Protect your skin from UV rays with these 7 best sunscreens
By Afina NajibFeb 14, 2024
A good sunscreen is essential for a day out in the sun as it can minimize the risk of skin cancer. Find one that suits you from our list.
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Protect your most important asset with the best sunscreen for face
From moisturizing lotions to lightweight emulsions, these are the best sunscreens for faces to protect your skin and face.
Without a doubt, the best sunscreen for your face is the one you’ll actually use. So, it makes sense to find one you like to make sure you apply it liberally every day. There are thousands of options out there to protect your complexion and address virtually every skin concern, from sensitivity issues to breakouts.
What are the key things to look for in your search for the best facial sunscreen? Make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. It should also provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and meet your personal preferences for formula and cost.
No matter what type of sunscreen you need, we’ve got you covered (literally). From chemical-free balms to residue-free creams and pricey options to affordable ones, we’ve found the best sunscreens to protect your skin.
Read more: Reduce wrinkles and fight sun damage with vitamin C serums
Best daily face sunscreen
Specifications:
SPF: 50
Type of sunscreen: Mineral
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, silica, mineral-rich spring water
Water resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes
Pros & Cons
Good for sensitive skin
Easy to apply
Tint is very sheer
Can sting eyes
This sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is self-care (and cutting-edge science) in a bottle. It’s the perfect choice to use every day to take care of your face.
With a light tint for healthy, glowing skin, this 100% mineral sunscreen uses titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum protection. In addition, its antioxidant complex protects skin from the free radicals, which are caused by UV rays, and lead to fine lines and signs of aging.
Its weightless, oil-free formula soaks in and dries quickly, leaving a soft matte finish. Perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, it has been allergy-tested and won’t clog pores. This advanced formula is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and has been verified as safe by dermatologists.
Clear residue-free winner
Specifications:
SPF: 30
Type of sunscreen: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Water resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes
Pros & Cons
Broad spectrum
Moisturizes dry skin
Slow to dry
Some reviewers don’t like the dewy finish
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF30 is a terrific choice for people who despise the tell-tale white cast that comes from sunscreen that simply won’t rub in. This thick, lightly scented cream formula doesn’t immediately melt into your skin. But, with a little rubbing, it absorbs fully, leaving your skin looking fresh and dewy.
It’s infused with jojoba, avocado and aloe vera to nourish and moisturize, making it perfect for dry skin sufferers. The sunscreen’s formula is heavy enough to hydrate skin without being too greasy. It also wears well under makeup to provide broad-range protection without feeling heavy.
Affordable choice for everyday use
Specifications:
SPF: 50
Type of sunscreen: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Water resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes
Pros & Cons
Cost-effective protection
Designed for face and body
May feel greasy on skin
Some didn’t care for the scent
Supergoop’s lotion is one of the best sunscreens for everyday use. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, sitting nearly invisibly on the skin. With bulk buying options, including an 18-ounce pump bottle, this is an affordable alternative to pricier brands. It’s also designed to protect both your face and body, doubling the bang for your buck.
It has a light, fresh scent and absorbs quickly without stinging, feeling sticky or leaving a white residue. Supergoop Play is good for all skin types and boasts nourishing ingredients like sunflower and rosemary leaf extracts. Active families will love this, too, as the high-performance formula resists sweat and is waterproof for up to 80 minutes.
Hydrating for dry skin
Specifications:
SPF: 30
Type of sunscreen: Mineral
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Water resistant: No
Pros & Cons
Dries without feeling sticky
Goes on smoothly
Universal tint may not flatter some skin tones
May stain clothes
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, CeraVe’s Hydrating Mineral sunscreen is excellent for dry skin and a good sunscreen for your face. It’s packed with moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid, ceramides to boost the skin’s layers and niacinamide to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
This sunscreen is dermatologist-tested, oil- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. That makes it an excellent choice for people with acne or sensitive skin. With this lightly tinted sunscreen, you’ll notice a more even skin tone with no annoying white cast
Best for acne
Specifications:
SPF: 46
Type of sunscreen: Mineral
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
Water resistant: No
Pros & Cons
Not stick or tacky
Gentle on sensitive skin
May cause dryness
Some users thought it had a medicinal scent
A dermatologist favorite, EltaMD’s Clear Face sunscreen is recommended for people with acne-prone skin and other conditions, like rosacea. Not only does it provide broad-spectrum protection, but it also reduces the appearance of breakouts and pigmentation.
One of the best non-greasy sunscreens, this oil-control option won’t clog pores or leave a white cast. The fragrance-free, niacinamide-rich formula reduces inflammation, helping avoid rosacea flares and other skin irritation. It also dries fast and leaves a transparent zinc oxide finish
Highest SPF protection
Specifications:
SPF: 70
Type of sunscreen: Chemical
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Water resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes
Pros & Cons
Not sticky or greasy
High SPF protection
Not the most moisturizing
May leave a white film on darker skin tones
With the highest SPF on our list, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen packs a lot of protection. Not only does it provide broad-spectrum coverage with Helioplex Technology, it also absorbs fast and dries down quickly, leaving a shine-free finish.
It’s formulated to keep pores clear and is PABA-free to avoid irritation. Perfect for people with normal skin, this lightweight sunscreen has a fresh scent and non-greasy texture, which won’t leave a white cast. For the price per ounce, this sunscreen from Neutrogena is also one of the more affordable options on our list.
Best for mature skin
Specifications:
SPF: 50
Type of sunscreen: Mineral
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Water resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes
Pros & Cons
Formulated for mature skin
Lightweight and quick drying
More expensive than other options
Some reviewers complain of a white residue
This ISDIN PHOTO sunscreen is definitely on the pricier side, but it’s worth it for mature skin. It provides the best SPF with broad-spectrum coverage for skin with actinic damage, or skin that has been hurt by the sun.
The ultra-light emulsion spreads easily and absorbs quickly for a natural finish. It’s also got DNA Repairsomes, plus antioxidants, to soothe and heal skin. This formula is made specifically for people with wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and reduced skin elasticity, all caused by sun damage.
It’s an excellent choice for people who are already dealing with sun-damaged skin because it provides a barrier against new damage and helps repair old sun damage.
What is the best sunscreen brand for faces?
The best sunscreen brand for you is a personal choice based on a variety of factors, including your skin type, complexion, formula and price point. But, the most important consideration is choosing the best SPF for your face, which dermatologists say should be at least SPF 30 to protect against skin cancer. Find a brand that meets all your needs, and use it every day.
What is the best facial sunscreen for older skin?
As we age, it’s important to change sunscreens to tailor them to the unique requirements of older skin. For example, sunscreen for a 25-year-old is probably not ideal for someone in their 50s. Finding a broad-spectrum formula that is gentle, nourishing and antioxidant-rich will help mature skin shine.
Our choice for the best face sunscreen
All the sunscreens on our list provide excellent protection against the sun’s damaging rays. If we had to choose two that we’d trust to care for our skin every day, these would be our favorites:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50: This antioxidant-rich sunscreen is excellent protection for virtually every age and suits all skin types and tones. We also love the light tint that gives us a healthy, natural glow.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46: EltaMD is specially formulated to provide gentle, non-irritating coverage to protect even the most sensitive skin from sun damage. It provides just the right amount of hydration, while keeping pores clear, and dries to a matte finish.
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Prices updated on 02/20/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Leah Steinberg
A self-described “frugalist,” Leah Steinberg loves a deal. As a former reporter turned educational researcher turned shopping expert, she regularly falls down the rabbit hole searching for discounts. Based in Atlanta, Leah enjoys her family and food.
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