The Best Sunscreens have come a long way, evolving from greasy, break-out inducing concoctions to lightweight, daily wear essentials. According to dermatologist Ellen Marmur, “Wearing sunscreen is so important because it protects us from harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.” However, choosing the right one remains a daunting task, with mineral versus chemical formulations each having their pros and cons.

Mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays away from you, are gentler and safer for sensitive skin. They’re also better for the environment as they don’t cause damage to coral reefs. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens, though they hold up better during sweaty activities, can sometimes irritate the skin due to ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate.

SPF ratings might seem like a matter of numbers, but Marmur cautions that “the difference in percentage of protection between SPF 30 and SPF 100 is quite small.” She recommends at least an SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. High SPF ratings are technically better, but the increase in protection is minimal compared to lower SPFs.

While many people worry about the safety of sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone, Marmur reassures that there is no substantial evidence linking them to adverse effects in humans. However, retinyl palmitate and added fragrances should be avoided as they may cause skin irritation and increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.

From a broader perspective, the evolution of sunscreen is not just about individual protection but also about environmental conservation. As Marmur notes, “Good SPF habits now are like money in the bank, insuring against expensive lasers to remove the sun damage or worse, against surgery and scars from skin cancers.”