By Adriana Ermter
Sunscreen used to have a reputation for being the boring friend in your beauty routine—the sensible one who showed up after the fun had already started. But somewhere between the rise of skin cycling, glass-skin goals and our collective obsession with protecting our future selves, SPF has become the ultimate beauty multitasker.
And honestly, it deserves the glow-up.
Because sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding a lobster-red vacation selfie. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin from long-term damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.
Here’s the science-y part—without making it complicated. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, and not all rays behave the same way. According to Stanford Medicine dermatologists, UVB rays (think B for burning) are most associated with direct DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer, while UVA rays (think A for aging) penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to collagen breakdown, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and that sudden “why does my skin look so tired?” moment.
Translation? The sun is powerful, even when you’re just walking the dog, grabbing an iced coffee or sitting beside a sunny window pretending to answer emails.
The good news: sunscreen works. Really well.
Stanford Medicine points to research showing that daily sunscreen use can significantly reduce skin cancer risk. One Australian randomized trial found that people who used sunscreen every day had a 50 per cent lower incidence of melanoma, while a Norwegian study linked sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to a 30 per cent lower melanoma risk.
Those aren’t small numbers. That’s your morning skincare step doing some serious heavy lifting.
But there’s a catch: sunscreen only works if you actually wear it—and wear enough of it. A McGill University study found that 75 per cent of Canadian adults spend at least 30 minutes outdoors on a typical summer day off, while nearly half spend two hours or more outside. Yet many still aren’t applying sunscreen consistently. The same study found that one in three Canadians experienced a sunburn in the previous year.
The solution is simple: wear sunscreen. Every day. Think of SPF as a long-term investment in your skin’s health—one that pays dividends in how your skin looks, feels and ages.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 16 of our favourite sunscreens to wear all summer long.
SPRAY FORMULA: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin
$21.47 for 142 g, available at Walmart and amazon.ca
Not everyone has the patience to meticulously rub sunscreen into every inch of their body—and thankfully, you don’t have to. This mineral spray combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a convenient spray format that makes covering arms, legs and hard-to-reach spots quick and easy. Designed for sensitive skin, the formula relies on zinc oxide to help protect against UVA and UVB rays while keeping irritation to a minimum.
OIL FREE: Di Morelli Medical Grade Skin Care SPF 35 Oil Free Face and Body
Di Morelli Medical Grade Skin Care SPF 35 Oil Free Face and Body
$45.95 for 90ml, available online at www.dimorelli.com
If thick, greasy sunscreens are an instant dealbreaker, this lightweight formula is worth a look. Designed for both the face and body, it delivers broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection without leaving behind a heavy or oily feel. Vitamin E helps add a boost of antioxidant support, while the fast-absorbing texture layers easily under makeup or on its own. Consider it a solid everyday option for anyone who prefers their sun protection to feel practically invisible.
TINTED: Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid Face Lotion
Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid Face Lotion
$29.99 for 75ml, available online at www.amazon.ca
If you love products that do double duty, this tinted sunscreen is an easy addition to your morning routine. It combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with hyaluronic acid to help keep skin feeling hydrated while delivering a sheer tint that subtly evens out your complexion. The result is a healthy-looking glow and just enough coverage to help blur minor imperfections—perfect for those mornings when you’d rather skip foundation but still want your skin to look polished.
NON-COMEDOGENIC: First Aid Beauty Hydrating Sunscreen Milk SPF 45
First Aid Beauty Hydrating Sunscreen Milk SPF 45
From $36 for 50ml, available at Sephora
If your skin is prone to breakouts but still craves hydration, this sunscreen strikes a happy balance. The lightweight, silky formula is infused with colloidal oatmeal, a skincare favourite known for helping to soothe irritation and support the skin barrier. Best of all, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or leave behind a greasy finish. Comfortable enough for daily wear, it’s the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually look forward to applying every morning.
FACE BRIGHTENING: Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Daily UV Fluid Invisible SPF 50
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Daily UV Fluid Invisible SPF 50
$20.99 for 40ml, available at Loblaws
If dull, tired-looking skin is your biggest summer beauty complaint, this multitasking sunscreen has you covered. Infused with vitamin C, the lightweight formula helps boost radiance while providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. The invisible finish disappears seamlessly into skin without feeling heavy or chalky, making it an easy addition to your morning routine. Whether you wear it alone or under makeup, it delivers sun protection with an extra dose of glow.
SOLID STICK: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 45
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 45
$41 per stick, available at Sephora
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a sunscreen stick. No spills, no messy hands—just quick, convenient SPF protection whenever you need it. Glow Recipe takes that ease a step further with a formula that makes reapplication feel more like a beauty ritual than a chore. Infused with watermelon extract and niacinamide, the balm helps support a smoother, more even-looking complexion while gliding onto skin with a fresh, dewy finish. It’s the kind of sunscreen you’ll want to keep within arm’s reach all summer long.
24-HOUR HYDRATION: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
$54 for 45ml, available at Sephora
If you find most sunscreens leave your skin feeling dry or heavy, Ilia’s serum-like formula offers a refreshing alternative. Powered by zinc oxide, it provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while delivering up to 24 hours of hydration. The lightweight texture feels more like a skincare product than a traditional sunscreen, absorbing beautifully into the skin without a chalky finish. Comfortable enough for everyday wear, it’s proof that sun protection and hydration can go hand in hand.
SERUM: Marcelle 100% Mineral Sun Serum SPF 30
Marcelle 100% Mineral Sun Serum SPF 30
$31.99 for 30ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
If traditional mineral sunscreens feel a little too thick for your liking, this serum offers a lighter alternative. Made with 100 per cent mineral UV filters, the fluid formula absorbs quickly while vitamin E and hyaluronic acid help keep skin feeling hydrated and comfortable. Its sheer finish layers beautifully under makeup or as the final step in your skincare routine, making it an easy choice for everyday sun protection.
100 SPF: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100 Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100 Sunscreen
From $17.97 for 88ml, available at Walmart
If maximum sun protection is your priority, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen delivers one of the highest SPF levels on this list. Despite its SPF 100 formula, it feels surprisingly lightweight, absorbing quickly without leaving behind a greasy, sticky or shiny finish. It’s also oxybenzone-free and enriched with antioxidant vitamin E to help support skin while protecting it from everyday UV exposure. Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending hours outdoors or simply prefer a little extra peace of mind, this sunscreen is built to go the distance.
LIPS: Nivea Sun Lip Care SPF 30
Nivea Sun Lip Care SPF 30
$4.98 for a package of two, available at Walmart
Your lips need sun protection just as much as the rest of your skin—but they’re one of the easiest places to forget. Constant exposure to the sun, combined with their delicate skin, makes them especially vulnerable to UVA and UVB rays. This dermatologist-tested lip balm pairs SPF 30 protection with moisturizing ingredients to help keep lips soft, smooth and comfortable throughout the day. Better yet, at under $5 for a two-pack, it’s an easy addition to every beach bag, purse and jacket pocket.
WATER RESISTANT: Ombrelle Sport Endurance Water/Sweat Resistant Lotion SPF 30
Ombrelle Sport Endurance Water/Sweat Resistant Lotion SPF 30
$14.19 for 50ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Whether your summer plans include swimming, pickleball, backyard barbecues or long afternoons on a sunny patio, this sunscreen is built to keep up. Designed to resist both water and sweat, it delivers reliable SPF 30 protection through all of your warm-weather adventures. The lightweight lotion spreads easily, absorbs quickly and makes reapplying after a swim, workout or towel-off feel like less of a hassle. It’s the kind of dependable sunscreen you’ll want to pack for every summer outing.
MINERAL FORMULA: Shiseido Urban Environment Mineral Clear Transparent Sunscreen SPF 50
Shiseido Urban Environment Mineral Clear Transparent Sunscreen SPF 50
$50 for 30ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Mineral sunscreen has come a long way from the thick, chalky formulas many of us remember—and thankfully, this one proves it. Powered by mineral UV filters, Shiseido’s lightweight formula delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while blending seamlessly into skin with a clear, virtually undetectable finish. It feels comfortable enough for everyday wear and never leaves behind the telltale white cast that once gave mineral sunscreens a bad reputation. Polished, effortless and quietly chic, it’s proof that mineral sun protection has officially grown up.
MAKEUP PRIMER: Smashbox Photo Finish Invisible SPF 45 Broad Spectrum Primer
Smashbox Photo Finish Invisible SPF 45 Broad Spectrum Primer
$24 for 10ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
If your morning routine is already packed with skincare and makeup steps, this multitasker helps simplify things. Combining a smoothing primer with broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection, it creates an even canvas for foundation.
ANTI-WRINKLE: StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Glowfector SPF 30
StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Glowfector SPF 30
$49 for 30ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
If your ideal sunscreen leaves your skin looking just as good as it protects it, StriVectin delivers on both fronts. This multitasking formula combines broad-spectrum SPF 30 with skincare ingredients that help soften the appearance of fine lines while giving skin a healthy-looking glow. Reflective pearl technology instantly boosts radiance, while nourishing argan oil helps keep skin feeling soft and hydrated. Think of it as equal parts sun protection, skincare and glow enhancer.
HAIR AND SCALP: Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp & Hair Mist
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp & Hair Mist
$22.99 for 59ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart
Most of us are diligent about protecting our face and body, but the scalp is often an afterthought—right up until it gets burned. This lightweight mist makes it easy to add SPF 30 protection to your scalp, hairline and part line, helping shield those easily missed areas from UVA and UVB rays. The non-greasy formula won’t weigh hair down, and its compact size makes it easy to toss into your beach bag, purse or backpack for touch-ups throughout the day. Consider it the sunscreen step you didn’t know you were missing.
MILKY FORMULA: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50
Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50
$70 for 50ml, available at Sephora
If you’re willing to splurge on your sunscreen, Tatcha makes a compelling case. The featherlight milky formula melts into skin almost instantly, delivering broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection without any heaviness or visible residue. Designed for normal to combination skin, it also helps hydrate and soothe with ingredients including Okinawa aloe, encapsulated ectoin and vitamin E. The result is skin that feels calm, comfortable and protected—making this one of those rare sunscreens that feels every bit as luxurious as the rest of your skincare routine.
RELATED:
