The 411 on Sunscreens and Sunblocks

Top six nongreasy, nonsticky formulas that provide great protection.

1. La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a daily moisturizing cream made with Mexoryl SX2.
   
   
2. Hawaiian Island Creations waterproof SPF 50 was tested for endurance in Southern California waves by surfers.
   
   
3. Shiseido Sun Protection, 100ml/3.3oz Ultimate Sun Protection Face & Body Lotion SPF 55 PA+++ for Women is waterproof and known as foolproof among surfers. They say the formula stays put in even the harshest conditions when taking on big waves across the world.
   
   
4. ULTRA SHEER DRY-TOUCH SUNBLOCK, SPF 30 3.0 OZ comes in a lightweight, easy-to-apply aerosol formula.
   
   
5. Murad Oil Free Sunblock SPF 30 made with pure pomegranate extract, hydrates skin and goes on sheer.

Consumer reports Top 5

1. ULTRA SHEER DRY-TOUCH SUNBLOCK, SPF 30 3.0 OZ Offering excellent protection, this product is ranked No. 1. Priced at $4.33 per fl. oz. Score: 86/100
   
   
2. Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sport: Ranked second to Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer, yet priced much lower at $1.50 per fl. oz. Score: 84/100
   
   
3. Hawaiian Tropic 15 Plus: Excellent UVA protection, average UVB protection, it's third best, priced at $1.00 per fl. oz. Score: 83/100
   
   
4. Blue Lizard: Excellent UVA protection compensates for the mediocre UVB protection, for $3.17 per fl. oz. Score: 80/100
   
   
5. Mustela High Protection: Priciest at $9.38 per fl. oz., it is comparable to cheaper high performing suncreens. Score: 80/100

The Consumer Report best buy was No-Ad: Awarded, this provides excellent UVA protection for only $0.63 per fl. oz. Score: 79/100

Skin Deep which scores products on the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients has ranked the following five as their top 5:

1. California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick 0.5 OZ from California Baby
   
   
2. Badger SPF30+ Sunscreen, 2.9 oz Tube
   
   
3. Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick 0.5 OZ from California Baby
   
   
4. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30 *
   
   
5. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ *

Spray-on sunscreens are fairly new to the market. Sunscreen sprays are convenient since you don't have to rub them in. However, you lose a fair amount of product into the air, and you can't spray them on your face. Many of them also contain alcohol, which can be drying and irritating for skin of all types.  In the Consumer Report tests, these continuous spray products provided the least protection.

If you have sensitive skin, you might prefer a sunscreen that is entirely chemical- and fragrance-free. SkinCeuticals Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 uses five percent zinc oxide and ten percent titanium dioxide. It is chemical- and fragrance-free, making it suitable for the most sensitive skin. It may, however, be too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The manufacturer recommends daily use of this sunscreen on the face, neck and chest.