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The best chemical sunscreens have come a long way from the greasy, sting-your-eyes formulas many of us grew up with. Today's versions are airy, elegant, and often so comfortable to wear that you'll forget you even have SPF on—a major win, considering sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skin-care routine. “Unlike mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin, chemical sunscreens use organic UV filters that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin,” says Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta. “These formulas tend to feel especially lightweight and are well-suited for everyday wear.”
Another perk? Because chemical filters are absorbed into the skin, they “generally blend in seamlessly without leaving behind a white cast,” she says. Whether you prefer a featherlight fluid, a hydrating serum, or a makeup-gripping primer, there's a chemical sunscreen for nearly every skin type, concern, and personal preference. Because at the end of the day—and whether you choose a chemical or mineral formula—“the best kind of sunscreen is the one you will use and apply the most,” says Dr. Rimtepathip.
Our Top Chemical Sunscreens
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT, $40
- Best Tinted: Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45, $89
- Best Hybrid: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46, $48
- Best for Dull Skin: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40, $38
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is a chemical sunscreen?
- What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
- Are chemical sunscreens safe?
- Are chemical sunscreens "bad" for sensitive skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT
Amazon
La Roche-Posay
Why it’s worth it: It's not every day that a new sunscreen filter gets FDA approval, so when one does, it's a pretty big deal. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen is among the first to feature 2% bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new FDA-approved sunscreen filter in more than two decades. The ingredient provides photostable UVA and UVB protection (photostable meaning that it doesn’t break down with sun exposure, which isn’t the case with every filter out there), while the brand's Cell-Ox Shield technology adds antioxidants to help defend against free radicals. Glycerin, butylene glycol, and dimethicone help keep dry skin hydrated and smooth, too.
The texture is just as noteworthy as the ingredient list: "It's silky on the skin with no white residue," says Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Our testers agree, with one even describing it as feeling like "nothing" on skin (in the best way). And while it doesn't have quite the same dewiness as the brand’s UVAir serum, that's actually a plus if you prefer a more natural-looking finish.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT
Sarah Han
Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"La Roche-Posay does it again. I love sunscreens that are on the more fluid side—think serum-like textures—and the Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT clearly falls under that umbrella! Like everyone in the beauty world, I'm ecstatic about a new UV filter, but I'm also hoping *taps watch* that the next approval doesn't take another 36 years. (We need to keep up with our global counterparts who are light-years ahead!!) Anyway, back to this formula. It's so lightweight and elegant that it practically disappears on contact, especially when you're applying two finger lengths' worth (the standard guideline). I was a little extra for this particular demo and used three fingers, so it did take a beat longer to fully rub in. Either way, the formula feels like nothing on the skin—and outside of the depths of winter—my combo skin and I don't need a standalone moisturizer because this doubles as both! The finish is definitely not as glowy as the UVAir serum, but these days, I kind of prefer a more ‘natural’ and ‘balanced’ look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filters: 2% BEMT, 3% avobenzone, 5% octisalate, 6% octocrylene, 11% homosalate
- Key ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield technology (litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E), glycerin, butylene glycol, dimethicone
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: no
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Hybrid: Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45
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Revision
Intellishade Original SPF 45
Amazon
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Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: Revision Skincare's Intellishade Original SPF 45 is just as much a moisturizer as it is a sunscreen—and once you use it, you'll understand why. The tinted hybrid formula combines mineral UV filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) with chemical ones (octinoxate and octisalate) for broad-spectrum protection, offering a lighter feel and less noticeable white cast than many traditional all-mineral sunscreens.
But the benefits go well beyond sun protection. “Hydrating ingredients like glycerin and squalane deeply comfort skin, along with antioxidants including THD ascorbate, vitamin E, and green tea," says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. (If you didn't know, THD ascorbate is a highly stable version of vitamin C that's great for sensitive skin.) She adds that the peptide blend "also makes it great for mature skin looking to address the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone while protecting against further environmental damage." Think of it as a moisturizer, skin tint, and sunscreen in one—which helps make it worth the splurge.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Revision Intellishade Original SPF 4
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Revision Intellishade Original SPF 4
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I’m a sucker for a tinted sunscreen, since I prefer a multipurpose product that I can slap on while my kids are yelling for me. While I’m loyal to Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless in the summer, I’ve been loving Revision’s tinted formula for the cooler weather, since it feels more hydrating and leaves my skin with a dewy finish. Plus, the tint has more coverage than Isdin’s, so I feel like I can more easily skip foundation when I’m breaking out or dealing with dark spots. Off the bat, the color seemed a little light for my skin tone, but it blended in really nicely and adapted—I was both surprised and impressed!” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Type: hybrid
- Sunscreen filters: 7.5% octinoxate, 5% octisalate, 3.5% titanium dioxide, 3% zinc oxide
- Key ingredients: peptides, aloe, green tea, glycerin, jojoba esters, squalane
- Tinted: yes
- Water-resistant: no
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combo Skin: Mediheal Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
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Mediheal
Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
Amazon
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Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you have combination skin, you know the struggle of finding a sunscreen that hydrates dry patches without making your T-zone even shinier. Mediheal's Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ strikes a nice balance, with a non-sticky texture that feels more like one of your favorite lightweight Korean serums than traditional sunscreen.
Several forms of hyaluronic acid draw in moisture, while niacinamide helps regulate oil production and improve uneven tone. For skin prone to redness or irritation, there's also the brand’s 4-TECA, a blend of four compounds—madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—derived from Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), a K-beauty staple known for its soothing, skin barrier-supporting benefits.
Han applying the Mediheal Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Mediheal Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I first spotted this in an Olive Young store in Seoul and regretted not picking one up! While that means I can't compare the Korean and US versions, I can vouch for how good the latter is! K-beauty has really nailed the concept of serum sunscreens—my all-time favorite is actually called a sun ampoule—which are just as lightweight as they sound. Like serums, these formulas are definitely on the fluid side, which is why they absorb oh so quickly into your skin and feel like nothing from the moment they touch your skin. This one in particular is incredibly calming: It doesn't just have cica, but six types of the super-soother, and niacinamide helps brighten my morning dullness. The nozzle is also very slim, which helps the liquidy formula dispense more precisely onto my fingers without running everywhere. (However, I'd suggest not dawdling during application!) Overall, I highly recommend the Madecassoside Moisture Sun Serum to anyone who's ever complained about how heavy sunscreens feel—basically everyone?” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filters: homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, ensulizole
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, Centella asiatica extract, 4-TECA complex
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: no
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Under Makeup: Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30
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Peach & Lily
Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30
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Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Our testers dutifully submitted before-and-after photos for Peach & Lily’s Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30—but you'd be hard-pressed to spot any difference, because this Best of Beauty-winning formula is truly invisible. The lightweight lotion melts into skin without a hint of white cast and feels more like a silky moisturizer than a sunscreen.
In addition to broad-spectrum protection, it's packed with soothing ingredients like ectoin, Centella asiatica, and bisabolol to keep redness and irritation at bay, while antioxidants like green tea and ferulic acid defend against environmental stressors. Niacinamide brightens, ceramides and panthenol support the skin barrier, and the fast-absorbing texture creates a perfect canvas under makeup, so foundation glides on smoothly without pilling or patchiness.
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying the Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Jesa Marie Calaor
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“My skin is dehydrated year-round, so all of my face products need to be hydrating. This one delivers, creating that satisfying "squish" as I massage it in. It feels like a moisturizer and absorbs within seconds of application. It acts as a fantastic base for makeup—smoothing dry patches and never pilling under my skin tints or liquid foundations. I use it every day on my face, neck, and on and behind my ears. I even gave it to my dad to try, and he said the formula feels like a regular facial moisturizer, which is a big plus for someone hesitant to use sunscreen daily.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I use this sunscreen every day! I was obsessed after the first slathering of this stuff. It's lightweight, easily blendable, and doesn't irritate my eyes, which is a feat for a chemical sunscreen. (There's nothing worse than being mid-workout, trying to blink out the sting from the SPF sweat.) It also layers well under… everything. Foundation? Yep. Copious amount of liquid blush? Also yes. It never pills and isn't greasy or sticky, and most importantly, it doesn't irritate my easily inflamed skin. A true win!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filter: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate
- Key ingredients: ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ectoin, bisabolol, Centella asiatica, green tea, ferulic acid
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Over Makeup: Abib Airy Sunstick Protection Bar
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Abib
Airy Sunstick Protection Bar
Amazon
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Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Reapplying sunscreen every two hours sounds straightforward enough until you've already spent time doing your makeup. Abib's Airy Sunstick SPF 50+ makes touch-ups less messy, thanks to its wide, curved applicator that hugs your face's contours and lets you swipe across larger areas. While any sunscreen stick can shift your foundation or blush a bit, this one's smooth, almost primer-like texture helps minimize tugging. The chemical formula also contains silica and silicone powders to absorb excess oil and blur shine—a nice bonus for shiny T-zones. And in true K-beauty fashion, the skin-care benefits don't end there: Ectoin and allantoin help soothe skin and support its moisture barrier, while camellia seed oil and sunflower seed-derived ingredients add a nourishing touch so the semi-matte finish doesn't look chalky.
Han applying the Abib Airy Sunstick Protection Bar
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Abib Airy Sunstick Protection Bar
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I'm on a journey of training myself to reapply sunscreen more often. I used to detest sunscreen sticks, but for the days I wear makeup (which is often), I'm giving them a shot. (Sprays aren't my thing, partially because I'm afraid they'll sting my eyes, and I haven't found an elegant enough SPF cushion yet.) For sticks, Abib's comes out on top so far, largely due to its wide, curved applicator. It hugs the contours of my cheeks, forehead, and chin, unlike other 'straight' bars, which makes application that much more pleasant/seamless. It's also clear from the very start, so I don't need any additional rubbing—no hands, ma! It does leave me a little dewier than before—especially since I do multiple passes per face area, which is vital when it comes to getting adequate protection from sticks—but not up to a point where I mind.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filter: 9.5% homosalate, 5% octocrylene, 4.5% octisalate, 3% avobenzone
- Key ingredients: ectoin, sunflower seed oil, allantoin
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: 80 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Tinted: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
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EltaMD
UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
Amazon
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Why it's worth it: When you want to even out your complexion but don't feel like wearing a full face of makeup, EltaMD’s UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 strikes the perfect balance. “EltaMD was one of the earliest brands to incorporate iron oxides in its tinted sunscreen formulation,” says Erin Kil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Iron oxides, which are found in tinted sunscreens, help block visible light, a known trigger for melasma, particularly in medium to deeper skin tones," adds Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Glendale, California. Plus, the sheer tint subtly blurs redness and discoloration without looking heavy or masking your skin. "The natural-looking tint, combined with niacinamide, makes this a great option for those prone to hyperpigmentation, helping to even out skin tone," says Dr. Rimtepathip.
Technically, it's a hybrid sunscreen, pairing 9% zinc oxide with 7.5% octinoxate—a combination that can be especially appealing for those who want the gentle, sensitive skin-friendly benefits of mineral SPF with a lighter feel and less risk of a white cast. The formula also features hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, vitamin E to defend against free radicals, and lactic acid for gentle skin-smoothing benefits. Since “it's fragrance-free, dye-free, and oil-free, it's also well-suited for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Rimtepathip.
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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"EltaMD’s Tinted Sunscreen has become a staple in my morning routine. It’s more on the sheer side, so I still reach for concealer when I need to cover deeper discoloration, but the lightweight formula is perfect for evening out my complexion on days when I just need to run errands without doing a full face. I love that it doesn’t transfer onto my clothes or hands (I chronically touch my face), and best of all, it hasn’t clogged my pores or caused any breakouts, like other sunscreens I’ve tested.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Type: hybrid
- Sunscreen filter: 9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate
- Key ingredients: 5% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid
- Tinted: yes
- Shades: 2
- Water-resistant: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
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Supergoop
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Nordstrom
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Why it's worth it: Chemical sunscreen can be a tough sell for people with sensitive skin, for whom certain filters (like oxybenzone) can be irritating. Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fragrance-free formula that’s free of both, making it a gentler option for those who typically struggle with chemical SPF. The invisible formula melts into skin and “has a similar texture to a velvety makeup primer, smoothing over pores and helping complexion products layer with ease,” says Dr. Rimtepathip. There’s also soothing chamomile-derived bisabolol and licorice root to calm redness and support a more even-looking complexion, while meadowfoam seed oil reinforces the skin barrier by locking in moisture. Just keep in mind that because the formula goes on completely clear with a matte finish, it can be easy to miss spots—so don't be shy about applying generously.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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"After 13 years together, my husband has finally gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day—and the one he steals from me most often is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50. He has oily skin, I have dry/sensitive skin, yet the primer-like, semi-matte formula works great for both of us. It glides on completely clear, feels weightless, and has a cushiony gel texture that dries down to a soft, almost powder-like finish. The only slight drawback is that because it's totally invisible, it can be hard to tell whether you've covered every inch of your face. But as long as I stick to the two-finger rule for application, I trust the process." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filter: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 9% octocrylene
- Key ingredients: bisabolol, licorice root, meadowfoam seed oil
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: 40 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50
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Bioré
UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If you have oily skin, chances are you've had at least one sunscreen leave you looking shinier than you bargained for. Bioré’s UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50—a 2026 (and 2024!) Allure Best of Beauty winner—feels practically weightless on skin, absorbing quickly without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue. Yet despite its barely-there texture, it still delivers a big dose of hydration thanks to “glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which draw water into the skin without weighing it down,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto. The only caveat: It contains added fragrance, so those with sensitive skin may want to patch-test first.
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50 (shown here in previous packaging)
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“I truly use this sunscreen up to the last drop (I'm due for a restock!). That's because the rumors (and social videos) are true; this sunscreen is superior. Its gel-like, watery texture gives your skin a glowy finish, but doesn't feel greasy. The SPF doesn't travel into your eyes or make them sting. And it doesn't leave a white cast behind on my brown skin. The formula is so lightweight, but it contains hyaluronic acid, so it feels super moisturizing and gives you a nice dewy look. My husband is also a huge fan of this SPF because it spreads nicely over his beard without leaving behind flakes or peeling. He uses it on his body too and finds it doesn't give white T-shirts that yellowy tint that some sunscreens leave behind.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filter: 3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene
- Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dull Skin: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
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Isdin
Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: We'd never promise magic in a bottle, but Isdin's Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 comes pretty close with its remarkably lightweight, fluid texture. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner glides onto skin and disappears in seconds, leaving no heaviness or greasy residue behind. The formula also gives dull skin a subtle pick-me-up thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which keep it looking plump and fresh. "It also contains Mediterranean algae extract to protect against visible-light-induced pigmentation changes," says Dr. Kil. Plus, there’s silica to softly blur the look of pores and texture without hindering your glow.
Former Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from former associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“This is one of the best sunscreens I've ever used (and I've used many). I love how lightweight yet deeply moisturizing this lotion is. At first, it leaves my skin with a noticeable glow, but as the day goes on, it settles into my skin, not leaving it greasy or shiny. I barely get the sense that I have SPF on my face when I'm wearing it, but I love knowing that I'm covered.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, former associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Sunscreen filter: 9% octocrylene, 7.3% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone
- Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, vitamin E, microalgae
- Tinted: no
- Water-resistant: not disclosed
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters that actually sink into skin, where they absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into heat that is then released from the skin, explains Dr. Kil. “Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate,” she says. More recently, newer FDA-approved filters such as bemotrizinol (also known as BEMT or Tinosorb S)—which have long been used in Europe and other countries—have begun making their way into the U.S. market, marking “an exciting advancement for sunscreen innovation,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.
Because these filters are designed to blend into the skin, chemical sunscreens often have a lightweight, elegant finish that makes them especially appealing for everyday use and wear well under makeup.
What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
The biggest difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen comes down to how they protect your skin from UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens rely on organic filters that absorb UV rays and dissipate their energy as heat,” says Dr. Kil. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin's surface; these mineral filters absorb UV radiation and also reflect and scatter a portion of incoming rays.
In general, because they’re absorbed by skin, chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily and are less likely to leave a visible residue, while mineral sunscreens are often preferred for sensitive skin because they are less likely to irritate. In the US, many chemical sunscreen formulations provide excellent UVB protection, and avobenzone remains the primary filter approved for UVA1 (the long-wave UVA rays that penetrate deepest into the skin and are most closely linked to premature aging and pigmentation) coverage.
Are chemical sunscreens safe?
While studies have shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the bloodstream after repeated application, “there is no evidence of adverse side effects from these filters,” and to date, there is no evidence that approved chemical sunscreen filters cause adverse health effects when used as directed, says Dr. Kil. Dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. As with any skin-care product, the best broad-spectrum sunscreen is ultimately the one you'll wear consistently every day.
Are chemical sunscreens "bad" for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily, but some people with sensitive skin may find certain chemical sunscreen ingredients irritating. “Chemical sunscreens contain known allergens, such as oxybenzone, a commonly used filter,” says Dr. Kil. In addition, some formulas contain propylene glycol, a humectant that helps sunscreens absorb into the skin but can trigger skin irritation in certain individuals. That said, not all chemical sunscreens are created equal: Many newer formulas are free of common irritants like oxybenzone, fragrance, and propylene glycol, making them better tolerated by sensitive skin. If your skin is especially reactive, patch-testing a new sunscreen before applying it to your entire face is always a good idea.
Meet the experts
- Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at BHSkin Dermatology Practice based in Glendale, California
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
- Erin Kil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New Bloom Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Health System based in New York City
- Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm based in Atlanta
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best chemical sunscreens, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
