9 Best UVA Sunscreens With High SPF (Updated 2024)

Are you tired of sunburns and fear the long-term damage from UVA rays? Sun protection is not just about a high SPF number, but also effective UVA protection. This article will share the nine best UVA sunscreens with high SPF ratings to shield your skin effectively.

Ready for a burn-free season?

Key Takeaways

• Good sunscreens shield skin from both UVA and UVB rays. You need to reapply them every two hours or right after swimming or sweating. Speaking of water activities, ever thought about jet skiing? It’s a blast, but remember, sun protection is key! Check out our guide on what to wear jet skiing to keep your skin safe while you’re making waves.
• Quality sunscreen ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Our top pick is Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Sunscreen Spray.
• Sustainable sunscreens with natural ingredients protect your skin without harming the environment. Our top pick is the Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.
• It's best to pick a mineral sunscreen that guards against harmful rays and suits all skin types like Sonrei Clearly Zinc Mineral Sunscreen which has a light gel formula with universal tint.

Why is Wearing Sunscreen so Important?

Sunscreen is a simple yet powerful tool for safeguarding your skin's health and aesthetics at any age. Consistent use can ward off sunburns, skin cancer, and early signs of aging. Dermatologist Anna Chien offers guidance to seamlessly integrate sunscreen into your everyday regimen, while also tackling prevalent questions.

What Makes a Good Sunscreen?

A good sunscreen is more than just a high SPF number. It should offer broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapplication plays a crucial role too, as no sunscreen stays effective without it.

But what's inside matters most - key active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide the best sunscreens with maximum uvb protection. So while making your selection, don't forget to check for these essential factors!

Broad spectrum SPF

Broad spectrum SPF is key in good sunscreen. It guards your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Both of these rays can harm your skin. But, they do it in different ways.

UVA rays can age your skin faster. They cause wrinkles and dark spots, and they’re probably the reason you have a skincare regimen in the first place. If you feel like switching up your skincare regiment, check out our favorite best minimalist makeup brands or gentle face washes with retinol.

UVB rays burn the top layer of your skin and lead to sunburns or more serious issues like skin cancer. And if you're sunburned, might want to apply epsom salt or natural bath remedies for your skin.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from both kinds of damage by blocking or absorbing these harmful rays before they reach your skin layers.

Is it just us, or does the thought of wrinkles and sagging skin scare us into wearing sunscreen more so than the risk of skin cancer? We, humans don't make sense!

Reapplication

Putting on sunscreen once is not enough. Every two hours, you need to rub more into your skin. If you're swimming or running and working up a sweat, put it on again right away. This is what we call "reapplication".

Sunscreen needs to be fresh on your skin to block the harmful UV rays from the sun. So, apply generously and don't forget to reapply! Make reapplication a habit and part of your day when you are out in the sun.

And if you did everything right, but still suffered a sunburn, especially on the feet which gets the more exposure, be sure to read our helpful tips on how to treat swollen sunburned feet.

Sunscreen ingredients

Sunscreen has a mix of elements. First, they work as a shield against UV rays. Two safe and good ingredients to look for are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Some ingredients can have harmful properties for your skin, but they mostly work to protect from sun rays. We’d suggest picking products with less than 3% avobenzone or ecamsule in them.

Harmful chemicals in traditional sunscreens

As with all things that go on or in our bodies, there are some ingredients to avoid. For sunscreens, you might want to stay away from ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone (or at least aim for minimal amounts). These chemicals have been found to mess with your hormones after they soak through your skin into your blood.

The FDA is concerned that these ingredients of sun cream may even cause cancer or be harmful to your brain. So, do your research, or let us do it for you.

Benefits of using sustainable sunscreens

The number #1 benefit? They’re just healthier for you.

And — for the planet. They don’t have any of the harmful chemicals that can destroy coral reefs when washed away in the oceans. They’re made with natural, organic, and better quality ingredients, which means they might be a teeny tiny bit more expensive, but it’s worth it!

Sustainable sunscreens are a game-changer in skin and environmental health. Unlike conventional sunscreens, which often contain chemicals that can harm marine ecosystems and coral reefs, eco-friendly formulas are crafted with biodegradable ingredients that minimize ecological impact.

These sunscreens provide effective protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays while using natural or safe synthetic components that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin or disrupt local wildlife when washed off in oceans and rivers.

Difference between UVA and UVB rays

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can harm your skin, comes in two main forms: UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays constitute roughly 95% of the UV radiation that hits the earth's surface, UVB rays account for the remaining 5%. Despite having less energy, UVA rays boast longer wavelengths, allowing them to delve deeper into the skin, potentially leading to premature aging of skin cells.

Top Picks for UVA Sunscreens with High SPF

Let's delve into our top picks for the best UVA sunscreens with high SPF.

Best Sustainable Sunscreen: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Best for Active Outdoor Activities: Hawaiian Tropic Everyday ActiveTM Clear Spray SPF 30 

Best for Daily Moisturizer: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

These are just three of many high-quality UVA sunscreens available in 2024 that provide excellent protection while enjoying your time under the sun.

Here are the 9 best UVA Sunscreens with High SPF:

1. Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This is the only sustainable sunscreen on our list. Although we'd love to introduce more, the fact is, there aren't too many. That's why we love Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. It's not a heavy lotion, but light and soft, and formulated for sensitive skin.

Do you know about EWG? They test many products for safety and quality. This sunscreen got top marks on their test. They're also B Corp Certified.

Some key ingredients include Calendula, Shea Butter, and organic Cocoa Butter. They help your skin feel calm, soothed, and moisturized while the sun blazes down on it during those fun beach days or picnics in the park!

2. Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Sunscreen Spray

Hawaiian Tropic Everyday ActiveTM Clear Spray SPF 30 is a top pick. It works well and stands out from the crowd. The sunscreen has an SPF 30, giving your skin broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation.

Its water-resistant formula makes it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming or even just sweating in the sun without the white cast.

Best of all, it's non-greasy so you won't feel sticky after using it! Plus, this sunscreen suits all skin tones perfectly well. This product is tested by dermatologists to make sure it's safe and minimally clog pores or cause breakouts on sensitive or acne-prone skins.

3. Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen

Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen is a top pick for many. With SPF 50, it offers high UV protection. This sunscreen gives your skin care when out in the sun. It's great for outdoor activities because it keeps harmful UVA rays away from your skin.

This sunscreen feels light on the skin, making it easy to use every day. Alba Botanica cares about our planet too! Their sunscreens are safe for coral reefs and can break down naturally over time.

So you're supporting Earth while keeping your skin safe!

4. EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is a 100% mineral sunscreen that also works as a moisturizer. The tint helps it blend with your skin tone to make it look natural on your face. It’s meant to be worn everyday!

Made for all skin types, it even suits post-procedure skin well! It fights fine lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid and you can wear it alone or put makeup over it.

Plus, no heavy scent to bother you since it's fragrance-free. Just smooth, weightless feel-good protection.

5. Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion

Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion stands out for high SPF. It uses 100% naturally sourced Zinc Oxide. This one active ingredient works hard to guard your skin from sun harm.

The lotion's formula has a wide shield against both UVA and UVB rays. Even though its SPF 50, EWG finds that the true UV protection may be lower than what the number shows. So, it's best to apply enough of it when you're out in the sun!

6. Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a high-protection cream and sun shield for your skin. It keeps your skin healthy and safe from dangerous UVA/UVB rays. Do you have dry or sensitive skin? This lotion works well on both! The formula feels gentle and won't upset your skin.

The lotions uses zinc oxide that comes straight from nature itself. That means it's great at guarding against UVA and UVB rays. And don't worry if you sweat or get wet, this sunscreen stands up to both water and sweat.

7. Vanicream Sunscreen

Vanicream Sunscreen is great for your skin if you want a minimalist product. It's not greasy and has no smell. This sunscreen goes on smooth and sinks into the skin fast with no white cast left over.

You get broad spectrum SPF 50 protection that decreases your risk of skin cancer or pre-mature aging. It’s paraben and dye free, and doesn't have any oxybenzone or PABA or gluten in it.

8. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen uses a special mix of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. There are no harsh chemicals in it, so it's not only great for your skin, but for the coral reefs too.

Their SPF 50+ claims to keep out 97% of the hot sun rays.

9. Sonrei Clearly Zinq Mineral Sunscreen

Sonrei Clearly Zinq Mineral Sunscreen is a top pick for sun safety with their SPF 60+. This sunscreen gives full cover from UVA/UVB rays. It works great on all skin types and shades!

The Skin Wellness Group gave it an EWG rating. That means it's safe to use. In 2023, they named Sonrei Clearly Zinc one of the best zinc oxide sunscreens.

Early Prevention

Take care of your skin and stop sun harm by applying and re-applying sunscreen. With the best sunscreen, you can protect your skin and the planet at the same time. Try the ones on our list!