Summer is approaching and with it the most frequent question on the shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets returns: which sunscreen to choose? Today it is no longer enough to just look at the SPF number on the label. Ingredients, dermatological safety and impact on marine ecosystems have become equally important criteria for millions of consumers. The Yuka app, which analyzes the composition of foods and cosmetics by assigning a score based on independent toxicological databases, has drawn up its ranking of the best sunscreens for 2026. Here’s what to know.
The 3 best sunscreens according to Yuka
1. Caudalie – Invisible Sun Stick SPF 50 | Score: 100/100
Vinosun Invisible Sun Protection Stick Spf50 15 gr
Caudalie’s stick scores perfect thanks to a fragrance-free formula enriched with grape seed oil and three organic sunscreens. It is designed for the whole family and can even be used on younger children. The stick format makes it practical for protecting the most exposed areas – nose, ears, shoulders – without smudging. Average price: €21.90 for 15 g.
2. Avène – Invisible Sun Spray SPF 50 | Score: 100/100
EAU THERMALE AVENE SOLAR SPRAY SPF 50 200 ML
Avène brings its famous light spray based on thermal water to the rankings, with filters considered non-ecotoxic and water-resistant. It applies easily without leaving white residue on the skin, making it ideal for those looking for practicality without giving up high protection. Average price: €14.95 for 100 ml.
3. Mustela – Sun Stick SPF 50+ | Score: 100/100
Offer
Mustela, Solaire SPF50+ Stick 9 ml
Mustela completes the podium with a stick formulated with avocado oil and vitamin E, which uses photostable organic filters. It is one of the few products on the market also explicitly indicated for newborns and pregnant women, confirming a particularly careful formula. Average price: €11.80 for 9 g.
The complete ranking
- Caudalie – Invisible Sun Stick SPF 50 – 100/100 – €21.90 / 15 g
- Avène – Invisible Sun Spray SPF 50 – 100/100 – €14.95 / 100 ml
- Mustela – Solar Stick SPF 50+ – 100/100 – €11.80 / 9 g
- Bilboa – Aloe Flavor Stick SPF 50+ – 94/100 – €12.99 / 10 g
- Bionike – Baby&Kid Fluid Milk SPF 50+ – 94/100 – €14.95 / 100 ml
- Yves Rocher – Invisible Protection Spray SPF 50+ – 93/100 – €13.30 / 100 ml
- Zenova – Mineral Sun Milk SPF 50 – 93/100 – €3.74 / 100 ml
- Rilastil – Sun System Stick SPF 50+ – 90/100 – €17.90 / 8.5 g
- Goovi – Face Cream SPF 50+ – 89/100 – €23.50 / 50 ml
- Nivea Sun – Kids Daily UV Protection SPF 50+ – 83/100 – €11.99 / 100 ml
In this video, together with Francesca Biagioli, we shed light on the world of sun protection. We’ll find out what the SPF factor really means, why UVA protection is essential and how the amount of cream you apply drastically affects the result. We will also talk about phototypes, how to understand if last year’s cream is still valid, the link between sunscreens and Vitamin D, and the areas of the body that we all forget to protect.
How to choose sunscreen based on your phototype
There is no right sunscreen for everyone. The ideal protection also depends on your phototype, i.e. your skin’s natural predisposition to react to sun exposure.
Phototype 1 – Very light skin, red or blond hair, light eyes. You burn easily and almost never tan. It is essential to always use SPF 50+, avoid the central hours of the day and renew the application every 90 minutes. The more delicate mineral formulas are often the most suitable.
Phototype 2 – Light skin, blond or light brown hair, light eyes. You burn easily but manage to tan slightly. SPF 50+ is the safest choice for you too, especially in the first exposures and at altitude or at the seaside.
Phototype 3 – Medium-light skin, brown hair, hazel or brown eyes. You burn occasionally and tan progressively. You can choose SPF 30-50, to be renewed regularly, preferring light formulas for daily use.
Phototype 4 – Olive skin, dark hair, dark eyes. You tan easily and rarely burn. An SPF 30 is a good base, but it is still recommended to go up to 50+ in intense exposure situations (beach, mountains, outdoor sports).
Phototype 5 and 6 – Dark or very dark skin. Melanin offers greater natural protection, but does not eliminate the risk of UV damage. An SPF 15-30 is the minimum recommended, especially to protect the face and prevent skin aging.
A final rule applies to everyone: whatever your phototype, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, always after swimming, and should never be used to prolong exposure beyond safe limits.
