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
South Korea

innisfree

Daily Mild Sunscreen

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

innisfree

Daily UV Defense

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
36
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural
United States

iS Clinical

Eclipse (Non-Tinted)

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural
South Korea

Isa Knox

UV Sun Pro 365 Extreme Sun Fluid

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Matte
South Korea

Isa Knox

UV Sun Pro Sun Cushion

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
South Korea

Isa Knox

UV Sun Pro Sun Serum

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
South Korea

Isa Knox

UV Sun Pro Sun Stick

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Isa Knox

UV Sun Pro Sun Stick Airy

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Matte
United States

ISDIN

Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Spain

ISDIN

Fotoprotector Fusion Water

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
Spain

ISDIN

Fotoprotector Gel Cream Dry Touch

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Spain

ISDIN

Fotoultra Age Repair Fusion Water

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
Spain

ISDIN

Protector Labial (Fotoprotector Lips)

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lip Balm
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
Spain

ISDIN

Transparent Spray Wet Skin

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Isehan

Kiss Me Mommy Uv Aqua Milk

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural
Japan

Isehan

Kiss Me Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

isntree

Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

isntree

Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
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