The Best Sunscreens for Summer 2025 — Dermatologist-Recommended Picks for Every Skin Type
There are two things I never skip — my morning coffee and sunscreen. And when summer hits, the stakes are even higher. As a board-certified dermatologist, I’ve tested hundreds of sunscreens and narrowed it down to the elite few that actually do their job while feeling good on the skin. Below, I’m sharing my top sunscreen picks for Summer 2025 — organized by skin type and daily need, with links so you can shop and stay protected.
Quick Note on Sprays (And Why I Don’t Recommend Them)
With the exception of one scalp-friendly mist, you won’t see any spray sunscreens on this list. While they seem convenient, most sprays don’t apply evenly, and people often don’t use enough for full SPF protection. There’s also the risk of inhaling the product, especially around kids or during windy beach days. For better coverage and safety, I recommend creams, lotions, and serums for both face and body.
Best Overall Facial Sunscreen for All Skin Types
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
✅ Great for: Normal, oily, acne-prone, sensitive, or combination skin
This lightweight favorite is loved for a reason — it blends seamlessly, doesn’t clog pores, and plays nicely with makeup. I recommend this to just about everyone, especially if you’re breakout-prone or have easily irritated skin.
👉 Shop EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Best for Redness-Prone or Congested Skin
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
✅ Great for: Rosacea, reactive skin, or inflamed acne
This formula has all the goodness of UV Clear with the added bonus of a subtle green tint to help cancel out redness. It's calming, hydrating, and perfect for summer flare-ups.
👉 Shop Skin Recovery
Best for Aging or Sun-Damaged Skin
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+
✅ Great for: Mature skin, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation
This antioxidant-rich sunscreen does more than protect — it helps repair past sun damage with DNA repair enzymes. Think of it as prevention and correction in one elegant formula.
👉 Shop ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica
Best for Dry or Dehydrated Skin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+
✅ Great for: Dry, tight, or flaking skin
This ultra-hydrating Korean formula feels like a serum, not sunscreen. It leaves a dewy finish without heaviness, and layers beautifully under makeup or on bare skin.
👉 Shop SKIN1004 Sun Serum
Best for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60
✅ Great for: Shine control, summer breakouts, or active days
This one absorbs oil, reduces shine, and won’t clog your pores. It’s perfect for humid weather or for anyone who usually feels “greasy” by noon.
👉 Shop Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60
Best Sunscreen for Your Scalp
COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic SPF 30
✅ Great for: Exposed part lines, hair thinning, or long days outdoors
This is the only spray I recommend, and only for the scalp. It’s a lightweight mist that won’t ruin your hair, and it protects those easy-to-forget burn zones like part lines and crowns.
👉 Shop COOLA Scalp Mist SPF 30
Best with Built-In Coverage
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+
✅ Great for: Skipping foundation while still looking polished
If you want SPF and complexion coverage in one easy step, this is it. This CC cream delivers buildable coverage, hydration, and sun protection — all in one tube.
👉 Shop IT Cosmetics CC Cream
Best for Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
✅ Great for: Eczema, allergies, or post-procedure skin
This is my no-brainer pick for truly sensitive skin. Free from fragrance, dyes, and preservatives, it’s one of the most gentle formulas on the market — and it works.
👉 Shop Vanicream Facial Sunscreen
Best Overall Body Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
✅ Great for: Daily use, beach days, or eczema-prone skin
This full-body favorite is moisturizing without being greasy, and it contains ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier. Bonus: no white cast, no stickiness.
👉 Shop CeraVe Hydrating Body SPF
Final Takeaways — Summer 2025 Sunscreen Tips
Reapply every 2 hours, especially when outside
Use 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen for your face
Don’t forget your neck, ears, scalp, and hands
Wear SPF every single day, rain or shine
🔗 Want more warmer weather dermatologist picks? Check out my Spring Skincare Switch-Up