EWG’s sunscreen rankings discussed here are from its 2021 guide, not a current product list. The guide organized products into recreational, non-mineral, baby and kids, daily-use SPF, and SPF lip balm categories. Use those rankings as a historical snapshot; for a purchase today, check the product’s current label and choose protection suited to your needs.
What EWG’s 2021 guide covered
A May 5, 2021 Treehugger article by Katherine Martinko reported that EWG analyzed over 1,800 sunscreens. It said 25% provided adequate protection without ingredients the article characterized as worrisome. These are historical figures reported by Treehugger about EWG’s guide, not independently verified counts or current-market statistics.
The same article reported that oxybenzone appeared in 40% of non-mineral U.S. sunscreens at the time. That is a historical estimate, not a measure of today’s market. The article described EWG’s categories as:
- Recreational sunscreens
- Non-mineral sunscreens
- Baby and kids sunscreens
- Daily-use SPF products
- SPF lip balms
Those categories help explain how the 2021 guide organized its recommendations; they do not establish that a product remains available or has kept the same formula.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPERIOR ENDURANCE VS. SWEAT & WATER — From family fun to hardcore competition, Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen provides strong sun protection that stays on so you can play on
- CLINICALLY PROVEN UVA/UVB PROTECTION — This SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen spray protects skin from the sun's harmful UV rays
- LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE FORMULA — Non-greasy feel won't weigh you down
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUNSCREEN — Water & sweat resistant up to 80 minutes
- FREE FROM oxybenzone and octinoxate
How to interpret an EWG score
EWG’s score reflects the organization’s own assessment and methodology. It is not a universal regulator’s rating or a medical recommendation. EWG’s guide overview and methodology explain its approach. Scores and product formulations can change between guide editions, so a 2021 score cannot confirm how a product is rated or formulated now.
In its 2021 account, Treehugger quoted EWG vice-president of healthy living science Nneka Leiba criticizing ingredient concerns and UVA protection in the U.S. sunscreen market. That is EWG’s attributed position as reproduced in a 2021 article, not a current FDA finding about every ingredient or product.
Rank #2
- SWEAT & WATER READY — Designed to stay on so you can play on, this effective SPF 50 sunscreen is water, sweat, and heat resistant
- CONTAINS ALOE & VITAMIN E — This breathable sunscreen lotion cares for your skin and protects it from harmful UV rays without the use of oxybenzone or octinoxate
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED — From boat days and poolside play to hiking and biking, Banana Boat sunscreen delivers reliable sun care protection you can trust
- 12-HOUR MOISTURIZATION — Sunscreen SPF 50 provides 12 hours of moisture to help keep skin soft and smooth while leaving no white cast, GENTLE** FORMULA
- GIANT PROTECTION — 93% say Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is gentle & non-irritating on their skin.* *Consumer self-assessment after 2 weeks, N=206 **Clinically tested to be gentle on skin when used as directed., NO GREASE
How to choose sunscreen today
For current selection, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. Its guidance answers the question, “How do I know if I’m using the right sunscreen?” by focusing on these label features and on the user’s skin and intended use. See the AAD sunscreen selection guidance.
- SPF: Choose SPF 30 or higher.
- Broad-spectrum: Look for this label to identify protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Water resistance: Check the label for water resistance when relevant to your activity, and follow the directions on the specific product.
- Intended use and skin needs: Consider where and when you will apply it, your skin, and which format you will use consistently.
AAD notes that tinted sunscreen can reduce visible white residue, a sunscreen stick can be useful around the eyes, and SPF lip balm can protect the lips. These are format options—not substitutes for checking SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance where needed.
Rank #3
- HAWAIIAN TROPIC SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 50 with an Ultra Radiance SPF that leaves skin luminous
- OIL-FREE SUNSCREEN LOTION WITH A NON-GREASY LOOK AND FEEL — contains vitamins C & E to nourish skin, ICONIC HAWAIIAN TROPIC SCENT
- TRUSTED PROTECTION — Broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage that’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, OXYBENZONE-FREE sunscreen lotion, MADE WITH ISLAND-INSPIRED BOTANICALS like papaya, mango and plumeria to create skin-loving suncare, BLENDS BEAUTIFULLY ACROSS ALL SKINS TONES
- HAWAIIAN TROPIC SHEER TOUCH GIVES YOU THE PROTECTION LEVEL YOU WANT — Available in SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70
What changed in FDA sunscreen rules after 2021
FDA’s current sunscreen questions and answers records a final order dated June 10, 2026, adding bemotrizinol as an active ingredient, and an order dated September 10, 2026, removing PABA and trolamine salicylate. These updates postdate EWG’s 2021 guide, so its ingredient discussion should not be read as a description of current FDA status.
FDA also explains that its 2021 proposed order requested more data for several sunscreen ingredients. A request for additional data was not a finding that all those ingredients were unsafe. Ingredient status and evidence are distinct questions; do not treat an organization’s concern or a request for data as a blanket regulatory safety conclusion.
Rank #4
- Designed for acne-prone skin: Broad spectrum SPF 50 facial sunscreen formulated for oily and sensitive skin and reliable UVA/UVB protection while helping keep pores clear and skin looking shine-free
- Clear Face formula: Non-comedogenic daily face sunscreen with a lightweight, oil-free texture that absorbs quickly, feels breathable, and is comfortable for daily use and layering under makeup
- Sunscreen that won't cause breakouts: Oil-free and oxybenzone-free facial sunscreen moisturizer designed to support consistent, daily sun protection for oily skin and acne-prone skin
- Everyday face sunscreen: Water-resistant sunscreen up to 80 minutes, ideal for daily wear, outdoor activities, workouts, and active lifestyles that require a reliable, weightless sunscreen on the go
- Dermatologist-recommended sun care brand: Facial sunscreen formulated with decades of skin science expertise to deliver dependable broad spectrum protection for daily sun care routines
Use sunscreen as part of a broader sun-protection plan
FDA describes sunscreen as one element of sun protection. Alongside it, use protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and shade when appropriate. See the FDA’s sun-protection guidance. For a sunscreen purchase, prioritize the current label and your intended use over whether a product appeared in a 2021 ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL MINERAL SUN PROTECTION - Protect sensitive skin from the sun's harmful rays with Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen for sensitive skin. It contains no harsh chemical active ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin
- SPF 50 BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION - The water-resistant sunscreen formula provides broad spectrum protection and helps protect skin from up to 98% of UVB rays
- FORMULATED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - Developed specifically for sensitive skin, this SPF 50 body sunscreen has a hypoallergenic formula that is also paraben-free and fragrance-free
- INFUSED WITH ORGANIC ALOE VERA - This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide gently soothes and moisturizes
- TRUSTED BY DERMATOLOGISTS - Perfect for the whole family, Blue Lizard has been trusted by dermatologists for over 20 years.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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