16 Best Summer Skin Care Products of 2021

Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder

• Price: $$
• Pros: Protects against scalp sunburn without making hair greasy
• Cons: Pump dispenser can be hard to use
• Best for: Anyone who parts their hair and anyone with thinning hair

“I ALWAYS get a sunburnt scalp in the part of my hair during summer. I used to try putting actual sunscreen in the part of my hair to protect it, but my hair would (obviously) get so greasy. This is the perfect solve. It provides the ideal amount of protection to prevent sunburn, and it even functions similarly to a dry shampoo.” – Ruby Thompson, Greatist market editor

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen

“I love this EltaMD product, because it melts into my skin and also makes my skin look healthier after using it.” – Cheryl S. Grant, Healthline nutrition updates editor

Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

• Price: $$$
• Pros: Sea buckthorn promotes healthy skin
• Cons: Some online reviewers say it leaves a white cast
• Best for: People in hot climates and people with oily skin

“It’s super lightweight and all-physical, which I prefer to chemical sunscreens. Plus, sunscreen is a must during the summer.” – Mellanie Perez, Healthline market editor

Walgreens After Sun Gel

• Price: $
• Pros: Affordable
• Cons: Added fragrance may irritate some people’s skin
• Best for: People who spend a lot of time outdoors and people in sunny regions

“I’m fair-skinned, acne-prone, and all-around sensitive to the sun and skin care ingredients. So having a soothing product that doesn’t clog pores is a must. I use this anytime I’ve been outdoors for an extended period and have found that it can help nip the symptoms of potential sunburn in the bud. Pro-tip: Keep a bottle in the fridge for an added cooling sensation.” – Tess Catlett, Healthline wellness editor

Andalou Naturals Vitamin C Beauty Balm

• Price: $
• Pros: Vitamin C helps brighten skin
• Cons: Not very water-resistant and essential oils can be sensitizing
• Best for: People with acne-prone or sensitive skin and people looking for cruelty-free certified products

“I’ve been using this for years, because it goes on light, isn’t greasy, and doesn’t make me feel like I need to wash my face three times to get it all off at night. I don’t really wear makeup and find that the tint is just enough to even out my skin and camouflage any blemishes. It’s also got a light, lemon scent that’s not too strong.” – Kelly Morrell, Healthline wellness editor

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint

• Price: $
• Pros: Hydrating and stays put throughout the day
• Cons: Only comes in one shade
• Best for: People with sensitive skin, people with dry skin, and people who like less product in their routine

“I have sensitive skin, and this sunscreen is everything. It’s super hydrating, it protects with mineral sunscreen (a combo of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), and it has enough tint to replace my foundation. I love that it doesn’t melt off my face when it gets hot out. Instead, it just leaves my skin with a natural glow that lasts throughout the day.” – Jen Anderson, Healthline copy editor

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen

• Price: $
• Pros: Fragrance-free
• Cons: Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
• Best for: People with dry or sensitive skin and people allergic to chemical sunscreens

“I like that this has both types of mineral sunscreen and goes on with a pretty smooth and light, non-greasy feeling. I also like the size that it comes in, which fits easily in a pocket or bag.” – Candice Abellon, Healthline market editor

Black Girl Sunscreen

• Price: $
• Pros: Doesn’t leave a white cast on dark skin tones
• Cons: The original formula can be too greasy for some skin types (In that case, try the matte formula.)
• Best for: Anyone with dry to normal skin and especially for people with darker skin. People with oily or sensitive skin may want to skip their morning moisturizer if they use this.

“It’s dark-skin-friendly! There is a myth that black people and POC don’t need sunscreen because of the melanin in our skin, but there are a number of reasons why sunscreen can be helpful for dark skin. Unfortunately, many people with dark skin have a hard time finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white or gray cast, so this one was made specifically for darker skin tones to avoid that issue.” – Jasmine Seales, Greatist editor

Lancôme Miel-en-Mousse Foaming Cleansing Makeup Remover

• Price: $$
• Pros: Removes makeup and cleanses skin in one step
• Cons: Contains fragrance, which may irritate some people’s skin
• Best for: All skin types

“Lancôme Miel-en-Mousse Foaming Cleansing Makeup Remover is the best, because it gently removes all the makeup and grime from my face without stripping away the moisture. My face actually feels soothed and hydrated after washing with it.” – Grant

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

• Price: $$$
• Pros: Lightweight for summer
• Cons: Pricey
• Best for: People with oily skin

“I love how cooling and lightweight this cream is. I have oily skin. In the summer, I absolutely need to switch to something gel-like and light, so I’m not too shiny. Plus, it hydrates greatly!” – Perez

SkinCeuticals C E FERULIC

• Price: $$$
• Pros: Ferulic acid boosts vitamin C’s effectiveness
• Cons: Pricey
• Best for: All skin types

“This is just the most potent, most effective formula I’ve ever tried. I can see its effects within days of consistently wearing it. Vitamin C is super important to combat sunspots and hyperpigmentation from the sun!” – Perez

Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum

• Price: $$
• Pros: Effective and absorbs quickly
• Cons: Has a floral scent that some online reviewers dislike
• Best for: People with sensitive skin, people who spend a lot of time outdoors, and people looking for cruelty-free certified products

“I’ve always spent a lot of time outside, especially during the summer. Unfortunately, I spent my 20s ignoring the advice to use a daily facial sunscreen, and it’s starting to show up in the form of dry patches, discoloration, and thinning skin. I tried a few retinol products, but they all just irritated my sensitive skin. I use this serum every other night. I noticed results within a week and have yet to experience any irritation from it. It also absorbs really well, so it doesn’t feel heavy on my face, which is a plus on hot nights.” – Morrell

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel

• Price: $$
• Pros: Very effective
• Cons: Messy (Your skin will peel for a week or so after using it.)
• Best for: Anyone who’s active and on their feet a lot or in a line of work where aesthetics are a factor

“Whether you’re on your feet all day at work, participate in athletics, or just love to wear sandals, this peel will have your feet looking like, well, a baby’s. I started out using it once a month for about 3 months to slough off the initial wear and tear. I now maintain the results year-round by using it once every 3 months.” – Catlett

UpCircle Face Mask

• Price: $
• Pros: Clears pores without drying out your skin
• Cons: Hard to wash off
• Best for: People with dry or sensitive skin

“I love clay face masks, but they can sometimes be too drying. This mask is made with moisturizing ingredients, like sunflower seed oil and shea butter, in addition to the kaolin clay, so it doesn’t dry my skin out. It actually tends to sink into my face as it sits, and it doesn’t provide that tight feeling that so many clay masks do. I also love that the packaging is entirely plastic-free and that UpCircle in general has a strong commitment to sustainability.” – Chelsea Logan, Healthline market editor

cocokind Rosewater Facial Toner

• Price: $
• Pros: Hydrating
• Cons: Some people find the scent to be too strong
• Best for: People with dry or sensitive skin

“I love that this replaces some moisture lost after washing my face. It also feels nice and cool, which is especially refreshing on a hot day. Added bonus: It comes in an easily recyclable glass bottle, though the pump top is still plastic.” – Logan

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

• Price: $
• Pros: Chemical-free
• Cons: Has to be reapplied more frequently than chemical insect repellents
• Best for: Anyone looking for DEET alternatives, more natural options, or options that are OK around kids and dogs

“This insect repellant doesn’t use DEET, and I’ve found it to be pretty effective against mosquitoes. I don’t have to worry about putting it on my skin, especially my face and neck, or worrying about it melting my clothes or gear (which can happen with DEET). It also smells nice. And it’s been clinically tested for effectiveness … lemon eucalyptus, natural or man-made, works!” – Abellon