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As a Florida native I’m no stranger to fun in the sun, but I wasn’t always rigorous about sunscreen application growing up. The ‘first burn of the summer’ was both the exciting and dreaded result of a vacation spent at the beach, camping or at a theme park.

Now older, and a little wiser, sunscreen application has become a staple in my skincare routine. Going to the barn? I know I’ll be super sweaty, so I’ll throw on some Aveeno mineral sunscreen to protect my arms and face. Going into work or driving? My go-to may be surprising, but I swear by the Panama Jack Baby Sunscreen lotion – it smells great, rubs in easily with no white cast, and isn’t greasy under my makeup.

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Everyone has a different skin reaction to sunscreen, however, and it’s important to test out the ingredients that work with your skin type. We interviewed two experts for our Best Sunscreen of 2025 roundup for guidance on what makes the ‘best’ sunscreen, and no surprise, it’s going to be subjective based on your skin sensitivity, skin tone and texture, and preference on mineral versus chemical ingredients.

We’ll do a quick recap below on how to pick the best sunscreen based on your needs, plus feature some of the most popular sunscreen brands currently on sale for Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11). It’s never been a better time to stock up on your sunscreen essentials, with discounts as high as 44% off during the deal event. So don’t wait too long to make a decision - these prices won’t be around much longer.

Sunscreen Tips And Tricks: Picking The Right One

Medical reviewer and Board Certified Family Practitioner, Dr. Tess Thomas, and licensed aesthetician and laser specialist, Erin Blackwell, both weighed in on what makes a great sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are usually a blend of ingredients combining zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens are some of the most popular options for those with skin conditions. Erin Blackwell said, “Mineral sunscreens…are often better for sensitive skin, melasma, rosacea and situations where immediate protection is needed – they work right away.”

If, however, you plan to be in the sun and know you’ll be sweating or getting wet, a sport sunscreen (usually a chemical sunscreen that is absorbed into the top layer of the skin and converts UV rays into energy) may be the better choice. Chemical sunscreens also do not tend to leave a white cast on the skin the way a mineral sunscreen might.

If chemical ingredients are cause for concern, Dr. Thomas mentions that “newer chemical sunscreen formulations are much cleaner and more heavily tested for safety.” It was noted that there is documentation supporting negative environmental impact, so if you’re planning a trip to certain locations like Aruba or Hawaii, you’ll want to stick with mineral sunscreens since certain chemical sunscreen ingredients are banned.

5 Popular Sunscreens On Sale For Amazon Prime Day

Both medical reviewers largely agreed that they lean towards mineral sunscreen options for patients and clients, citing more mild ingredients, but that it ultimately depends on the variety other factors that may determine whether a mineral or chemical sunscreen is right for you. In the list below, we break out the Amazon Prime Day deals, ingredient list and some pros and cons of each pick.

1. Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Price: $10.63, was $18.99 - 44% off

Rating: 4.7-stars; 20,900+ ratings

Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Reef Friendly: No | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9.0%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (6.0%)

Features:

• Protects against UVA/UVB rays
• Sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ideal for outdoor sports
• Free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

Drawbacks:

• Includes fragrance and alcohol, which are skin irritants and very drying
• Sprays not as ideal for face coverage

Why you may want it: The Banana Boat Sport Ultra sunscreen was our top sport pick, as supported by personal friends and family that play a ton of outdoor sports. They mentioned gravitating towards this brand, usually while at the convenience store. We might suggest combining this spray sunscreen with a facial sunscreen lotion for best possible coverage.

2. EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer

Price: $33.60, was $42 - 20% off

Rating: 4.5-stars; 23,300+ ratings

Type: Mineral & Chemical | SPF: 4o | Reef Friendly: No | Active Ingredients: Oxtinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (9%)

Features:

• Free of fragrance, alcohol and essential oils
• Includes Hyaluronic Acid, a skin-hydration ingredient
• Claims to calm and protect skin prone to acne and rosacea
• SPF 40 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Variety of tint options

Drawbacks:

• Not water resistant
• Includes Oxtinoxate – not a reef-safe ingredient
• Has caused skin irritation and drying with some reviewers

Why you may want it: If you’ve been on the fence about testing the EltaMD Sunscreen, the combination chemical, mineral and skincare ingredients could be a differentiator. Some reviewers called it “essential” to their routine, with many noting they were longtime buyers. It’s worth noting, however, that it includes Oxtinoxate which is not an environmentally friendly ingredient. This is most ideal for limited sun exposure, such as walking to and from your car in the sun, rather than sitting or playing on the beach.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+

Price: $29.99, was $39.99 - 25% off

Rating: 4.5-stars; 28,300+ ratings

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Reef Friendly: Yes | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (6%), Zinc Oxide (5%)

Features:

• Free of fragrance, alcohol and essential oils
• No Oxybenzone or parabens, non-comedogenic, and allergy tested, according to company
• Generally suitable for sensitive skin
• SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Variety of tint options

Drawbacks:

• May leave a white cast (without tint)
• Very small amount for cost
• In-house testing resulted in small skin breakouts

Why you may want it: So I’m personally not a user of the La Roche-Posay Tinted Sunscreen. I wanted to love it. I even bought it at full price, thanks to the glowing reviews from three separate co-workers. Unfortunately, perhaps thanks to my combination of dry/oily skin, I had small white breakouts around my mouth after just two days of use. Reviewers are all or nothing on this brand – some absolutely rave about it, others may find the ingredients simply don’t work for them.

4. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Price: $30.40, was $38 - 20% off

Rating: 4.6-stars; 17,300+ ratings

Type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Reef Friendly: No | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (8%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (4%)

Features:

• Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, paraben, phthalates, oil, fragrance, and alcohol free
• Designed for all skin types (gel application)
• Doubles as makeup-gripping primer
• Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40 protection
• Recommended for normal, combination, dry or oily skin

Drawbacks:

• Expensive for amount

Why you may want it: The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen comes highly recommended by reviewers, with many saying the best value is its use under makeup with no pilling. Many mentioned no greasy feeling and no white cast. Our medical reviewer Dr. Thomas mentioned she personally uses this brand as well.

5. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray

Price: $12.79, was $18.49 - 31% off

Rating: 4.7-stars; 25,500+ ratings

Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Reef Friendly: No | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)

Features:

• UVA/UVB protection, with vitamin E
• Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, gluten, oil, cruelty and paraben free
• Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
• Non-comedogenic

Drawbacks:

• Includes alcohol and fragrance which can be skin irritants
• High percentage of Homosalate

Why you may want it: While we’re not huge fans of the chemical ingredients in this popular Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen pick, reviewers give it high marks for application and effectiveness. It could also be great in combination with their other products, including after sun aloe care, lip sunscreen and other accessories.

Honorable Mentions

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen

Price: $13.57, was $22.99 - 41% off

Rating: 4.6-stars; 23,100+ ratings

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Reef Friendly: Yes | Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (23.4%)

Features:

• Protects against UVA/UVB rays
• Non-nano zinc oxide is reef friendly
• Hypoallergenic, cruelty, paraben, phthalates, BPA, Oxybenzone, Benzene, gluten, dairy and fragrance free
• EWG rated
• Water resistant up to 80 minutes

Downside:

• May leave white cast
• Mineral sunscreens can be drying

Why you may want it: Many parents reviewed this Thinkbaby Sunscreen very highly, with 81% of reviewers giving it 5-stars. Mineral sunscreens are gentlest on delicate skin and reliable as long as reapplied properly, especially if outdoors sweating or in water.

Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50

Price: $23.96, was $29.95 - 20% off

Rating: 4.4-stars; 1,200+ ratings

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Reef Friendly: Yes | Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (23.5%)

Features:

• Reef safe with non-nano zinc oxide and creating a physical barrier on skin for up to 80 minutes and improving spreadability
• Promises minimal white cast and less greasy application
• Protects against UVA/UVB rays
• No synthetic colors or ingredients, paraben-free, PABA-free, GMO-free, cruelty-free

Drawbacks:

• Includes fragrance ingredients, which can be a skin irritant
• Some reviewers had negative skin reactions, including bumps and sunburn after use
• Mineral sunscreens can be drying

Why you may want it: If you’re traveling to a chemical sunscreen restricted area, or may prefer limited active ingredients in your mineral sunscreen, Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen is a solid option. It will leave a noticeable white cast.

More Amazon Prime Day Deals

If you’re looking for some summertime shopping inspiration, there are some great deals to snag during the Amazon Prime Day event (now through July 11). From sun shirts and warm weather essentials, to Apple Airpods and camping equipment, don’t let full price stop you from enjoying the season.

• 40+ Best Amazon Prime Day Deals: Home, Beauty, Outdoors And More
• Our Favorite Summer Fashion Finds During Amazon Prime Day 2025
• This Viral Tumbler Just Turned Up The Heat With Its Lowest Price Ever

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.