The Best Smelling Sunscreens of 2024: Chosen by an Esthetician

As an esthetician focused on skin health and protection, I’m always on the lookout for sunscreens that not only provide effective UV protection, but also have a pleasant scent. While scent might seem secondary to SPF level, it can actually play an important role in whether people use sunscreen consistently. If a sunscreen smells bad or too strongly of chemicals, you might be tempted to skip applications. That’s why I think the best sunscreens pair protection with a scent you enjoy wearing daily.

In this blog post, I’ll highlight my top picks for the best smelling sunscreens of 2024. I evaluated dozens of formulas with factors like scent, texture, protection level, and ingredients in mind. Whether you prefer fresh and clean scents or tropical coconut vibes, you’re sure to find an option you love.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Before diving into the best smelling sunscreen picks, I want to emphasize why sunscreen is non-negotiable in the first place. Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin aging, causing fine lines, dark spots, loss of elasticity and firmness over time. And of course, we all know too much sun also raises skin cancer risks significantly.

By regularly applying sunscreen, you prevent future skin damage and protect the health of your skin long-term. Most dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin whenever you’re outside.

Sunscreen forms an invisible shield to reflect and absorb UV rays before they penetrate deep into skin. Without it, you’re vulnerable to burns, DNA damage, and accelerated aging.

The Appeal of Best-smelling Sunscreens

Now that we’ve covered why sunscreen is non-negotiable for skin health, let’s get into why scent matters, too. While most people know they “should” wear sunscreen, actually making it a daily habit can be tough.

Having a sunscreen with a pleasant, inoffensive scent goes a long way. It makes sunscreen feel less clinical and more like a self-care product you want to apply. One with a tropical coconut, citrus, or floral scent transports you to the beach or spa every time you smooth it on.

The best smelling sunscreens don’t just smell great on application, either. The scent also lingers pleasantly on skin without feeling overpowering or synthetic. When sunscreen has a clean, fresh fragrance, you almost look forward to applying it as part of your morning routine.

So without further ado, keep reading for my top sunscreen scent picks for 2024!

Top Picks for Best-smelling Sunscreens

Coola 70% Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray

My first best-smelling sunscreen pick is Coola’s 70% Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray. This SPF 50 formula contains 70% certified organic ingredients paired with a light, refreshing scent.

What I love about the Coola Scent: It has bright, clean notes of citrus, pineapple, and coconut water. The fruity-floral aroma reminds me of a tropical cocktail or beach vacation every time I spray it on. It’s vibrant without ever being overpowering.

A few other reasons I love this sunscreen: the continuous spray makes application super easy and fast. The formula contains nutrient-rich ingredients like evening primrose and linseed oils to nourish skin while protecting it. And it offers broad spectrum protection that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

If you want an effortlessly scented sunscreen that feels like a mini escape to the tropics with every use, Coola’s organic spray fits the bill!

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Up next is a sunscreen brand that’s won a cult following for its beachy scents – Sun Bum. Their Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion features their signature coconut fragrance that transports you right to the shore.

What I love about the Sun Bum Scent: This classic coconut sunscreen scent is warm, tropical, and instantly uplifting. The lush coconut aroma reminds me of piña coladas, palm trees, and ocean breezes. It’s a vibrant, happy scent that lingers pleasantly after application without ever going overboard.

A few other reasons I reach for Sun Bum’s lotion: the rich formula leaves skin silky without greasiness. It contains nourishing ingredients like coconut and banana boat oils along with aloe vera. And it provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection that’s water resistant for 80 minutes.

If you can’t get enough of that vacation-in-a-bottle coconut scent, Sun Bum’s original lotion is sure to be your new favorite sunscreen.

Australian Gold INSTANT BRONZER SPRAY GEL SUNSCREEN – SPF 40

Bronzing sunscreens provide sun protection and a gorgeous glow all at once – and Australian Gold’s formula takes the tropical scent up a notch.

What I love about the Australian Gold Scent: This sunscreen features a mouthwatering tropical blend of mango, guava, and passionfruit. Just one spritz leaves skin shimmering and scented like an island smoothie. The fruity aroma is vibrant and playful.

Beyond the sensory experience, I’m impressed with this sunscreen’s broad spectrum SPF 40 protection and instant bronzing results. The fast-drying spray gel formula blends effortlessly without feeling sticky or tacky.

If you want sun protection and sunkissed radiance in one easy step, Australian Gold’s bronzer is a stellar choice. And the juicy fruit scent will have you looking forward to application instead of dreading it!

Hawaiian Tropic Silk HYDRATION Lotion Sunscreen – SPF 30

No roundup of best smelling sunscreens would be complete without the OG tropical brand, Hawaiian Tropic. Their popular Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen delivers signature coconut scent and nourishing hydration.

What I love about the Hawaiian Tropic Scent: This is coconut sunscreen scent at its best – creamy, warm, and totally transportive. Imagine the smell of cracked open coconuts with an undertone of vanilla. Every application leaves skin scented like an island getaway.

Reasons beyond the scent I recommend this formula: Hawaiian Tropic’s lotion contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and silk proteins to leave skin soft and supple. The broad spectrum SPF 30 protection holds up to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. And the creamy texture blends easily without greasiness.

For a beloved coconut sunscreen scent that goes on silky and hydrating, Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration lotion is a winner.

alba BOTANICA hawaiian sunscreen

Up next is a budget-friendly sunscreen brand that offers protection with a tropical twist. Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Sunscreen line features

Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Sunscreen line features island-inspired scents using botanical ingredients. Their mineral sunscreen lotions provide reef-safe SPF options at an affordable price point.

What I love about the Alba Botanica Scent: This mineral sunscreen features a blend of lush botanicals like jasmine flower, plumeria, and tropical plant extracts. The white floral aroma reminds me of Hawaiian leis with a hint of fruit. It’s a vacation for your senses!

Beyond the sensory experience, I appreciate Alba Botanica’s commitment to reef-safe formulas free of chemicals that harm marine life. Their SPF 45 lotion shields skin with non-nano zinc oxide in a nourishing coconut oil base.

If you want an affordable mineral sunscreen with a floral-fruit fusion scent, Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian formula is a great choice. And it leaves

skin smooth without white residue or greasiness.

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion – SPF 50

When it comes to protection from UV rays, you can’t go wrong with Supergoop. Their PLAY Everyday Lotion packs ultra-hydrating ingredients with SPF 50 in a clean, refreshing scent.

What I love about the Supergoop Scent: This sunscreen has bright, crisp notes of citrus and beachy woods. It reminds me of ocean breezes and tropical getaways in the best way – never overbearing. The clean fragrance simply makes you feel good.

Beyond the sensory experience, I’m a huge fan of the formula itself. It combines SPF 50 protection with nourishing ingredients like sunflower extract, cocoa butter, and ceramides. The rich lotion texture absorbs quickly leaving skin soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.

If you want a sunscreen with a light scent that makes you feel invigorated and ready for fun in the sun, Supergoop’s PLAY lotion is it.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for You

Factors to Consider

With so many excellent best smelling sunscreens out there, how do you choose? Here are a few key factors I recommend keeping in mind:

• Skin type – Consider options tailored to dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin so the formula works with your skin.
• Texture – Look for lotions, creams, gels, sprays etc. depending on your preference for application and feel on skin.
• Activities – If you’ll be active outdoors in water or sweat, choose a water/sweat-resistant formula that can hold up.
• SPF level – Aim for broad spectrum protection of SPF 30 at minimum for daily use. Go higher if you’ll be outside for extended periods.
• Ingredients – Study the active and inactive ingredients to avoid any common irritants and to get desired benefits like antioxidants etc.

Pay attention to when and how you’ll use sunscreen, too. Do you need something fast-absorbing for applying over makeup? Waterproof for beach days? Reef safe for ocean adventures? Make sure to choose the right sunscreen for your needs and environment.

Most importantly, find a scent you genuinely enjoy! You’ll be much more likely to use sunscreen every day if you love the way it smells and feels.

Application and Usage Tips

Once you’ve selected the best smelling sunscreen for your needs, be sure to apply it correctly to get the full protective benefits:

• Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin, especially easily missed spots like ears and scalp.
• Rub sunscreen in thoroughly until it disappears instead of sitting on top of skin.
• Reapply at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming/sweating.
• Layer SPF-containing makeup/skincare over your sunscreen for added protection.
• Don’t forget sunglasses and protective clothing for fully shielding skin.

Sunscreen works best when used properly and regularly as part of your daily skincare routine. So don’t just save it for beach days; wear it whenever you head outside year-round!

Conclusion

Importance of Sun Protection

I hope this roundup of the best smelling sunscreens of 2024 gave you some appealing options to consider. As a reminder, please don’t underestimate the importance of daily SPF use for skin health!

Unprotected sun exposure is the #1 cause of skin aging and damage. It also significantly raises your risk of developing skin cancer over your lifetime. Protect yourself