Top 10 Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin
The Best Facial Sunscreens For Protecting Acne Prone Skin From The Sun
Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR KEEPING YOUR SKIN PROTECTED AND YOUR ACNE UNDER CONTROL
It's important to apply sunscreen every day, but now that the weather is warming up and summer is on the horizon, SPF is more crucial than ever. However, if you have problem skin, it can be challenging to find formulas that accommodate rather than exacerbate its condition. Whether you suffer from the occasional breakout or serious hormonal acne, finding and using a facial sunscreen that protects your skin against UV rays is still essential. In fact, it's probably even more essential given that you're most likely using acne-fighting products that increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Fret not—we've got you covered. To help you find the perfect formula, we've rounded up a list of the Top 10 sunscreens for acne-prone skin on the market, all of which are free of breakout-triggering ingredients and pore-clogging oils. Our selection of SPF-packed products provides all of the protection you'd want from a sunscreen, plus oil-controlled moisture with every application.
Our Method For Finding The Best Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin
To track down the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, we enlisted the help of our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in best-seller lists, social buzz, and rave reviews from real shoppers to rank and score products. From makeup-infused formulas to affordable drugstore finds, we've got you covered (literally) on all things SPF.
Up next, check out our 10 Best Moisturizers For Acne-Prone Skin. Opening image: @colorescience
April 21, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
MATTIFYING
WHO IT'S FOR: If you're afraid of sunscreen because of its greasy effects, this SPF-packed moisturizer is for you. Noncomedogenic and dermatologist-tested, it's shine-free and formulated specifically for oily skin types.
RAVE REVIEW: "It seems I’ve searched forever for a moisturizer for oily, acne-prone skin. I definitely found it when I discovered the Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer! The fact that it's also sunscreen is an added plus. It’s very moisturizing and a little goes a long way. My skin absorbs it right up and feels refreshed with no heavy or oily residue. It’s the perfect addition, and I use it morning and night. I couldn’t be happier!"
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion
GLOW-BOOSTING
WHAT IT DOES: Infused with vitamins A and C, this facial sunscreen is formulated with light-scattering diamond powder and a universally flattering tint that delivers a matte finish and a flawless, non-greasy glow.
BEAUTY TIP: Reapply your sunscreen every two hours to ensure optimum protection.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
DERMATOLOGIST-DEVELOPED
WHY YOU NEED IT: Formulated with vitamin C, this anti-aging sunscreen works to provide sun protection and lessen the look of dark spots over time.
RAVE REVIEW: "This is the first mineral sunscreen I have ever used that goes on like a chemical sunscreen—no WHITE CAST, not CHALKY, not DRYING! It blends into the skin like a moisturizer, gives the skin a subtle glow, and blurs texture a bit. I have sensitive skin and cannot use chemical-based sunscreens. This is the first mineral sunscreen I am excited to use every day! I wish the price point was better, but you get what you pay for with this one."
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55
DRUGSTORE FIND
WHAT IT DOES: Stabilized with Helioplex technology, this sunscreen lotion leaves a weightless finish and allows the skin to breathe and stay protected.
BEAUTY TIP: Reapplying sunscreen is most important when you're spending time almost exclusively outdoors. Be sure to reapply this formula every two hours as well as after swimming and towel-drying.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
REDNESS-REDUCING
WHY YOU NEED IT: This SPF 50 shield protects against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation to deliver healthier, more radiant skin over time.
THINGS TO KNOW: The niacinamide in this formula works to keep acne and bay and provide a calming, soothing effect.
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35
ANTI-AGING
WHAT IT DOES: Tatcha's anti-aging sunscreen leaves the skin with a weightless, matte, and poreless finish after every application thanks to Japanese wild rose and loquat leaf extracts.
BEAUTY HACK: This sunscreen doubles as a makeup primer.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
WATER-RESISTANT
RAVE REVIEW: "This is the perfect sunscreen for sensitive, acne-prone skin. I’ve been looking for the perfect everyday sunscreen for years and could never find one I was happy with until now. This sunscreen does not make my face look greasy or shiny at all, it stays on all day, and it seems to provide fantastic sun protection. I have extremely sensitive skin that is irritated by most products, but I have been using this sunscreen for over a month without any issues at all. It also has not caused any breakouts."
WHERE TO WEAR: Consider yourself set for the beach. This water-resistant SPF 60 sunscreen is formulated to absorb pore-clogging oil, even in hot and humid conditions.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30
MAKEUP-INFUSED
WHY YOU NEED IT: This brush-on sunscreen delivers natural-looking coverage and sun protection, all without irritating acne-prone skin. Consider it the only beauty product you need for summer.
THINGS TO KNOW: It comes in an array of shades that blends seamlessly into different skin tones and textures.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
DARK-SKIN FRIENDLY
WHY YOU NEED IT: This sunscreen is weightless, transparent, and absorbs so quickly—you won’t even feel like you’re wearing one. Bonus: it doubles as a makeup-gripping primer, so you're tackling two steps for the price of one.
RAVE REVIEW: “I have worn this sunscreen four times, and as a mocha-toned woman, I have loved how it doesn’t make my skin look grey or whitish or oily and gives me a matte finish throughout the day. It feels like it’s barely there, but it is!"
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
WHO IT'S FOR: EltaMD's SPF 46 moisturizer is ideal for sensitive skin types. The formula is so gentle, even those with eczema and rosacea find it impressive.
BEAUTY TIP: For best results, apply this SPF-packed moisturizer liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
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