Summer is just around the corner so now is the time to invest in a new SPF. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people are living with melanoma and an estimate of 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
It’s the most common type of cancer in our country and although there are many conditions that lead to a diagnosis, you can prevent potential damage by protecting your skin.
To help you choose the best sunscreen protection for you and your family, Dr. Angela Lamb, board-certified dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, stopped by TODAY to share her own SPF tips and product recommendations. Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, previously stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY to share her picks as well.
From an SPF scalp spray to protect your hairline to a broad-spectrum tinted facial sunscreen, Lamb, Nussbaum and other dermatologists (along with editors) are here to help keep your skin protected all summer long and beyond.
Plus, we even have one new innovative SPF pick from our Ultimate Summer Swim Guide that's sure to keep your skin protected all summer long. Keep reading to discover dermatologist-recommended sunscreens you should stock up on for the season.
Shop TODAY’s 2026 Ultimate Swim Guide Pick
Equipped with an easy roll-on applicator, this sunscreen is both mess-free and easy to apply. On-air fashion expert and stylist Jasmine Snow calls Sun Bum’s signature scent “vacation in a bottle,” noting that it’s “coconutty, warm and nostalgic.”
Sunscreens tried by editors
While this sunscreen from Bioré wasn’t directly recommended by a dermatologist to Shop TODAY, it has still been tested by dermatologists, according to the brand. Shop TODAY commerce editor, Amanda Fama, has been using this sunscreen daily and highly recommends it. “This has become part of my daily skin care routine, whether I’m inside in front of my computer all day or going for a run in the park.”
She continues, “It’s lightweight and very easy to blend. It also has a fresh, yet subtle scent that reminds me of summer. I burn very easily, and this stuff definitely works.”
This sunscreen was even a winner of the 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards.
Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this dermatologist-tested sunscreen from Sun Bum. She tells us, “I’ve been using Sun Bum for as long as I can remember. Whether it be their hair lightening spray, purple shampoos, face or body sunscreens, with a scent that screams summer, it’s hard to go wrong with their products that work in tandem with each other.”
She continues, “Their sunscreen is a staple in the Hoeger family, with multiple in our camper, bathroom closets and travel sizes in our toiletry bags. It’s protective, doesn’t leave a white cast and blends in really well.”
Production coordinator Camryn Privette uses this glowy SPF religiously. "It adds an extra something, something to my skin. Plus, it eliminates the need to wear makeup during the warmer months," says Privette.
Jess Bender, a senior commerce editor at Shop TODAY, highly recommends this sunscreen by La Roche-Posey (which, according to the brand, is dermatologist-tested). Bender tells us, "I can’t emphasize enough how velvety this feels on my skin. Beyond being completely obsessed with the texture, I love how easily it melts into my skin without leaving lingering residue or white cast and how it gives a glossy — but not greasy — finish underneath my makeup."
Dermatologist-recommended sunscreens as seen on TODAY
The brand also offers the sunscreen in a light coconut scent, but you can still expect the same SPF 50 broad spectrum coverage and quick-drying formula, says the brand. This sunscreen is also available in SPF 30.
Spray sunscreens might be a little easier for you to apply since it has a continuous wide range of mist. And the brand says this SPF 50 option is water-resistant, however, Lamb notes that still means you need to reapply every 40 to 80 minutes. Containing calming, skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, Lamb also likes this option because it’s a broad spectrum, which she says will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, the brand offers this in SPF 33.
Lamb likes this mineral sunscreen, which is infused with vitamin E, because she says mineral sits on top of the skin and will prevent the penetration of most rays. This will help prevent sun-induced wrinkles and fine lines, dark spots and discoloration, she says. This formula is also tinted to compliment most skin tones, says the brand, and Lamb notes that you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine since it's lightweight enough to layer under makeup.
At this point, you know very well to pay special attention to areas like your chest, nose and shoulders when applying sunscreen. But what about your scalp? Lamb says it’s a commonly overlooked area and is unfortunately a common location for skin cancer. Protect the often-neglected area without ruining your hair with this lightweight mist from Sun Bum about 15 minutes before you head outside.
If you’re looking for something more eco-conscious, Lamb suggests this mineral SPF 40 option from MadHippie. According to the brand, it’s formulated with nano-free zinc oxide instead of chemicals, making it eco-friendly for lakes and oceans. Plus, the brand says it contains popular skin care ingredients, such as squalene and coconut oil.
Mineral sunscreens are a physical sunscreen that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide and has shield-like protection by sitting on the skin’s surface and blocking the sun’s rays. This type is great for sensitive and acne prone skin, according to Nussbaum.
She says hypoallergenic mineral sunscreens are best for babies. This Neutrogena pick is SPF 50 and made with 100% zinc, making it the best protection for the most delicate skin.
According to the brand, this stick sunscreen will glide on clear, which means it won't leave a white cast or colored residue. Since it comes in a stick form, you also don't have to worry about it leaking in your beach bag or carry-on. And that's not all, the brand says its infused with hydrating ingredients like jojoba, sunflower oil and vitamin E to keep your skin feeling moisturized and protected while you're in the sun.
Nussbaum says SPF is a measure of how much UV radiation is required to produce a sunburn on protected skin, as opposed to the amount on unprotected skin. For instance, a SPF 30 would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen at all.
This organic mineral sunscreen lotion by Coola is lightweight, water-resistant and contains SPF 50. Nussbaum says the higher the SPF, the lower chance you have of getting burnt.
For men, Lamb suggests this option from the men's skin care line Jaxon Lane. According to the brand, it's formulated to be used as a two-in-one moisturizer and SPF sunscreen, and it won't leave a white cast. Plus, it contains popular skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
Did you know manufacturers are banned from using misleading terms like "waterproof" and "sweat-proof?" Nussbaum says you want to look out for "water-resistant" sunscreens and to constantly reapply because it only has up to 80 minutes of sun protection.
Featuring a mist application for easy coverage, this lightweight formula is water-resistant and contains zinc and other rich antioxidants. The sunscreen sprays on white but blends in for a sheer and non-oily finish.
Other dermatologist-approved sunscreens
Look, it’s not the worst thing in the world to want your skin to have a sun-kissed glow. But this summer, cheat the system and get your tan from a bottle, not by damaging your skin. Choose from one of two shades (light to medium or medium to dark) and use this daily moisturizer to gradually build up a safe tan on your face.
Dermatologist Dr. Robert Anolik once told Shop TODAY that he recommends CeraVe's SPF 50 mineral sunscreen "for those with dry skin who need sunscreen with greater hydrating properties." Thanks to various added ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this lotion is just as much nourishing for the skin as much as it is protective.
Dr. Karan Lal, a double board-certified dermatologist, once told Shop TODAY that this sunscreen stick "is a chemical sunscreen stick that will leave your skin with a glowing finish." It has a transparent formula that glides easily while leaving a fresh glow behind.
If you avoid facial sunscreen because it’s sticky or heavy on your skin, try out this formula from EltaMD. It’s designed to go on silky smooth and absorb quickly into skin, so you won’t even feel it. Because it’s water- and sweat-proof for up to 80 minutes, it’s perfect for anyone who plans to live life on the go this summer.
Lamb recommends SPF 30 for daily wear or SPF 50 for when you’re on vacation or spending long amounts of time outside.
This super-sheer formula is Supergoop’s bestseller. It’s weightless and unscented and creates a perfect base for your daily makeup routine. Or you can just wear it on its own for a completely natural look that leaves your skin fully protected.
This playfully retro suncreen turns sun protection into a treat with its whipped-cream-inspired texture that's as effective as it is fun. With a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, the SPF 30 cream is super easy to apply, lightweight and blends in easily. It keeps skin hydrated and leaves a noticable healthy glow and shimmer, and the notalgic scent of summer has to be smelt to be believed.
How we chose
While choosing sunscreens, we choose products directly recommended by two board-certified dermatologists who visited TODAY (Dr. Angela Lamb and Dr. Marnie Nussbaum). We also included other effective, dermatologist-recommended sunscreens as well as sunscreens tried by editors on the Shop TODAY team.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York, New York with The Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, who was once selected as a New York Super Doctor, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, New York.
- Dr. Robert Anolik is a board-certified dermatologist located in New York, New York. He's also an New York University professor of dermatology.
- Dr. Karan Lal, DO, MS is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York, New York.
- Jasmine Snow is a stylist, on-air fashion expert and editor.
