Rating of the TOP 10 best sunscreens in 2022

Are you going on vacation to a hot country and are ready to sunbathe? One of the most important things in your suitcase should be sunscreen - don't rely on the fact that exposure to rays produces vitamin D and spend hours on the beach in pursuit of a beautiful tan.

To protect your skin from burns, photoaging and age spots, you need a high-quality cream with a high SPF level - we have compiled a rating of the best sunscreens based on personal sales statistics, customer reviews and open data from the Yandex search engine.

The criteria by which we evaluate creams from each brand:

• Protection index.
  The higher the SPF level, the safer it is to be in direct sunlight without the risk of getting burned.
• Natural composition.
  Creams must be hypoallergenic and suitable for any skin type, and also do not contain harmful chemicals and petroleum products.
• Water resistance.
  An important criterion for products that are purchased for trips to the sea is that reapplying the cream after each entry into the water is tiring.
• Aroma.
  Creams should have a light, pleasant or neutral odor.
• Easy to apply.
  The product should be quickly and evenly distributed over the skin and absorbed without leaving a sticky film or marks on clothing.
• Volume.
  Since sunscreen is used regularly several times a day, the practical size of the bottle will be a big advantage.

To protect yourself from various dermatological problems, sunburn, premature aging and the occurrence of freckles and age spots, it is recommended to use special products year-round. The ranking of the best sunscreens is based on a system of points that we awarded each brand for its product, and contains products for adults and children.

By quality:

• 1 point for protection index up to 30, 2 points - up to 50, 3 points - over 50;
• 1 point for natural composition;
• 1 point for water resistance;
• 1 point for a pleasant aroma;
• 1 point for ease of application;
• 1 point for volume up to 150 ml, 2 points for volume over 150 ml.

By cost:

• 4 points for costs up to 300 rubles;
• 3 points for a cost from 300 to 600 rubles;
• 2 points for a price from 600 to 900 rubles;
• 1 point for a price over 900 rubles.

By popularity:

• 6 points for more than 30,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 5 points for 24,000-30,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 4 points for 18,000-24,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 3 points for 12,000-18,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 2 points for 6,000-12,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 1 point for less than 6,000 queries in Yandex per month.

Final sunscreen rating table

Before going on vacation, be sure to think about buying a quality sunscreen in advance. If you intend to get a bronze skin tone, you should not spend a lot of time in the open rays without sunscreen: take care of the health and beauty of your body, provide it with the necessary care, and it will definitely thank you. Our TOP 10 best sunscreens include products with proven effectiveness: choose the one that suits you personally and enjoy this hot summer!

Stick

@shiseido The sun protection stick is very convenient to use in the city, when there is no time or opportunity to wash your hands, but you need to protect your face or shoulders from the sun here and now. One of the best in this category is the transparent Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+, which is based on an innovative formula with WetForce and HeatForce technologies, it enhances the sun protection properties of the product when the skin temperature rises or upon contact with water or sweat. Plus, the product also prevents dry skin and the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne and enlarged pores. By the way, this summer Shiseido and Roxy teamed up and released a set of stickers with the fashion brand’s recognizable tropical prints that you can use to decorate your favorite sunscreen products. Shiseido x Roxy sets have also appeared on sale - these are cosmetic bags with two product options: sunscreen and after-sun product, or instead of protection, a foundation with an SPF factor is presented.

Shiseido x Roxy Set: Face & Body Lotion SPF 50, After Sun Emulsion

Skin phototypes according to Fitzpatrick

There is such a thing as a minimum erythemal dose - this is the dose of solar radiation that causes minimal visible redness of the skin. This dose is individual and depends on the phototype.

All people are divided into 6 phototypes depending on skin color:

1. Celtic type - never tan, always burn - fair skin, often with freckles, red or blonde, light eyes.
2. European Nordic type - sometimes tan, but more often get sunburned - fair-skinned, light brown hair, sometimes dark brown, light eyes.
3. Central European type - tan well, sometimes burn - brown or light eyes, dark brown or brown hair and ivory skin without freckles.
4. Mediterranean type - tan well, never burn, dark eyes, dark hair and dark skin without freckles.
5. Indonesian or Oriental type - always tan, never burn - dark skin, dark hair and eyes.
6. African - never burns - very dark skin, black hair and eyes.

Chemical filters

Chemical filters absorb solar energy. Ultimately, after a while, all of them lose their properties in the sun, but some last longer, some quickly “burn out”, and at the same time they are a source of free radicals. To reduce this risk, it is enough to promptly renew the cream on chemical filters - wash it and reapply.

When to renew the cream?

Creams with chemical filters only work in the sun and also lose activity from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If you go to work and back, then the cream does not need updating. If you are lying on the beach or swimming, it is better to renew the cream at least every two hours. Old cream can be washed off or wiped off with a napkin.

All filters that are allowed to be used in cosmetics in Russia are listed in the technical regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 009/2011 “On the safety of perfumery and cosmetic products.”

Despite this, there are “controversial” chemical filters.

Beauty Cafe SPF50

Russian sun protection product, inexpensive and of quite high quality. In addition to the usual filter, the composition contains:

1. Cocoa butter. Improves water-fat balance.
2. Coconut. Nourishes and saturates the skin.
3. Almond. Relieves inflammation.

The photoprotective cream has a good mattifying effect and does not leave any shine. It is almost invisible on the skin and has a faint but pleasant aroma.

The downside is that the duration of activity is not the highest. The procedure must be repeated after 1.5 hours. But for 100 milliliters you will have to pay less than 500 rubles. If you are thinking about how to choose sunscreen for the beach, it is better to take it.

Potentially dangerous filters:

• Benzophenone-3 (benzophenone-3), also known as oxybenzone
  . It has a huge number of safety issues, but is nevertheless allowed in Russia, the USA and a number of other countries, and in Europe it is allowed in a reduced concentration.

So, what is benzophenone-3 “blamed” for:

In 2014, it was recognized as Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). There is data

that it negatively affects the endocrine and reproductive systems, and that it is capable of breaking down into toxic compounds upon contact with chlorinated water.

Other studies have found changes in hormonal levels and uterine size, but the experiment was conducted on mice. If we transfer the results to humans, then for the listed changes in the body it is necessary to apply the cream daily to the entire body for 34 years or more.

• Octocrylene

According to the study

, published in the scientific journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, over time it is able to turn into benzophenone and have its toxic effects. Researchers established this fact after an experiment in which 16 creams with octocrylene “participated.”

Firstly, chemical analysis showed that octocrylene initially contained an admixture of benzophenone, which was not declared in the composition. Concentrations ranged from 6 to 186 mg/kg. Secondly, it turned out that if immediately after production the concentration of benzophenone in the cream is low, then after about a year of storage the amount of the toxic compound increases significantly (the minimum detected concentration was 9.8 mg/kg, the maximum was 435 mg/kg).

Moreover, in 2022, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology reported that when used in a concentration of up to 10%, octocrylene does not cause hormonal disorders.

There is evidence of possible allergic reactions.

• Avobenzone, also known as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

A component with unproven safety; moreover, it decomposes when exposed to sunlight: it loses 36% of its protective properties within an hour. Scientists from Moscow State University have discovered

that upon contact with chlorinated water, the filter breaks down into harmful chemical compounds. It is also credited with a negative effect on the endocrine system, etc.

Cream with this component must be updated regularly. Avobenzone and its breakdown products can cause allergies. Capable of penetrating into the blood at a concentration of 1.8–4.3 ng/ml with a standard (established by the FDA) of no more than 0.5 ng/ml.

• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate

There are studies about its negative effects

on the endocrine system. It loses 10% activity every 35 minutes, so it needs to be updated regularly. EU regulations allow its content to be no more than 10%, and in the USA - 7.5%. It has a negative impact on the underwater world and is therefore prohibited in Hawaii.

Should we be afraid of controversial components?

Most studies have been done in mice or in vitro. But the body and body weight of rodents are very different from the body and body weight of humans, and test tube studies are not 100% representative of reality. In some studies, controversial components showed potential danger in combination with other substances, and in others, questionable research methods were used (for example, when to assess the concentration of potentially dangerous components in the urine or blood of test animals, they were literally fed cream, while in the usual in life we ​​only apply it to the skin).

Therefore, there is not yet enough research to ban all controversial filters and definitively prove their harm.

Job

A team of American and Greek scientists, published in the journal Toxicology Reports, concludes that the adverse effects of sunscreen filters are possible when greater concentrations of sunscreen components enter the body than are absorbed after regular use. However, people with thin, sensitive skin and children are more vulnerable.

The frequency of use also plays a role. If you take the cream only on vacation at the seaside, and don’t use it the rest of the time, then it’s probably not so important whether it contains controversial components, as long as it protects well. If you smear completely and several times a day, it is better to choose safer filters.

In any case, the components listed above are permitted in the USA, Europe, Russia and other countries. If research on the dangers of chemical filters were truly convincing, they would be banned.

Milk, fluid, emulsion, serum

Elsa Hosk Sunscreens in milk, fluid or emulsion format have a thinner texture that is instantly absorbed and does not leave an oily film. Typically, these products are ideal for oily or problematic skin.

Weightless sunscreen fluid for the face against signs of photoaging SPF 50+ Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily

Weightless sunscreen fluid for the face against signs of photoaging SPF 50+ Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily This Vichy product has one of the most powerful protective systems against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it protects against signs of skin photoaging (pigmentation, premature wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity caused by sun exposure) and provides antioxidant protection against the effects of environmental damage and infrared radiation. At the same time, the fluid is incredibly light and invisible on the skin.

Sunscreen fluid SPF 50 YSL Beauty Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender

Sunscreen fluid SPF 50 YSL Beauty Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender New YSL Beauty - Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender sunscreen fluid with citrus peel extract and niacinamide is suitable for all skin types. It moisturizes and protects the skin from UV rays, preventing premature aging.

La Mer The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid

La Mer The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid Of course, like all La Mer products, The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid contains a unique Miracle Broth™ complex, which is responsible for moisturizing and youthful skin. But this is not its main property; it is designed to protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Sun protection serum for face SPF 50 Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drop

Sun protection serum for face SPF 50 Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drop This innovative face serum with the highest protection SPF 50 has a weightless texture, is quickly absorbed and does not leave white streaks. It contains a complex of chemical filters, vitamin E and arginine - together they not only protect against the negative effects of the sun, but also stimulate the restoration of damaged areas of the skin. Also unique about Sun Drop is that you can use it on its own, or you can mix a couple of drops of serum with face cream, but this is provided that you lack hydration.

Sun protection emulsion for face SPF 50 Nuxe Light Fluid High Protection

Sunscreen emulsion for the face SPF 50 Nuxe Light Fluide High Protection Thanks to effective sun filters and natural ingredients, this fluid gently cares for the skin and protects it from dehydration and photoaging at the cellular level, preventing the appearance of age spots. It also has soothing properties and improves tanning.

Safe filters

Well-formulated SPF creams use the following components, which (at least for today) have no questions:

• Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (may also be called Uvinul A Plus).
• Octyl Triazone / Ethylhexyl Triazone (may also be designated Uvinul T 150).
• Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (may also be designated Tinosorb M, bisoctrizole).
• Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (may also be called Tinosorb S, bemotrizinol).
• Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid (may also be called Mexoryl SX).
• Drometrizole trisiloxane (may also be called Mexoryl XL).

The listed filters last the longest in the sun and protect against type A and B rays.

There are other filters, but they are either rarely used or protect only from type B rays. A complete list of UV filters approved for use in perfumery and cosmetic products is given in TR CU 009/2011 “On the safety of perfumery and cosmetic products.”

Spray

Alessandra Ambrosio Sprays are used up the fastest, but with their help you can independently treat your entire back and legs in a matter of seconds. Before spraying, do not forget to shake the bottle, and then distribute the product with your hands, otherwise it may still lie unevenly, and you risk getting burned.

Sunscreen dry mist spray for face and body SPF 30 Uriage Bariesun

Sunscreen dry mist spray for the face SPF 30 Uriage Bariesun The peculiarity of the sunscreen dry mist spray SPF 30 Uriage Bariesun is that it can be sprayed on both the face and body, and after that you do not need (!) to distribute the product with your hands (the whole secret is dispenser). SPF 30 Uriage Bariesu lays down an imperceptible veil, moisturizing and protecting the skin from the negative effects of all types of sun rays. And another added bonus: this mist smells delicious.

Clinique Advanced Protection Virtu-Oil Body Mist

Clinique Advanced Protection Virtu-Oil Body Mist Even though it is an oil, it does not leave a sticky or greasy film on the skin. Quite the contrary, it is quickly absorbed, moisturizing the skin, and provides high protection against UVA and UVB rays. Also, the Advanced Protection Virtu-Oil Body Mist spray gives a pleasant cooling sensation. But, unlike the previous participant in our selection, it still needs to be distributed with your hands.

Kendall Jenner Cream, gel, milk, oil By and large, sunscreen for the body is no different from sunscreen for the face. Perhaps the bottles are larger, and the composition may be a little more powerful and varied. For example, you are unlikely to find a protective product for the face with shimmer, but for the body you are welcome.

Sunscreen body gel SPF 50 Clarins Gel-en-Huile Solaire Corps

Sunscreen body gel SPF 50 Clarins Gel-en-Huile Solaire Corps With Clarins Gel-en-Huile Solaire Corps SPF 50, you can be sure that your skin is reliably protected from the harmful effects of UV rays. In addition, the gel greatly moisturizes, neutralizing dehydration. It glides evenly onto both dry and damp skin for a satin finish. But be careful: the product may lighten your clothes a little, although it is completely harmless to the skin.

Sun protection milk spray for body and face SPF 30 Caudalie Milky Sun Spray

Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF 30 First of all, Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF 30 is enriched with organic grape water, which hydrates and soothes sensitive skin. Secondly, the physical filters included in its composition protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays of the A and B spectrum, preserving its youth and beauty. And thirdly, the product has a pleasant floral aroma with notes of frangipani - it is not possible to deny yourself the pleasure of applying it.

Sunscreen shimmer body lotion SPF 20 Mixit Back To Sun

Sunscreen body lotion-shimmer SPF 20 Mixit Back To Sun A distinctive feature of Mixit products is their originality and uniqueness. So their sunscreen for the body is unusual. It not only protects from the sun (SPF 20), moisturizes, increases skin elasticity and firmness, but also gives the skin a beautiful glow.

Sunscreen silky body oil with SPF 50 Dr. Pierre Ricaud Huile Solaire Protectrice Satinée

Sunscreen silky body oil with SPF 50 Dr. Pierre Ricaud Huile Solaire Protectrice Satinee This SPF 50 sunscreen oil contains active ingredients that stimulate the production of melanin, resulting in a beautiful bronzed skin tone. Plus, Huile Solaire Protectrice Satinée nourishes and softens the skin, and at the same time resists the process of photoaging.

Sunscreen for body and face SPF 30 Nashi Argan Sun Care Cream

Sunscreen for body and face SPF 30 Nashi Argan Sun Care Cream In addition to the fact that sunscreen Nashi Argan Sun Care Cream SPF 30 protects the skin from the sun on land, it can also do this in water. And all thanks to its waterproof properties. It also cools slightly, moisturizes well and helps the tan go on evenly.

How do I protect myself from the sun?

On a normal workday, I use a regular day cream with medium protection because I spend almost all day indoors. Another thing is a day off or a trip to the sea.

I love the sun, I love a light tan, but I strictly limit my time in the sun - I’m on the beach for no more than 30-60 minutes, always with high SPF sunscreen and, if possible, I try to spend most of my time in the shade or under an umbrella, especially at sea .

You will never see me on the beach between 10 am and 4 pm.