Best Face Sunscreens Compared on the Label (2026)
Three popular US sunscreens, compared on what their labels say. We have not tested them, and this is not medical advice.
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Every sunscreen sold in the US carries a Drug Facts label, so you can compare SPF, actives and water resistance without guessing. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk is the pick for swimming and sweat, EltaMD UV Clear is a daily face option, and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral uses mineral actives only.
Quick picks
- Best for swimming and sweatAnthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60Check price
- Best daily face pickUV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Check price
- Best mineral budget pickHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face LotionCheck price
Side-by-side label facts
| Spec | Top pickLa Roche-PosayAnthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 | Daily faceEltaMDUV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | MineralCeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Face and body, swimming or sweating | Daily face wear under makeup | Mineral-only actives on a budget |
| Labeled SPFhigher is better | 60 ★ Best60 | 46 46 | 30 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | Not water resistant | Not water resistant (per brand directions) |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7% (brand page) | Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5% | Titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5% |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.
The picks
★Best for swimming and sweat
La Roche-PosayAnthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60
Best for: Face and body, swimming or sweating
A broad spectrum SPF 60 lotion for face and body, labeled water resistant for 80 minutes. Brand page lists avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene.
What we like
- Only 80-minute water resistant pick here
- Face and body in one bottle
Watch out for
- Older labels on DailyMed list oxybenzone; check the box you buy
Anthelios Melt-In Milk is labeled broad spectrum SPF 60 and water resistant for 80 minutes, for face and body. The brand page lists avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5% and octocrylene 7%, and says it is oxybenzone-free. An older DailyMed label for the same name lists oxybenzone too, so check the box. Directions say to reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, right after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
★Best daily face pick
EltaMDUV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best for: Daily face wear under makeup
A broad spectrum SPF 46 face lotion with zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%. The label says to use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
What we like
- Fragrance-free (brand page)
- Comes in tinted versions
Watch out for
- Not water resistant
- $45 list for 1.7 oz on EltaMD.com
UV Clear is labeled broad spectrum SPF 46, with zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%. It is made for the face and neck. Its label tells you to use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating, so treat it as an everyday option. EltaMD lists it at $45 for 1.7 oz.
★Best mineral budget pick
CeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Best for: Mineral-only actives on a budget
A broad spectrum SPF 30 face lotion with titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5%. CeraVe says to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
What we like
- Mineral actives only
- Lowest list price here ($15.99 on CeraVe.com)
Watch out for
- Mineral filters can leave a white cast, CeraVe notes
- Not for swimming
CeraVe’s face lotion is labeled broad spectrum SPF 30 with titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5%. CeraVe lists it at $15.99 and notes that mineral filters can leave a white cast. Its directions say to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
How to choose
- Start with the AAD basics. Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant if you will swim or sweat. See the AAD’s sunscreen guide.
- Read the actives. If you want mineral filters only, look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the only actives.
- Use enough and reapply. See our guide to choosing sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions
Do all three meet the AAD's basic advice?
Yes on the label. The AAD recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. All three are labeled broad spectrum at SPF 30 or above. Only the Anthelios is labeled water resistant.
Which is a mineral sunscreen?
The CeraVe uses only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The EltaMD pairs zinc oxide with octinoxate. The Anthelios uses chemical filters.
Can I use these on a baby?
The labels and the FDA say to ask a doctor before using sunscreen on children under 6 months.
