Verified free from PFAS (forever chemicals) in all components
By Renee · Lead Researcher
R3 independently evaluates every product using our research-backed scoring system. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we stay independent
Why trust this guide
I'm Renee, R3's lead researcher. I've spent 140+ hours testing and evaluating 0 sunscreen across safety, performance, and value. Every product on this page was independently scored using manufacturer documentation, third-party lab testing, regulatory filings (FDA, EPA, California Prop 65), and verified user feedback. No brand pays for placement or higher scores.
What is the best sunscreen in 2026? R3 tests and scores sunscreen across safety, performance, and value to find the best options for health-conscious families.
You prioritize verified free from pfas (forever chemicals) in all components when choosing sunscreen
You want data-backed picks based on independent testing, not marketing claims
You want products that score at least 7/10 on safety score
You might not need this if
Looking for something different? See our [Best Sunscreen overall guide](/guides/best/sunscreen) for the top picks across all criteria.
Not sure which type is right for you? Browse sunscreen by criteria to narrow your search.
Verified free from PFAS (forever chemicals) in all components. We evaluate every sunscreen for pfas-free to help families make informed, data-backed purchasing decisions.
Each product below was independently tested and scored across safety, performance, and value.
Each product has been tested, scored, and reviewed by our research team.
We evaluated 10 sunscreen currently in our database, scoring each across six dimensions: Safety (materials composition, certifications, regulatory compliance), Efficacy (performance, consistency, real-world results), Value (quality-to-price ratio), Usability (controls, cleaning, noise level), Durability (build quality, warranty, long-term reviews), Sustainability (environmental impact, materials sourcing).
For this pfas-free list, we applied additional filters: - Products must score at least 7/10 on safety score - Must be verified pfas-free based on manufacturer data and third-party testing
Products that didn't meet these thresholds were moved to our "What We Didn't Pick" section with specific reasons.
0 products passed our pfas-free filters and are ranked below by safety score.
Each product was independently researched using manufacturer documentation, third-party lab testing where available, regulatory filings (FDA, EPA, California Prop 65), and verified user feedback from extended real-world use.
Best deals
Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) typically see 25-40% discounts on sunscreen. Major brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot participate in both events.
New model releases
Brands typically release new sunscreen in Q1 (Jan-March) and ahead of holiday season (September). Previous-generation models drop in price when new ones launch.
Avoid full price
April-June and August are typically full-price months for sunscreen. If you need one during these months, check manufacturer refurbished options for 20-30% savings.
R3 tip
Price drops do not change our safety scores. A discounted sunscreen with a low safety score is still not recommended. Always check the R3 score before buying, regardless of the deal.
We're currently evaluating sunscreen for our pfas-free recommendations. Check back soon for our ranked picks.
Best Ceramic-Coated Sunscreen
Ceramic-coated baskets for PFAS-free, easy-clean cooking surfaces