Dermatologists and skincare experts agree that wearing best sunscreen for face is the single most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and youthful long-term.
But not all sunscreens are created equal. Our pros tabulate all the data to find the best of the best.
Also Read: Tips to choose best sunscreen
BEST OVERALL FACE SUNSCREEN
1. LiftActiv Sunscreen Peptide-C Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Vichy’s face sunscreen souped up with antioxidants and anti-aging actives like peptides. It scored high on almost every front: ease of application, making skin feel hydrated, appealing texture, not causing breakouts or irritation, no tacky residue or white cast, and protecting against sunburn.
- SPF 30
- Chemical lotion
- Anti-aging benefits
- Not water-resistant
BEST VALUE FACE SUNSCREEN
2. Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hawaiian Tropic leaves skin with a shine-free matte finish. The formula doesn’t irritate skin, run into eyes, or leave a white cast. True to its tropical name, testers loved the pleasant “not chemical” coconut scent.
- SPF 30
- Chemical and mineral zinc oxide lotion
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
BEST FACE SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
3. UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
This mineral zinc oxide EltaMD formula is a dermatologist gold standard, and also the best-selling facial sunscreen on Amazon. The smooth, lightweight SPF is often recommended for breakout-prone skin and doesn’t contain any fragrance, which can irritate.
- SPF 46
- Mineral zinc oxide lotion
- Fragrance-free
- Pricey
- Not water-resistant
BEST FACE SUNSCREEN FOR UNDER MAKEUP
4. No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
Julep’s innovative translucent gel SPF formula, similar to a makeup primer, that leaves no chalky cast or residue on skin. The water-based formula scored 100 for easy application and not running into or stinging eyes or causing breakouts. It also shared the top mark for zero white residue, even on dark skin.
- SPF 40
- Chemical sunscreen gel
- Clear, no residue formula
- Not water-resistant
BEST DERMATOLOGIST – RECOMMENDED FACE SUNSCREEN
5. Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 100
From the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand La Roche-Posay, this fragrance-free light lotion that doesn’t leave a white residue on skin. The formula, which works on both face and body, earned high marks for making skin feel hydrated yet not tacky and for creating no chalky cast or film among testers with darker skin tones.
- SPF 100
- Chemical liquid lotion
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
- No white residue
BEST MINERAL FACE SUNSCREEN
6. Mineral SPF 30 Non-Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion
Sun Bum’s SPF face lotion with all mineral active ingredients was a top performer. The gentle, non-greasy formula earned a near-perfect score for not causing skin irritation or redness.
- SPF 30
- Mineral zinc oxide and titanium dioxide lotion
- Water resistance: 40 minutes
- Gentle on skin
BEST FACE SUNSCREEN FOR COMBINATION SKIN
7. Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen SPF 30
This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is a winner for normal and combination skin. It provided just “enough moisture” but “virtually no film, whiteness, oil or tackiness.” The cream also imparted a “velvety, matte” finish to combination skin.
- SPF 30
- Chemical lotion
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
- Great value
BEST SCENT FACE SUNSCREEN
8. Light As Air Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This Banana Boat face SPF formula has an aroma so appealing, you’ll look forward to using it. The lotion tallied top marks for its “light, tropical” fragrance, not running into eyes or causing them to tear, and no film left on skin.
- SPF 50
- Chemical lotion
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
[…] READ ALSO: Top 10 best sunscreen for your face […]