
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun's UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun's UVB rays.
Here are the 10 worst sunscreens on the market today, according to EWG's 2019 report:
- Walgreens Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100.
- Walgreens Age Protection For Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 110.
- Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70.
- Panama Jack Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70.
- Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85.
See our full list of Sunscreen Ratings
- La Roche-Posay. Anthelios Clear Skin Face Lotion SPF 60.
- Hello Bello. Mineral Lotion SPF 50+
- Bare Republic. Mineral Face Lotion SPF 30.
- Aveeno. Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 50.
- Neutrogena. Ultra Sheer Face Lotion SPF 70.
- Hawaiian Tropic.
- Sun Bum.
- Blue Lizard.
Ideally, look for SPF 30 or higher. Know your skin type: If you have dry skin, choose a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, says Dr. Zeichner, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If you have oily skin, look for sunscreens that have a matte finish.
Sunburn protection that is only marginally better.Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays; SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values between 30 and 50 offers adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn.
Best chemical sunscreen sprays
- Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30.
- Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70.
- Trader Joe's Nourish Spray Sunscreen.
- Coppertone Water Babies Lotion Spray SPF 50.
- SunBum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray.
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30.
There are two reasons why sunscreen-related breakouts occur: Occlusion of the pores by comedogenic materials: Heavy, oily sunscreens can block the pores and cause breakouts.
Neutrogena Clear face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 55 offers UVA/UVB sun protection that leaves your skin looking healthy and clear. Suitable for face or body, this lightweight sunscreen lotion helps prevent sunburn without causing breakouts on acne-prone skin.
Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprypyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleyl/Dimethylcarbonate Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Edta, Dipropylene Glycole, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide Peg-15 Disulfate, Glyceryl
Not only do many Neutrogena sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and methylisothiazolinone – we'll get to those later – but their advertised SPF levels of over 70 have been debunked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
