12 Best Sunscreens, WIRED Tested and ReviewedNEWS | 18 May 2025I wasn’t always a sunscreen devotee. I thought I looked better with a tan, and even the best sunscreens felt gross and made me break out. Like so many millennials, I didn’t understand the risks of turning into a lobster at the beach when I was in high school, or spending hours in tanning beds leading up to prom. I know better now, and thankfully, sunscreens have come a long way in terms of formula and feel. I put it on every day now, hoping to undo my sun-worshiping sins, or at least prevent any more damage.
“Wearing sunscreen is so important because it protects us from harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer,” says Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. “Because of these risks, I recommend wearing sunscreen every day. Whether you are driving your car, going to the beach, or even just going on an airplane, sunscreen plays a pivotal role in protecting your skin.”
OK, so we’ve established that sunscreen is important. But once you commit to wearing it daily, picking a sunscreen can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and they really are very different. If you want to explore farther than our top pick, Blue Lizard's Mineral Sunscreen ($22), we talked with skin care experts and road-tested them all year round. Here’s what you need to know to help you pick the right sunscreen for you, and our top picks for the best sunscreens out there right now.
For more skin care, check out our guides to Red Light Therapy Masks and Best Showerhead Water Filters.
Updated May 2025: We added the Freaks of Nature Daily Defender, the Ogee Protect Skin Enhancing Primer, the Neutrogena stick sunscreen, and the Thrive Bodyshield. We also updated links and prices.Author: Adrienne So. Kristin Canning. Molly Higgins. Boutayna Chokrane. Michael Sawh. Nena Farrell. Louryn Strampe. Kat Merck. Source
