We are all aware of how crucial sunscreen is to safeguard us from the sun’s harmful UV rays. With the best smelling sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about sunburns or body odor resulting from sweat. A citrusy or fruity sunscreen can keep you smelling fresh and give you a much-needed respite from the severe damage that the sun can cause to your skin. That’s a benefit of two in a single product. Yay! Dermatologists strongly recommend sunscreens that give you broad-spectrum protection, but the lack of delicious-smelling sunscreens can often discourage people from using them on a regular basis. If your sunscreen leaves you with a white cast and the unpleasant smell turns you off, we are here to help you. Below is a list of sunscreens that can help you stay consistent with using them consistently and ensure you smell great!
11 Best Smelling Sunscreens
1. Best Oil-Free:Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen
This transparent zinc oxide SPF 46 facial sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage against the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. It has an incredibly calming and soothing effect on sensitive and acne, pigmented, and rosacea-prone skin. If applied every 2 hours, it gives effective protection against sunburn, redness, discoloration, and unwanted tanning. This sunscreen that smells good contains very high purity 5% niacinamide, is extremely lightweight, and doesn’t leave a white cast or residue. This silky sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and lactic acid which boosts the health of the skin, and can be used with or without makeup. Check out this video that has useful information about the sunscreen. Pros
Oil-free No synthetic fragrance No parabens Won’t clog pores Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
Contains octinoxate
2. Best Hypoallergenic:CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Protect your delicate skin with this fantastic 100% mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreen filters, leaving your skin with a healthy and beautiful glow. You can be sure that you will never have that embarrassing white residue on your face, that so often can happen with mineral or physical sunscreen! This lightweight and easy-to-blend sunscreen effectively prevents the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun from damaging your skin. It’s unique formula has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and 3 essential ceramides— 1, 3, and 6-11, that lock in moisture, soothe the skin, and restore the natural barrier of the skin. This good smelling sunscreen and tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 and a non-greasy formula can be used both alone and under makeup. Learn more about the sunscreen in this video. Pros
Hypoallergenic Paraben-free No synthetic fragrance No chemical filter Non-comedogenic Does not contain oxybenzone Suitable for daily use Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
May not be suitable for darker skin tones
3. Best Non-Greasy:Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen
Get superior protection from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun with this broad spectrum SPF 70 daily sunscreen stick. Its lightweight and oil-free formula contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone which are extremely effective in keeping your skin safe and healthy. You can look forward to a no-mess, hands-free application with this stick sunscreen that glides on easily. This 1.5-ounce sunscreen stick is specially formulated with Helioplex which ensures the protection of your skin, giving a non-greasy finish. This unique matte finish sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is ideal if you go swimming. This good smelling sunscreen feels clean and light as it goes on easily, absorbs instantly, and is weightless and invisible on your skin. Check out this video to learn how this sunscreen works. PROS:
PABA-free Non-comedogenic Non-shiny finish Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
4. Best Reef-Friendly:Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion – Sport Lotion SPF 50
There’s nothing stopping you now from your active lifestyle with the powerful protection of this sports strength sunscreen. This non-greasy, breathable lotion is designed specifically for outdoorsy people and sport enthusiasts who need that extra broad spectrum protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, and also don’t want it running into their eyes when they sweat. This sunscreen that smells good is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes before it needs to be reapplied. It’s completely safe for you and the environment as it contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. Pros
Reef-friendly Lightweight Absorbs quickly Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons
May cause staining on clothes
5. Best Ultra-Conditioning Formula:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
The tropical fragrance and luxurious feel of this sunscreen lotion will transport you to an exotic world of fantasy while its broad spectrum protects your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun. Its island inspired scent with a hint of mango is sure to be a delight to the senses as it protects you from sunburn and hyperpigmentation with its SPF 30 formula. Its non-greasy, oil-free formula contains mango fruit extract, vitamins C and E, and shea butter which feels light on the skin and softens it so that your skin looks radiant. This good smelling sunscreen has the added advantage of being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’s perfect for swimming. Pros
Reef-friendly Ultra conditioning formula No animal testing Dermatologist-tested Free of oxybenzone or octinoxate Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons
Some feel it has some sparkle in it.
6. Best Paraben-Free:Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray – Nourishing Coconut (SPF 50)
This nourishing SPF 50 lightweight sunscreen comes in a 6-ounce bottle, and is an amalgamation of silky smooth oils that are instantly absorbed by the skin for a perfect non-greasy and light finish. This good smelling sunscreen is enriched with botanical emollients like coconut extract, avocado oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and apricot fruit extract to name a few, and is suitable for all skin types. These not only moisturize your skin but also offer effective, broad spectrum protection from harmful UV rays. It’s also water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It features a pleasant coconut fragrance that’s a delight to the senses and transports you to a tropical paradise. Pros
100% vegetarian Biodegradable Cruelty-free Gluten-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free No artificial colors No synthetic fragrances Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons
Contains avobenzone
7. Best Vegan:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray
This 6-ounce bottle of magic sunscreen spray moisturizes and protects your skin from harmful UV rays with its broad spectrum SPF 30. Infused with vitamin E, this sunscreen smells like a pleasant, warm summer day, and is especially appealing to those who like to spend their time outdoors. This non-comedogenic sunscreen does not block your pores and is great for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. This oil-free sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is great for those who love swimming. Pros
Vegan Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Paraben-free Gluten-free Oxybenzone-free Octinoxate-free Retinyl palmitate-free Dermatologist-tested
Cons
Not reef-safe
8. Best Cruelty-Free:Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen – Bronzer
This unique broad spectrum SPF 30 scented sunscreen not only protects you from the harmful UV rays of the sun, but also has an instant bronzer that dries fast and gives an immediate radiant glow to your skin. Packed in a 6-ounce bottle, this sunscreen spray is water-resistant, so you can enjoy your swim for about 80 minutes before you reapply it. It’s oil-free formula contains native Australian acacia extract and kakadu plum that offers potent antioxidant benefits. It has a fantastic fragrance called cocoa dreams that is the signature fragrance of Australian Gold. Extremely convenient and easy to apply, you don’t have to restrict any of your outdoor activities any more. Pros
Cruelty-free PABA-free Paraben-free Gluten-free
Cons
Some feel the spray nozzle could be improved.
9. Best Oxybenzone-Free:Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
This fabulous unseen sunscreen is truly invisible with no annoying residue and also doubles as a makeup primer. This lightweight and oil-free broad spectrum sunscreen features SPF 40. Packed with potent antioxidants, this feel-good sunscreen protects your skin against UVA, UVB, IRA rays and blue light emitted from your computer, phone, and tablet. Its unique non-greasy formula glides smoothly onto your skin without leaving a shiny finish, and leaves your skin with a satiny makeup-gripping finish. This sunscreen that smells good contains clean, soothing, and powerful ingredients such as frankincense, red algae, and meadowfoam seed that hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin. It’s clear texture enables you to use it alone or under makeup. Pros
Reef-safe Beard-friendly Non-toxic ingredients Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free Suitable for all skin types and skin tones
Cons
Chemical sunscreen which may not be suitable for super sensitive skin
10. Best Biodegradable:Reef Repair Sunscreen – SPF 50
Packed with the benefits of coconut oil, avocado oil, red raspberry seed oil, vanilla essential oil and many more ingredients, this SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen gives your delicate skin the much-needed protection from harmful UV rays. This all-natural, eco-friendly 4-ounce bottle of mineral sunscreen is incredibly moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This sunscreen significantly lowers the chances of skin damage from sunburn, aging, wrinkles, and UV exposure. This zinc oxide based sunscreen is completely chemical free and provides skin safety to you and your family. It’s non-sticky, non-oily, water based, and comes on transparent with minimal rubbing, spreading evenly over the skin. It doesn’t leave a white cast or residue like many sunscreens. Pros
Reef-safe Biodegradable Oxybenzone-free Octinoxate-free Paraben-free Silicone-free Titanium dioxide-free Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Some may find it difficult to spread.
11. Best Silicone-Free:Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Sunscreen
This physical daily sunscreen is a powerhouse of potent antioxidants which, apart from protecting your skin from harmful UV rays with its broad spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection, gives it the required moisture. This helps in drastically reducing fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking healthy, rejuvenated, and youthful. With 20% zinc oxide and several natural ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower sprout extract, grape juice extract, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and many more, this sunscreen keeps your skin safe in every way. This scented sunscreen has a subtle, refreshing fragrance with hints of marula oil, thermal mud, fruit enzymes, and vitamins. Pros
No chemical screens No silicone No artificial fragrance Alcohol-free Suitable for all skin tones and types
Cons
Some may find its texture a bit greasy.
Now that you have been through our review of the 11 best smelling sunscreens, let us give you a few tips on what to look for while choosing one for your delicate skin so that it’s always protected and fragrant.
How To Choose The Right Smelling Sunscreens
Broad-spectrum protection
This is an extremely important factor as it protects your skin from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays. Repeated and prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to bad sunburn, dark spots, poor collagen production, early skin aging, and in extreme cases, skin cancer. Your broad spectrum sunscreen should be minimum SPF 30 and greater.
Active ingredients
Sunscreens with chemical formulas absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released by the body, and prevents the skin from burning. They are very good while swimming as they are water-resistant, easy to apply, and don’t leave a white cast. On the other hand, they have to be applied more frequently than mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, form a barrier on your skin that reflects the UVA and UVB rays. Their formulas contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas which may not spread very evenly on your skin, and leave behind a white residue. But their effect is usually more long-lasting than chemical sunscreens.
Water-resistance
This is especially important if you are prone to sweating or if you are fond of spending time in the pool, and swimming. No sunscreen is sweat or waterproof. What it can offer you is water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. So it’s very important that you remember to reapply the sunscreen when sweating, swimming, or towelling yourself dry.
Formula type
Many people prefer creams and lotions rather than sprays as they last on the skin longer. They also give a more uniform protective covering to your skin than sprays. A cream sunscreen works better on a dry skin, while a spray works better on kids as it’s easier to apply, but it may need to be reapplied frequently.
Skin type
If you have oily skin, look for ingredients like isododecane or silica in a lightweight sunscreen. Ingredients like aloe, glycerine, dimethicone, and oils are perfect in a sunscreen if you happen to have dry skin. With dry skin, it’s also advisable to avoid gel or spray sunscreens with alcohol.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag writes product reviews on skincare, haircare, beauty, and fashion. Her passion for trying out makeup and personal care products ensures you get all the required information about the latest products. This article includes a list of the best smelling sunscreens that protect your skin from harsh UV rays. They are made of mild, skin-safe ingredients and are chosen based on multiple user reviews. She has also included detailed information and a buying guide to help you choose the right product for your skin type.
