There comes a time when you need sunscreen that also hydrates your skin. With that, you can spend time in the sun without fearing the possibility of sunburns, dry skin, or cancer.
There comes a time when you need sunscreen that also hydrates your skin. With that, you can spend time in the sun without fearing the possibility of sunburns, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or cancer. The problem is that it’s hard to identify the top hydrating sunscreens on the market, especially if you have no idea what they contain. This article provides detailed reviews of six of the best hydrating sunscreens to help you choose the best for you. At the end of the article, there is a comprehensive buying guide to find a suitable alternative. Keep reading for more information.
Table of Contents
- CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Non-Greasy Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
- Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30
- Aveeno Protect+ Hydrate Face-Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
- Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen
- EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Buying Guide
- FAQs
1. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
The CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen comes with a universal tint suitable for light and dark skin. Applying it to your skin gives it a healthy glow, unlike other mineral sunscreens that leave behind a white cast. It is one of the top hydrating sunscreens on the market, given how effectively it protects your skin.
It is a 100 percent filter-based mineral sunscreen that works by reflecting ultra-violet rays, protecting your skin from possible damage. Therefore, the product effectively provides broad-spectrum UV protection to all types of skin colors.
Since skin protection involves retaining the proper moisture, this product has three essential ceramides that lock moisture into your skin. Consequently, your skin remains soft, supple, and protected from unnecessary cracking.
If you have sensitive skin, the CeraVe sunscreen is safe and gentle. It does not contain harsh minerals, including fragrances, parabens, oxybenzone, and other chemicals. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect it to irritate your skin or cause dark spots.
The main reason this moisturizer can provide UV protection is its SPF 30 capabilities. It protects you from both UV-A and UV-B rays. You can wear it either on or under makeup without compromising results.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Non-Greasy Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a moisturizing sunscreen prominently featured on Amazon’s Choice list. In the tube, you’ll find five ounces of a non-greasy sunscreen lotion capable of warding off UV-A and UV-B rays alike. It is water-resistant and able to hydrate your skin without making it greasy.
With Neutrogena sunscreen, your skin can stay moisturized for more than eight hours a day. Therefore, you can be sure of always having healthy, hydrated skin. Plus, you won’t experience unnecessary cracking due to exposure to the hot sun.
If you’re looking for superior sun protection using a lightweight, non-greasy feel, make sure you get this product from Neutrogena. You’ll not only avoid having greasy skin but also prevent white residue.
Thankfully, you can apply the SPF 30 sunscreen lotion under makeup and still look as good as you usually do. You can, therefore, use it as part of your daily skincare routine to get protection while out in the sun.
It has an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that doesn’t block skin pores, leaving it breathable yet hydrated. The product certainly deserves to be listed among some of the top hydrating sunscreens on the market.
3. Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30
If you want a product that can hydrate your skin around the clock, then the Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30 should be your number one sunscreen. With that, you should never worry about getting blemishes and cracks on the surface of your skin.
It is a two-in-one body lotion that protects you against exposure to the sun and moisturizes your skin. Once you apply it, you do not need an additional product. It is enriched with pro-vitamin B5 and sunflower oil, nourishing and protecting your skin.
Thanks to its SPF 30 capability, the product provides broad-spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B. It effectively prevents sunburns and other skin damage due to exposure to the sun.
Other impressive features of this particular product include that it’s dye-free and fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin. It is also non-greasy and fast-absorbing, which ensures the skin pores stay open throughout the time you’re using it.
4. Aveeno Protect+ Hydrate Face-Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
The Aveeno Protect+ Hydrate Moisturizing sunscreen lotion comes in a three-ounce tube. It is designed for use on the face, providing broad-spectrum protection with SPF 70. As a dermatologist-recommended brand, this product is one of the top hydrating sunscreens on the market.
You can use it on your face or body to get protection against UV-A and UV-B sun protection. It prevents sun damage, the onset of premature skin aging, and sunburns. There is no better way to keep your skin protected.
It features ingredients like antioxidant oat that protect, nourish, and moisturize your skin. Therefore, you can have soft, healthier skin all day long. When you come back from the sun, no one can tell where you’ve been.
This sunscreen lotion has a lightweight formula that gets absorbed quickly through your skin. It’s an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula that doesn’t clog skin pores, letting you sweat naturally. The lotion is also water-resistant and sweat-resistant for a maximum of 80 minutes.
It is so good that it has earned a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation as one of the most effective broad-spectrum sunscreens on the market. Besides, it has an SPF 70 rating, which is among the highest in the market. You can carry it with you wherever you go, thanks to the travel-friendly size.
5. Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen
The Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen comes in the form of a light gel that doesn’t clog your skin pores. This face sunscreen’s non-comedogenic formula lets your skin breathe even as it’s hydrated.
In its formulation, the product from Blue Lizard has hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, caffeine, and green tea, which are effective antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin in equal measure. Therefore, the product provides double protection to your skin.
It combines the power of minerals and chemicals to provide SPF 30+ UV protection. The inclusion of mineral-active zinc oxide can ward off UV-A and UV-B rays in equal measure.
The Blue Lizard product protects without irritating your skin, thanks to its fragrance-free and paraben-free. It is ideal for sensitive skin and doesn’t cause dry skin or breakouts.
6. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
With the Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, you get complete protection to your skin. Its mineral formula includes transparent zinc oxide, which works well for all skin types. You can even wear it under your makeup without worrying about it coming apart.
Besides, it is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and does not irritate sensitive skin. People with all skin types can use it without the fear of the skin drying or getting blemishes.
Given that the formula is non-comedogenic, it does not clog the skin pore but leaves it breathable throughout the day. When out in the sun, you can sweat freely due to the exposed pores.
It is an SPF 46 product, which provides broad-spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B. Therefore, you can apply it to acne-prone, sensitive, and rosacea skin without worrying about anything.
Top Hydrating Sunscreens on the Market – Buying Guide
It would help if you never settled for any product that claims to be a hydrating sunscreen. If you do, you might end up with irritated yet unprotected skin. This buying guide should help you choose the best sunscreen that can protect, nourish, and hydrate your skin at the same time. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a hydrating sunscreen:
1. Make Sure It’s at Least SPF 30
Protection against UV-A and UV-B rays requires sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. That way, you can ward off the two types of UV rays and avoid exposing yourself to skin cancer. Fair-skinned individuals require higher SPFs than the standard 30 to ensure maximum protection against UV-B. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the highest SPF blocks all sun rays.
2. Check the Ingredients of the Sunscreen
The ingredients of sunscreen make the difference in protecting against skin irritation. Sunscreens capable of protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays are marked as broad-spectrum, so it helps to check for that word. Most sunscreens have natural ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which reflect sun rays away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are likely to have active ingredients like biscotizole, avobenzone, and bemotrizinol, which provide broad-spectrum protection.
Check that the product doesn’t contain oxybenzone, a chemical that will likely irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions. Sunscreens containing parabens, fragrances, and other chemicals may also irritate the skin.
3. Consider Your Skin Type
Most sunscreens specify the type of skin on which you can use it. The product could be for oily, dry, or sensitive skin. Therefore, you should be aware of your skin type long before you buy sunscreen. If you have dry skin, avoid alcohol-based gels or sprays. The best sunscreen for you will contain silicone, oil, lanolin, and glycerin.
On the other hand, individuals with oily skin or acne prone skin need lightweight or gel lotions. The best ingredients for this type of skin include isododecane or silica. Sensitive skin requires fragrance-free and hypoallergic sunscreens. Even as you avoid alcohol-based sunscreens, you may also use those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredients.
4. Choose Between a Spray, Lotion, Stick, or Gel
Sunscreens come in a vehicle, a spray, lotion, stick, or gel. The product you choose usually depends on your personal preferences. The ingredients included in the product and not how you use it. Whichever type of sunscreen you pick, you should ensure that you use it properly. That’s the only way you can be sure it will give you the protection you need.
Top Hydrating Sunscreen on the Market – FAQs
What should I look for when buying sunscreen?
There are many factors that you should look at when buying sunscreen. For example, it helps when you go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Also, you should ensure that the physical sunscreen has a minimum SPF factor of 30. It should also be water-resistant, non-comedogenic, and chemical-free.
What level is sunscreen is best?
The best level of sunscreen is an SPF factor of at least 30. With that, you get over 97% protection from harmful UV rays. While there are sunscreens with a higher SPF factor, the level of protection is not very far from that of SPF 30.
What is the healthiest sunscreen to use?
The healthiest sunscreen to use features natural ingredients and can protect you against UV-A and UV-B rays. It is chemical-free, does not irritate the skin, but moisturizes and leaves the pores open for enhanced breathability.
What are the worst sunscreens?
Even though unusual, the market has some harmful sunscreens that you should do everything to avoid. Some sunscreens have an SPF factor of more than 100, which seems excellent. However, their formulation contains harmful chemicals, damaging instead of nourishing your skin.
What is the safest sunscreen for my skin?
The safest sunscreen for your skin is one that provides broad-spectrum protection, is chemical-free, and doesn’t clog skin pores or cause breakouts. It should also be safe enough to use under your makeup without leaving your face messy.
Should you wear sunscreen every day?
Yes, you should wear sunscreen every day, especially if you intend to go out. Any exposure to the sun, no matter how small, can expose you to the sun and potentially increase your risk of skin cancer. So, don’t leave your house without wearing sunscreen and a second look at the drugstore skincare isle might be for the best.
