11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2023 For Women

Exude a fresh and fruity scent while shielding yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Gaile EspinosaPatricia Gaile Espinosa, MD
By Oyendrila KanjilalOyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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 tropically scented, and they protect the skin from the scorching heat of the Sun and replace the sweat odor with a fresh, fruity fragrance. Sunscreens smelling deliciously irresistible seems like a good deal, doesn’t it? So, we have got you the 11 best-smelling sunscreens for you to go out in the Sun shining, smelling great without having the fear to tan. Have a look!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Non-Greasy:Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen LotionPrice on Amazon
Best Sweat-Resistant:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Reef-Safe:Hint Pineapple Sunscreen SprayPrice on Amazon
Best Fast-Absorbing:Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 LotionPrice on Amazon
Best Lightweight:Pacifica Beauty Sun + Skincare Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen SprayPrice on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin:Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Dermatologist-Tested:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Water-Resistant:Ocean Potion Sunscreen LotionPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging:Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Hawaiian SPF 30 SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic:COOLA Organic Sunscreen SprayPrice on Amazon

11 Best Smelling Sunscreens Of 2023 For Women

1. Best Non-Greasy:Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

4.7
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion Image: Sun Bum

This Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion smells like the sun and is great for daily use, be it a day at the beach or your daily commute under the sun. This dermatologist-approved and non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with vitamin E. It 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

Cons

  • Not long-lasting
protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply this sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Towel dry your skin after sweat and reapply the product after every 2 hours for optimum UV protection.
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 23,289 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $15.98

2. Best Sweat-Resistant:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen

4.6
Australian Gold Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen Image: Australian Gold

This sports sunscreen spray is an SPF 50 formula with the Ultra Chill technology derived from menthol. It provides an instant cooling sensation and neutralizes odors to keep you smelling fresh for an outdoor life of sport and adventure. This sunscreen smells like the light and refreshing scent of the coastal breeze. 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 deflect 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

protip_icon Pro Tip
Spray sunscreen generously from 4-6 inches away from the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply this sunscreen every 80 minutes if you sweat or go swimming.

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 8,495 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $10.29

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 skin with a mist of sun protection that is water-resistant and easy to apply. This 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
Price at the time of publication: $28.99

4. Best Fast-Absorbing:Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion

4.6
Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion, 18 fl oz - Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - Fast-Absorbing, Water & Sweat Resistant Body & Face Sunscreen - Athlete-Trusted, Great for Active Days Image: Supergoop!

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 sunscreen is non-comedogenic. Watch this video to 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

Cons

  • May stain clothes

protip_icon Pro Tip
Do not rub the sunscreen too vigorously on your face. This will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen and leave your face unprotected and exposed.


Price at the time of publication: $89.99

5. 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. It is 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
Price at the time of publication: $15.69

6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen

4.6
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Image: Neutrogena

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.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Suits sensitive skin
  • Non-greasy
  • Oil-free
  • PABA-free

Cons

  • Leaves white residue
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 11,432 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $8.97

7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

4.7
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion With SPF 30 Image: Hawaiian

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. It is dermatologist-tested.

Key Ingredients: Mango fruit extract, shea butter, and vitamin E

Pros

  • Fast-absorbing
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Difficult to spread
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 10,463 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $8.16

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 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.

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 skin
Price at the time of publication: $21

9. Best Anti-Aging:Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Hawaiian SPF 30 Sunscreen

4.2
Alba Botanica Image: 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
Price at the time of publication: $5.39

10. Best Hypoallergenic:COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray

4.5
COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray Image: Coola

The COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray 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 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
Price at the time of publication: $25

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 toxins for 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
Price at the time of publication: $24.99

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 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!

Things To Keep In Mind About Best Smelling Sunscreens (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Download Infographic in PDF version

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 saves you from any embarrassment caused by bad body odor caused by sweat. Check out the list above to find a scented sunscreen that best suits your requirements.

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.

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 scented 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 irritate the skin.

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