Sunscreen tier list 2026 — share your rankings
Starting a thread for us to rank sunscreens. Drop your tier list and why. I'll start.
S Tier: LRP Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+ — unbeatable photostability, lightweight, doesn't pill. This is my everyday face SPF and nothing has come close.
A Tier: Altruist SPF50 — incredible value, no white cast, works as a body SPF. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sun Cream — Korean sunscreen, super hydrating, no cast, great under makeup.
B Tier: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer — solid, accessible, not exciting. EltaMD UV Clear — good for acne-prone skin, the niacinamide is a nice touch.
C Tier: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion with SPF — heavy, pills under anything, the SPF level is fine but the texture kills it.
F Tier: Any spray SPF on the face. Uneven coverage, inadequate amounts applied, wind takes half of it. Just no.
What are yours?
S tier for me is the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence — the Japanese version, not whatever localised version exists in other markets. It's SPF50+ PA++++, essentially weightless, no white cast, no fragrance in the sensitive formula. The only downside is you have to import it. For something locally accessible I'd put Anthelios alongside you.
Agree on the Biore. The UV filter combo in the Japanese version (Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S) is objectively superior to what's approved in US/EU markets. If you can get it, get it. Alternatively anything with Tinosorb M or Mexoryl SX is a step up from older filter systems like avobenzone.
Do tinted sunscreens work better than non-tinted for most people? I've been trying to find something that looks natural on medium skin and most non-tinted ones give me a slightly ashy look.
Tinted SPFs are better on darker skin tones precisely because the iron oxides in the tint block visible light and prevent PIH — something standard UVA/UVB filters don't do. For medium-to-deeper skin, tinted is almost always the better call. LRP Anthelios Tinted SPF50+ in the "light" shade works well on medium skin tones — it sheers out significantly on application.