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
SKIP TO SUNSCREEN
DATABASE
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/Matte
South Korea

Benton

Cica Gel Sunscreen Serum

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
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

Bioderma

Pigmentbio Daily Care

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Some
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural
France

Bioderma

Photoderm Max Aquafluid

My rating:
2
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Liquid
eye sting
No
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
No
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Matte
France

Bioderma

Photoderm Max Spray

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
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+
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
France

Bioderma

Cicabio Cream

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

Bioderma

Photoderm Spot Age

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Lotion
eye sting
Severe
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
40 min
UVA Circle (EU) / Broad Spectrum (AU) [UVA-PF/SPF ≥ ⅓ + Critical Wavelength]
PA 4 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) ≥ 16]
50+
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
Japan

Bioré

UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (2019)

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

Bioré

Barrier Me Cushion Gentle Lotion

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

Bioré

UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence

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

Bioré

UV Watery Gel

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

Bioré

UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion

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

Bioré

UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (2023)

My rating:
3
/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)
Dewy
Japan

Bioré

UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist

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

Bioré

Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence

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

Bioré

UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer

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
Inorganic (Mineral/Physical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Biossance

Squalane and Zinc Sheer Mineral 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
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
PA 3 Plus [UVA-PF (PPD) = 8 – 16]
30
Organic (Chemical)
Dewy
United States

Black Girl Sunscreen

Make It Matte

My rating:
1
/3
Purchase Link (May Contain Affiliates)
Vehicle:
Gel
eye sting
Severe
No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
(Hawaii, Key West, Aruba)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
45
Organic (Chemical)
Natural/Dewy
United States

Black Girl Sunscreen

Kids

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)
80 min
Broad Spectrum [Critical Wavelength]
50
Copyright © 2025 - Dr. Julian Sass
Design by KimGraph
HomeSERVICESspf databasePress Featurescontact