When seeking the best smelling sunscreens of 2024, there are several factors to consider beyond the pleasant aroma.
The sunscreen must, first and foremost, provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Second, the SPF rating should ideally be 30 or higher for adequate protection. Individuals with sensitive skin may opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas. It’s also worth checking if the sunscreen is water-resistant, especially for beach or pool-side use. The product’s eco-friendliness is another consideration, as some sunscreens can harm marine life.
However, when all these functional aspects are satisfied, the scent can be the cherry on top. It adds to the overall user experience, making the daily chore of applying sunscreen more enjoyable. From tropical coconut and refreshing citrus to soothing aloe vera, the choice of fragrance is a personal preference and can vary greatly among users.
The following sections will explore some top contenders for Best Smelling Sunscreens 2024.
10 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2024
A few products stand out when considering the best smelling sunscreens of 2024 due to their delightful fragrance and exceptional sun-protection properties.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Introducing the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion – the everyday go-to for sun protection that started it all. Known for its signature summer scent, it’s the perfect companion for lazy beach days or hanging out.
Dermatologist and Sonny approved this non-comedogenic facial sunscreen lotion, which provides UVA/UVB protection and is water-resistant, making it suitable for all skin types.
How to Use and Sun Protection Tips
When applying, make sure to do so 15 minutes before sun exposure, covering all areas of the skin but avoiding the eye area. For optimal results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, and Sonny’s tip: apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
Key Features of Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Moisturizing Sun Protection: Adds a protective barrier while delivering UVA/UVB protection.
- Water-resistant: Ideal for beach days and activities that involve water.
- Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant SPF 30 Glow: Ensures compliance with reef protection regulations.
- Original Sunscreen Line: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free for safe sun practices.
- Sun Bum Original Scent: A pleasant fragrance that captures the essence of summer.
With a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50, this sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays and leaves you with the delightful scent of a tropical summer day. Trust the Bum – when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make them better.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is a top choice known for its fresh, light fragrance, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a subtle scent. With a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 70, this sunscreen provides robust sun defense, ensuring practicality and delight.
Benefits of Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion
This oil-free sunscreen helps protect against the signs of sun damage during your beach day. The fan-favorite line is fast-absorbing and lightweight, offering sun protection for beach-strength broad-spectrum UVA/UVB. Protect your family’s skin from harsh outdoor summer elements while remaining active.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply the lotion 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating for continuous and adequate sun protection.
Key Features of Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion
- Helioplex Technology: Provides superior protection against skin-aging UVA and skin-burning UVB rays.
- Fast-Absorbing Formula: Designed for active family outdoor activities.
- Water-Resistant: Withstands up to 80 minutes of water exposure.
- PABA-Free and Oxybenzone-Free Formula: Ensures a lightweight and oil-free application.
- Dermatologist Recommended: Superior sun protection from the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand.
In a 6.7-ounce bottle, Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 70 is a reliable choice to prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun when used as directed.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is the go-to choice for daily sun protection. The sunscreen started it all with a delightful scent that captures the essence of summer.
Dermatologist and Sonny approved this non-comedogenic sunscreen spray, which delivers UVA/UVB protection and contains Vitamin E. With an SPF of 50, it’s oil-free, water-resistant, and complies with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act, making it suitable for all skin types.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply liberally to all areas of the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, avoiding the eye area. For optimal results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sonny’s tip: apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
Key Features of Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
- Moisturizing Sun Protection: Packed with Vitamin E for added skin nourishment.
- Convenient Spray Form: Provides easy application and quick coverage.
- Original Sunscreen Line: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free for safe sun practices.
- Sun Bum Original Scent: A popular fragrance that captures the spirit of summer.
In a 170-gram spray bottle, this sunscreen offers the same enticing aroma as its lotion counterpart. A spray’s convenience and appealing scent make it a top contender in the best smelling sunscreen of the year.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick is an everyday essential that began it all, offering the signature summer scent. This face stick is specially designed for those who live and love in the sun.
The dermatologist and Sonny approved the non-comedogenic roll-on sunscreen, which delivers UVA/UVB protection and is enriched with Vitamin E. With an SPF of 30, it’s oil-free, water-resistant, and complies with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act, catering to all skin types.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply liberally to all areas of the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, excluding the eye area. For optimal results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sonny’s tip: apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
Key Features of Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
- Moisturizing Sun Protection: Packed with Vitamin E for added skin nourishment.
- Roll-On Application: Perfect for targeted and hassle-free applications.
- Original Sunscreen Line: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free for safe sun practices.
- Mild and Pleasant Scent: Enhances the user experience without being overpowering.
In a lightweight 0.45-ounce package, this face stick is perfect for those who seek targeted applications without fuss. Its mild, pleasant scent is a bonus to its adequate sun protection, making it a convenient and practical choice.
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Lotion Sunscreen For Face SPF 30
Experience the Weightless Face Sunscreen Formula that feels as if it’s barely on with Hawaiian Tropic’s SPF 30 offering. This sunscreen provides 12-hour moisturization without clogging pores, making it a hydrating and lightweight solution for your face.
Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and oil-free ensures a comfortable and skin-friendly experience. In a 1.7-ounce package, this sunscreen is designed to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure to all areas of the face, avoiding contact with the eyes. For optimal results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. This weightless face sunscreen is thoughtfully formulated free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, ensuring a safe and enjoyable sun protection routine.
Key Features
- Weightless Formula: Barely noticeable on the skin for a comfortable experience.
- 12-Hour Moisturization: Keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.
- Hypoallergenic and Oil-Free: Suitable for various skin types without clogging pores.
- Exotic Hawaiian Tropic Scent: Celebrates the island botanicals of Hawaii, transporting you to the tropics.
- Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Protection: Shields against UVA and UVB rays.
- Free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Thoughtfully formulated for safety.
- PETA-Certified Cruelty-Free: No animal testing involved.
This sunscreen impresses with its exotic, coconut-infused fragrance that transports you to the tropics. Besides its attractive scent, it offers weightless hydration and superior sun protection, setting it apart in the best smelling sunscreen of the 2024 category.
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen stands as a champion in sun protection, offering superior endurance against sweat and water. From family fun to hardcore competition, this sunscreen provides robust SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection, clinically proven to safeguard your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
With a weight of 0.82 pounds, this sunscreen lotion ensures a lightweight, breathable formula that won’t weigh you down during your activities.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin areas 15 minutes before sun exposure. It’s suitable for family leisure and intense sports, providing water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes. The non-greasy feel ensures comfortable wear, and being free from oxybenzone and octinoxate adds to the appeal for health-conscious users.
Key Features
- Superior Endurance vs. Sweat & Water: Ideal for both family fun and intense sports, providing reliable sun protection.
- Clinically Proven UVA/UVB Protection: SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays.
- Lightweight, Breathable Formula: Non-greasy feel for a comfortable and unburdened experience.
- High-Performance Sunscreen: Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Ensures a safe and health-conscious choice.
This sunscreen lotion stands out among the best smelling sunscreens 2024 due to its fresh, sporty, refreshing, subtle scent. This fragrance, combined with the product’s robust SPF 50 protection, makes it a popular choice for active individuals.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
Indulge in the luminous glow with Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, featuring an Ultra Radiance formula that leaves your skin radiant. Weighing 8 ounces, this oil-free sunscreen lotion boasts a non-greasy look and feel, enriched with vitamins C & E to condition your skin.
With the iconic Hawaiian Tropic scent celebrating the island botanicals of Hawaii, this sunscreen provides trusted protection with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, remaining water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin areas 15 minutes before sun exposure. Enjoy the delightful tropical fragrance that transports you to a paradise beach. Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens are thoughtfully formulated, PETA-certified, Cruelty-Free, and never tested on animals.
This sunscreen is free from octinoxate and oxybenzone, with island-inspired botanicals like papaya, mango, passion fruit, plumeria, guava, and aloe.
Key Features
- Ultra Radiance Formula: Leaves your skin luminous with SPF 30 protection.
- Oil-Free and Non-Greasy: Enriched with vitamins C & E for skin conditioning.
- Iconic Hawaiian Tropic Scent: Celebrates the island botanicals of Hawaii.
- Trusted Protection: Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Thoughtfully Formulated: PETA-certified Cruelty-Free, octinoxate-free, and oxybenzone-free.
- Island-Inspired Botanicals: Includes papaya, mango, passion fruit, plumeria, guava, and aloe.
- Protection Level Options: Available in SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70.
With its alluring, tropical fragrance, this sunscreen transports you to a paradise beach. Its heavenly scent and reliable sun protection make it a favorite in the best smelling sunscreen 2024.
Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15
Indulge in the ultimate hydration with Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 15. Designed to be soft on the skin, this formula deeply moisturizes, and the caramel bronzer imparts a faux sun-kissed golden glow for an instant tinted look.
Weighing 170 grams, this sunscreen is blessed with Australian naturals, featuring Kakadu Plum extract with the highest content of Vitamin C and Tea Tree Oil—a powerful antioxidant fighting free radicals. Enjoy the delectable scent of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Use this lightweight, non-greasy sheer sun protector and tanning spray 15 minutes before sun exposure. The broad-spectrum sunblock shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays, reducing the adverse effects of sunlight. Quick-dry 360-degree protection ensures you remain active, even with its instant bronzing effect.
The specially formulated sunscreen is Oxybenzone-Free, PABA-Free, Phthalate-Free, and Gluten-Free, with no CFCs. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, purely vegan, cruelty-free, and never tested on animals.
Key Features
- Ultimate Hydration: Deeply moisturizes the skin with an instant bronzing effect.
- Australian Naturals: Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil for Vitamin C and potent antioxidant benefits.
- Broad Spectrum Sunblock: Shields from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Quick Dry 360-Degree Protection: Convenient to use, quickly absorbed, and dries fast.
- Specially Formulated Sunscreen: Oxybenzone-Free, PABA-Free, Phthalate-Free, and Gluten-Free with no CFCs.
- Water Resistant: Up to 80 minutes of water resistance.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Purely vegan, cruelty-free, and never tested on animals.
This sunscreen offers an instant bronzing effect and a unique, exotic fragrance that’s both refreshing and captivating. Even with a lower SPF, its scent and bronzing features earn it a spot on the best smelling sunscreen of the 2024 list.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Experience powerful skin protection with the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. Weighing 5 ounces, this gentle lotion fortified with zinc and titanium offers broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, providing a refreshing, powdery-clean feel.
Enriched with Australian botanicals, including Eucalyptus and Red Algae, it forms a unique blend of antioxidant-rich plants to fight free radicals and nourish the skin.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply the weightless, non-whitening sunscreen lotion 15 minutes before sun exposure for a transparent matte finish. The non-greasy formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for everyday adventures.
Hypoallergenic and infused with the subtle and sophisticated fragrance of Citrus Oasis, this sunscreen is perfect for daily use, whether you’re heading to the beach or need on-the-go touch-ups.
Key Features
- Powerful Natural Sunscreen: SPF 50 mineral lotion with zinc and titanium for broad-spectrum protection.
- Fortified with Australian Botanicals: Eucalyptus and Red Algae create an antioxidant-rich blend.
- Non-Greasy Matte Finish: Weightless, non-whitening formula with a transparent matte finish.
- Luxurious Sunblock Lotion: Hypoallergenic with a subtle fragrance of Citrus Oasis for everyday use.
- Eco-Conscious Range: Free of Parabens, PABA, Phthalate, Petroleum, SLS (Sulfate), Dye, and Oil.
- Dermatologist & Pediatrician Tested: Not tested on animals.
- Application Tip: Apply Botanical Tinted Face as the last step of your daily skincare routine. Layers seamlessly over your favorite serums and moisturizers.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is known for a scent that’s more botanical garden than the beach; this sunscreen is a delightful surprise. Its high SPF and nature-inspired aroma make it a stand-out choice for the best smelling sunscreens in 2024.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion
Discover protection without the scent with Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+. In a convenient 3.0-fluid ounce size, this sunscreen is formulated with Helioplex Technology to prevent sunburn and provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
The antioxidant complex in this quick-drying lotion fights environmental aggressors such as cold, ozone, and pollution that can lead to premature skin aging. With no white marks, it rubs in clear on all skin tones and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Usage Instructions and Sun Protection Tips
Apply the sunscreen lotion 15 minutes before sun exposure, ensuring comprehensive coverage. This oxybenzone-free formula is suitable for all skin tones and protects against the sun and environmental aggressors. Ideal for outdoor activities like walking, biking, hiking, gardening, and more.
Key Features
- High SPF Protection: SPF 60+ for solid sun protection.
- Helioplex Technology: Prevents sunburn and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Antioxidant Complex: Fights environmental aggressors for skin health.
- Oxybenzone-Free Formula: Protects skin without harmful ingredients.
- Rub-in Clear: No white marks on all skin tones.
- Water-Resistant: Suitable for outdoor activities.
- Unscented: Perfect for those sensitive to fragrances.
Even without a scent, this sunscreen earns its place on the best smelling sunscreen of 2024 list. It’s perfect for those sensitive to fragrances, proving that sunscreen doesn’t need a potent aroma to be practical or desirable.
How We Choose The Best Smelling Sunscreen Lotion
In our quest to find the best smelling sunscreens of 2024, we considered several important factors:
- Fragrance Quality and Intensity: Sunscreens should have a pleasant and non-overpowering scent. We paid attention to the quality of the fragrance, favoring sunscreens with fresh, light, and appealing aromas.
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The SPF rating is crucial as it indicates the sunscreen’s protection against harmful UVB rays. We prioritized products with high SPF ratings for maximum protection.
- Ingredients: We favor sunscreens with safe and skin-friendly ingredients, free from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Water Resistance: A good sunscreen should stay on the skin even when you sweat or swim. We considered water resistance as a significant factor in our selection.
- User Reviews: We consulted numerous user reviews to gain insight into the sunscreens’ real-world performance, scent appeal, and overall user satisfaction.
By meticulously considering these factors, we have curated a list of sunscreens that smell great and provide excellent sun protection.
What sunscreen smells nice?
Our research and user reviews show several sunscreens have a pleasant fragrance. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a top choice due to its tropical scent, which reminds users of relaxing beach days. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is appreciated for its light, fresh fragrance.
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Lotion Sunscreen for Face SPF 30 impresses with its exotic, coconut-infused fragrance. Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is popular for those seeking a sporty scent. At the same time, those preferring a botanic aroma would enjoy the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
What sunscreen smells like on the beach?
In the quest for a sunscreen that smells like the beach, we specifically looked for products that captured the fresh, invigorating fragrance often associated with beach environments – think coconut, tropical fruit, or oceanic scents. We sampled a variety of sunscreens, assessing their fragrances in addition to their protective and functional properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best smelling sunscreens 2024 is not only about tantalizing fragrances but also provides adequate sun protection. They strike the perfect balance between sensory appeal and practical functionality.
These sunscreens, with their varying scents from tropical to sporty, cater to a broad range of preferences. So whether you plan to relax by the beach or engage in an intense outdoor activity, there’s a fragrant sunscreen that smells great and shields your skin effectively from the sun.
