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EltaMD Sunscreen vs. CeraVe vs. Neutrogena vs. Banana Boat: Which is Best for You?

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EltaMD Sunscreen vs. CeraVe vs. Neutrogena vs. Banana Boat: Which is Best for You?

Beauty

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable staple in your skincare routine. There's just no excuse or reason to skip it. It protects you from the sun damage of UVA rays and UVB rays, which ranges from dark spots, skin damage and premature aging to melanoma to skin cancer. But knowing to use it and liking to use it are two different dilemmas. Luckily, the SPF of today is lightweight, blends easily and provides other skin care benefits, like protection from antioxidants or a hydration boost. Here, four cult favorites of sunscreens in the market are EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55, and Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+. So which is the best for you? Below, we will make a comparison to help you choose.

Cover Photo:editor lucia

The Difference & Reviews

| EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Google Users Rating: 4.8/5

Dermstore: $39.00 (up to 5% cashback)

SkinStore: $39.00 (up to 8% cashback)

LOOKFANTASTIC US: $39.00 (up to 10% cashback)

Source:dermtodoor.com

As the 2010 Winner of Elle Genius Award for Skin, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 offers not only UVA/UVB protection, but also treatment for skin discoloration and acne. With its oil-free, non-comedogenic formulation, this lotion will not clog pores, irritate acne or cause sensitivity.

Type of protection: Physical

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (9.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%).

Other Ingredients: EltaMD UV Clear calms blemishes, inflammation and discoloration with niacinamide. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture for supple skin. Lactic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamin E also promote healthy-looking skin. The gentle formula wears wonderfully under makeup, and it has the power to prevent future signs of photoaging such as fines lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

Broad spectrum: Yes

Pros	Cons
Protects against the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun	May cause irritation if used alongside retinol
Calms and protects acne-prone skin	Not budget-friendly
Sheer non-greasy and won’t leave residue
Fragrance-free, paraben-free and oil-free formula
Approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Review: It doesn't have the greasy, runny consistency of a standard sunscreen, instead holding its shape until you blend it in, like a whipped moisturizer. It will melt into your skin seamlessly and be dry within 30 seconds. It can make for an affordable, low-maintenance staple in any routine. If you're looking for a daily sunscreen that's lightweight, non-irritating, and has added skincare benefits, you can choose it.

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| CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

Google Users Rating: 3.7/5

Walgreens: $18.49 (up to 4% cashback)

CVS: $18.49 (up to 2% cashback)

Walmart: $13.97 (up to 4% cashback)

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Source:cvs.com

Protect your skin from the sun with a gentle, yet effective face lotion. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a 100%-mineral, oil-free sunscreen that forms a protective barrier on your skin's surface to help reflect the sun's UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin.

Type of protection: Physical

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (9%), Zinc Oxide (7%).

Other Ingredients: This lightweight formula provides all day hydration with three essential ceramides to help restore the skin's barrier and provide long-lasting hydration, as well as niacinamide to help calm your skin. The CeraVe face sunscreen lotion also contains Hyaluronic Acid to help retain skin's natural moisture for all day hydration.

Broad spectrum: Yes

Pros	Cons
100% mineral sunscreen filters reflect the sun's rays	Feels heavy on skin
Helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture	Leaves a slight white residue on the skin
Allergy tested, oil-free, non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free and paraben-free
Awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Daily Use Seal of Approval
Accepted by the National Eczema Association

Review: This sunscreen is so good for the skin. All other active ingredients will only attract more sun to the skin. The only bad thing about this is because there is zinc oxide in it, the product can leave a white casting on the face. So don't forget to blend it very good.

| Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

Walmart: $7.29 (up to 4% cashback)

Walgreens: $7.99 (up to 4% cashback)

iHerb: $10.99 (up to 5% cashback)

Source:neutrogena.com

When Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen was introduced, derms everywhere hailed it as an innovator for its lightweight formula and non-greasy feel. This one is a chemical sunscreen for your body and face. This lightweight Broad Spectrum SPF 55 sunscreen lotion with Dry-Touch technology absorbs fast for a clean, ultra-light feel and non-shiny finish. Its helioplex formula is built with stabilized sunscreen technology that offers maximum sun protection.

Type of protection: Chemical

Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)

Broad spectrum: Yes

Pros	Cons
Nourishes skin while also protecting it from the sun	It can cause white streaks on fabrics when wearing dark clothing
The patented Helioplex technology gives excellent broad spectrum protection
Dry-Touch technology absorbs fast for an ultra-light, non-shiny finish
Water and sweat resistant (80min)
Dermatologist Tested, Oil-free and Non-Comedogenic
Suitable for all skin types

Review: Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer is a bestseller for a reason. This lotion is smooth and creamy, goes on easily, and absorbs quickly. Once it melts into the skin, it's completely undetectable — no white cast, no weird residue or build-up, and no aggressive sunscreen-y scent. It is also water-resistant to help protect in the pool and at the beach or lake. Regardless of your skin type or color, you can't go wrong with this time-tested classic.

| Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

Google Users Rating: 4.4/5

Walmart: $7.97 (up to 4% cashback)

Walgreens: $11.99 (up to 4% cashback)

iHerb: $11.76 (up to 5% cashback)

Source:walmart.com

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion provides powerful, reef friendly protection that absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and won't run into your eyes. This lightweight, breathable formula is perfect for the sweatiest outdoor activities and provides clinically proven UVA/UVB protection so that you can protect the fun.

Type of protection: Chemical

Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9.0%), Octisalate(4.5%), Octocrylene (6.5%)

Broad spectrum: Yes

Pros	Cons
Clinically proven UVA/UVB protection	Has a strong scent
Superior endurance against sweat and water	May stain white clothing
Lightweight, non-greasy feel
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to protect against the sun's harmful rays
Reef Friendly without oxybenzone or octinoxate

Review: Fun in the sun can also get sweaty, which can compromise your sun protection if your sunscreen just slides off your skin. The Banana Boat Sport SPF 50+ formula is sweat-resistant to keep that UV protection on your skin as long as possible. It absorbs very quickly and doesn't leave a sticky or oily residue. It spread out easily and doesn't feel heavy. It doesn't pill or ball up when you sweat and there is no white cast.

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