These 11 Sunscreens Save My Family’s Skin in the Florida Sun—Without Any White Cast! (2025)

I’ve always loved the beach and thought I knew everything there was to know about sunscreen. Nearly a decade ago, however, my family moved from Maryland to Florida, settling into a house within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean. Living in an area where the sun shines year-round, and we need sun protection for everything from a trip to Disney World to a walk with our dogs, has taught me that not all sunscreens are created equal.

Through trial and error, and lots of discussions with my mom friends, I’ve learned which sunscreens are the best for keeping my family sunburn-free and happy on long beach days, weekend boating adventures, or whatever the Sunshine State throws our way. For example, I opt for a really good SPF lip balm for days on the boat, Neutrogena sunscreen because it doesn’t settle into my 40-something wrinkles, and La Roche-Posay sunscreen when I want a little moisturizing.

Here are 11 sunscreen products my mom friends and I trust to protect our families from the sun’s harsh rays, starting at $9.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 70

The preferred sunscreen of my entire friend group is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen because it sprays on like a dream and goes on evenly. Even better, it feels incredibly light on the skin and has an SPF of 70, so we all feel good about spraying it on everywhere we go, whether at the beach or for a walk in the park. With thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, one shopper called it a “phenomenal sunscreen that doesn’t leave a sticky residue or clog pores,” adding, “Probably the first time I’ve ever gone on vacation and didn’t end up with any sunburn, and I credit this sunscreen.”

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 UV Sunscreen SPF 50

TikTokers sing the praises of the non-SPF version of this La Roche-Posay balm, but as a Florida resident, I knew trying the SPF 50 version was a good move for me. Turns out, it’s one of my favorite sunscreen products because it’s moisturizing and provides excellent sun protection. I use this balm for everything, from a bit of extra sun protection on my nose and cheeks to hand cream, and it feels luxurious on my skin. One Amazon shopper, who called this La Roche-Posay sunscreen a “miracle in a tube,” said the balm provided “amazing results for skin barrier health and rosacea with the added benefit of SPF,” adding, “my doctor said the change was noticeable.”

Sun Bum Kids Clear Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 50

When my kids need to apply face sunscreen, they grab this Sun Bum face stick, which has SPF 50 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its compact size makes it great for keeping in a purse or a pool bag, and Amazon reviewers love it, too. “Perfect purse-size sunscreen for on the go,” said one shopper. “It goes on like Chapstick for the face, but isn't sticky or greasy. Our family spent the day at a track meet, and one application lasted all day. Plus, it smells so good!”

Coppertone Glow Shimmer Sunscreen SPF 50

The first time I purchased the Coppertone Glow Shimmer Sunscreen was on a vacation with my teenage daughter, who challenges me every time I try to get her to use a SPF higher than 30. We’d forgotten our sunscreen and, headed for a day of kayaking, ran into a drugstore in search of some. She loved the shimmer of this spray, and I loved the SPF 50. After using it throughout the trip, a new favorite was born: It’s now the sunscreen we both grab if we want a bit of shimmer on our skin without sacrificing sun protection. One five-star Amazon reviewer said this Coppertone sunscreen, “sprays on beautifully, leaves me a gold glittery goddess,” and “you’d think I was a vampire the way I sparkle in the sunlight.” As a mom who’s always been Team Edward, I’d have to agree.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70

Facial sunscreens are a must in Florida, especially to prevent sun damage and premature aging. I moved to Florida when I was well into my 30s, and found that many face sunscreens I tried tended to settle into the fine lines and wrinkles on my face, causing my oily skin to break out. Since trying Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen, it’s all I use, since it neither causes acne flare-ups nor settles into my wrinkles. Amazon shoppers praise the sensitive skin formula for being perfect to wear under makeup, saying it doesn’t clog pores and is small enough to take on the go.

Sun Bum SPF Lip Balm

Each year, when summer temperatures hit Florida, my best friend and I have an inside joke about the start of beach and boating season. “I’m ready for a beach day,” one of us will say. “Yes,” answers the other, “I’m ready for the first lip blister of summer.” It took us a few years in Florida (and a few very sunburned bottom lips) to learn that re-applying a good, SPF lip balm throughout the day is essential any time you’re on the water. Now, we have these Sun Bum lip balms in our purses, cars, beach bags, pool totes, and kitchen drawers, so there’s no excuse for painful lip burns. “Bought these for a week-long boating trip to the [Florida] Keys,” one user said. “Held up very well to the sun and wind. I had to apply a couple times throughout the day, but kept my lips from getting burned and chapped.”

Australian Gold Instant Bronzer Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

My teenage daughter and her friends check the UV index daily, and it’s a frequent occurrence around my house that I’ll hear my daughter squeal, “The UV is 10!” while running out of her room in her bikini and plopping down outside by our pool to catch some rays. As her mother, I insist she wear some sun protection, and a product we’ve come to agree on is this SPF 30 Australian Gold spray, which has an instant bronzer to make her look extra tan. It’s a compromise I’m happy with, since a lot of her friends tan with dark tanning oils with zero SPF. “I love this stuff,” one five-star Amazon reviewer shared. “It goes on so nicely, is easy to blend into skin, and gives you a light glow tan before you even hit the beach.”

Zinka Colored Nosecoat Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

I started using colored sunscreen on my kids’ faces when they were small, but they still reach for the colorful goop if they will be in the water for long periods. Each color of this zinc oxide sunscreen goes on smoothly and stays bright the entire time it’s protecting the skin. Once the color wears off, you know it’s time to reapply. Zinka’s face sunscreen has come in handy protecting my kids’ noses, cheeks, ears, and any facial skin that’s prone to sunburn. One Amazon reviewer says the sunscreen holds up, “during prolonged exposure to water and sweat, maintaining its protective barrier,” adding that it’s an “ideal choice for watersports and other outdoor activities.”

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

The go-to sunscreen of my husband and kids, this Neutrogena sunscreen sprays on evenly and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. My family prefers this sunscreen for beach days because it really holds up to sand and salt water, and keeps everyone sunburn-free as long as they reapply it diligently throughout the day. “I love that it’s lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy after application,” said one Amazon shopper. “It absorbs quickly, and the fragrance is light and pleasant—not overwhelming like some other sunscreens. It’s also water-resistant, which is perfect for beach trips and pool days.”

Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray Sunscreen

There’s one sunscreen I keep in my pre-packed bag for trips to Central Florida theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, and that’s Banana Boat Sport. I love this sunscreen for long, hot theme park days because it’s super sweat-resistant and stays on even when my family and I are soaked with sweat from battling crowds and waiting in long lines. The SPF 50 spray is water (and sweat) resistant for up to 80 minutes, so as long as we remember to reapply each time we stop for a break, we stay sunburn-free. “It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and holds up well even when I’m sweating or taking a quick dip in the water,” said one Amazon purchaser.

Sun Bum 3 In 1 Leave-In Conditioner with UV Protection

My best friend and I (and our total of three long-haired teen daughters) love using this Sun Bum conditioner spray in our hair to prevent sun and water damage. We spray and brush the product through our hair before hitting the water, then reapply a few times throughout the day. Not only does the spray protect hair from the sun’s UV rays, but it also helps keep hair tangle-free during the post-beach showering ritual. “I color my hair a blondish shade, and it tends to dry out quickly in the sun,” said one Amazon reviewer. “This product made a big difference by keeping my hair soft, frizz-controlled, shiny, and not at all oily. I even think it helped my hair to retain its color treatment, too!”