Sunscreen
Coppertone WaterBabies Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
The only sunscreen with a perfect overall score in Consumer Reports' 2026 tests, which check the SPF and UVA protection a lotion actually delivers. It's also one of the cheapest.
Worth knowing
- Despite the baby branding, it's an ordinary chemical-filter lotion (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene) that works for adults.
- Fragrance is listed among the inactive ingredients on the drug facts label.
In the US, look for SPF 30 or higher and "broad spectrum" on the label, which means it was tested for UVA as well as UVB. The FDA's floor is SPF 15; reapply every two hours.
What we ruled out
Choosing on price or brand. Independent tests keep failing expensive brands and passing cheap lotions: in the UK, Which? failed £8 bottles while £2.49 to £3.29 own-brand lotions passed; in the US, Consumer Reports' only perfect score in 2026 went to a lotion under $9.
SPF 15 daily moisturizers. SPF 15 meets the FDA's minimum, but people apply far less than the tested amount, so SPF 30 or higher leaves a margin.
Also good
Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray SPF 50. Consumer Reports' top spray in 2026, at about $16. Sprays are easy to under-apply, so a lotion stays the default.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 face sunscreen. Consumer Reports' top face sunscreen in 2026, at about $20. Light enough to wear daily under make-up.
Sources
- 3 sunscreens fail Which? tests, but we've also found some great value options, Which? (2024)
- Consumer Reports rates the best sunscreens of 2026, News4JAX (reporting Consumer Reports) (2026)
- Best sunscreens for summer 2026, according to Consumer Reports, Quartz (reporting Consumer Reports) (2026)
- Tips to stay safe in the sun: from sunscreen to sunglasses, US Food and Drug Administration (2026)