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)
Dewy
Japan

Anessa

Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel (2022)

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Anessa

Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Spray

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
80 min
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Apostrophe

Screen

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
43
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural
India

Aqualogica

Hydrate+ Dewy Sunscreen

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
Not Compliant
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Aquaphor

Lip Protectant and Sunscreen

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lip Balm
eye sting
Not Compliant
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Matte
United States

Australian Gold

Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face (Rich to Deep)

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Cream
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/Dewy
United States

Australian Gold

Sunscreen Lotion

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

Aveeno

Protect and Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Lotion

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
60
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Aveeno

Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
60
Organic (Chemical)
Matte
France

Avène

Sun Very High Protection Fluid

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
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Avène

Solaire UV Mineral Multi Defense Tinted 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)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Avène

Solaire UV Mineral Multi Defense 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)
40 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

Avène

Intense Protect

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
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

Avène

Crème Solaire Invisible

My rating:
2
/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
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

Avène

Cleanance Sun Cream

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)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Australia

Azclear

Action Day Moisturiser; Old Formula

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
England

B

Protect Defence Moisturizer

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
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

B Lab

Matcha Hydrating Real Sun Screen

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+
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