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/Matte
Japan

Kose

Suncut UV Perfect Gel Super Waterproof

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Kose

Suncut UV Protect Spray

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

Kose

Suncut Pro Defense All In One UV Mousse Light Up

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Kose

Suncut Pro Defense All In One UV Mousse

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Mousse
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
United States

Krave Beauty

Beet The Sun

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
40
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
France

L'Oréal Paris

Revitalift Clinical Invisible Fluid

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

La Clinica

Perfect Complexion Sunscreen Lotion

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
240 min [4 hrs]
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
United States

La Mer

The UV Protecting Fluid

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
Not Compliant
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
France

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
United States

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
60
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Matte
United States

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

My rating:
1
/3
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)
Matte
United States

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
60
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV

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
France

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid

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

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream

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

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Invisible Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Matte
France

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Oil Correct

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
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]
50+