The 10 Best Sunscreen Brands & The 10 Worst

Sunscreen Roulette At The Store

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Buying sunscreen should be simple, yet somehow it feels like a gamble. One brand gives you a seamless experience, while another leaves you sticky for hours. And some promise all-day protection, then fade halfway through your walk to the pool. With shelves full of options shouting SPF claims, it’s tough to know which bottles actually deliver and which deserve a permanent vacation. So, to save you the hassle, we’ve first rounded up the ten brands worth buying.

1. Neutrogena

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Neutrogena has been a trusted name since 1930, and today it continues to lead the skincare game. Its Hydro Boost Water Gel sunscreen wins fans with a gel-cream texture, while the sport line caters to those who need reliable sweat resistance. For sensitive skin, fragrance-free options offer comfort without compromise. 

2. La Roche-Posay

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Founded in 1975 and now owned by L’Oréal, the brand is best known for its Anthelios line, featuring Mexoryl SX, a patented UVA filter trusted for powerful protection. Adding to its reputation, the thermal spring water base gives each sunscreen a refreshing, skin-soothing finish.

3. EltaMD

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Unlike many sunscreen brands, EltaMD is most often sold through dermatologists rather than drugstore dealers. This professional route highlights its best-seller, the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which consistently earns attention for its effectiveness. And to ensure both hygiene and longevity, each formula comes in airless pumps.

4. Supergoop!

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Supergoop! was introduced in 2007 by Holly Thaggard in Texas, and it quickly grew into a standout in modern sun care. Its most famous product, the Unseen Sunscreen, is a clear gel formula that feels weightless on skin.

5. CeraVe

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

This brand incorporates three essential ceramides into its sunscreen line, ensuring the skin barrier is supported while staying protected from the sun. It also offers mineral sunscreens in both lotion and stick formats, which makes daily application more convenient.

6. Eucerin

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Eucerin is known for its Sun Allergy Protect range and sensitive-skin formulas. The packaging often carries medical-style labeling, which emphasizes its clinical positioning. In addition, the brand develops sunscreens specifically designed for children and babies, broadening its appeal across age groups.

7. Aveeno

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Oat extract is a key ingredient in Aveeno sunscreens, added for its skin-soothing properties. Besides, its Baby Continuous Protection line is created specifically for infants, and the family-size tubes make the products convenient for regular use.

8. Bioderma

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Founded in France in 1977, Bioderma established itself as a dermatology brand with a strong medical focus. One of its most recognized products, Photoderm Max Aquafluide, is a lightweight sunscreen packed in slim tubes. In addition, the brand is known for developing formulas suitable for rosacea-prone skin.

9. Vichy

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Vichy sunscreens are formulated with mineral-rich Vichy Thermal Spa Water, which serves as the foundation of the line. Within the Capital Soleil range, options include mattifying sun creams designed to reduce shine. Plus, it is also positioned as mid-range premium pharmacy skincare.

10. Shiseido

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Luxury skincare has long been associated with Shiseido, the Japanese company founded in 1872. A hallmark innovation is its WetForce technology, which boosts SPF strength upon contact with water. Moreover, the range includes both high-end makeup infused with SPF and sport sunscreens for active use. 

1. Equate

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Equate (Walmart) sparks frustration for reports highlighting that its SPF protection doesn’t always match the label, leaving users second-guessing their sun safety. Even its bulk packaging screams affordability first, quality second, making many wonder if saving a few dollars is worth the risk. 

2. Up & Up

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Shoppers looking for savings at Target toss Up & Up sunscreens into their carts, but the bargain can come at a cost. Independent testing has revealed that some products don’t live up to their labeled SPF strength, which leaves sun safety in question. 

3. CVS Health

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Tests and user reports suggest these store-brand options underperform when it comes to lasting sun exposure. The lotions don’t help their case, often leaving a chalky white film that’s hard to ignore. In the end, CVS Health is better known for its budget pricing than dependable sun protection.

4. Walgreens

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

One of the biggest issues with Walgreens' sunscreens is how quickly they wear off. Users also report an oily, slick feeling that lingers on the skin. Plus, the packaging usually lacks detailed usage instructions, and customer feedback frequently centers on disappointing real-world performance.

5. Sun Bum

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

This brand’s signature coconut fragrance can cause irritation for some users, while the formulas tend to feel greasy in humid conditions. Protection is another drawback, as coverage has been reported to fail during extended sun exposure. 

6. Alba Botanica

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Applying Alba Botanica sunscreen feels like a battle with the bottle, because the formulas are so thick that spreading them evenly becomes difficult. Users also report unstable textures that don’t sit well on skin. Worse, the strong plant-based fragrance can irritate sensitive users.

7. Babyganics

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Parents expect Babyganics to deliver gentle, reliable sun care, but the reality can be frustrating. Its thin sunscreen runs off quickly with sweat or swimming, leaving active kids without lasting protection. In short, the brand appears to prioritize a “natural” image over dependable sun safety.

8. Panama Jack

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

Panama Jack sunscreens thrive on a sun-soaked, beach-lifestyle image. However, their formulas highlight fragrance and tanning appeal more than reliable SPF protection. Add in the greasy, slick texture that makes reapplication unpleasant, and effectiveness takes an inevitable hit.

9. Australian Gold

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

This brand’s sunscreens are widely recognized for their tropical fragrance, although that strong scent irritates sensitive skin. Many formulas even include tanning enhancers that reduce UV defense, shifting focus away from true protection. 

10. BullFrog

1. Neutrogena, 2. La Roche-Posay, 3. EltaMD, 4. Supergoop!, 5. CeraVe, 6. Eucerin, 7. Aveeno, 8. Bioderma, 9. Vichy, 10. Shiseido, 1. Equate, 2. Up & Up, 3. CVS Health, 4. Walgreens, 5. Sun Bum, 6. Alba Botanica, 7. Babyganics, 8. Panama Jack, 9. Australian Gold, 10. BullFrog

BullFrog has built its image around protection, yet the experience proves disappointing. The sunscreens are notoriously thick and sticky, making them hard to spread evenly. Despite its tough branding, the sunscreen struggles to compete with modern, lighter options and is frequently seen as outdated.

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