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
Clear all filters
Showing 00 out of 00 results
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
tag field
:
tag value
close icon
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Replenix

Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Replenix

Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Spray

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Matte
United States

Replenix

Tinted Mattifying Face Sunscreen

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural
United States

Replenix

Hydrating Oil-Free Face Sunscreen

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
United States

Revision Skincare

Intellishade Clear

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
No items found.
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Denmark

Riemann P20

Sensitive Sun Cream

My rating:
2
/3
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]
Boots 4 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.8 – 0.89]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
Denmark

Riemann P20

Suncare For Kids

My rating:
2
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
180 min [3 hrs]
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
Boots 4 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.8 – 0.89]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Denmark

Riemann P20

Original Spray

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
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]
Boots 4 Stars [UVA/UVB = 0.8 – 0.89]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
Denmark

Riemann P20

Sensitive Face

My rating:
2
/3
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]
Boots 5 Stars [UVA/UVB ≥ 0.9]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
South Korea

Round Lab

Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream

My rating:
2
/3
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

Round Lab

Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick

My rating:
3
/3
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+
Hybrid (Combination)
Natural/Dewy
England

SOS

Sun Cream

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Cream
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)
Dewy
France

SVR

Sun Secure Creme Invisible Finish Comfort Cream

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Cream
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
France

SVR

Sun Secure Extreme Ultra-Matt Gel

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
France

SVR

Sun Protection Water

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Spray
eye sting
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/Matte
United States

Saint Jane Beauty

Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing Sunscreen

My rating:
1
/3
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene (U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Spain

Santa Marina Cosmetics

Juicy 50

My rating:
3
/3
Vehicle:
Lip Balm
eye sting
No Oxybenzone (Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
South Korea

Scinic

Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence

My rating:
2
/3
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+