Best Smelling Sunscreen for a Perfect Summer Day
Need a sunscreen but don't want to smell like chemicals? This is the perfect guide for you! Read our top picks for best smelling sunscreen today!
We are participants of the Amazon Associates Program. We may earn a commission from a qualified purchase from our reviews.
Do you hate the smell of sunscreen? Many sunscreens can have a strong chemical smell that can be pungent and overpowering. But who doesn't love a good pina colada smell? Beach time? Sign me up! But seriously not all sunscreens are created equal! Some sunscreens have a more natural scent, but they can be hard to find. No one wants to spend hours smelling products at the Walgreens so we've put together this guide on best smelling sunscreens to help you out.
In this blog post, we will recommend some of the best-smelling sunscreens on the market! So if you’re looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t make your nose itch, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find the perfect sunscreen product for you!
How We Choose the Best Smelling Sunscreens
Sunscreen is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it's often difficult to find one that both protects your skin and smells good. We've compiled a list of the best sunscreen smells based on thousands of Amazon reviews.
Most sunscreens either smell bad or don't offer enough protection. And forget about finding a sunscreen that does both!
We've done the hard work for you and found some great-smelling sunscreens available for you. Not only do these sunscreens protect your skin from the sun, but they also smell fantastic!
We are participants of the Amazon Associate program. Any purchases made through our links may earn us a small commission from a qualified purchase. This allows us to continue providing our recommendations.
What do they smell like?
Well that becomes a bit subjective as each of our olfactory systems connect the dots differently. For more information on how your olfactory system works check out this cool article, The Olfactory System and Your Sense of Smell.
Hawaiian Tropic
Best Beach Scent
Why We Love It
Island life in a bottle. That's what you'll get with Hawaiian Tropic's Coconut and Mango Fragrance.
This weightless, non-comedogenic fragrance is the perfect lotion for those who want to enjoy the scents of the tropics without worrying about clogging their pores. Piña Colada anyone?
This non sticky lotion is great to drop in your bag for your next day out. With just a few sprays, you'll be transported to a sunny beach where the only thing on your mind is relaxing and enjoying the good life.
What You Should Know
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 is a great choice for those looking for a light, non-greasy lotion that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage.
This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is also recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation and provides 12 hours of moisture. With Mango fruit extract for antioxidants and coconut oil for added moisture, this formula has it all.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 has a light, tropical scent that will make you feel like you're on vacation even if you're just headed to the beach for the day.
Visit the Hawaiian Tropic Store for more product selections.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray
Best Nourishing Ingredients
Why We Love It
Looking for a sunscreen that will nurture your skin while it protects it from the sun? Need a higher SPF 50 rating? Alba Botanical has you covered with their Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray.
This gentle, plant-based formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut extract, shea butter , and avocado oil that will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and healthy.
What You Should Know
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen is a great choice for those who are looking for an effective, natural sunscreen that is also broad spectrum with an SPF 50 rating.
This 100% vegetarian formula provides 80 minutes of protection and is made with botanical ingredients like coconut extract, shea butter, and avocado oil.
At a whopping SPF 50, this formula is great for kids as well. Its also free of harsh ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and gluten. The nongreasy mineral sunscreen provides powerful protection against harmful UV rays, making it ideal for days spent outdoors with added water resistance.
Whether you're hitting the beach or just enjoying a sunny day in the park, Alba Botanical's Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray is the perfect way to keep your skin safe and sound all summer long and is a great option to consider.
Visit the Alba Botanica Store for more product selections.
Hint Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Best Pineapple Essences
Why We Love It
Looking for a sunscreen that's both gentle and effective? Look no further than Hint Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. Made with fruit essences, this reef-safe sunscreen is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Hint Sunscreen Spray is a great choice for anyone looking for a convenient and effective broad-spectrum spray option and is a non-greasy formula.
What You Should Know
Hint Sunscreen is the best way to get your daily dose of sun protection and fruit essence all in one. Plus, it's 80-minute water-resistant, so you can enjoy your time in the sun worry-free.
Not to mention, it has an easy 360 Degree spray-on application, making it easier than ever to get the sun protection your skin needs with a fruity sunscreen smell.
The unique compressed-air spray means it has an extra-fast drying time with no greasy residue, so you can enjoy the subtle hint of pear fruit flavor without worrying about sunscreen ruining your day.
Hint Sunscreen is also reef safe, water-resistant, and is not tested on animals, so you can feel good about using it knowing that it's not harming the environment.
Visit the Hint Store for more product selections.
Coola Organic Classic Body Sunscreen Spray
Best Organic Peach Scent
Why We Love It
Looking for a sunscreen that is both high-protection and organic? Look no further than Coola's Organic Classic Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 70.
This lightweight sunscreen is perfect for all skin types and provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. With a tropical peach scent, this product is a crowd smelling pleaser.
Made with healing organic extracts like Aloe Vera, Strawberry, and Algae extracts this scented sunscreen is great for those who are more health-conscious. The addition of red raspberry seed oil makes it great for dry skin, oily skin, and acne skin without the effect to clog pores. Plus, the elegant peach blossom scent will make you feel refreshed and invigorated all day long.
What You Should Know
Coola Organic Classic Body Sunscreen is more than just your average sunscreen.
This powerful, organic sunscreen smells great and provides broad-spectrum SPF 70 protection, while a complex set of plant cell actives support and nourish the skin barrier.
Its sheer finish makes it ideal for long active days in the sun but light enough for everyday use. This product smells like a summer beach and as a bonus is water-resistant.
Coola's unique blend of ingredients sets it apart from other sunscreens on the market. With 70% of Coola's ingredients being certified organic, it's a safer choice for you, your skin, and the environment.
The water-resistant (80 minutes) formula is also rich in antioxidants and free of harmful chemicals like parabens, GMOs, and gluten while also containing many natural ingredients. Their unique formula is non-greasy and may well provide you with a beautiful glow.
It also has a natural Peach Blossom scent that will make you feel like you're at the beach even when you're not. If that's not enough, Coola's reef-friendly smelling spray is also vegan and cruelty-free and is a non-greasy formula that leaves no white residue.
Whether you're looking for a sunscreen to wear every day or one for your next beach vacation, Coola has you covered.
Click here for more Coola product selections.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Best Value
Why We Love It
Looking for a natural and clean mineral sunscreen that won't break the bank? Look no further than Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray!
This mineral formula is perfect for those who are looking for a natural way to protect their skin. It's also water-resistant and safe for all skin tones and skin types including sensitive skin.
What You Should Know
This reef-friendly product is ideal for all skin types and provides UVA/UVB protection with every spritz. A best-smelling sunscreen that's great for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin as it is also non-greasy and won't clog pores. This broad-spectrum SPF 30 formula is the kind your medical professional might recommend if your concerned about the effects of the sun.
This oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic product is packed with Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant to further aid and protect your skin. It's also free of oxybenzone, ocinoxate, gluten, cruelty free, and paraben free for those who are conscious of what they put on their skin.
So go ahead and lather up with Sun Bum's Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray - your skin will thank you for it. And we love the light coconut smell - it's like being on a tropical vacation all year long!
Visit the Sun Bum Store for more product selections!
Sunscreen FAQ's
Sun care for your skin is an important part of any summer routine, but it's hard to know which one to choose. We've compiled some of the best in the market that also have a pleasant fragrance. Most of our picks provide water resistance helping to prevent sun damage and dark spots.
The sprays listed will protect without leaving that dreaded white residue. If you want to have ageless-looking skin longer or if you live in a sunny location, this article will help you find the best protection.
Not all sunscreen lotion is created equal. A lot of them smell pretty bad. Some are mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Others are chemical-based with jojoba oil or are specially formulated for smelling fresh. Many have a non-greasy formula and many are oil-free and provide water resistance and are non-sticky.
While we didn't discuss lotion or the white cast that used to be so prevalent in previous skin protective formulas, sunscreen sprays are now easily used and have non-greasy formulas.
Many skin care professionals agree that consensus for proper SPF protection is to use at least an SPF 30 but depending on your skin tone SPF 50 or SPF 70 may be warranted especially if you like outdoor water activities. Generally, the lighter the skin tone you have the higher the rating you want.
What makes sunscreen smell good?
Sunscreen lotion is often fragranced with tropical scents like piña colada, and this is done to make it more appealing to consumers. The scent also serves as a subtle reminder to reapply sunscreen regularly.
Many sun products also contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that can leave a white cast on the skin, so the added fragrance makes it less noticeable.
Are there scented sunscreens?
Yes, there are scented sunscreens! Many brands offer scented options for their sunscreen lotion or spray products. Many are non greasy for those who are concerned about clogged pores.
Whether you're looking for a fruity, floral, or even citrusy scent, there's likely a sunscreen out there that will fit your needs. And since we know that applying sunscreen can sometimes be a chore, having a pleasant scent to mask the familiar-smelling sunscreen can be a bonus. The best-smelling sunscreen can also be subjective. You should select one that helps to protect your skin as your primary focus and secondarily choose the scent.
How should you apply sunscreen?
Applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, whether you are going to be outside for just a short period of time or spending the day at the beach. You should apply it every two hours, or after swimming or any water activity.
When applying your product, make sure to use enough that can spread evenly. Pay special attention to areas that are especially prone to sunburns, such as the nose, ears, scalp, and shoulders.
Don't forget to reapply if you are going to be in the sun's rays for a long time. Sunscreen should be applied not just when it's sunny out but on cloudy days as well.
Why is Sunscreen important?
Sunscreen is important because it helps prevent skin cancer by blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30, SPF 50, or SPF 70 or higher, and reapplying every couple of hours can help reduce your risk. Those most prone to sunburn should also consider wearing a sun hat or additional sun-protective clothing in addition to sunscreen.
What’s in Sunscreen?
Sunscreens usually contain organic UV filters and inorganic filters. The most common organic filters are derived from benzene and PABA esters, while the most common inorganic filter is titanium dioxide.
They usually contain one or more of the following: organic UV filters (chemicals that absorb UV radiation), inorganic UV filters (metal oxides that reflect and scatter UV radiation), antioxidants, and moisturizers. Common organic UV filters include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule. Common inorganic UV filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Talk with your board-certified dermatologist about the right type of sunscreen for your particular skin.
Sunscreens also often contain other ingredients to improve their performance, such as emulsifiers to help them spread evenly on the skin, oils to moisturize the skin, and preservatives to prevent bacterial growth.
Some sunscreens also contain antioxidants like vitamin E or beta carotene to scavenge free radicals generated by the UV rays.
Does all Sunscreen have a fragrance?
There are a wide range of products available on the market, and while some do have a light fragrance, others are fragrance-free. However, if you're looking for a fragrance-free formula, there are also plenty of options to choose from.
How long should you wear sunscreen?
It is important to wear sunscreen every day, even if you are not spending time outdoors. UV rays can penetrate glass and clouds, and you are exposed to them even when you are indoors or it is overcast outside. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30- SPF 50 or higher every day, even if you are not spending time in the sun.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating, swimming, or engaging in water activities.
Should you wear sunscreen every day?
Yes, you should wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause skin damage.
New evidence suggests that HEV (high energy visible) blue light also emits UV damage though to a lesser degree than the sun. Blue light (like from your computer screen) may also pose some dangers, particularly to the skin and eyes, especially if you are sitting in front of a computer screen all day. There are products on the market now to help with this.
Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF 30, SPF 50, or SPF 70 or higher and is water-resistant. Apply it liberally to all exposed areas of skin, and be sure to reapply every two hours.
What is the right SPF to wear?
Broad-spectrum protection sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher are recommended to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
When picking a sunscreen, look for “broad spectrum” on the label, which means it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The FDA requires all broad-spectrum sunscreens to pass a test that measures their ability to protect against both types of radiation.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It’s a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the kind of radiation that causes skin damage.
The higher the SPF the more it protects. Everyone should wear sunscreen regardless of skin type but those with more fair-toned skin should wear a higher SPF rating.
Does SPF in my makeup count as a good sunscreen?
Skin care professionals recommend wearing SPF in addition to makeup. Not all sunscreens are created equal. The SPF rating on a sunscreen tells you how well it protects against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. But there are also UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause premature aging.
Therefore, it is important to choose a sunscreen that has both high SPF and broad-spectrum coverage. Many dermatologists recommend applying a broad spectrum SPF under makeup for better coverage and to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally , SPF should be reapplied at least every two hours.
Which sunscreen smells the most like coconut?
I think the classic Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen smells most like coconut. It will probably remind you most of the beach. But there are others that smell like coconut. The Hint Pineapple sunscreen smells like pineapple and coconut so one could smell like a pina colada. Sun Bum also smells very coconutty.
What Sunscreen smells nice?
I personally think the peachy smell of Coola Sunscreen smells pretty nice. It may make you crave a peach cobbler but who doesn't love a peach cobbler? If you like the smell of peaches than this would be a nice sunscreen. I also like that the ingredients are clean. You can feel good and smell good wearing this sunscreen.
Best Smelling Sunscreens for You
Sunscreen is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can be difficult to find one that both protects your skin and smells good. We've done the hard work for you and found the best-smelling sunscreens available. Not only do these protect your skin from the sun, but they also smell great! With chemical formulas and mineral sunscreens included in our list, we've researched to find the next best-smelling sunscreen for you.
Don't forget to click the button for pricing to find the best-smelling sunscreens for you.
Thanks for reading! Happy shopping!
Follow us on GottaGuide.com, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, Quora for our latest articles on all things skincare and beauty. When you follow us in Quora we have an open platform to ask your beauty questions.
Check out this article for more information on sunscreens.
Best Dermatologist Recommended Sunscreen for Your Face.
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: As a staff of licensed aestheticians we review products based on their merit based on our professional expertise. This is not a replacement for your own skin therapist's advice for your skin or any medical claim or endorsement. We encourage you to seek medical care when appropriate. To support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or another form of recompense for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonials, and/or links to any products or services from this website as part of the Amazon Associate program or another Affiliate program. We Thank you in advance for your patronage.
Sarah Knowles
References
Bailey, Regina. "The Olfactory System and Your Sense of Smell." ThoughtCo, Aug. 17, 2021, thoughtco.com/olfactory-system-4066176.
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: As a staff of licensed aestheticians we review products based on their merit based on our professional expertise. This is not a replacement for your own skin therapist's advice for your skin or any medical claim or endorsement. We encourage you to seek medical care when appropriate. To support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or another form of recompense for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonials, and/or links to any products or services from this website as part of the Amazon Associate program or another Affiliate program. We Thank you in advance for your patronage.