Sunscreens

Find Ratings

Sunscreens

What's behind our sunscreen Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 17 models in sunscreens to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
This is based on a combination of scores for UVA, UVB, UVB protection after water immersion, and staining.
UVA
The level of protection against UVA radiation.
UVB
How well the product met its SPF claim before water immersion.
UVB after water immersion
How well the product met its SPF claim after water immersion for a time period based on the product’s specific water resistance claim (40 or 80 minutes) where applicable.
Staining
Whether the product stained various fabrics.
Type
Whether the product is dispensed as a spray, pump or lotion.
Cost per oz.
Average retail price divided by the number of ounces of product in the container.

Connect

Forums

Discuss products and safety with subscribers and fans.

Follow Consumer Reports

Recommended sunscreens

Recommended sunscreens are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended sunscreens

Sunscreen buying guide

To find the sunscreen that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

Get started

Buying guide video

Buy sunscreens

Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy sunscreens in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

In tests of sunscreen lotions and sprays, we found many that provided excellent protection against UVB radiation (which causes sunburn), even after immersion in water, along with very good protection against UVA radiation (which penetrates deeper than UVB rays, tanning and aging skin). If you're looking for information about sunscreens, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports' sunscreen reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our sunscreen buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and sunscreen reviews to help you choose the best sunscreen for your needs.

Ratings & recommended sunscreens

Sunscreens (17)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Sunscreen buying guide

Choose the wrong sunscreen and you or your kids could get burned. Ultraviolet radiation may promote skin cancer in two ways: by damaging the DNA in skin cells and by weakening the body's natural defenses against cancer cells.

Tested sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) of between 30 and 75+. Most claim "broad spectrum" protection against both ultraviolet A radiation, which tans and ages skin, and UVB radiation, which causes sunburn. All things being equal, if you get a sunburn after 20 minutes without sunscreen, an SPF 30 product would protect you for about 10 hours (20 minutes x 30). But in reality, other factors come into play, such as sun intensity, geographic location, skin type, and whether you've been sweating or swimming,so SPF is simply a relative measure of protection.