The Best Face Sunscreens
It can be really tough to find the right facial sunscreen. Many face sunscreens out there are too goopy and thick, leaving you with a pasty white complexion and patches of white cream everywhere. Not a great look. Others don't have a high enough SPF. And still, other sunscreens can cause acne, inflammation, or other skin irritations to crop up. With that said, there are some game-changer sunscreens that glide on smoothly and easily and won't make your skin look like a mess. The sunscreens on this list are weightless, moisturizing, and strong enough to protect your skin from damage-causing UV rays, all day long.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
Acne sufferers, rejoice
Easy to apply and quick to absorb, this beloved sunscreen from EltaMD is highly recommended for those struggling with acne, rosacea, or virtually any other skin condition. It sinks into your skin without leaving your face looking greasy. In fact, this sunscreen creates a pretty, pearly finish when you put it on, almost like you’re wearing a tinted moisturizer or light foundation. Not to mention, this EltaMD sunscreen is rich in antioxidants that protect against harmful free radicals and prevent inflammation in the skin.
Pros:
- Good at calming and protecting skin that’s prone to acne and discoloration
- Contains niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties
- Lightweight and oil-free
- Sinks into skin easily and leaves a nice-looking finish
Cons:
- The bottle is fairly small
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
Convenience in a bottle
Boasting the best broad-spectrum coverage and full-scale antioxidant protection, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios tinted sunscreen also gives your face a touch of color and a lovely, healthy-looking glow. It’s ideal for those who prefer to wear some form of coverage, like foundation or concealer, on a regular basis, since it helps to even out skin tone and refine your complexion. This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is suitable to wear underneath your makeup, and it’s great for even the most sensitive skin types.
Pros:
- Pigmented enough to be the only thing you need to put on your face for a no-muss, no-fuss makeup day
- Nourishing yet lightweight
- Dries to a matte finish
- Contains a great combo of antioxidants and titanium dioxide, which means it’s preventative and helps repair free radical damage from past sun exposure
Cons:
- Might not be the best shade for darker skin tones
Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen for Face and Body
Slather it on
Water-resistant, fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog pores), chock-full of antioxidants and moisturizing natural extracts, the Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 sunscreen pretty much does it all. In addition to protecting your face from UV rays, this Supergoop sunscreen has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, thanks to the sunflower, rosemary leaf, and rice bran extracts it contains. It blends in seamlessly into the skin in mere seconds, leaving zero chalky residue behind. Basically, it’s the ideal everyday sunscreen.
Pros:
- Hydrating yet lightweight
- Doesn’t leave a sticky residue
- Great anti-inflammatory properties
- Made with natural extracts (citrus, basil, and bois de rose), so you won’t get that typical sunscreen odor
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 70+
Break a sweat
Athletes and outdoorsy types, take note: this sunscreen from Neutrogena may be your best bet for serious SPF protection. This hardy sunscreen resists water, rubbing, wiping, and sweating, so you can ensure that it stays on throughout your workout. It’s also formulated with unique Helioplex technology, which features an electrolyte complex that helps hydrate and restore the skin’s natural balance. Plus, this Neutrogena sunscreen is oil-free and PABA-free, so it won’t cause breakouts.
Pros:
- Great at resisting wear-off from sweat, a crucial component of any athlete’s sunscreen
- Also ideal for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, since it’s lightweight and oil-free
Cons:
- Leaves a slightly shiny (not matte) sheen on your face
Coola Mineral Face Matte Moisturizer SPF 30
Protect and moisturize
The Coola Mineral Face Matte Moisturizer SPF 30 delivers a burst of hydration and antioxidants to the skin while offering sun protection and helping to control shine throughout the day. It’s a skincare powerhouse, and though it works well with most skin types, this Coola sunscreen is perfect for those who need a little extra moisture boost in their lives. It also provides a sheer hint of coverage and smooths over the look of fine lines and pores, much like a BB cream, primer, or foundation does.
Pros:
- Super moisturizing
- Ingredients like organic rosehip oil and evening primrose oil help to improve skin tone and texture, while soothing any irritation or redness
- Makes skin look creamier, more supple, and more even
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Maybe not the best SPF for oily skin, since it contains a slew of oil-based, moisturizing properties
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to wear sunscreen?
Really and truly, the only way to protect your complexion from the sun is to wear sunscreen every single day, rain or shine. Make SPF part of everyday your morning skincare ritual if you want to get the best long-term benefits when it comes to cancer prevention and anti-aging protection.
Should I re-apply my sunscreen throughout the day?
If you’re outside for extended periods of time, you should re-apply your face (and body) sunscreen at least every two hours. Yes, we know that sounds a bit extreme, but the damage is real. It accumulates, and over time, you’ll regret not being more diligent with your sunscreen habits.
What do I need to look for in a sunscreen if I have acne-prone or otherwise troubled skin?
If you struggle with acne, try an SPF with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active SPF ingredients; these provide broad-spectrum protection by deflecting the sun’s rays. This in turn helps to keep the skin cooler, which is helpful for acne and sensitive skin that’s easily inflamed.
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