We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare What Is the Best Face Sunscreen? Plus, expert advice on how to shop sunscreen like a pro. By Naydeline Mejia Naydeline Mejia Naydeline Mejia is a commerce writer with over four years of experience writing product reviews, gift guides, and lifestyle content. She has written content for various media publications, including Shape, on the topics of beauty, fashion, sex, home, and lifestyle products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 15, 2024 Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Jessica Wrubel is an accomplished writer, copy editor, and fact checker, working for over 15 years for various publications owned by Tribune Publishing, The Arena Group, and Hearst Communications in the areas of Food, Health & Wellness, Travel, Lifestyle, Education, and Home Improvement. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa Sunscreen should be worn daily, no matter your ethnicity or the time of year. While for the most part it’s OK to apply body sunscreen all over, you may consider investing in a formula specifically designed for the face—one you can easily incorporate into your skincare routine. In addition to protection against skin cancer and premature aging, a face sunscreen may contain additional skincare properties that your body sunscreen doesn’t, such as antioxidants and acne-fighting ingredients. To find the best face sunscreens, we researched and reviewed a variety of what’s on the market today, considering type, ingredients, SPF, size, and value. We also tapped three board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Macrene Alexiades, MD, founder of Macrene Actives, Dr. Adam Mamelak, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, and Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. Our Top Picks Best Chemical: La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon $27 Jump to Review Best Mineral: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Tinted Lotion at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Reef-Friendly: SALE Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon $19 $15 Jump to Review Best for Melanated Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 at Amazon $11 Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 at Amazon $43 Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: SALE Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin at Amazon $18 $11 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Tinted: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen at Sephora $32 Jump to Review Best Chemical La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Lotion PHOTO: Walmart $27 at Amazon $27 at Target $29 at Walgreens What Stands Out It moisturizes and soothes the skin to prevent acne. What Could Be Improved It might be too greasy for those with oily skin. For a high-performing chemical sunscreen, Dr. Alexiades recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100. It offers broad-spectrum protection, is water resistant, and is suitable for most skin types. With SPF 100, this dermatologist favorite shields you from 99% of harmful UV rays. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 is specifically formulated to help guard sun-sensitive skin that burns easily. Unlike most chemical sunscreens, this face sunscreen is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it ideal for those prone to irritation and redness. This choice also contains ingredients that contribute to healthier skin, such as ceramide-3, a lipid that helps retain moisture and protect your skin barrier, and niacinamide, a soothing, anti-inflammatory vitamin beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. Type: Chemical | SPF: 100 | Size: 3 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes Best Mineral Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $24 at Sephora What Stands Out It gives you the appearance of smaller pores and layers well under makeup. What Could Be Improved This mattifying sunscreen may be too drying for those with dry skin. We picked Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 as our all-time-favorite mineral sunscreen, and it’s easy to see why. It visibly blurs pores and smooths the appearance of skin, creating a perfect canvas for your makeup. The oil-free and lightweight cream leaves a matte finish, too, making it ideal for those with normal to oily and sensitive skin. The formula uses wild butterfly ginger (to shield the skin against blue light) and antioxidizing bamboo extract (to protect the skin against free radicals), and it blends out nicely across most skin tones (no white cast!). For a glowier finish, there’s Glow Screen, and for an invisible finish, there’s Unseen Screen. Type: Mineral | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Water Resistant: No Best Drugstore Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Tinted Lotion PHOTO: Target $16 at Amazon $16 at Target View on CVS What Stands Out The hyaluronic-acid-infused formula helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What Could Be Improved It has a strong scent that may be off-putting to some people. Dr. Mamelak recommends Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen for its hyaluronic-acid-enriched formula and antioxidant properties at a low and affordable price. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant known for retaining moisture and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, which can lead to the visibly reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also features five different antioxidants to help reduce signs of aging. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula is hypoallergenic, too, making it suitable for sensitive skin and for layering under makeup. Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.5 ounces | Water Resistant: No Best Reef-Friendly Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $15 at Target $19 at Walgreens What Stands Out The reef-friendly formula helps protect fragile coral reef ecosystems. What Could Be Improved It’s hard to blend and leaves a white cast. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ is formulated without reef-bleaching chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, often found in chemical sunscreens, which is why Dr. Mamelak recommends it if you’re looking for a sunscreen that will protect your skin and our oceans. Mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide offer broad-spectrum protection from 97% of the sun’s rays. Not to mention, as a sunscreen containing no chemical actives, fragrances, or parabens, it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin. Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Size: 5 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes Best for Melanated Skin Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PHOTO: Ulta $11 at Amazon $16 at Target $11 at Walmart What Stands Out It’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and cocoa butter. What Could Be Improved It contains synthetic ingredients, so it’s not ideal for those with sensitive skin. A facial sunscreen that leaves a white cast can be annoying for anyone but especially those with darker skin tones. If you’ve been on the hunt for a sunscreen that won’t leave your melanated skin looking ashy, consider joining the Black Girl Sunscreen hive. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is a sheer formula that not only protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays but also helps address common melanated skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s also infused with hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, a natural antioxidant, jojoba, which helps prevent acne, wrinkles, and fine lines, and cacao, which helps even out the skin complexion. This sunscreen even doubles as a moisturizing lotion. Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Size: 2 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes Best for Acne-Prone Skin EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 PHOTO: EltaMD $43 at Amazon View on Myshopify.com $43 at Bluemercury.com What Stands Out It helps reduce the appearance of acne spots and skin discoloration. What Could Be Improved The formula might be too lightweight for those with dry skin. If you’re someone with rosacea or acne-prone skin, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 may be excellent for you, Dr. Henry says. Formulated with 5% niacinamide, this chemical sunscreen helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and visibly improves skin tone and discoloration, while antioxidants help smooth the skin and shield it against the development of new acne spots. Plus, with a transparent zinc oxide finish and non-comedogenic formula, this dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is great for wearing alone or layering under makeup. Type: Chemical | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: No Best for Oily Skin Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $11 at Target $13 at Walmart What Stands Out The oil-free formula prevents breakouts and won’t clog your pores. What Could Be Improved It leaves a white cast. Dr. Alexiades recommends Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 50 for those with oily skin. The non-comedogenic formula won’t cause breakouts by clogging up your pores or leave you feeling greasy. Neutrogena’s broad-spectrum Helioplex technology helps protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, and the chemical active ingredients help guard the skin against premature aging and sunburns. With a water-resistant formula, you also don’t have to worry about the product wearing off. Yes, it’s sweat proof. Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes Best for Dry Skin Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream PHOTO: Sephora $39 at Amazon $67 at Nordstrom $39 at Nordstrom What Stands Out It helps boost skin hydration and improve your natural skin barrier. What Could Be Improved It might be too hydrating for those with oily skin. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 is Dr. Henry’s pick for dry skin. “This is an excellent choice for skin that needs a bit more hydration along with sun protection,” she says. “Besides offering an appropriate amount of SPF for a typical day, this cream includes a unique extract called Fountain Plant, which is native to Asia and has shown to boost hydration and improve skin barrier function.” If you’re a fan of Kiehl’s popular Ultra Facial Cream, then you’ll like this sunscreen option, which is basically the beloved daily moisturizer upgraded to provide the skin with sun protection, too. The lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it suitable for all skin types but especially those who could benefit from some added moisture. Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: No Best for Sensitive Skin CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PHOTO: Ulta $13 at Amazon $14 at Target $16 at Ulta What Stands Out It helps soothe the skin and restore its natural barrier. What Could Be Improved It tends to leave a white cast, making it not ideal for darker skin tones. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is ideal for those with sensitive skin due to the product’s skincare properties, including ceramides and niacinamide for added hydration and protection to the skin barrier, Dr. Alexiades says. This mineral sunscreen is formulated with physical filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays and protect the skin. Like all CeraVe products, it contains three essential ceramides, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and niacinamide calms the skin for those prone to redness and irritation. With all of these healthy-skin ingredients, it’s no wonder why this dermatologist favorite is recommended by both the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association. Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.5 ounces | Water Resistant: No Best Tinted Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen PHOTO: Sephora $32 at Sephora $30 at Credo Beauty $32 at Kohls.com What Stands Out It evens out any redness and helps soothe sun-stressed skin. What Could Be Improved It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation. The Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30 is our favorite tinted sunscreen. The lightweight formula comes in 17 shades, which offer enough coverage to hide acne scars and redness without masking freckles, moles, and all the features that make you, you. You can wear this tinted sunscreen alone as a light-coverage foundation or under your usual makeup. In addition to protecting your face against the sun’s rays, this facial sunscreen also contains skincare properties with ingredients like prickly pear, which helps repair and soften the skin, and aloe vera, which reduces redness and soothes skin stressed by UV rays. Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Size: 1 ounce | Water Resistant: No Final Verdict If you’re looking for an awesome chemical sunscreen, we highly recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 for broad-spectrum protection and a formula that won’t break you out. If you prefer a mineral sunscreen, the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is the best choice: It has a smooth finish and added protection against free radicals. How to Shop for Face Sunscreen Like a Pro Type and Ingredients When shopping for face sunscreen, you’ll notice that there are two main types you can choose from: mineral and chemical. While both types will protect your face from harmful UV rays, the main difference is how each handles the sun’s rays. “Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and work like tiny mirrors, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin,” Dr. Mamelak says. This type of sunscreen often contains zinc oxide, to prevent burns and irritation, and titanium dioxide, which blocks ultraviolet light. A benefit of mineral sunscreens—also referred to as physical sunscreens—is that they start working immediately upon application, Dr. Mamelak says. They are also best for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause skin irritation. A drawback of this type of sunscreen, however, is that they tend to leave a white cast on the skin, although newer formulations are aiming to minimize this problem, Dr. Alexiades says. “Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and transforming them into less harmful types of energy like heat, which is then released from the skin,” Dr. Mamelak says. This type of sunscreen often contains active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate—all of which protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays responsible for aging and skin cancer—among others, he adds. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which start working instantly, chemical sunscreens usually require 15 to 20 minutes to absorb into the skin and become effective after applying, Dr. Alexiades says. They’re also not ideal for those with sensitive skin as they can cause redness and irritation for some. On the plus side, chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and formulated to be sheer, making them ideal for layering under makeup. Broad Spectrum Protection and SPF When perusing the sunscreen aisle at your local pharmacy, you may have noticed the label “broad spectrum protection.” This signifies that a sunscreen can protect the skin from both harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunlight consists of both ultraviolet A rays and ultraviolet B rays, Dr. Henry says, and overexposure to either can put you more at risk for skin cancer. UVA rays are known to penetrate deeper into the skin—the dermis or middle layer, to be exact—causing skin aging, wrinkles, and spots, Dr. Mamelak says. UVB rays, on the other hand, only penetrate the surface of the skin or epidermis but are associated with sunburn and the development of skin cancer, Dr. Alexiades says. In short, when shopping for face sunscreen, it’s essential to look for one labeled as “broad spectrum protection” to protect your skin from a wider range of ultraviolet rays and their harmful effects, such as sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Additionally, your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30—more on that later. Water Resistance Many face sunscreens on the market today have water-resistant or waterproof qualities, but that’s not to say that water-resistant sunscreen is better than non-water-resistant sunscreen. The main difference is mostly in terms of staying power, Dr. Henry says. If you’re going swimming, playing sports, or simply exposed to more sweat because it’s the summer, a water-resistant formula will offer you extended protection without having to reapply constantly, Dr. Mamelak says. That said, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. If your face sunscreen is not water resistant, don’t sweat it. Dr. Mamelak assures that for daily use, like going into the office, layering under makeup, or taking a short walk, a non-water-resistant formula works just fine. Questions You Might Ask What SPF should you use on your face? Whichever sunscreen you opt for should have a minimum SPF of 30 or more. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 due to the fact that it will block 97% of the sun’s rays,” Dr. Henry says. In comparison, an SPF of 15 will only protect the skin from around 93% of ultraviolet rays. After an SPF of 30, the difference in protection is rather minimal. For example, an SPF of 50 will protect the skin from 98% of harmful UV rays. And an SPF of 100, despite being double that of 50, does not offer double protection. SPF 100 will only stop 99% of UVB rays from reaching the skin, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at The University of Texas. Can you use body sunscreen on your face? Yes, you can use body sunscreen on your face, but it’s worth considering a face sunscreen. “Facial sunscreens are specifically formulated for the face,” Dr. Mamelak says, and as such, they often contain additional skin-loving ingredients that may help with anti-aging as well as moisturizing and antioxidant properties, he adds. Depending on your skin type, face sunscreens offer lighter formulas that work better under makeup and can help against breakouts, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Henry say. Does sunscreen expire? Yes, sunscreens do in fact have an expiration date, and for many, that’s about three years from the date of manufacture. You don’t want to leave out your sunscreen for too long on the beach, either, as high temperatures and direct sunlight can reduce its effectiveness before the expiration date, Dr. Alexiades says. To keep your sunscreen working for seasons to come, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. When your sunscreen does eventually expire or become damaged, there will be tell-tale signs. If your sunscreen has separated or changed color or odor, it should be discarded, Dr. Alexiades says. Moreover, if you notice that your sunscreen is less effective, causing you to burn, it’s probably time to get a new one, Dr. Henry says. If you are applying sunscreen at the recommended daily schedule, however, you really shouldn’t have to worry about your bottle’s expiration date. “One of my favorite questions patients ask me is if their sunscreen from last summer is still good,” Dr. Mamelak says. “I always answer that if you still have sunscreen left over from last summer, you’re probably not putting on enough sunscreen!” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Naydeline Mejia, a freelance writer with over four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, especially on the topic of beauty. For this article, we researched a variety of face sunscreens, considering factors such as ingredients, SPF, size, and value. We also spoke with Dr. Adam Mamelak, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Texas, Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, and Dr. Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of skincare brand Macrene Actives, for product recommendations and expert tips on what to look for in face sunscreen.