Choosing the right sunscreen is a big factor in our enjoyment of the sun, but how do we find the best one for women over 60? While most sunscreens are promoted for fun in the sun, it’s also important to wear them everyday—and if you’re a woman that means any sunscreen must work with your makeup. And because we wear them every day the active ingredients are under greater scrutiny.
In addition to SPF and UVA/UVB protection you also have a choice between what are broadly called chemical and physical/mineral sunscreens. Each of these protects your skin differently and contains different active ingredients.
Chemical sunscreens protect by absorbing the sun’s rays
Chemical sunscreens may contain one or more of many possible active ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate. Those two are currently approved by the U.S. FDA but may have some negative health or environmental effects—they are banned by Hawaii. Chemical sunscreens are popular because they tend to be easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue like many mineral sunscreens. Safer formulations are always in development to meet market demands for “clean” products.
Physical/mineral sunscreens deflect the sun’s rays
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, work by blocking the suns rays from you skin. They contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. The European Union has questioned the safety of titanium dioxide. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, and most dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens.
Some sunscreens use both types of active ingredients
Hybrid sunscreens contain one or more active ingredients found in physical sunscreens as well as chemical sunscreens. While this may seem like a “pick your poison” quandary, wearing no sunscreen is far more dangerous.
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We looked at a wide range of sunscreens to find those that would meet our criteria:
- Minimum SPF 30
- No (or limited) oxybenzone and/or octinoxate (for chemical sunscreens)
- Must have zinc oxide, but must not have titanium dioxide alone
- Positive EWG rating (lower numbers = higher score)
- Positive user reviews
- Easily available online or in retail stores
Value Brands
Banana Boat Light as Air, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+
Banana Boat Light as Air Dry Balance Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is one of the few chemical sunscreens available with no oxybenzone or Octinoxate. It is good for both face and body and is good under makeup.
Reviewers on a variety of sites report that it doesn’t cause breakouts. It isn’t greasy or sticky. It absorbs excess moisture, leaves a soft matte finish, and lets skin breathe – so your skin feels fresh, dry and comfortable. Available on Amazon.com
Coppertone Defend & Care Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30
Coppertone Defend & Care Oil Free Sunscreen Face SPF 30 is a broad spectrum chemical sunscreen that protects against the sun’s most damaging UV rays. It and won’t clog your pores. It is good for use under makeup and it’s fragrance-free. Octinoxate free. The SPF 30 includes 4% oxybenzone, the SPF 50 includes 6% oxybenzone. Available on Amazon.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+
Blue Lizard Sensitive mineral sunscreen 30+ contains no skin-irritating fragrances or parabens. It protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body.
Unlike many mineral sunscreens it is not greasy and is water resistant for 40 minutes. Blue Lizard is an Australian manufacturer, the land where they know sun. Good for the body, it leaves no white cast and is highly protective. Available on Amazon.
MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals Solar Defense Body Lotion, SPF 50
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense is designed to protect your skin against premature aging symptoms through a broad-spectrum formula. Coconut oil and shea butter in this sunscreen lotion help your skin restore its optimal moisture balance. It’s made of clean ingredients, no retinyl palmitate or chemical UV absorbers.
This is for daily use. The company suggests allowing the product to absorb completely before applying make-up. Available on Amazon.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a 100% mineral-based that applies easily to face and body with a non-oily feel. Since this is a sunscreen for young children, its formula is particularly pure and therefore ideal for all age groups, particularly those with sensitive skin. The plant-based formula provides UVA/UVB protection and contains natural zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter to nourish and hydrate all skin types. It is vegan, cruelty, gluten and dye free. It is pediatrician and dermatologist tested and paraben, sulfate, silicone and phthalate free. The company’s slogan is “Trust the Bum’. Available on Amazon.
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EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Tinted
This is a tinted mineral sunscreen for the face that is good under makeup or even as makeup since it’s tinted. It does not cause breakouts, according to reviewers, and does not leave a white cast on the skin. Available on Amazon.com and Dermstore.com
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Formulated for extra sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide to provide 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant coverage. It naturally protects your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays and is oxybenzone and octinoxate free. and it’s reef friendly. Available on Amazon
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Daily Defense – Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Umbra Sheer Daily Defense by Drunk Elephant is a physical daily sunscreen loaded with potent antioxidants that delivers essential moisture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drunk Elephant products are designed, tested, and made in the United States. This sunscreen contains 20% zinc oxide and astaxanthin-rich algae extract, which has potent antioxidant properties that provide defense from oxidative damage. Available on Ulta and Amazon.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion SPF 50, Face and Body Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen for Body & Face SPF 60 is a 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and antioxidant protection. Simply said, is is advanced mineral technology in an elegant base. Women who used it claim that their skin felt comfortable, soothed and protected.
It’s lightweight scent-free, and a little goes a long way. Non-whitening, with a smooth, velvety finish. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Available at Dermstore.com; Walmart; and Amazon.
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A round-up of favorite sunscreens is featured annually in Blue Hair Magazine. It last appeared on May 27, 2022. The current updated information was posted on May 26, 2023.
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