Dermatologist-tested best sunscreens of 2020 (and my personal picks)

Written By Jenny Wu on

2022 Update: 5 Best Lab Tested Sunscreens for 2022

With so many sunscreen options available, which ones truly offer the best UVA and UVB protection? I shared a sunscreen guide that goes into details of how to pick the best sunscreen a while back, along with the top picks according to renowned Taiwanese dermatologist Dr. Pin-Chi Chiu.

However it’s been a few years since that post, but luckily Dr. Chiu continued his independent sunscreen testing this year, and I’ll be sharing the top 11 picks with their Boots Star ratings and critical wavelength. But first a quick refresher:

Boots Star ratings & critical wavelength

What is the Boots Star rating?

Boots Star rating measures the % of UVA that’s been absorbed compared to UVB rays (source), so in a sense it measure the evenness of the UV protection. These tests are done in vitro using machines. The closer the UVA/UVB ratio is to 1, the more stars a sunscreen gets.

boots star rating explainedPin

Eg: Sunscreen A has SPF50 and ★★, which means that it’s probably around PPD4 – 10. Sunscreen B also has SPF50 but ★★★, which means it’s around PPD11 – 23, that’s a big difference! (1, 2)

What is critical wavelength?

Critical wavelength (CW) is used to determine whether a not the sunscreen is broad spectrum. Tests are done in vitro by exposing the sunscreen to different UV wavelengths to see how much of the UV radiation is absorbed. The wavelength at which the sunscreen reaches 90% absorption is the critical wavelength/CW.

For reference, UVB rays range from 290 – 320nm, while UVA rays range from 320 – 400nm. So the higher the CW a sunscreen has, the more UVA protection you’re getting.

11 best sunscreens revealed

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  1. ISISPHARMA Neotone Radiance SPF 50+
    ★★★★★ // CW 381nm
    Available at eBay, Amazon, study
  2. Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF 50+
    ★★★★★ // CW 383nm
    Available at Look Fantastic, Care2Beauty, Escentual, Beauty Expert
  3. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF30
    ★★★★ // CW 379nm
    Available at Paula’s Choice, Amazon, SkinStore, Dermstore
  4. Avène Cleanance Very High Protection Sunscreen SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW 382nm
    Available at Escentual, Care2Beauty, Boots
  5. Paula’s Choice Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF30
    ★★★★ // CW 377nm
    Available at Paula’s Choice, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Amazon, Skinstore
  6. Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluid SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW 381nm // PA++++
    Available at Care2Beauty, Escentual, Look Fantastic
  7. La Roche-Posay UVIdea XL Melt-In Cream Tint SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW = 381nm // PPD33
    Available at BeautyBox Korea, eBay
  8. A-Derma Protect Invisible Fluid SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW 381nm
    Available at Care2Beauty, Amazon
  9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW 381nm // PPD46
    Available at Escentual, eBay
  10. Avène Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+
    ★★★★ // CW 383nm
    Available at Beauty Expert, Look Fantastic, Escentual
  11. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50+
    ★★★★ // CW 381nm
    Available at Boots, eBay, Carethy
Testing method: sunscreen samples were sent to SGS which then conducted the tests in-vitro (ie. via machines instead of on human skin) using the TESP-UB-108 method.

Not surprising, European formulas dominated this list, especially the French brand Avène. They have several more sunscreens with ★★★★ and CW 381nm that are listed in the full list below!

I was also surprised to see Paula’s Choice among the top picks, as US sunscreens are usually bleh. While their SPF is lower, the high Boots Star ratings mean that their UVA protection is still superior to other products with the same SPF. Their Super Light Wrinkle Defense SPF30 is also the only mineral sunscreen to have ★★★★.

As for popular Japanese sunscreen brands like Shiseido’s Anessa and Senka, and Biore, they were once again near the bottom with just ★★. Some of them didn’t even pass the broad spectrum test!

My Personal Picks

So I’ve only tried 2 of the 11 sunscreens listed, and I think for everyday use, most of them are actually an overkill. ★★★ or even ★★ sunscreens (see full list below) are sufficient for daily activities when you’re mostly indoors, as long as you apply enough!

My top everyday and outdoor sunscreensPin

Everyday sunscreens

Previously I’ve listed the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence and the Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun, both SPF50+ PA++++, as my recommendations.

However in light of independent lab tests that showed Purito with SPF19 instead of SPF50+, I’ve removed this and the Klairs sunscreen, which both use the same 2 filters and are reported to be made in the same lab.

Until further notice, I will recommend my new favorite, the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel N (review here). While it’s not as strong as European sunscreens, it’s just as elegant as the Klairs/Purito and with better protection.

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Love it so much I took a selfie with it!

Outdoors Sunscreens

La Roche-Posay UVIdea XL Melt-In Cream Tint SPF50+
A top 11 pick! I call this my city life sunscreen as it’s great for when I’ll be out and need some light coverage. It’s not water-resistant so I wouldn’t use it for intense outdoor activities or on super hot days. The tint matches my NC20 skin tone well, but I’m not sure how it’ll work for darker skin tones.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF50+
Another top 11 pick and my all time holy grail sunscreen. I always bring this when I travel and I credit it to me not getting any sun damage (burns or tans) on any of my trips. Despite its strong protection, it’s not heavy or uncomfortable at all, plus it layers well under makeup. This is also water-resistant!

I highly recommend a separate sunscreen for outdoor use, otherwise you can risk some serious sun damage!

Full list of sunscreen ratings

Translated from Dr. Chiu’s list. I’ve excluded the ones listed earlier and marked mineral sunscreens with **.

PA/PPD ratings displayed are from the brand and not the result of Dr. Chiu/SGS’s independent testing. Are they accurate? Sadly we don’t know for sure.

Boots Star ★★★★
  • Avène High Protection Lotion SPF50+
    CW 383nm
  • Ducray Melascreen UV Light Cream SPF50+
    CW 382nm
  • Avène High Protection Emulsion SPF50+
    CW 382nm
  • A-Derma Protect Cream SPF50+
    CW 381nm
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion 50+
    CW 381nm
  • Cetaphil UVA//UVB Defense Very High Sun Protection SPF 50+
    CW 381nm
  • SUNPRE Supreme High Protection Aqua Facial Gel SPF50+
    CW 381nm //PA++++
  • SUNPRE Supreme High Protect DD Facial Gel SPF50+
    CW 381nm // PA++++
  • Bioderma Photoderm LASER Cream SPF50+
    CW 380nm // PA+++
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Child Spray SPF50+
    CW 380nm
  • Nivea Sun UV Face Soothing Sensitive SPF50+
    CW 380nm // PA++++
Boots Star ★★★
Boots Star ★★
Boots Star ★

Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.

Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨

Comments & Questions

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Jennifer

I have not tried any of these sunscreens. I really like Beautycounter and ThinkBaby.

Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer

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Anne

I am disappointed to see the Biore one only getting 2 stars in this testing, as I love it for everyday use.
But on the other hand both the LRP and the klairs one are staples for me when I am outdoors, so I can continue with them.

Anne from Doctor Anne

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Melanie

This was such an educational read! Thank you for taking the time to put this all together! I was surprised honestly that the European brands ended up beating out a lot of the Japanese ones :O

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Jenny Wu

Thanks for reading! I was shocked when I found out too, but I still think for everyday use Japanese/Korean sunscreens might be a better fit due to their more elegant textures ☺️

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Melanie

Phew just looked at that and I’m glad you got it despite my horrible misspelling, yikes???? I agree! I think the few European sunscreens I’ve tried haven’t held a candle to the lightness/comfort of the Asian formulations.

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Melanie

Ok, well it’s been a long day and my eyes are doing things. Guess I didn’t misspell what I thought I had???????? don’t mind me losing it over here

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Melanie

And by Asian I mean Japanese/Korean. Gotta be more specific. Ok I’m done now????

Lenafevral

Thank you for such an informative post. I’m so saddened to learn that biroe got such a low score since that’s one of my faves. I haven’t tried any from the top 11 yet ????

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Jenny Wu

I think for everyday use it's still ok as long as you apply enough, but it's definitely not one you'd want to wear to the beach ????

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Lisa Autumn

So many great ones! I always wear Avene or La Roche Posay so I am glad they are on the list x

Lisa | lisaautumn.com

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BeautiliciousD

La roche posay by far, my favorite but thank you for this great detailed review xx

https://beautiliciousd.blogspot.com/

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Naya

Your reviews are such a pleasure to read, always! So informative and educational. I feel like running to the nearest drugstore to get my paws on that Avene sunscreen hah! It seems perfect. I also love La Roche Posay. Their formulas work so well for my sensitive and dry skin xx

Naya
www.nayatilly.com

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Trish

Interesting results. I've read other skincare formulators' posts and they all tested different sunscreens. The highest ranking ones are Asian sunscreens.

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Jenny Wu

Hi Trish, these test results are purely based on numbers without considering the texture, finish, and general user experience of the product. If you take those into consideration Asian sunscreens are definitely more elegant. It all depends on the testing method :)

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Sunny B

Wow, just came across this really interesting post. Thank you for taking the time to put together something so detailed. Like others, I'm disappointed by the Biore results, as I was just about to go back to it after Klairs. I wonder if you have a view on why these results for the well-known Japanese brands are not being talked about in the way that Purito, Klairs, etc. are being discussed?

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Jenny Wu

I think people were suspicious about the Klairs and Purito ones due to the low number of filters. Most Japanese chemical sunscreens have at least 3-4 filters, so it was surprising to see these new sunscreens with the same protection level only use 2. Plus they're both really popular on social media and a lot of influencers have recommended them, so they're under a lot more scrutiny than other brands unfortunately. I do think Japanese brands need to be discussed as well, because even though they may pass the spf test (the Biore one did), their uva protection level is still questionable.

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Élise

Yikes. I have 2 Biore sunscreens in my stash – the Aqua Rich watery gel and Barrier Me mineral milk – and now I'm worried if they're not protecting me as much as I want to. Thankfully, due to the pandemic, I don't go out and get much sun exposure, so I only use them indoor. I don't really get sunlight in my room either, but I still slather some SPF50 regardless. (I'm so scared to tan and/or burn!)

I have never tried any French brands when it comes to sunscreens. I've been eyeing La-Roche Posay, but not sure which one to choose. All this time I've been in love with Asian (especially Japanese) sunscreens, but now... now I'm not so sure? Lol. I'm also surprised to find that the Shiseido Anessa only receives 2-stars, yikes. For such an expensive price, I think I'd rather allocate my budget to trying EU brands instead.

(Thank goodness Kanebo Allie is a good one, because I've been meaning to try that.)

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iarshinta

Waw..suprisingly the trusted Pa plus plus sunblock listed above are not my fav. Isispharma n bioderma alhv white cast😭on me. La roche posay untinted is ok...but not my fav..well layering with the best foundation is the solution. Thank you🙏💕

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Jenny Wu

Oh no, that's a bummer! There are a lot of other tested but more elegant sunscreen solutions, I have them all documented in my sunscreen database :)

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