I’m pretty fussy about sunscreen, so I put it through some stringent tests. For starters, it must have an SPF of 30 or greater and be a non-greasy sunscreen that is compatible with my combination complexion. I had never considered the scent previously, but while traveling lately, I discovered Vacation’s Classic Lotion and was blown away by how lovely it smelled. Prior to this, I was unaware that sunscreens could smell so good because most of them had the same distinct (and occasionally overbearing) fragrance. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to locate more options, which led me to create this list of the seven best-smelling sunscreens of 2024.
How I Chose the Best-Smelling Sunscreens
As a beauty editor (and a fan of skin protection), I’ve tried a lot of sunscreens, so I’m very comfortable sharing a couple of my faves that I’ve personally tried, tested, and loved. I also asked a couple PureWow editors for product recommendations. From there, I looked at the important ingredients, SPF count, and, of course, particular scent notes for each sunscreen on this list. Discover the best-smelling sunscreens in 2024.
1. Vacation Classic Lotion
I took this sunscreen on a cruise a few weeks ago, and I was definitely withholding it from the rest of my family because it was so excellent. The texture is lightweight and spreads well on my skin, leaving no white cast. It contains coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, niacinamide, and vitamin E, which assist to maintain moisture, protect my skin, and leave me with a sun-kissed shine. Let me tell you, the Caribbean sun was cruel, but I was confident that this sunscreen, with its SPF 30, would protect my skin—and it did. Putting the formula aside,It’s one of the most pleasant-smelling sunscreens out there. With key notes of coconut and banana, it increased my vacation vibes, and I plan to use it all summer long.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: coconut, banana
- Key Ingredients: coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, niacinamide, vitamin E
- Promising Review: “I love the original vacation lotion! It smells of coconut and Miami sunshine.
2. Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse
Another vacation favorite that our editors enjoy is the Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse. Its distinct formula promises a “lighter-than-air” sensation that is water-resistant, lightweight, and invisible on the skin. The recipe, which contains coconut oil, shea oil, and banana extract, hydrates and smoothes the skin while also providing vitamin E and aloe vera to soothe and repair any sun-exposed areas. It smells similar to the original (think coconut and banana), but it stands out for its charming design, which resembles a can of whipped cream.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: coconut, banana
- Key Ingredients: coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, shea oil, vitamin E
- Promising Review: “This viral whipped cream-esque sunscreen isn’t just fun to apply, but it smells divine too. I’d consider this summer in a can—infused with coconut milk, water, banana, swimsuit lycra, sea salt, bergamot—all of the classic elements of a kick ass summer are bottled in this sunscreen. Classic Whip is one of my go-to lotions for sunny days and you might just want a bite, too.”
3. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion
If you want to brighten your sun-kissed complexion, this sunscreen lotion should be on your radar. The product contains mango fruit extract and shea butter, which condition and soften your skin while providing a radiant finish. It’s also known for being non-greasy and providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with SPF 70. Additionally, the subtle tropical aroma is not overbearing.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: mango
- Key Ingredients: mango fruit extract, shea butter
- Promising Review: “Sweet plumeria and fresh coconut are the ingredients behind Hawaiian Tropic’s signature scent that we all know and love. It’s creamy and delicious that I’m transported to a remote island full of sun and sand. It leaves my skin glowy and dewy and it’s the perfect way to stay smooth under the hot summer rays.”
4. Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion
According to our editors, this Sun Bum lotion smells like vacation in a bottle, with overtones of coconut and banana. Destinee Scott, Associate Sales and Deals Editor, was so impressed with the aroma that she changed her entire skincare routine, saying, “Sun Bum is so amazing! The scent of bananas is quite intoxicating… Two summers ago, I was so obsessed that I changed all of my skincare to Sun Bum just to have something to look forward to every morning (oh, the smell that transports me back to vacation days!).Aside from its delightful fragrance, the sunscreen also delivers on moisturizing and protecting the skin. It has a SPF 50 and is loaded with vitamin E, which is known for evening out skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: coconut, banana
- Key Ingredients: vitamin E
- Promising Review: “Sun Bum is my standby—it smells like a combination of coconut and banana that instantly reminds me of vacation. It doesn’t hurt that the lotion is non-greasy and feels hydrating on summer skin. I think I went through two tubes of the SPF 50 when I was in Hawaii.
5. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
Katherine Gillen, Senior Food Editor, recommends this chemical sunscreen that has a serum-like feel without any greasiness or white cast. The water-based solution contains encapsulated chemical blockers such as avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate, which protect against UVA/UVB rays and make it more absorbent upon application. It also contains antioxidants (such as vitamin E, vitamin P, and aloe leaf extract) to help neutralize free radicals. Because of its transparent hue, it’s ideal for layering with or without makeup. Another reason Gillen likes it is its delicate flowery and citrus fragrance.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: sweet orange
- Key Ingredients: active microcapsules, H2O, antioxidants
- Promising Review: “I’ve been a fan of Glossier for years now but haven’t gotten around to trying out their sunscreen. I picked this up recently and I have to say, I’m a big fan. It absorbs really well into the skin after cleansing and gave me a flawless base. I noticed my skin was super dewy and I was shocked that it was from the sunscreen! It did not leave a cast and I did not experience any pilling on the skin after application. I don’t mind the scent too much, in fact it brings back such nostalgic memories of being at the pool or beach!” — Sephora Reviewer
6. Kopari Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz swears by this best-smelling sunscreen, which combines the tropical fragrances of guava, mango, and coconut. It contains a blend of macadamia and hibiscus oils that reduce UV sensitivity and restore dry skin while also providing SPF 45 protection. The recipe also contains vitamin E to provide further protection against environmental stresses, as well as avocado and coconut oil to increase hydration. The rose gold mica shimmer is the icing on top, giving your skin an instant radiant glow.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: guava mango, coconut
- Key Ingredients: macadamia oil, vitamin E, avocado oil, coconut oil
- Promising Review: “This sunscreen is a coconut dream! The coconut scent is light and bright (not at all overpowering), which I can only assume is because of its blend of grounding macadamia and floral hibiscus oil. It makes me wish I was sipping a piña colada on the sandy beaches in Mexico (le sigh). My favorite part is that I’m left with the most gorgeous, shimmery and moisturized skin. Seriously…the gold pearlescent minerals will make your skin glow like no other without leaving you in a greasy mess.”
7. Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray Sunscreen
I already loved Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream and Body Fragrance Mist, so I was excited to try their sunscreen. The spray version provides adequate protection with SPF 50 and leaves your skin with a natural gloss. It contains coconut water to moisturize my skin, niacinamide to brighten and level out my complexion, and pongamia seed extract, which is high in antioxidants that help protect and prevent UV damage. It’s also one of the most pleasant-smelling sunscreens I’ve ever used, with notes of coconut, vanilla, amber, and ylang-ylang.
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: coconut, ylang ylang, vanilla, amber
- Key Ingredients: macadamia oil, vitamin E, avocado oil, coconut oil
- Promising Review: “This sunscreen is a coconut dream! The coconut scent is light and bright (not at all overpowering), which I can only assume is because of its blend of grounding macadamia and floral hibiscus oil. It makes me wish I was sipping a piña colada on the sandy beaches in Mexico (le sigh). My favorite part is that I’m left with the most gorgeous, shimmery and moisturized skin. Seriously…the gold pearlescent minerals will make your skin glow like no other without leaving you in a greasy mess.”
