When I say “top picks” here, I suppose I really mean “ones I would actually pay money for and use on my own skin (if I don’t have access to other stuff)”. Because you can get all sorts of different American and Canadian sunscreens — many of them still use terrible formulas from the bygone flip-phone era; some of them feel like lard or cling wrap on the skin; some of them are not crappy as I thought; few of them give the Japanese brands quite a run for their money.
I’ve been testing loads of non-Japanese sunscreens, all at different price-points and with different UV filters, and here is a quick round-up of a few that I have discovered and liked. (Hover over images below for ingredients.) Also I’m trying out a new review format below. It won’t replace dedicated reviews, but I do hope that you’ll find these very short to-the-point lists useful.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
PROS
- It applies, feels, and smells just like a scented body lotion.
- Zero chance of white cast!
- Moisturising, non-greasy, non-sticky.
- Best suited for daily use on the body.
CONS
- Its signature tropical fragrance, you either love it or hate it.
- No UVA rating officially available.
- Very lacklustre blend of UV filters.
- Says water-resistant, but I don’t find this to be true.
Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF30
I featured this in a Best Pick review back in June so this will come as no surprise. To save me repeating myself, you can read the full review by clicking on the link above.
PROS
- You can get samples packets to try.
- Lightweight, fresh, hydrating.
- No alcohol, fragrance, or chemical filters.
- Best suited for daily use.
CONS
- Only PA+++, but at least info is obtainable!
- Brand is online only.
- Not mattifying.
bareMinerals Prep Step Mineral Shield Daily Prep Lotion SPF50
This was actually released in Japan a year before North America back in April 2015. Same stuff inside, just slightly repackaged and renamed.
PROS
- Lightweight milk formula with PA++++!
- No alcohol, fragrance, or chemical filters.
- Moisturises and sinks in leaving a nice smooth feeling.
- Best suited for daily use on combination-dry skin.
CONS
- Still a slight white cast despite its microencapsulated pigments.
- Takes a while to absorb completely into the skin.
- Not resistant to anything; not mattifying.
- Not ideal for oily skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF46
PROS
- Light gel-cream that spreads and sinks in easily.
- No alcohol or fragrance.
- Moisturising enough on its own for normal-combo skin.
- Non-greasy, non-sticky; natural skin-like finish.
- Easy-on, easy-off formula that’s best suited for daily use.
CONS
- No UVA rating officially available.
- Not resistant to anything; not mattifying.
- Not ideal for oily skin.
- Slight white cast if applied generously.