Cover Photo by Muhammad Faris
Fall is a stunning season with colorful leaves, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, especially mountain hikers. But, even though it’s cooler, the sun can be harsh at high altitudes. To make sure your fall hikes are both enjoyable and safe, we’ve picked out some sunscreen products that our editors love. These sunscreens not only protect your skin but are also trusted by outdoor lovers for working well. So, here are the essential sunscreens to keep your skin safe and glowing while you explore the mountains. Our list may be short, but it’s carefully curated from brands we’ve tested and cherished over the years.
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 seems to have established itself as a formidable contender, leaving an indelible mark on the skincare routines of its users.
For those inclined towards a minimalistic approach to skincare and makeup, this sunscreen emerges as an ideal companion. Its lightweight texture, a quality that many rave about, stands as a testament to its user-friendliness. This product doesn’t simply sit on the skin; it melds effortlessly, refraining from causing any undesirable pore-clogging effects. Even individuals with oily-combination skin types have attested to its harmonious compatibility, as it strikes the right balance without feeling overly rich.
Highlighted Ingredients:
– Zinc Oxide 13%: broad-spectrum sun protection gentle enough for sensitive skin.
– Bisabolol and Willow Bark: Botanical skin-soothers that visibly calm redness and signs of irritation.
– Resveratrol: A potent antioxidant that boosts sun protection and fights visible signs of aging.
Kopari Coconut Melt SPF 50
This sunscreen is made with coconut oil, which gives it a luxurious feel and scent. It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The Kopari Coconut Melt SPF 50 has garnered praise from users who appreciate its multifaceted benefits. One user highlights its versatility as a source of easy, clean hydration for the entire body. Not only is it effective on the skin, but it also garners affection from those who’ve found it to be a treat for their hair. The moisturizing properties of this product appear to be one of its standout features. According to satisfied users, it effortlessly melds into the skin, providing deep hydration. Its ability to seemingly disappear into the skin within seconds is a quality that resonates well with its fans, making it a convenient choice regardless of the season.
Highlights
A deep conditioner for your body, this 100% organic, unrefined coconut oil provides next-level purity. It’s the ultimate moisturizer for stubborn, dry skin or hair in need of a tall drink of coconut hydration. This virgin, organic coconut oil is packed with essential fatty acids, proteins and Vitamin E that leaves your skin instantly more moisturized, radiant and glowing.
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus (7 oz.)
Ideal for acne-prone skin, as it is non-comedogenic and oil-free. It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
For many, this sunscreen serves as a reliable daily hybrid solution, suitable for both facial and body application. While some users express a preference for higher SPF levels, they acknowledge that the lightweight nature of this product compensates for it. Upon application, it imparts a subtle dewy finish, which tends to diminish within 10 minutes as it dries down. Users particularly appreciate its sheer texture, noting the absence of any white cast, making it a favorable choice for various skin tones.
Highlights
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus (formerly UV Lotion SPF 30 Plus) protects and promotes healthy skin. Formulated with transparent zinc oxide, it combats harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn and visible signs of photoaging. Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate and lock in moisture, promoting a soft feel and comfortable, long wear.
ANTHELIOS MELT-IN MILK SUNSCREEN FOR FACE & BODY SPF 100
SPF 100 sunscreen for face and body, specifically formulated to help protect skin that burns easily. Ideal for: face + ears, nose, scalp + hairline, arms + hands, full body, neck + chest. The only oxybenzone-free SPF 100 Sunscreen with Cell-Ox Shield® Technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
The ANTHELIOS Melt-In Milk Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 100 has left an indelible mark on its users, who have found it to be worth the investment, despite its relatively higher cost. One user, initially hesitant about the price tag, found themselves pleasantly surprised by the results. Their primary concern was to avoid any eye discomfort caused by sunscreens, and ANTHELIOS delivered on this front. They noted that there was absolutely no eye-burning, making their beach experience much more enjoyable and pain-free.
Highlights
Recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation