Amazon Prime Day is yielding mega deals on our favorite sunscreens from Sun Bum, Supergoop, CeraVe and EltaMD. (Amazon)
July marks both peak summer and Amazon Prime Day and you know what that means: Mega deals on the best sunscreens to protect your skin from the season's harmful rays. Over the past year, I tested dozens of SPF products to find the best products in highly specific categories like "reef-safe" and "for sensitive skin." Right now, Amazon has sales on most every one of the absolute best sunscreens — both those tried and reviewed myself and those recommended by dermatologists. Best of all, many are selling for lowest price I've seen since Black Friday.
We know summer sun is damaging and even dangerous, which makes finding the best sunscreen for your particular preferences — one you'll actually use and maybe even enjoy — of critical importance, primarily for your health (according to the American Cancer Society, 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year) but also to avoid the appearance of premature aging.
"Most people think sunscreen is only about blocking harmful UV rays, but it is important to emphasize that hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, photo-damage all contribute to looking weathered and more aged," says Los Angeles dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj. "As skin ages, it also becomes more vulnerable to UV damage, which can both exacerbate signs of aging and increase the risk of skin cancer."
The warm weather is far from over — most of us have barely begun to enjoy the sand, surf, pools and lakes. Scoop up these best-in-class SPF deals now to keep your skin protected while enjoying the best the season has to offer.
Ask any dermatologist for the most important step in an anti-aging skin care routine and they'll undoubtedly say high-quality sun protection. And this version by EltaMD is truly among the best.
Of all the sunscreens I've tested, EltaMD SPF is the most consistently top rated, especially by doctors who recommend a tinted mineral sunscreen like this one, which provides broad-spectrum physical coverage and hydration — and gives your skin an even tone in the process. Its also made of natural ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and leaves a smooth finish, even on dry or sensitive skin.
I started using Sun Bum sunscreen when I first started surfing, and it's the only brand I've bought for years. I had my first basal cell carcinoma at 27 years old (more related to years spent lifeguarding than to surfing), which has made me a stickler for a good sunscreen. Of course, Sun Bum isn't the cheapest sunscreen on the block, so I try to grab extra whenever there's a sale (it's certainly something I'll put to use, whether right now or in a couple months). This SPF 50 spray is 33% off for Prime Day, dropping it to $12.50 per canister, a much better price than at my local store, and by far the best Amazon price this year.
They're also running deals on their kids' products, so you better believe I'm going to be grabbing a few bottles of the Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 lotion, too. At 43% off and about $10 a bottle? That's a screamin' good deal.
Simply my favorite of all time, Supergoop's broad-spectrum sunscreen is sweat-resistant for 80 minutes, and it absorbs lightning-fast. The gentle formula is great for all skin types (it's especially excellent for kids). Right now, it's at its lowest price since 2022, so I will be buying this in bulk.
It's also designed to be used on both the face and body, which makes it convenient and versatile. It's the only sunscreen I pack on vacation — especially since it comes in a number of sizes, including both a tiny travel tube and a handy Supergoop Play Everyday jumbo size, an 18-ounce tub with an easy-to-use, family-friendly applicator pump.
For more info, check out my in-depth review of Supergoop.
This multitasking cream works as a primer, a high-quality sunscreen and a tinted moisturizer, and, with a boost from hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and niacinamide, it leaves behind a pretty pearly glow. Nearly 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon rave about its complexion-perfecting powers, though some found it to be a bit too shiny and not ideal for oily skin. But since neither of these is an issue for my mom, it's a yes!
Porcelain-skinned Nicole Kidman uses this lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen religiously, explaining, "it goes beautifully under makeup." The dry-touch formula has a chic matte finish but no white cast, so you never look ghost-like.
This Broad Spectrum SPF 45 twin-pack is perfect for traveling — at 3 ounces, the size is ample enough to last through a trip, but also TSA compliant.
CeraVe's a top drugstore brand for a reason: its dermatologist and opthalmologist-tested products are noncomedogenic, fragrance-free and work for almost any skin type while remaining affordable too.
I love this versatile sunscreen, in particular, for how fast it absorbs and how non-greasy it feels. It's a rare combination of a zinc-mineral and chemical formula, the best of both sunscreen worlds (check out our list of tested and reviewed best mineral sunscreens for more info and recs). It's also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
My pick for best reef-safe sunscreen of the year, Thrive has a lot going for it from an environmental standpoint: It's not only reef-safe, but made from ingredients that support regenerative farming and contained in a tube that's composed of 100% recycled plastic.
What's inside is just as good: a potent zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that absorbs into skin easily with zero white cast (at least on my fair skin). The scent is a kind of citrus-hippie, which I don't mind but some users found a bit strong.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.