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
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+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
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+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
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+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
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+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
1 (Very slight cast on me, best for light to medium deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Matte
South Korea

Isntree

Onion Fresh Fluid Sun Cream

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+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

isntree

Onion Newpair Sunscreen

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
40
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
Universal
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Matte
United States

Jack Black

Oil Free Sun Guard

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
45
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
Japan

JM Solution

Hyaluronic Ampoule UV Stick

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
Japan

JM Solution

V9 Vitamin Ampoule UV Stick CLEAR

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+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Jumiso

AweSun Airy-Fit Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen

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
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
1 (Very slight cast on me, best for light to medium deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Jumiso

AweSun Airy-Fit 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+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Kahi

Aqua Balm

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
1 (Very slight cast on me, best for light to medium deep skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Kiehl's

Better Screen™ UV Serum

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
 (Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Matte
United States

Kinlo

Golden Rays Sunscreen

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)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
Universal
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
3 (Intense white cast on me, best for light skin tones)
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Klairs

All day Airy Sunscreen

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
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+
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
0 (No white cast, best for light to deep skin tones)
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Matte
United States

Kosas

DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen

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)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
40
Alcohol:
No
Tint:
Universal
Fragrance:
No
Cast on me:
3 (Intense white cast on me, best for light skin tones)
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Kose

Suncut Pro Defense All In One UV Mousse

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
Universal
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
3 (Intense white cast on me, best for light skin tones)
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Kose

Suncut Pro Defense All In One UV Mousse Light Up

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Alcohol:
Yes
Tint:
No
Fragrance:
Yes
Cast on me:
3 (Intense white cast on me, best for light skin tones)
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