Sunscreen Database curated by Dr. Julian Sass

I’ve explored hundreds of sunscreens in search of the perfect fit for my skin. To assist you, I’ve compiled a comprehensive database detailing the specifics of each product I’ve tried. Please note, this database is continually updated, so if your go-to sunscreen 
isn’t listed yet, it’s on my radar!

My skin is dark (Fitzpatrick Scale 5/6), oily, and tends to acne, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration. What suits me might differ for you, so keep that in mind!

Vocabulary check

Before you dive in, here are a few helpful tips to help you make the most of the database and understand some terms that often come up in the world of cosmetics and sun protection.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

SPF measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays (the main cause of sunburn). Higher SPF means more protection. Ideally, you want to use ¼ tsp of product for the face, or ½ tsp of product for face, ears, and neck.

man with sunscreen on back in shape of a sun

Type (Mineral, Hybrid, Chemical)

Inorganic (Mineral): Contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Mostly works by absorbing UV radiation but also reflects some UV rays. Tends to be better for sensitive skin but can leave a white cast.

Organic (Chemical): Uses filters like avobenzone or octinoxate to absorb UV radiation. Tends to be lightweight and transparent but older filters may irritate some skin types.

Hybrid: Combines mineral and chemical filters for a balance of protection and cosmetic elegance.

young asian woman with sunglasses applying sunscreen

Local Ocean Regulations

Some places ban certain sunscreen ingredients to “protect coral reefs”, but there is no evidence that sunscreen harms coral reefs or ocean life.

Aruba: No Oxybenzone

Hawaii, Key West, Aruba:  No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate

U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba: No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene

coral reef

UVA Protection

UVA rays cause aging and contribute to skin cancer.

Look for:"Broad Spectrum" (U.S. standard)

PA+ / PA++++ (Asian sunscreens, higher "+" = better)

UVA circle logo (EU sunscreens, indicating ≥1/3 SPF protection)

cracked earth, to represent damaged skin
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Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Eucerin

Age Defense

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
Germany

Eucerin

Hydro Protect

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
Boots 4 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.8 – 0.89]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Germany

Eucerin

Oil Control Dry Touch Sun Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
Boots 3 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.6 – 0.79]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
Germany

Eucerin

Sun Allergy Protect

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
Boots 4 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.8 – 0.89]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Everyday Humans

Resting Beach Face Sunscreen Serum

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Everyday Humans

Oh My Bod! Sunscreen Lotion

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
United States

Everyday Humans

Good Times Sunscreen Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Sweden

Evy

Sunscreen Mousse

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
480 min [8 hrs]
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Sweden

Evy

Daily Defense Face Mousse

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
Boots 5 Stars [UVA/UVB ≥ 0.9]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Sweden

Evy

Sunscreen Mousse Kids

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
480 min [8 hrs]
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

FRÉ

Protect Me

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural
India

FixDerma

Shadow Cream

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Matte
India

FixDerma

Shadow Sunscreen Gel

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
Not Compliant
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Matte
India

FixDerma

Shadow Silicone Matte Cream

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Greece

Frezyderm

Sun Screen Velvet Face

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Dewy
Greece

Frezyderm

Active Sun Screen Lip Balm

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Lip Balm
eye sting
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
Greece

Frezyderm

Active Sun Screen

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Greece

Frezyderm

All Over Sunscreen Velvet Body Lotion

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+