These Skin Care-Quality Sunscreens Are Worth Every Penny

This cult-favorite SPF is beloved by both HuffPost readers and editors alike. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize skin while the inclusion of lactic acid lightly exfoliates skin and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and shine. It's a great option for people like me with sensitive and acne-prone skin. I turn to it anytime I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the sun or when I'm post-procedure and want to protect my skin without irritating it.

Promising review: "I have fair skin, and my family has a long history of skin cancer. My dermatologist implores me to wear sunscreen daily. I don’t want to get skin cancer; I don’t care about being tan. However, I have always HATED applying sunscreen. I hate how it feels going on, it makes my makeup weird, it doesn’t absorb, it makes me sweat, or some other similar problem. Anyway, I looked online a fair amount after my last derm appointment, and thought I would give this one a shot. I love it. I don’t have any of the problems that I just described. It is very light weight and quick to absorb. My skin is dry and a little sensitive, but I don’t have trouble with dryness or irritation. ON the other hand, it is not oily. It just sort of disappears (within seconds). I’ve only been using it for about a week, so I guess if something changes I’ll come back to update. In short, I know it’s expensive, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling to find a daily sunscreen that they will actually use.” — Katie

This silky sunscreen is one of Elemis' newest products, but given how great it is, you'd think the brand has been in the SPF game for decades. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. I'm extremely picky about sunscreen texture, finish and scent — and luckily this beauty knocks it out of the ballpark on all counts while providing powerful SPF 50 protection. It's a sheer, imperceptible fluid that dries down quickly with no white cast and leaves your complexion looking radiant and dewy, never greasy.

A moisturizer-and-SPF-in-one is an easy way to eliminate a step, save money and get on with your day with minimal fuss while still nourishing and protecting your skin — and CeraVé’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 just might be the best one out there. This oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer drenches the skin in nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamides, supporting the skin’s barrier without making it greasy and causing breakouts.

Good for all skin types, this daily moisturizer is a dream for anyone who wants to take good care of their visage without dropping big bucks. It might, however, leave a slight white cast for those with more melanated skin or if you don’t rub it in properly. If you typically wear makeup over your SPF, it shouldn’t really be a noticeable issue.

Promising review: "“This is a great everyday moisturizer! It is very light, spreads easily and does not leave you feeling greasy! You can put it on right under your makeup! The best part is it has an SPF of 30 to keep your face, neck and ears protected each day!” — Nicole

If you are interested in an SPF that is as undetectable and skin-loving as a good serum, then you need to take a look at the Kiehl's lightweight sunscreen serum. It's powerful UV filters help to protect against the sun's harmful rays while collagen peptides can help with signs of aging, improve skin tone and texture. This serum is great for everyday use and has a soft finish that will likely pair well with the rest of your skin care routine.

Promising review: "Daily moisturizing sunscreen protection that finally works with my other products and is not heavy or sticky. It worked for me in the Mountains skiing over break - no mask/helmet tan lines/burns line. Can’t wait to try it out this summer!" — Jjols

This sunscreen from the internet- and celeb-beloved beauty brand Merit is hot off the presses, and promises to be a lovely choice for those who want a sunscreen option that also offers a soft splash of color. It features a formulation that's designed to be lightweight and buildable with a silky, soft and velvety sheer finish to impart a natural glow, while also helping to smooth and blur the look of skin. It's available in 15 blendable hues. Be one of the first to check out this SPF.

This cult-fave brand is beloved by skin care lovers who love a good bargain but don't want to sacrifice quality. Reviewers say the Good Molecules sunscreen is blendable and hydrating, and a great option to have on hand this summer. It provides sheer protection from the sun while also using grapeseed oil, tucuma seed butter and hyaluronic acid to deeply and effectively moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin. Prone to psoriasis breakouts, I get cystic acne from rosacea, and I’m extremely sensitive to scents and fragrances. I’ve tried many sunscreens and always have issues with them causing breakouts or flare ups. This is the only one I’ve ever used that doesn’t cause that. It is slightly runnier than most sunscreens. But it blends in fairly easily and isn’t super greasy. Takes about 5-10 mins for my face to dry after moisturizing and adding the sunscreen. Rarely leave reviews but honestly everything I’ve tried from this brand has exceeded my expectations by far and they are cost effective so you don’t have to worry about getting a $40 skincare item that may not work and you’re out a chunk of money. Good ingredients too. Cruelty free is a must for me." — Michaela Evans

This Barcelona-based skin care brand’s sunscreen is 100% mineral-based and infused with skin-loving ingredients that make it a great multitasker. It is one of the most comfortable mineral sunscreen formulas I’ve tried. It’s formulated with zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E — so not only is it preventing sun damage, but it’s helping to nourish and repair the skin as well.

The Isdin sunscreen is significantly lighter and easier to blend than traditional mineral SPFs, and doesn’t have that lingering zinc smell that personally drives me up the wall. It dries down to a soft matte and is a nice base for dewy makeup looks. While this sunscreen blends well, there is a very slight white cast that’s typical of a mineral sunscreen formulation. The combination of lightweight finish, formula and UV protection has made it worth the troubleshooting. Many shoppers noted that it’s great for anyone who has sensitive skin, rosacea and skin cancer.

Promising review: "I love this sunscreen. It has been recommended by a dermatologist. I have had 2 Mohs surgeries on my face. I wear this every day.” — JMI

High on my personal list of sunscreen essentials is Supergoop! Glow Screen. It's what I reach for when I want a hint of tint and shimmer. It's basically your skin, but better — plus sun protection. It's available in four different shades and has a slightly heavier finish than other chemical sunscreens, in part because of the tint component. But since it essentially replaces foundation for me, I don't mind that it isn't as lightweight as others. The pearlescent finish gives skin an immediate glow while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate, nurture and help to diminish the look of common signs of aging.

Promising review: "I love this SPF with glow. It really is beautiful on if you like that shimmery look to your skin. In the summer it is going to look so radiant in the sun. I have been using it all winter and won't stop anytime soon. I got the shade Golden Hour which is a tad darker than my skin but looks nice and healthy on me. I am a pacific islander but have very fair skin in the winter. Like MAC NC35 or C4. In the summer, golden hour will be the perfect shade for me. I love that it is protecting my skin while blurring blemishes and discoloration. I have a bit of scarring on my face, mainly around my mouth, and I am happy to say that this product does help to hide the imperfections. I often don't wear anything else on my face which is becoming more and more desirable as I get older. Very happy with the product." — Bird

As someone who is fussy about potentially chalky mineral sunscreens, I can say without hesitation that this Vacation SPF is an absolute dream. I'm a big fan of this retro-inspired brand's products in general, but this sunscreen fluid is my favorite. It has an ultra-lightweight finish that doesn't feel tacky or smell too zinc-y. In fact, in keeping with Vacation's other products, it has a yummy summery scent, but it isn't overpowering. It keeps your skin looking and feeling dewy thanks to its watery texture that melts into the skin and doesn't leave a white cast. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate, ceramides and peptides strengthen the skin's barrier while plumping and smoothing, while ingredients like cucumber, white tea, aloe vera and vitamin E soothe the skin. I already have a new one in my beauty cabinet, ready for the hot summer months.

Promising review: "It totally rocks. I’m loving everything about this product. It’s got the best type of mineral protection by using zinc oxide instead of titanium. It’s cruelty free and waterproof. It leaves no cast and doesn’t pill under makeup. It’s got a lovely fluid texture that doesn’t look or feel greasy or sticky. It has a nice banana and coconut smell that’s subtle, not strong. And I absolutely adore the whole 80s beach vibe. This is my new sunscreen product!" — Kea53

Recently, Shiseido updated its cult-fave sun lotion to greater effect. It has a higher SPF than the previous formulation and is infused with hydrating algae and licorice root extract that can help soothe acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, fluid formula is designed to prevent a white cast and have a silky smooth, weightless finish. It's great for a busy and active day at the beach or pool. For decades, this was my seemingly ageless grandmother's SPF of choice, and I'm a new convert thanks to this wonderful ingredient upgrade.It's not cheap, but it's such perfectly balanced product that I'm surprised it doesn't cost more.

Promising review: "I got skin cancer on my chest, so when I went in for surgery, I asked the lovely doctor, what do YOU use and she told me, I knew I should be using it and from that moment on 2 years I use it everyday it is sunny. The best part of this is the lotion just melt into your skin, very soft and does not smell bad. I really don't have anything negative to say, it is the BEST." — Christina

This is the tinted moisturizer and sunscreen that made me fall in love with Revision Skincare products, and it has since come highly recommended by dermatologists who have spoken to HuffPost as well as my personal dermatologist. New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick pointed out that as an all-in-one sunscreen and moisturizer, it's great for daily use, but also contains some antioxidant benefits to help protect skin from daily stressors. It feels silky smooth, lightweight and nourishing. It has a universal sheer mineral tint that brightens and evens out skin tone, making it a great foundation replacement for anyone looking to simplify their morning routine.

Promising review: "Revision is my go to brand for tinted moisturizer with SPF. It blends well and matches most skin colors. Intellishade original has definitely helped my skin's appearance and health!" — Amy

If you're gonna go the luxury sunscreen route, go big or go home with Eighth Day's sumptuous moisturizing primer. Developed by a skin cancer surgeon, this SPF harnesses the power of zinc to fight hard against UV light while also working as an effective anti-inflammatory. It uses a proprietary blend of peptide-rich plasma made with peptides, amino acids and growth factors that can moisturize, soften and renew your skin.

Promising review: "Game changer. I love this product. It’s perfect for adding light moisture and smoothing primer to my sunscreen routine- and I’m not even bothering with foundation now, this gives enough of a soft glow. I have just reordered for the second time" — Amanda

Raise your hand if you, too, feel victimized by Augustinus Bader’s astronomical prices. Unfortunately, I regret to inform you that, like most of this luxury skin care brand's other wares, this beautiful new sunscreen is probably worth it. It features Bader's unique, complex, nutrient-rich TFC8, and the brand has conducted a slew of clinical trials that show convincing physical evidence of its products’ effectiveness at supporting cellular renewal and drenching the skin with regenerative ingredients. Amino acids, vitamins and peptides work alongside this proprietary blend and can help to minimize wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, damage and redness from sun exposure.

It's quite fluid-like for a mineral sunscreen, doesn't leave a white cast and blends easily into the skin. It's a luxurious way to protect the skin and is one of my many go-tos for hot, sunny days spent outdoors. If you're looking to drop some coin and are familiar with this brand's products, you're definitely going to want to add it to your repertoire.

Promising review: "The best sunscreen I’ve ever used. I started using it this week on a beach vacation, five days of nonstop sun, and my skin looks like I was never exposed at all. It has the texture of The Rich Cream and makes the perfect base for makeup. Leaves the skin glowy without feeling greasy. Highly recommend!" — MoniLS