7 Best SPF 100 Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 06, 2024
SPF 100 Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin Even on the Hottest Days
SPF 100 Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin Even on the Hottest Days
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When you constantly expose your skin to the harsh UV rays without any sunscreen, your skin cells are at the risk of getting damaged which could ultimately result in skin cancer. So, having the best SPF 100 sunscreen for your face in your daily skincare routine is highly recommended. We all know that our sun provides us with the necessary nutrients for us to be healthy, but it also emits UV rays which are very harmful. Our findings show that people with extremely sensitive skin and people who spend a lot of time outdoors are at a greater risk of getting affected by it. The heat from the sun absorbs all the moisture from your body, leaving a dry skin and a high chance of getting a sunburn or black spots. So, using it on a daily basis lets your skin retain its natural moisture and stay healthy. Some of them even also act as an anti-aging lotion owing to their antioxidant ingredients which helps in retaining your skin’s youthfulness.

According to a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rina Allawh, “Damage from UVA/UVB exposure is cumulative throughout one’s lifetime and may increase skin cancer risk. I recommend broad spectrum SPF 100 sunscreens to help provide incremental protection vs. a low SPF number for those with skin prone to burning”. Some people might not see the damages done by these harsh rays, but after a few years, they show up unannounced which makes them difficult to treat.

What Does the SPF 100 Sunscreen do?

Sunscreen provides your skin with a physical layer of protection that absorbs the harmful UV rays and prevents your skin cells from damaging and from issues like from sunburn and tanning. The SPF level in sunscreen is a measurement to gauge how much of the UV rays will be absorbed or reflected away from your skin. Which means, a sunscreen SPF 100 will ward off upto 99.9% of the harmful rays whereas the lower SPF are effective only against 97%.

If you’re reading this article, it means you couldn’t decide which sunscreen to buy and we completely understand you. There is a wide range of brands that you get to choose from but you need only the best ones. So, our team of researchers have put together a list of the 7 best SPF 100 sunscreen that you can buy right now.

7 Best SPF 100 Sunscreens

Made specially for the sport enthusiasts, this spray sunscreen with SPF 100 from Banana Boat is effective against 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays(1). The formula is meticulously designed to stay on your body for a long time. It is lightweight and non-greasy so that you can still retain your flexibility and don’t feel uncomfortable during your activities. With its capability to withstand both water and sweat upto 80 minutes, you can enjoy your sports without worrying about any skin damage. Banana also claims that this is the number 1 sports sunscreen, so definitely give it a try!

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Clinically-proven
  • Breathable-formula
  • Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended
Cons
  • Less quantity
  • Not effective on all skin types
  • Best Face Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Body And Face Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Body And Face Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen
  • La Roche-Posay uses an advanced cell-ox shield technology that ensures that this broad spectrum SPF 100 facial sunscreen is safe to use on all skin types. This technology provides excellent photostable and broad-spectrum protection along with the benefits of antioxidants. The antioxidants are made from senna alata which is a tropical leaf extract to help fight free radicals for an anti-aging effect. The formula also includes Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for a soothing and moisturized skin (2). No wonder it is recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide!

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Allergy-tested
    • Fights free-radicals
    • Non-comedogenic formula
    • Water-resistant upto 80 minutes
    • Paraben-free and Fragrance-free
    • Oxybenzone-free and Octinoxate-free
    Cons
    • Greasy
    • Causes breakouts
  • Best Water-resistant Sunscreen

    Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Spray SPF 100

    Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Spray SPF 100
  • If you are in need of a sunscreen that stays with you through sweat and heat, this 4-in-1 SPF 100 sunscreen from Copperstone is exactly what you need. The 4 key features include providing protection against 99% damaging UVA/UVB rays along with resistance to sweat, heat, and water for upto 80 minutes. It uses a spray-based application that is extremely easy-to-use and can be applied from any angle. According to a study in 2021 by BrandSpark American trust, this Coppertone sunscreen spf 100 was voted as most trusted sunscreen in America. We can vouch for that!

    Pros
    • Moisturizes skin
    • PABA-free and Dye-free
    • Light and breathable formula
    • Oxybenzone-free and Octinoxate-free
    Cons
    • Oily texture
    • Create clumps
    • Doesn’t come off easily
  • Best Kids Sunscreen

    Banana Boat Kids SPF 100 Lotion

    Banana Boat Kids SPF 100 Lotion
  • To protect your kids from the harmful UV rays, you need to cover them up with this kids SPF 100 lotion from Banana Boat. The formula is crafted to be tear-free and sting-free without any alcohol, making it extremely suitable for the younglings’ skin. The lotion is white in color which lets you visibly ensure that your kids are covered thoroughly. It protects them from 99% of the burning rays. It comes in a convenient travel-sized tube that can easily fit in your bag. So, if you’re at the beach or the playground, a little sunscreen just 20-30 minutes before the outdoor activity goes a long way. Our contributor Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator at SENSITIVE SKIN, LLC., says, “Sunscreens specifically formulated for kids with natural ingredients can be safe and effective in protecting their skin from the sun's harmful rays. Opting for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide, is generally considered safer for children's sensitive skin.”

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Fragrance -free
    • Pediatrician-tested
    • Broad-spectrum UVB protection
    • Water-resistant upto 80 minutes
    • Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended
    Cons
    • Too thick
    • Oily texture
  • Best Spray-based Sunscreen

    Panama Jack Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen

    Panama Jack Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen
  • This multi-action formula from Panama Jack provides the desired amount of protection against broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays. It delicately blends antioxidants and moisturizing oils with tropical fragrance for the most effective and relaxing results. It has water-resistant capabilities that lasts upto 80 minutes but you’ll need to reapply as instructed if you want it for longer use. The formula works very efficiently even on delicate skin types. It comes in an easy twist open and closing spray bottle with a dispensing cap.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Coral reef-friendly
    • Retinyl palmitate-free
    • PABA-free and Paraben-free
    • Oxybenzone-free and Octinoxate-free
    Cons
    • Sticky texture
    • Strong fragrance
  • Best Non-greasy Sunscreen

    Panama Jack Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen Lotion

    Panama Jack Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 100 Sunscreen Lotion
  • We’ve got another amazing sunscreen from Panama Jack! Made for all those with an active lifestyle, this powerful sport SPF 100 lotion provides upto 99.9% of broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is non-greasy and crafted to be water-resistant upto 80 minutes for an uninterrupted experience. The formula is very safe to be used on fair and sensitive skin as well. To further solidify safety, the sunscreen is also free from oxybenzone and octinoxate which is known for its allergy-causing nature. This is definitely one of the favorite sunscreens for all sports enthusiasts.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Retinyl palmitate-free
    • PABA-free and Paraben-free
    • Easy-to-grip consumer-friendly bottle
    Cons
    • Greasy
    • Leaves white residue
  • Best Clear Sunscreen

    Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100

    Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
  • This SPF 100 sunscreen lotion from Bare Republic is a clear lotion that becomes invisible by completely blending with your skin. It provides protection against early signs of aging owing to its antioxidant ingredients like grape, carrot-seed, and vitamin E. It has a non-greasy formula that enables a healthy and high-performance protection. With all its features, you can rest assured that this lightweight lotion is going to be easy on your skin but tough on the harmful rays. So, the next time you go out, apply it and forget that it was even there.

    Pros
    • Dye-free
    • Vegan formula
    • No synthetic fragrances
    • Dermatologist-approved
    • Hawaii reef-compliant formula
    • Parabens-free and Phthalates-free
    • Oxybenzone-free and Octinoxate-free
    Cons
    • Strong odor
    • Causes irritation

    Now that you’ve seen our list, let’s take a look at some of the pointers that you need to consider before buying them. After that, we’ll tell you all the benefits of using SPF 100 sunscreen.

    How to Choose a Sunscreen With SPF 100?

    Skin type: Before you try any product that goes on your body, it is absolutely necessary to understand if your skin is sensitive or not. If you have a product that has a strong formula and is not skin-friendly, your skin could have bad allergic reactions. So, sunscreen like La Roche-Posay SPF 100 provides adequate protection for all skin types.

    Ingredients: You need to be on the lookout for ingredients that are harmful in general like oxybenzone, octinoxate, or alcohol which does more damage than good for your skin. But active ingredients like extracts from fruits, leaves, and other natural substances are a great source of antioxidant benefits to delay any early aging signs.

    Formula: Try and choose a formula that retains your freedom of movement when applied. A formula that is smooth and light does not dry up quickly and does not feel heavy when applied. Using a formula that dries up quickly might also prove to be difficult in washing them off. Something like Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 100 is a great choice for that.

    Water-resistance: If you are going to spend a lot of time in water, then you should choose water-resistant sunscreens. Usually, sunscreens allow water-resistance for upto 80 minutes. If you need longer protection, you’ll need to reapply the sunscreen.

    Benefits of SPF 100 Sunscreen

    Studies have proven that SPF 100 sunscreen is far more efficient and provides a superior level of protection against sunburn and other skin diseases(3). Where SPF 30 or 50 protects only 97% of the harmful rays, SPF 100 protects against 99.9%. People who have extremely sensitive skin usually can reap the complete benefits of SPF 100. It prevents sunburns and delays aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.

    Considering the harsh environment that we live in today, skin care is the most fundamental practice that everyone should follow. If all these years you’ve ignored using sunscreen, it is high time to make a habit of using it even if you are busy. It is the only way to keep your skin protected and hydrated from everything around us. So, let your skin breathe easily and experience the best of both worlds - protection from the harmful rays and retain a youthful skin. Go ahead and choose the best SPF 100 sunscreen that you like the most.

    Contributor: Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Senstive Skin LLC.

    FAQ's

    Does 100 SPF sunscreen work on sensitive skin?
    Yes, 100 SPF sunscreens are effective on sensitive skins. Some of the sunscreens products on our list work great on sensitive skins.
    Is SPF 100 sunscreen good?
    Yes, SPF 100 sunscreens are a great way to protect your skin from harsh sunlight.
    How long does SPF 100 sunscreen last?
    Most SPF 100 sunscreens last upto 80 minutes, so you’ll need to reapply if you’re out in the sun longer.
    Is there a difference between SPF 30 and 100?
    Yes, SPF 30 only blocks 97% of the UV rays, whereas SPF 100 protects upto 99.9%
    Is it okay to use SPF 100 everyday?
    Yes, dermatologists recommend that you use SPF 100 sunscreens everyday.
    Can you put SPF 100 on your face?
    Yes, these SPF 100 sunscreens can be applied to the face.
    How long does SPF 100 protect?
    SPF 100 sunscreens provide protection upto 80 minutes.
    How often to reapply sunscreen SPF 100?
    You’ll need to reapply SPF 100 sunscreen every two hours.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    The author, Anoushka Sinha, believes that good skincare practices and the usage of the right products as per your skin type can help us achieve healthy skin in and out. She likes to spend her time meticulously going through each product description, multiple customer testimonials, and various online reviews, before recommending any product. 

    Here, she has brought you a curation of the best SPF 100 sunscreens to help you select the one most suitable for your skin. These are not only easy to use and apply but blend seamlessly in your skin keept it healthy and protected.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More