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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Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Mary & May

Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Stick
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/Matte
Australia

Mecca Cosmetica

To Save Face Superscreen

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Medik8

Physical 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
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
England

Medik8

Advanced Day Ultimate Protect

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
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+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Matte
United States

MelanRx

Even Tone Daily Protecting Mineral 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+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
United States

Melé

No Shade Sunscreen Oil

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Melé

Dew the Most

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
England

Microskin

SunSeal Spray

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
Not Compliant
240 min [4 hrs]
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
South Korea

Missha

Aqua Sun Gel

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
South Korea

Missha

All around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk

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
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Missha

All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Murad

City Skin Age 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]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
United States

Murad

Essential C Day Moisture

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
Not Compliant
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Matte
United States

Murad

Acne Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
45
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Murad

Correct & Protect Serum

My rating:
2
/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]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
45
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Murad

Resurgence Age-Balancing Moisture

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
United States

Murad

Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
United States

Murad

Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50: Mattifying Oil + Pore Control

My rating:
3
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50
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