There’s no denying the importance of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it covers a range of needs, like sun protection and wrinkle prevention. Whether you’re using chemical sunscreen or a mineral one, there are some things to keep in mind. “Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone must be absorbed into the skin before they can protect us from the sun’s radiation,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers. “These ingredients protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, and then converting them into heat that is released from the skin.”
Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) shield the skin using natural sun-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “They sit on top of your skin and block the sun like reflectors,” says Rogers. Differences aside, both are effective forms of sun protection that should be used regularly. Rogers recommends using broad spectrum SPF coverage of 30 or greater, to defend powerfully enough against both types of ultraviolet rays.
Sunscreen has a reputation of feeling heavy on the skin, but there are plenty of options that feel so good that you might not even realize you’re wearing it. Ahead, find some of the best face sunscreens, including picks that are highly recommended by Rogers and other dermatologists.
- Best Face Sunscreen Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
- Best Face Sunscreen For Dark Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
- Best Drugstore Sunscreen For Face: Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
- Best Face Sunscreen For All Skin Tones: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- Best Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
- Best Face Sunscreen For Athletes: EleVen By Venus Williams On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
- Best Tinted Face Sunscreen: Glo Skin Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30
- Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Oil-Free SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
- Best Face Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin: Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Best Face Sunscreen To Wear Under Makeup: Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 Sunscreen
- Best Face Sunscreen For Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Face Sunscreen Overall
A Formula That Won’t Weigh You Down
LA-based dermatologist Dr. Onyeka Obioha recommends this broad spectrum sunscreen as a go-to. “It’s a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing sunscreen,” she says. What’s more, this formula works well with all skin types.
Best Face Sunscreen For Dark Skin
A Brush-On Powder That’s Perfect For Applying On The Go
This powder sunscreen from Colorscience is a great option if you want some coverage but don’t want to apply a full face of foundation. “Since it’s tinted, it won’t leave a white hue on your face and blends easily into the skin,” says Obioha.
Best Drugstore Sunscreen For Face
A Water-Resistant SPF Stick
You’ll be able to stay cool and dry for up to 80 minutes with this water-resistant formula. “It’s a stick sunscreen that works well in hot weather. You don’t have to worry about the sunscreen dripping into your eye when sweating,” says Obioha.
Best Face Sunscreen For All Skin Tones
A Transparent Formula With A Primer-Like Finish
True to its name, Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen goes on clear, so you won’t have to worry about it leaving any white or gray hue on your face. “It has a really soft and smooth finish and works perfectly as a primer for your foundation or tinted moisturizer,” says Obioha.
Best Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
A Non-Irritating Option With SPF 50
Best Face Sunscreen For Athletes
A Mineral Sunscreen That Doesn’t Feel Heavy
Venus Williams’ On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 works universally on all skin tones and skin types. “It wears light and won’t aggravate your pores or cause excess sweating,” says Rogers. It also packs a high dose of zinc oxide (25%) and blends into the skin for a soft, matte finish.
Best Tinted Face Sunscreen
SPF-Infused Makeup That Evens Out The Complexion
“I love this new 3-in-1 formula from Glo Skin Beauty. It serves as a daily moisturizer, sunscreen and lightweight mineral makeup in one,” says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. Not only is it packed with vitamin C to help protect against free radicals, it also offers reef-safe SPF 30 protection and anti-aging benefits. “It’s hydrating enough to take the place of your moisturizer (unless you have very dry skin), and it comes in 10 sheer, flexible tints that blur imperfections and also give skin a hint of dewy radiance,” she says.
Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin
A Lightweight Mineral Option That Doesn’t Leave A White Cast
La Roche-Posay’s face sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to keeps pores clear and provide a physical defense against UV rays. It won’t leave a white cast and wears ultra-light despite providing such good protection from the sun.
Best Face Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin
A Double-Duty Sunscreen With Blue Light Protection
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shuting Hu recommends this mineral sunscreen for both indoors and outdoors. “It protects your skin not only from UVA and UVB rays but blue light damage as well. It’s a really lightweight, non-oily and breathable formula that will work well for those who have acne-prone skin,” says Hu.
Best Face Sunscreen To Wear Under Makeup
An SPF That Makes The Perfect Base For Makeup
“If you are looking for sunscreen to wear under makeup, look for one that does not contain avobenzone. This ingredient does not pair well with zinc oxide, which is usually found in makeup. And together, they can decrease protection efficacy,” says Hu. This is an ultra-lightweight SPF that leaves a beautiful finish on the skin.
Best Face Sunscreen For Dry Skin
A Sunscreen That Provides Around-The-Clock Hydration
Hu says this SPF is lightweight and helps skin feel balanced, comfortable and hydrated (for up to 24 hours). “It is formulated with antarcticine, which is a glycoprotein proven to help protect against extreme weather conditions, making this perfect for those with dry skin,” she says.
What Is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. “It’s an indication of how long the product protects you from sunburn. So if someone burns in 10 minutes without protection, adding on SPF 30 will protect you 30 times longer, up to 300 mins. This is presuming that the right amount is applied and reapplication is happening,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, who recommends applying a nickel-sized amount.
What SPF Do Dermatologists Recommend For The Face?
For daily wear, dermatologists recommend SPF 30, and at least SPF 50 or more if you’re going to be spending time outside in direct sunlight. “Studies show that higher SPF levels provide more protection than lower levels, so it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sun protection,” says Engelman.
Should You Use Sunscreen On Your Face Daily?
You should apply sunscreen daily, even if you don’t plan on spending long amounts of time outside. “We are constantly being exposed to UV rays from the sun and other external aggressors, even when we are indoors or under cloud cover,” says Engelman. As a result, small amounts of sun exposure can accumulate over time, so it’s important to protect yourself.
