11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2024 – Recommended By An Esthetician
Exude a fresh and fruity scent while shielding yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD 
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
With summer comes a lot of sunscreen and body mist. However, masking them both won’t be a good idea. Rather, you must start using the best-smelling sunscreens. Such sunscreens are tropical summery scented, and they protect the skin from the scorching heat of the sun, replace the sweat odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance, and alleviate your fear of tan. Sunscreens smelling deliciously irresistible, with notes of lavender, vanilla, and musk, seems like a good deal, doesn’t it? So, we have got you the 11 best-smelling sunscreens, including beachy-scented and exotic-scented options, for you to go out in the Sun shining, smelling great without having the fear of a tan. Have a look!
In This Article
11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2024 For Women
1. Best Non-Greasy:Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
This Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion smells like the sun and is great for daily use, be it a perfect beach day or your daily commute under the sun. This dermatologist-approved and non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with vitamin E. This daily sunscreen is an oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly lotion perfect for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 23,289 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
2. Best Sweat-Resistant:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen
This sports sunscreen spray is an SPF 50 formula with the Ultra Chill technology derived from menthol. The water- and sweat-resistant formula provides an instant cooling sensation and neutralizes odors to keep you smelling fresh for an outdoor life of sport and adventure. This tropical-scented sunscreen smells like the light and refreshing scent of the coastal breeze. garnering praise from reviewers online. It contains a rich blend of Kakadu plum extract rich in vitamin C and tea tree oil that fight free radicals and leave skin fresh. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Vitamin C is a good ingredient to use in combination with sunscreen. While sunscreen either absorbs or deflects UV light, Vitamin C helps prevent the damaging effects of UV rays that has penetrated the skin.”
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tea tree oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Uneven consistency
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,495 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Reef-Safe:Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray
The Hint Spray Sunscreen combines the flavors of fruit with delicious waters and adds it to an SPF 30 formula. It provides your body and face with a hint of sun protection that is water-resistant and easy to apply. This delightful-smelling sunscreen carries a hint of pineapple, grapefruit, or pear that elevates your day at the beach or an afternoon of sunbathing. It has an extra-fast drying mechanism and leaves no greasy residue.
Key Ingredients: Pineapple
Pros
- Reef-safe formula
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May stain clothing
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion Best Non-Greasy | Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen Best Sweat-Resistant | Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray Best Reef-Safe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 x 6 x 2 inches | 2 x 2 x 8.1 inches | 4.8 x 7 x 8.2 inches |
| Weight | 8.36 Ounces | - | 7.37 Ounces |
| Weight | - | 6 Ounces | - |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 23,289 | 8,495 | 1,174 |
| Price | $15.98 | $10.29 | $28.99 |
4. Best Fast-Absorbing:Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion
The Supergoop! Original SPF 50 lotion is a water-resistant formula perfect for everyday use for the face and the body. It is a fast-absorbing and ultra-moisturizing product made with natural extracts of citrus, basil, and Boise de rose. It contains a unique beta-glucan that replenishes skin moisture. This fresh-scented sunscreen is non-comedogenic. Watch this video to know more about the tester’s experience and find out the benefits of the Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion.
Key Ingredients: Extracts of citrus, basil, and Boise de rose
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Fast-absorbing
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May stain clothes
Pro Tip5. Best Lightweight:Pacifica Beauty Sun + Skincare Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Spray
This SPF 30 Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Spray is perfect to create a sun-kissed glow in an instant while also protecting your skin. This unique formula is designed to apply evenly and add a beautiful glow while delivering hydration. This light-scented sunscreen has a water-resistant formula that is free of chemicals. It is suitable for all skin types.
Key Ingredient: Coconut
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Suits all skin types
Cons
- Does not absorb into the skin easily
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen
This water-resistant sunscreen helps give your skin superior sun protection from harsh outdoor elements with its broad spectrum SPF 70. This sunscreen is ideal for active individuals as it is clinically proven to help defend against sun damage. This lotion is formulated with Helioplex Technology that offers superior broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays receiving multiple positive reviews online.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Suits sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
- Oil-free
- PABA-free
Cons
- Leaves white cast or residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 11,432 great reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen has an oil-free and non-greasy formula that nourishes and protects the skin from the sun. It contains mango fruit extract, shea butter, and vitamin E that protect and soften the skin and leave it radiant. This reliable water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen stays on for up to 80 minutes. This invigorating-smelling sunscreen is dermatologist-tested and loved by reviewers online.
Key Ingredients: Mango fruit extract, shea butter, and vitamin E
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Difficult to spread
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 10,463 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
8. Best Water-Resistant:Ocean Potion Sunscreen Lotion
The Ocean Potion SPF 50 Sunscreen is a moisture-rich lotion. This product offers broad-spectrum UVA /UVB protection to the skin against aging and sunburns. This sunscreen along with the sun protection factor is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins B, C, and E, deep sea minerals, and seaweed and algae extracts that protect the skin and keep it moisturized, nourished, and healthy. This sunscreen is water-resistant and its signature “scent of sunshine” is loved by several reviewers online.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins B, C, and E, deep sea minerals, seaweed, and algae extracts
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive or delicate skin
9. Best Anti-Aging:Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Hawaiian SPF 30 Sunscreen
This Aloe Vera SPF 30 sunscreen is made with nourishing botanical extracts that provide broad-spectrum protection against sunburns and premature signs of aging. It may also reduce the risk of skin cancer. This lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and pineapple fruit extract
Pros
- Reef-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Leaves white residue
10. Best Hypoallergenic:COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray
The COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray, a fantastic body sunscreen, comes in a bottle that keeps misting even when upside down, making it easy to cover your entire body. This sunscreen is a sheer, water- and sweat-resistant organic formula packed with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients. It contains red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract that fight free radicals and nourish the skin. This sunscreen is fast-absorbing and leaves no greasy feel. Click on the video to know more about the tester’s experience and why one should purchase the COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray.
Key Ingredients: Safflower oleosomes, red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Sticky consistency
11. Best Bronzing Effect:SurfDurt Natural SunScreen
The SurfDurt Natural Sunscreen contains 11 food-grade ingredients and non-nano zinc oxide. This product replaces harmful chemicals or toxins with a natural sunscreen that protects the skin. This mineral base of non-nano zinc oxide includes nourishing antioxidants and food-derived ingredients such as coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil that offer sun protection. This premium, surf-resistant sunscreen offers UVA and UVB broad-spectrum and SPF 30 protection that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil
Pros
- Reef-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Sweat-proof
- Surf-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Creates a bronzing effect
Cons
- Stains clothes
When it comes to sunscreens, scent is often an afterthought – but it shouldn’t be! The right sunscreen should not only protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but also leave you feeling refreshed and smelling great. However, there are a few things that are important to consider when purchasing these heavenly smelling sunscreens.
Things To Look For In A Best-Smelling Sunscreen For Women
Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list on the sunscreen bottle. You would want to look for expert-recommended and natural ingredients that are known for their pleasant smells. Avoid sunscreens with synthetic fragrances, as these can often be quite strong and overwhelming.
Preferences: Consider what type of scent you prefer, crisp, clean scents, floral, fruity scents, or earthy scents. Pay attention to how long the fragrance lasts. You don’t want sunscreen that smells great at first but fades away quickly – especially if you are spending a long day in the sun! Look for sunscreens with light, refreshing scents that will last all day long.
Formula: When it comes to sunscreen, there are several different types of formulas available on the market. Some sunscreens are oil-based, while others are water-based. There are also spray sunscreens, lotions, creams, and powders. The type of formula you choose should be based on your personal preferences and needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid oil-based sunscreens.
SPF: Sunscreen is available in a variety of SPF levels, from as low as SPF 15 to as high as SPF 50+. The level of SPF you need will depend on your skin type and how much time you plan on spending in the sun. If you have fair skin or if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need a higher SPF sunscreen. However, if you’ll only be in the sun for a short period of time, a lower SPF will suffice. You need to make sure that it is broad-spectrum and will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Infographic: Things To Keep In Mind About Best Smelling Sunscreens
Sunscreens are essential for protecting your skin, and they are irreplaceable. However, using poor-quality sunscreens that contain toxic chemicals can do more harm than good. They leave your skin dull and dry and develop aging signs. The below infographic lists ingredients to avoid while buying sunscreen and the right way and time to apply it to reap its maximum benefits. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Wearing sunscreen is recommended daily. Especially if you live in a particularly sunny location. The rays of the sun can be quite harmful to our skin, hence it needs to be protected daily, not just during the summer. Many people prefer pleasantly scented sunscreens, as it tends to not only protect the skin but also save you from any embarrassment caused by bad body odor caused by sweat. The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion is water-resistant and perfect for daily wear, while the COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray is suitable for those looking for a non-greasy and eco-friendly option. But if you are looking for something for sensitive skin, try the Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion. Check out the list above to find an aromatic sunscreen that best suits your requirements and do not forget to do a patch test!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some sunscreens smell weird?
The smell of sunscreen has more to with the ingredients used. A sunscreen that smells funny or weird is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria. On the other hand, the complete absence of any artificial fragrances in sunscreen may also make it smell not as good as expected.
Does sunscreen smell good?
Yes, most sunscreen smells good, although it might not suit everyone. Products with artificial fragrances or overwhelming scents can irritate sensitive skin, causing breakouts, irritation, or redness.
Does all sunscreen smell?
No, some sunscreens do not smell at all. Also, it is more beneficial to apply sunscreens without artificial fragrance.
Does sunscreen cause acne?
Some sunscreens do not allow the skin to breathe by clogging the pores, leading to breakouts and acne.
Is it okay to have fragrance in sunscreen?
Yes. You can choose a tropically fragrant sunscreen that helps replace the sweaty odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance. However, it is best to opt for sunscreens without artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals that cause skin irritation.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. After thorough research and review of multiple products and user reviews, she has curated a list of the best-smelling sunscreens to assist her readers in finding suitable products. These products are tropically scented, and they protect the skin from the scorching heat of the Sun, replacing the sweaty odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance.
