5 On Your Side: The most effective sunscreen to use this summer

Whether you're hitting the beach, mowing the lawn, or tending your garden—don’t forget the sunscreen.

2025-05-08

Consumer Reports just released its exclusive annual sunscreen ratings, testing more than 100 products. 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. In fact, one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime.

But the simple act of putting on sunscreen? That can make all the difference.

“UVB rays primarily cause sunburn, while UVA rays contribute to premature aging," Consumer Reports testing expert Trisha Calvo said. "Both types increase your risk of skin cancer, which remains the most comm on form of cancer in the United States.”

This year, Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 stood out among lotions, earning high marks in both UVA protection and SPF performance.

And if you prefer a spray, Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray SPF 50 came out on top.

Be sure to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. But it's not just about the number. For full protection, you need one that’s labeled broad-spectrum. That means it shields your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.