The 5 Best SPF 50 Sunscreens

Sunscreen is undeniably the most important part of your skincare regimen. There's no use spending tons of money on expensive serums and treatments if you're not also protecting your skin from the sun. And if you'll be in sunlight for multiple hours during the day, sunscreen with SPF 50 can help provide better broad-spectrum coverage, thereby preventing sun damage, wrinkles, and premature aging. This is because SPF 50 blocks a whopping 98 percent of all UV rays. If you'll be in the sun all day, there's no question: A good sunscreen with SPF 50 is a must-have. Here are the five best, grouped by category.

Supergoop Everyday Play SPF 50

An exceptional product in every way

Supergoop is everyone's favorite sunscreen brand these days, and their SPF 50 is no exception.

Best Overall

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Clean, invisible, weightless, and extra-potent: These are the qualities every good sunscreen should have, and Supergoop Everyday Play SPF 50 has them in spades. Gone are the days of sticky, chalky white residue that doesn’t sink in, no matter how hard you rub—Supergoop sunscreen blends in almost instantly, leaving behind a soft, pearly finish that actually makes your skin look prettier, if you can believe it. The lightweight, scentless formula contains frankincense, red algae, and meadowfoam seed, which, in addition to effectively protecting you from the sun, helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. Supergoop SPF 50 is great for all weather conditions and skin types, and is water- and sweat-resistant for up 80 minutes.

Pros:

Fast-absorbing and lightweight, leaving behind a soft, pretty finish.
Effectively protects the skin from sun, but also hydrates and nourishes.
Suitable for all skin types.
Water- and sweat-resistant for up 80 minutes.
Scentless.
Made from clean ingredients.

Cons:

Doesn’t come cheap.

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion

Just say no to shine

You don't have to look like a grease pit just because you're protecting your face from the sun.

Best Non-Greasy

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If you’re tired of looking like you just rubbed oil all over your face after you apply sunscreen, then Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is an excellent pick. Particularly if you have oily, normal, or acne-prone skin, this oil-free sunscreen (with SPF 55) will make your skin nice and happy, thanks to the lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-absorbing formula. Expect heavy-duty sun protection, with a non-greasy, non-pore-clogging, super-matte finish. Use it in the water for up to 80 minutes, for broad-spectrum coverage from UVA/UVB rays.

Pros:

Oil-free, non-greasy formula glides on smoothly and dries with a matte finish (no more shiny sunscreen face).
Extra-strength, broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays.
Won’t clog pores, so it’s great for acne-prone skin.
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Available at an accessible price point.

Cons:

Would be nice if it came in a bigger size.

Banana Boat SPF 50

Sporty types, take note

If you'll be in the sun for hours while you play, swim, or exercise, then this Banana Boat sunscreen is the ideal product.

Best for Active Outdoor Use

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Perfect for active days out in the sun, Banana Boat SPF 50 is clinically proven to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is high-performance sunscreen at its finest, with a lightweight, ultra-breathable formula that won’t make you feel greasy. Banana Boat famously stays on in seven conditions: sun, pool water, sand, extreme heat, ocean water, wind, and sweat. Basically, if you’ll be active for long periods of time in direct sunlight, don’t leave home without this sunscreen.

Pros:

Broad-spectrum coverage from UVA/UVB rays, under all conditions (sand, wind, water, sweat, etc.)
Formula is lightweight and breathable, not heavy and greasy.

Cons:

It will stain white clothing and towels.

Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Suitable for kids of all ages

Even small kiddos won't mind as much when you coat them in Babyganics Sunscreen.

Best for Kids

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Protect your little one’s precious skin from the sun with Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, which is formulated with reef-safe, skin-safe ingredients—no harsh chemicals allowed. Unlike some other children’s sunscreens, this Babyganics lotion doesn’t contain parabens, fragrances, or phthalates. Instead, it’s made with the brand’s NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend: a soothing, calming blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, raspberry seed, and black cumin oils. It’s ideal for high-exposure areas, providing serious broad-spectrum coverage from skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Pros:

Formula doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend soothes the skin.
Super-strong broad-spectrum sun protection.
Affordable price.

Cons:

It’s definitely a thick, heavy cream; not quick-absorbing.

Olay Regenerist Face Lotion SPF 50

Delivers essential nutrients to the skin

Sun protection with a side of antioxidants and vitamins? Yes, please.

Best Antioxidant-Infused

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Like a vitamin pack for your face, Olay Regenerist Face Lotion contains a nourishing amino-peptide complex that smooths and hydrates the skin and improves the signs of aging. When you put it on, wrinkles and fine lines aren’t as prominent, and skin instantly looks plumper and healther. In short, it’s the perfect moisturizer—except it’s also a super-potent sunscreen that combines Olay’s highest level of SPF Broad Spectrum sunscreen with niacinamide and glycerin, which are moisturizing agents that keep skin looking healthy. The SPF 50 formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing.

Pros:

Delivers a hefty dose of nutrients to the face, in the form of a nourishing amino-peptide complex.
Skin appears smoother and plumper after using.
SPF 50 formula is infused with glycerin and niacinamide, so it’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and moisturizing.

Cons:

It’s really moisturizing, so not ideal for oily skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I put on my SPF 50 in the morning, do I need to reapply?

One of the most common mistakes people make with sunscreen is not reapplying during the day. Sunscreen becomes less effective after it’s been on the skin for two hours (yes, even SPF 50), so it’s important to reapply every couple hours and immediately after being in the water.

If I’m diligent about reapplying my SPF 50, do I still need to seek shade and wear a hat?

Yes. All-day sun exposure (even if you’re wearing a ton of sunscreen) isn’t good for anyone. Even the best, strongest sunscreen can’t fully protect you from all UV rays, so it’s important to wear a hat and go in the shade as much as possible.

Will a sunscreen with a high SPF protect my skin better than one with a lower SPF?

Although no sunscreen can effectively block all UV rays, those with a higher SPF do block more rays. So yes, SPF 50 is a little more effective than a lower SPF.