11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2024 – Recommended By An Esthetician

With summer comes a lot of sunscreen and body mist. However, masking them both won’t be a good idea. Rather, you must start using the best-smelling sunscreens. Such sunscreens are tropical summery scented, and they protect the skin from the scorching heat of the sun, replace the sweat odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance, and alleviate your fear of tan. Sunscreens smelling deliciously irresistible, with notes of lavender, vanilla, and musk, seems like a good deal, doesn’t it? So, we have got you the 11 best-smelling sunscreens, including beachy-scented and exotic-scented options, for you to go out in the Sun shining, smelling great without having the fear of a tan. Have a look!

11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2024 For Women

1. Best Non-Greasy:Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

4.7

Image: Sun Bum

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.98

This Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion smells like the sun and is great for daily use, be it a perfect beach day or your daily commute under the sun. This dermatologist-approved and non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with vitamin E. This daily sunscreen is an oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly lotion perfect for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E

Pro Tip

Apply this sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Towel dry your skin after sweat and reapply the product after every 2 hours for optimum UV protection.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 23,289 reviews claiming its efficacy.

2. Best Sweat-Resistant:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen

4.6

Image: Australian Gold

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.29

This sports sunscreen spray is an SPF 50 formula with the Ultra Chill technology derived from menthol. The water- and sweat-resistant formula provides an instant cooling sensation and neutralizes odors to keep you smelling fresh for an outdoor life of sport and adventure. This tropical-scented sunscreen smells like the light and refreshing scent of the coastal breeze. garnering praise from reviewers online.  It contains a rich blend of Kakadu plum extract rich in vitamin C and tea tree oil that fight free radicals and leave skin fresh. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Vitamin C is a good ingredient to use in combination with sunscreen. While sunscreen either absorbs or deflects UV light, Vitamin C helps prevent the damaging effects of UV rays that has penetrated the skin.”

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tea tree oil

Pro Tip

Spray sunscreen generously from 4-6 inches away from the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply this sunscreen every 80 minutes if you sweat or go swimming.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 8,495 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Reef-Safe:Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $28.99

The Hint Spray Sunscreen combines the flavors of fruit with delicious waters and adds it to an SPF 30 formula. It provides your body and face with a hint of sun protection that is water-resistant and easy to apply. This delightful-smelling sunscreen carries a hint of pineapple, grapefruit, or pear that elevates your day at the beach or an afternoon of sunbathing. It has an extra-fast drying mechanism and leaves no greasy residue.

Key Ingredients: Pineapple

	Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion Best Non-Greasy	Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen Best Sweat-Resistant	Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray Best Reef-Safe
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Dimensions	4 x 6 x 2 inches	2 x 2 x 8.1 inches	4.8 x 7 x 8.2 inches
Weight	8.36 Ounces	-	7.37 Ounces
Weight	-	6 Ounces	-
Number of Items	-	-	1
Rating
Reviews	23,289	8,495	1,174
Price	$15.98	$10.29	$28.99

4. Best Fast-Absorbing:Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion

4.6

Image: Supergoop!

BUY ON AMAZON | $89.99

The Supergoop! Original SPF 50 lotion is a water-resistant formula perfect for everyday use for the face and the body. It is a fast-absorbing and ultra-moisturizing product made with natural extracts of citrus, basil, and Boise de rose. It contains a unique beta-glucan that replenishes skin moisture. This fresh-scented sunscreen is non-comedogenic. Watch this video to know more about the tester’s experience and find out the benefits of the Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion.

Key Ingredients: Extracts of citrus, basil, and Boise de rose

Pro Tip

Do not rub the sunscreen too vigorously on your face. This will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen and leave your face unprotected and exposed.

5. Best Lightweight:Pacifica Beauty Sun + Skincare Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Spray

3.7

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.69

This SPF 30 Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Spray is perfect to create a sun-kissed glow in an instant while also protecting your skin. This unique formula is designed to apply evenly and add a beautiful glow while delivering hydration. This light-scented sunscreen has a water-resistant formula that is free of chemicals. It is suitable for all skin types.

Key Ingredient: Coconut

6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen

4.6

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.97

This water-resistant sunscreen helps give your skin superior sun protection from harsh outdoor elements with its broad spectrum SPF 70. This sunscreen is ideal for active individuals as it is clinically proven to help defend against sun damage. This lotion is formulated with Helioplex Technology that offers superior broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays receiving multiple positive reviews online.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 11,432 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

4.7

Image: Hawaiian

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.16

The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen has an oil-free and non-greasy formula that nourishes and protects the skin from the sun. It contains mango fruit extract, shea butter, and vitamin E that protect and soften the skin and leave it radiant. This reliable water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen stays on for up to 80 minutes. This invigorating-smelling sunscreen is dermatologist-tested and loved by reviewers online.

Key Ingredients: Mango fruit extract, shea butter, and vitamin E

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 10,463 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

8. Best Water-Resistant:Ocean Potion Sunscreen Lotion

4.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $21

The Ocean Potion SPF 50 Sunscreen is a moisture-rich lotion. This product offers broad-spectrum UVA /UVB protection to the skin against aging and sunburns. This sunscreen along with the sun protection factor is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins B, C, and E, deep sea minerals, and seaweed and algae extracts that protect the skin and keep it moisturized, nourished, and healthy. This sunscreen is water-resistant and its signature “scent of sunshine” is loved by several reviewers online.

Key Ingredients: Vitamins B, C, and E, deep sea minerals, seaweed, and algae extracts

9. Best Anti-Aging:Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Hawaiian SPF 30 Sunscreen

4.2

Image: Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Hawaiian Spf 30 Sunscreen

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.39

This Aloe Vera SPF 30 sunscreen is made with nourishing botanical extracts that provide broad-spectrum protection against sunburns and premature signs of aging. It may also reduce the risk of skin cancer. This lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and pineapple fruit extract

10. Best Hypoallergenic:COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray

4.5

Image: Coola

BUY ON AMAZON | $25

The COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray, a fantastic body sunscreen, comes in a bottle that keeps misting even when upside down, making it easy to cover your entire body. This sunscreen is a sheer, water- and sweat-resistant organic formula packed with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients. It contains red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract that fight free radicals and nourish the skin. This sunscreen is fast-absorbing and leaves no greasy feel. Click on the video to know more about the tester’s experience and why one should purchase the COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray.

Key Ingredients: Safflower oleosomes, red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract

11. Best Bronzing Effect:SurfDurt Natural SunScreen

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.99

The SurfDurt Natural Sunscreen contains 11 food-grade ingredients and non-nano zinc oxide. This product replaces harmful chemicals or toxins with a natural sunscreen that protects the skin. This mineral base of non-nano zinc oxide includes nourishing antioxidants and food-derived ingredients such as coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil that offer sun protection. This premium, surf-resistant sunscreen offers UVA and UVB broad-spectrum and SPF 30 protection that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil

When it comes to sunscreens, scent is often an afterthought – but it shouldn’t be! The right sunscreen should not only protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but also leave you feeling refreshed and smelling great. However, there are a few things that are important to consider when purchasing these heavenly smelling sunscreens.

Things To Look For In A Best-Smelling Sunscreen For Women

Ingredients:

Pay attention to the ingredients list on the sunscreen bottle. You would want to look for expert-recommended and natural ingredients that are known for their pleasant smells. Avoid sunscreens with synthetic fragrances, as these can often be quite strong and overwhelming.

Preferences: Consider what type of scent you prefer, crisp, clean scents, floral, fruity scents, or earthy scents. Pay attention to how long the fragrance lasts. You don’t want sunscreen that smells great at first but fades away quickly – especially if you are spending a long day in the sun! Look for sunscreens with light, refreshing scents that will last all day long.

Formula: When it comes to sunscreen, there are several different types of formulas available on the market. Some sunscreens are oil-based, while others are water-based. There are also spray sunscreens, lotions, creams, and powders. The type of formula you choose should be based on your personal preferences and needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid oil-based sunscreens.

SPF: Sunscreen is available in a variety of SPF levels, from as low as SPF 15 to as high as SPF 50+. The level of SPF you need will depend on your skin type and how much time you plan on spending in the sun. If you have fair skin or if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need a higher SPF sunscreen. However, if you’ll only be in the sun for a short period of time, a lower SPF will suffice. You need to make sure that it is broad-spectrum and will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Infographic: Things To Keep In Mind About Best Smelling Sunscreens

Sunscreens are essential for protecting your skin, and they are irreplaceable. However, using poor-quality sunscreens that contain toxic chemicals can do more harm than good. They leave your skin dull and dry and develop aging signs. The below infographic lists ingredients to avoid while buying sunscreen and the right way and time to apply it to reap its maximum benefits. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some sunscreens smell weird?

The smell of sunscreen has more to with the ingredients used. A sunscreen that smells funny or weird is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria. On the other hand, the complete absence of any artificial fragrances in sunscreen may also make it smell not as good as expected.

Does sunscreen smell good?

Yes, most sunscreen smells good, although it might not suit everyone. Products with artificial fragrances or overwhelming scents can irritate sensitive skin, causing breakouts, irritation, or redness.

Does all sunscreen smell?

No, some sunscreens do not smell at all. Also, it is more beneficial to apply sunscreens without artificial fragrance.

Does sunscreen cause acne?

Some sunscreens do not allow the skin to breathe by clogging the pores, leading to breakouts and acne.

Is it okay to have fragrance in sunscreen?

Yes. You can choose a tropically fragrant sunscreen that helps replace the sweaty odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance. However, it is best to opt for sunscreens without artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals that cause skin irritation.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. After thorough research and review of multiple products and user reviews, she has curated a list of the best-smelling sunscreens to assist her readers in finding suitable products. These products are tropically scented, and they protect the skin from the scorching heat of the Sun, replacing the sweaty odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD

     

Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.

Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das