The key to remembering to wear sunscreen every day? Use one that you actually like to wear. And everyone has their different preferences. Some people want a spray formula that’s easy to apply and doesn’t cause much mess. Others prefer a lightweight face sunscreen that can be worn with makeup. Some prioritize “clean” and mineral versions.
A preference that can be divisive when it comes to sunscreen is the fragrance vs. no fragrance debate. There are sunscreens that are formulated to smell like you’re on a tropical island—with scents of coconut, banana, and flowers. And some people really love when their sunscreen can double as a daily fragrance. And then there are the people who want to avoid fragrance at all costs, either because they’re allergic to it or because it’s just irritating to their noses (or both).
For those of you who are in the no-fragrance camp, I’m on board with you. Partly because my sensitive skin can get irritated by certain scents and partly because I’d rather choose my own perfume to layer on. Since there are actually quite a few sunscreens out there that have fragrance (and you wouldn’t really know until you read the bottle!), I’ve compiled a list of the best fragrance-free sunscreens I could find. Now there are no excuses for not wearing SPF.
La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen can be used on both the face and body. It’s also formulated with a “Cell-Ox Shield,” which means it has both UVA/UVB protection and antioxidant benefits.
Many dermatologists recommend Elta MD’s sunscreens and it’s not hard to see why. They’re so effective and good for skin. This particular one contains sodium hyaluronate to moisturize and lactic acid to help clear pores and reduce shine.
Folks with sensitive skin are going to love this spray. It’s made with botanical ingredients and free of anything harsh. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Supergoop makes some of my favorite sunscreens because they’re not too heavy and greasy. I actually want to wear them every single day. The Unseen Sunscreen is a weightless formula that also works as a primer.
Coola’s unscented spray features a blend of red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract to protect against free radicals and leave the skin nourished.
This is a great zinc mineral option—but don’t worry, it won’t leave any white cast, it’s sheer. In addition to UVA/UVB protection, the formula contains water lily to calm the skin and sugarcane-derived squalane to lock in moisture.
Formulated for sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains 100% non-nano zinc for water- and sweat-resistant coverage. It’s also reef-safe.
Kiehl’s sunscreen also has anti-aging protection—it shields against free radicals and the other causes of early aging. The lightweight formula leaves a matte finish.
Versed’s sunscreen has a peachy hue to neutralize any white cast, but it blends into the skin quite easily and naturally. The mineral sunscreen also includes blue-light protection.
This lightweight and sheer sunscreen contains green tea extract to calm irritation and even out discoloration, plus caffeine to reduce inflammation and puffiness.
Blue Lizard’s mineral sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, reef-safe, and easy to apply. And the bottle itself is really cool—it changes colors if it’s in harmful UV light.
There are so many things to love about this sunscreen. Not only does it have UVA/UVB protection, but it also contains ingredients that will nourish the skin. They include resveratrol to calm and minimize redness; vitamin C to brighten; and willow bark and bisabolol to soothe irritation and redness.
This 100% mineral sunscreen defends against UV rays, pollution, and blue light. It features skincare ingredients like bisabolol, allantoin, and niacinamide to soothe and calm the skin.
This is a sensitive skin version of Shiseido’s popular Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion. It’s mineral-based and free of fragrance, chemical sunscreen agents, alcohol, and parabens.
Coppertone’s hypoallergenic, zinc oxide sunscreen also features nourishing extracts—tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus.
This sheer physical sunscreen is enriched with sunflower shoot extract, to neutralize free radicals; astaxanthin-rich algae extract to protect against oxidative damage; and raspberry seed oil for antioxidant benefits.
Made for the face and body, Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin sunscreen has the brand’s “Purescreen Technology,” which absorbs, reflects, and scatters dangerous sunrays.
