Face sunscreen quick picks
Mineral face sunscreen: Andalou Naturals Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30
Face sunscreen for dry skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
Face sunscreen for acne-prone skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Water-resistant face sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Tinted face sunscreen: Supergoop! Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
While the world of skin care is highly personal, there’s one step that dermatologists agree everyone should be doing: applying sunscreen to your face. Practicing sun safety is about finding the product that works for you — one that you’ll actually apply (and reapply) daily and works with your lifestyle, whether that be a tinted formula that can double as makeup or a sweat-resistant lotion that will keep you protected during workouts.
And sunscreen isn’t just about skin care — it’s about your health. The filters in sunscreen protect us from UVA and UVB rays. “UVA rays are generally linked to the aging of skin cells and tend to be the cause of wrinkles, sunspots and other signs of sun damage,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “UVB rays, on the other hand, are the principal cause of sunburns, directly damage DNA in skin cells and are linked to most skin cancers.”
Ahead, we explore 35 game-changing sunscreens loved by dermatologists across the country and answer your questions about mineral versus chemical SPFs and how to choose the right sunscreen for you.
Editor’s favorite face sunscreen
Guarding against broad-spectrum UVA, UVB and HEV blue light, this mineral sunscreen is from a dermatologist-founded brand and is a favorite of associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw. The pinkish tint allows the zinc-oxide-based sunscreen to blend in sheer, without the bluish tint associated with many mineral sunscreens. It has a silky texture that is lightweight and wears beautifully under makeup.
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen is a popular choice for its completely sheer finish and primer-like feel. It’s especially good for oily skin, “as it absorbs easily, leaving a clear, natural finish,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “It not only offers protection against UVA/UVB rays but also contains red algae that may offer protection against blue light.”
Light and hydrating, this dermatologist-recommended K-beauty sunscreen gives a soft glow to the skin. Shaw is a repeat buyer of the formula, which protects the skin without adding any weight. It’s perfect for wearing under makeup.
Since the Korean sunscreen above can be tricky to find online (it tends to sell out), Shaw recommends this ultra-light mineral sunscreen as an alternative. It has a similar feel on the skin, coming in a light serum that blends into the skin in seconds and leaves behind a moisturized, dewy glow.
This color-shifting SPF transforms from white to your natural skin tone as you blend it in. It honestly feels as magical as it sounds the first time you experience it. More than just a gimmick, you get broad-spectrum protection and a medium-coverage tint that enhances the complexion.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
“Mineral sunscreens refer to sunscreens that contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that physically block UV rays, reflecting and scattering the UV rays from the skin surface, as opposed to chemical sunscreens that absorb the UV rays and convert them to heat,” Garshick says.
Typically, mineral sunscreens are a good way to go for those with sensitive skin, as she notes that chemical sunscreen ingredients may be irritating. However, mineral sunscreens are associated with leaving a white cast — many new formulas add a touch of pigment to offset this — and “some chemical sunscreens may be preferred, as they tend to rub in easily,” Garshick adds.
How to choose the best SPF for your face
In addition to the two main types of sunscreens, you can also choose from a range of application formats: lotions, sprays, powders or sunscreen sticks. These are largely up to personal preference and what type of outdoor activity you have planned. You may want to opt for a water-resistant formula if you’re planning on sweating or swimming, but if you’re looking for a daily option, you can opt for something sheer and light. Bonus points for picking up a formula that’s easy to reapply throughout the day, like a sunscreen stick stick or powder.
You may have heard about the potential health risks (to yourself and the environment) associated with chemical sunscreens, but at the end of the day, the dermatologists we consulted agree that the best sunscreen is the one you will use, regardless of whether it is mineral or chemical. To this point, Garshick says, “Although some studies have shown that chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not necessarily mean the ingredients are unsafe or that the amount that is absorbed is enough to cause problems or concerns, so further research is needed. For this reason, the FDA recommends either type of sunscreen in conjunction with other sun-protective measures.”
Just keep in mind that you should opt for broad-spectrum coverage of SPF 30 protection or higher. “The difference between an SPF 30 and 50 is only 1%,” says Dr. Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center in McLean, Virginia. “SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, while an SPF 50 gives you 98% blockage of UVB.”
When do you need to wear sunscreen?
The short answer is any time during daylight. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time under the sun, dermatologists say that you’ll need to put on sunblock every morning, even if you’re staying inside.
“UVA rays penetrate through glass, so if your room has a window, it is important to wear sunscreen even when inside,” King says. “The glass typically used in car, home and office windows is designed to block most UVB rays, but it does not offer protection from all UVA rays. So, even if you’re indoors, if you’re close to a window, you are still at risk of exposure to UVA rays and possible sun damage.”
Dr. Harold Lancer, a dermatologist in Los Angeles and founder of Lancer Skin Care, agrees. “As a general rule, we tell patients, ‘If you can see where you are walking without the use of a flashlight, there is enough light to require the use of sunscreen,’” he says. “Indoor light exposure is broad spectrum and can influence cell behavior in the skin.”
If you’re hanging out in a space with neither windows nor direct sunlight, your skin could still benefit from applying sunscreen. Hear us out: Our phones, laptops, TVs and even LED lightbulbs can emit blue light, aka high-energy visible light, that can impact the health of our skin as well.
“Visible light accounts for 50% of the sunlight spectrum, and it’s the only part of light that can be detected by the human eye,” King says. “The blue/violet band of this visible spectrum has a particularly high energy level and is known as high-energy visible light.”
HEV light can penetrate the lower levels of our skin, King says, and cause premature photoaging, hyperpigmentation and possibly age spots and melasma. Both HEV light and the sun’s UV rays also generate free radicals, or reactive oxygen species, that cause skin cells to produce enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin. The good news: HEV light is not associated with skin cancer, unlike UV rays.
And with that, let’s get into the expert-recommended sunscreens for your face.
Best mineral face sunscreen
Garshick loves this mineral sunscreen that is loaded with skin care ingredients and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. “This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage while also protecting against blue light and pollution,” she says. “It also contains hyaluronic acid and bio-designed collagen to help boost moisture, helping to hydrate and plump the skin, and won’t leave a white cast behind.”
“It’s a great solution for people who don’t want to reapply sunscreen because they don’t want to mess up their makeup,” King says of this powder sunscreen. “This absorbs excess oil so it can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder, actually extending the life of your makeup, and provide sun protection.”
The best part about this mineral — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — sunscreen is “it’s portable, convenient and won’t leave white residue on your clothes,” she says. Plus, it contains antioxidants and offers protection from UVA rays and free radicals.
King recommends this 100% mineral sunscreen that helps the skin heal from previous sun damage. “It’s all zinc oxide, and it also contains antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes, which means it’s actually repairing and protecting at the same time,” she says.
Dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness in Chicago personally uses the tinted version of the Isdin mineral sunscreen. Like King, she notes that the sunscreen “actually makes your skin healthier, as the DNA photolyase enzymes repair the accumulated UV damage to your DNA. This sunscreen has studies that show longer remission times of treated precancerous skin lesions with regular use and more youthful skin.”
“Stick sunscreens are no-mess, ultra portable and give effective UV protection,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai hospital in New York. “This stick is not greasy and rubs fully into the skin. It uses zinc oxide along with botanical oils that provide skin-soothing benefits.”
“This mineral spray sunscreen leaves behind a sheer finish and also contains antioxidants to help protect against free radical damage,” Garshick says. “It is lightweight and won’t feel greasy while still leaving the skin feeling hydrated. It has a white-to-clear technology that makes it easy to see how much you’re applying but then absorbs easily without a white cast.”
Best face sunscreen for dry skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets of Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York says this drugstore pick “has the perfect touch of hydration, tint and mineral SPF protection for everyday use.” The sheer color works on a wide range of skin tones and helps combat the chalky white cast.
“This is a mineral-based sunscreen that feels light, is not at all greasy and won’t leave a white sheen,” says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University. “It contains moisturizing ingredients that will leave your skin feeling well hydrated.” These include soothing bisabol and antioxidant beta-carotene.
“I love this one for dry skin, it’s not too heavy and it’s oil-free, so you’re not feeling greasy throughout the day,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo. “It also features DNA repair [enzymes], so it repairs your skin while it protects.”
Kobets says this tinted sunscreen gives a nice glow to the skin while adding hydration. The multitasking product also comes in a bigger tube than other face sunscreens we'’ve tried — 3.2 ounces! — so it’ll last you a while (which helps justify the high price tag just a little bit).
“This is a hydrating sunscreen that contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which will help pull moisture into the skin and keep your skin hydrated longer,” Saedi says. “It’s also enriched with antioxidants to help protect your skin from free-radical damage throughout the day. It absorbs quickly and has a nice, light feel to it.”
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, the founder of MM Skincare, has created this sunscreen that’s packed with brightening benefits. She says it’s a “soft, lightweight and calming formula for daily use. It works against hyperpigmentation and melasma with hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide and caffeine to brighten and even skin tone while locking in hydration (and protection).”
Pricey but worth it, according to Lupo, this tinted mineral sunscreen does double duty. “I like how emollient this one is for dry skin, and it also features anti-aging properties to do some skin care with your sun care,” she says.
Best face sunscreen for acne-prone skin
Kobets, Marmur and Saedi recommend this sunscreen for acne-prone skin. It is a hybrid mineral and chemical formula, featuring zinc oxide and octinoxate UV filters.
Saedi adds that this one is a great choice for both sensitive and acne-prone skin types because of the zinc oxide and because the formula is fragrance-free and oil-free. “I like its nice, light texture and it absorbs quickly,” Saedi says. “In addition to a mineral SPF, it has two star ingredients — niacinamide to help improve any redness or irritation and lactic acid, which is an AHA that helps gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.”
This travel-friendly mineral sunscreen powder is great for makeup wearers, offering an easy way to nix shine throughout the day while also refreshing on SPF protection. It’s a favorite of Saedi, who shares, “It’s great for your face, hair line and, astonishingly, it’s also water-resistant. After my morning sunscreen, I keep this on hand to help me reapply SPF throughout the day, especially when I’m spending the day outside.”
“I believe [chemical SPFs] have a higher potential for skin reactions like allergic/irritant contact dermatitis or acne exacerbation, so I recommend mineral protection for acne-prone skin types,” Kobets says. She recommends this luxe option that comes in a universal tint, contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, is water-resistant up to 80 minutes and is fragrance-free. It’s a recipe that will keep even the most sensitive skin happy.
Best water-resistant face sunscreen
Kobets says this mineral sunscreen initially goes on white but then absorbs clear. It can be used on the face and body, offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance and is safe for sensitive skin.
“If I’m spending a day at the pool, chances are I have Sun Bum sunscreen in my bag,” Saedi says. “This one is made for the face and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. It’s fragrance-free, water-based, very lightweight and good for both sensitive and acne-prone skin types.”
“I like this one if you’re looking for a good formula on a budget,” Lupo says. “It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and gives you protection of SPF 30.” The formula includes a hybrid chemical and mineral formula, and is infused with ceramides and niacinamide. Marmur also notes that this is a great option for acne-prone skin.
Guarding against UVA, UVB and blue light, this sheer sunscreen liquid is lightweight and water-resistant, making it a great option for those planning to be active outdoors. Plus, the dermatologist favorite blends in completely and dries clear.
Best tinted face sunscreen
King considers this vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe sunscreen a great option since it is “a hydrating primer that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to help boost moisture in the skin, sea lavender for antioxidant protection and cocoa peptides to help protect from blue light.”
“I like sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide because they protect against UVA and UVB rays and protect against blue light from screens,” says Dr. David Bank, founder and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Westchester County, New York. “Plus, it hydrates skin, contains ingredients that help with anti-aging (peptides plus white birch, yeast and plankton extracts), and has a universal tint for a nice glow with subtle coverage.”
This tinted mineral sunscreen comes in one flexible shade that adds a bronze glow in a soft, matte finish. The formula has a whipped, silky feel that doesn’t pill and provides the perfect base for your makeup routine.
Available in 30 shades, this tinted moisturizer provides SPF 30 protection with light coverage and skin benefits from niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and collagen.
More dermatologist-recommended face sunscreens
“I like this product, as it includes hyaluronic acid, which is a great bonus ingredient in sunblock,” Lancer says. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, the clear liquid floods your skin with moisture and targets the effects of skin aging, making it a particularly useful ingredient for those with dry or mature skin.
Dr. Rita Linkner of RVL Skin Care in New York City applies sunscreen just once a day while working from home, so she recommends making your sunblock of choice really count.
“The reason sunscreen is applied more frequently outdoors has to do with the elements that cause your SPF to wear when you are sweating or swimming,” she says. “When indoors, our behaviors are less intense and don’t require an increase in frequency.”
Linkner is a fan of this broad-spectrum sunblock with shea butter for added hydration.
Talakoub uses this sunblock daily. “The antioxidant-rich blend provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in an ultra-sheer, lightweight formula that absorbs quickly for a nongreasy, matte finish,” she says. “It can easily be worn under makeup.”
“Gamay grape stem cells help reduce the appearance of UV damage and fight the appearance of photo-aging, while sunflower sprout extracts help to improve skin radiance and provide a healthy glow,” Lancer says of his nonsticky sunscreen. It also incorporates chamomile extract, which soothes and calms the skin. “It was important for me to create a sunblock that protects from UV rays while also providing a complex of anti-aging benefits.”
Garshick recommends this affordable option that “offers UV protection while also containing antioxidants to provide protection against environmental factors. It is lightweight and easy to apply.”
“SPF should be applied to all exposed skin, including the lips, which have thin skin with very little protective melanin,” Cheung says. “Lips don’t tan but burn, and are at high risk of skin cancer.”
Swipe on this buttery-soft balm for sheer protection or try the tinted version for a mineral lip SPF.