KINeSYS SPF 50 - I hate putting on sunscreen, but I'm fair and freckled and burn just gazing longingly outside. This is one of the only sunscreens that I'm happy to put on (it starts out greasy but dries pretty quickly and completely invisibly—zero white cast, even in your beard). I keep the 1oz version in my bag to offer others when embarking on a walking meeting, and I’ve prevented many burns by wandering around an event with friends, offering a spray or two for exposed shoulders.
It gets a decent score on EWG (which is probably where I first discovered it) but as far as I can tell, chemical sunscreens are questionable and ones that physically block the sun’s rays are better (mineral sunscreens, e.g. zinc). I think it’s particularly important to not inhale the spray, so I like that it’s a pump rather than an aerosol, and I generally spray it directly into my hand and then spread it around, rather than misting it all over my body (this method also limits how much oily residue hits my floors or the interior of my car, and I don’t have to worry about getting it in my eyes).
I’ve also started using a velvety soft option for my face in the morning, almost because it feels special? It’s from Trader Joe’s and is a dupe for “unseen” from supergoop.
Even though they’re safer, I generally can’t handle how thick physical sunscreens are or their pasty cast (unless they’re powdered and/or tinted, which is actually a great option for your face), but if you aren’t as sunscreen-phobic, I’m tentatively impressed with the clear zinc option from KINeSYS (though I haven’t been brave enough to test it on my face yet). It has a nice minty smell, it really does rub in clear, and my sister likes the slightly waxy smooth finish it leaves on your skin.
I also hang out with a stubborn 3yr old who dislikes sunscreen application maybe even more than I do, and the pump spray from my favorite sunscreen is the only option that doesn’t immediately send her running when the bottle comes out. So maybe worth a try if you have a tough time getting sunscreen on your kids.
🌴 Reminder: if you really hate sunscreen, you can get pretty good protection from covering or shading your skin: I have a collection of hats, long loose collared or hooded shirts and long loose pants, and I’m always paying attention to where I can take advantage of shade.
😎 While we're here: wear UV protective sunglasses, especially in bright/reflective situations (snow, lake, beach, Burning Man, etc.) — your eyes are also damaged by the sun's radiation.