As you stock up on SPF ahead of summer 2026, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 20th Annual Guide to Sunscreens is here to help. The highly anticipated report, released May 19, reviewed nearly 2,800 SPF products and highlighted top-rated options based on ingredient safety and balanced protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation—and the findings are a wake-up call: only 20 percent of sunscreens tested actually meet EWG’s standards for safety and efficacy.
And of those, only 130 SPF products (including multitasking moisturizers and lip balms) earn the EWG Verified mark, which is essentially the next step after EWG's top-rated designation—and the bar to get there is genuinely high. To qualify, a product must avoid ingredients linked to health risks, hormone disruption or contamination, be fully transparent about everything in the formula (fragrance included) and exceed both U.S. and European UVA protection standards.
There are also strict rules around format and marketing: no aerosol sprays, no powder formulas, no SPF claims above 50 and no 'waterproof' language allowed. That's because aerosols and powders pose inhalation risks and make it difficult to apply an even, protective layer; SPF values above 50 create a false sense of security without offering significantly better protection; and 'waterproof' overstates a product's effectiveness (the FDA actually banned the term in 2011).
So which ones made the cut? Ahead, seven EWG Verified sunscreens that also have our editors' seal of approval.
1 / 7
You might recognize this one; it took home a 2026 NewBeauty Beauty Award. We named it the “Best Post-Procedure Sunscreen” because it’s loaded with calming, barrier-supporting ingredients, with a sheer, mineral tint that helps subtly neutralize redness for a more even-looking finish.
“You’d never guess this is a mineral sunscreen,” says Danielle Dooley, our director of editorial partnerships. “The texture is smooth and blendable, with no chalkiness or white cast, just calm, even-looking skin.”
2 / 7
As a mom to a 13-month-old, we've already gone through a surprising number of sunscreens, despite him only starting to wear sunscreen at six months (that's a thing; I defer to the American Academy of Dermatology). This one's been my favorite for how easily it blends into my little guy's skin—it feels like a lotion, not a sticky substance that upsets him, and it only takes a second to apply.
3 / 7
For those who wear makeup or just want their skin looking its most radiant, this EWG Verified option from sensitive skin-friendly mineral sunscreen brand Solara deserves a spot in your routine. It doubles as a pearly, blurring primer and also has antioxidants to protect against everything from blue light from your laptop and phone screen to environmental pollution.
4 / 7
Smearing regular sunscreen on your lips isn't exactly appealing, which is why a dedicated SPF lip balm is such a welcome alternative. This one uses zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and comes in three tints. Our favorite is the rosy terracotta, which doubles as a subtle lip color for a natural look.
5 / 7
This EWG-Verified tinted moisturizer from Well People is a must-try if you want makeup and skin-care benefits in one. It boasts SPF 30 protection, light to medium coverage to even out your skin tone and a satiny finish.
Just keep in mind that most people don’t apply enough tinted moisturizer to get the full SPF benefit. For best results, apply a dedicated sunscreen underneath.
6 / 7
Kids' sunscreen has come a long way—and this mineral formula is proof. The lightweight liquid is one both older kids and parents will actually enjoy using, and the clip-on design makes it easy to grab and go.
7 / 7
It doesn't get much more luxurious than these mineral sun drops from Miranda Kerr's skin-care brand, KORA Organics. It doubles as a makeup primer and leaves skin looking glowy.
One of many reviewers who've rated it five stars on Sephora called it 'pure magic,' adding that it helps them 'achieve the glass skin glow.’
