Sunscreen recommendations from Consumer Reports

feline groovy · ‎07-29-2014

(both chemical and physical)

These are the best sunscreens of 2017, according to Consumer Reports

TODAY show

May 18, 2017

best sunscreens by Consumer Reports

Before you stock up on new sunscreen, read these recommendations.

Summer is right around the corner, and while you're stocking up on sandals, bathing suits and planning your next weekend getaway — you might want to consider stocking up on some new sunscreens.

Consumer Reports just released their annual list of top sunscreens, with a few important reminders.

The number on the bottle isn't always accurate:

Of the 58 lotions, sprays and sticks rated by Consumer Reports this year, 20 of them tested at less than half of the SPF listed on their label.

For example, one sunscreen they tested was labeled SPF 30, but the UVB protection it actually provided was between 10 and 19.

There were some winners, though.

Here are their top rated 15 sunscreens:

La Roche-Posay, Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk, $36
Equate, Sport Lotion SPF 50, $5
Pure, Sun Defense Disney Frozen Lotion SPF 50, $6
Coppertone, WaterBabies Lotion SPF 50, $12
Equate, Ultra Protection Lotion SPF 50, $8
Ocean Potion, Protect & Nourish SPF 30, $8
Aveeno, Protect + Hydrate Lotion, SPF 30, $8
Up & Up, Sheer Dry-Touch Lotion, SPF 30, $5
Coppertone, Clearly Sheer Lotion, SPF 50, $7
Neutrogena, CoolDry Sport Lotion, SPF 30, $9.50
Neutrogena, Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Lotion, SPF 45, $9.50
Hawaiian Tropic, Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion SPF 50, $10.50
Well at Walgreens, Baby Lotion, SPF 50, $3
Coppertone, Sport High Performance Lotion, SPF 50, $12

If you can't find one of the products listed above, Consumer Reports recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40.

It should also contain ingredients like avobenzone rather than "natural" ingredients.

Looking for a sunscreen you can spray?

Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+ received an excellent rating, along with Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray and Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30.

Though there are a few things to keep in mind when using a sunscreen spray:

"You have to hold the nozzle close to your skin, and don't spray the product into the wind.

You often see parents running behind kids on the beach, spraying. That's not an effective way to apply sunscreen," Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City said, in the report.

You should also rub the sunscreen in after you spray it on — which some people don't do.

Regardless of what kind of sunscreen you choose, follow these steps to avoid getting burnt:

Shake the bottle. This helps to distribute the ingredients throughout the bottle.
Apply sunscreen BEFORE you go outside. Aim for 15 to 30 minutes before.
Reapply every two hours. And whenever you get out of the water, no matter how much time has passed, or if an ingredient is water resistant.

Remember to apply sunscreen to often-forgotten parts of your body like your scalp, toes, ears and more.

And wear a hat and sunglasses as often as possible.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Our dermatologist recommended Neutrogena baby face for my very overly sensitive to sunscreen face. So far so good.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

I've used Neutrogena Dry Touch since it came out. I love that it goes right in with no grease and use it daily under my makeup.

software · ‎06-08-2016

I've always seen La-Roche Posay at the top of every list.

I use Ocean Potion EVERY day

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

Wow, all that advice and they fail to mention one of the most critical aspects of successful sunblock use: USING ENOUGH.

Wayne Goss did a piece on blockers and showed how much product you should actually be using. IT IS A LOT. That $36 blocker may rate well, but what's the cost per use compared to the others? That's the kind of data CR used to be known for.

I'm also not going for the chemical sunscreens they're plugging here. I'll stick with physical.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Yes, @noodleann. The amount is very important. Rule of thumb is usually about a teaspoon per body part. Face and neck are treated as one. That's quite a bit when you think about it but necessary to get optimal protection.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@ECBG wrote:
I've used Neutrogena Dry Touch since it came out. I love that it goes right in with no grease and use it daily under my makeup.

Same here. I usually use the SPF 75 - sometimes the 100 if I can find it, but after 75 I've read that no matter what they claim the SPF is, there's an effectiveness limit.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

@SilleeMee wrote:
Yes, @noodleann. The amount is very important. Rule of thumb is usually about a teaspoon per body part. Face and neck are treated as one. That's quite a bit when you think about it but necessary to get optimal protection.

That was about the amount that Wayne Goss showed. I looked at that and I thought about how I feel when it's 85+ degrees with a dew point of 70, and that would just fall off my face in a slick of sweat. But I'm using retinol so I'm committed to using sunscreen.

I'm just avoiding going out and doing yard work as long as the UV registers above 2, and using the zinc-based blockers when I do. If my melasma doesn't return, I'll know it's worked. Hardest part is remembering to put it on my forearms between wrist and elbow, where gloves end and shirt sleeves begin.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I totally get that @noodleann. I am using Retin-A so I have to use sunscreen everyday, too. I always wear a hat when I'm outside. I got badly sunburned on my scalp once....never again! I'm not about to put sunscreen on my scalp either, no way.