The 12 Best Face Sunscreens of 2023

We've said it numerous times, and we'll continue to say it on repeat: Face sunscreen is a non-negotiable element of your daily skincare routine. Beyond protecting against sunburn, face sunscreen also helps prevent skin damage and premature aging.

To find the best face sunscreens, we spent hours researching the various options on the market. While curating the list, we considered factors like sun protection factor (SPF), ingredients, and type (like mineral or chemical). We also spoke with Rebecca Marcus, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, for expert advice on how to choose the best face sunscreen for you.

"I recommend a minimum of SPF 30, as this offers 97 percent protection against UVB rays, as opposed to SPF 15, which blocks 93 percent of UVB rays,” Dr. Garshick says. Our other expert, Dr. Marcus, recommends choosing a sunscreen with "hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid."

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Face Sunscreen:

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen at Amazon

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Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Oil-Free Face Serum at Amazon

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Best Splurge Face Sunscreen:

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica at Amazon

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Best Mineral Face Sunscreen:

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 at Amazon

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Best Face Sunscreen for Dark Skin:

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum at Amazon

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Best Reef-Friendly Face Sunscreen:

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 at Kohls.com

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Best Tinted Face Sunscreen:

La Roche-Posay Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon

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Best Sport Face Sunscreen:

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick at Amazon

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Best Powder Face Sunscreen:

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield at Amazon

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Best Face Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:

Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 at Amazon

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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a lightweight, hydrating face sunscreen that’s effective and affordable.

Who it isn’t for: People who would rather avoid synthetic fragrances.

For daily use all year round, we recommend the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen, a moisturizing face sunscreen that’s packed with hydrating ingredients. This lightweight, water-based face sunscreen contains a blend of green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil that will hydrate and soothe your complexion while imparting your skin with a dewy glow.

This SPF 36 face sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun with three chemical actives (avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate). It's free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones and feels more like a light moisturizer than a sunscreen. It does not leave a white cast and is surprisingly affordable—but just note that this formula is not water-resistant.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate | SPF: 36 | Size: 1.69 ounces | Water Resistant: No

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Oil-Free Face Serum With Vitamin E SPF 60+

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a drugstore-priced formula.

Who it isn’t for: People who want a tinted face sunscreen.

This drugstore face sunscreen from Neutrogena is our best budget pick because it’s nearly half the price of our best overall recommendation. The serum-like formula is unscented and non-comedogenic, and it absorbs into the skin quickly and easily thanks to its silky, weightless texture. Another bonus is that this face sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’ll stay on for that long despite sweating and swimming.

This Neutrogena face sunscreen contains tocopheryl acetate, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. That, teamed with glycerin (a natural moisturizer that'll boost your skin's hydration), will help improve your skin's appearance over time. Because the SPF is a bit higher, don’t forget that you’ll still need to apply this face sunscreen regularly to stay protected.

Price at time of publish: $14

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene | SPF: 60 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

4.9

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People willing to spend more on sunscreen that repairs sun-induced skin damage.

Who it isn’t for: People looking for a chemical-based formula.

If you're willing to shell out some extra bucks, the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica is a power-packed face sunscreen you won't regret splurging on. What separates this one from the hundreds of options on the market is that it not only offers broad-spectrum protection, but also repairs existing sun damage. To do that, it utilizes photolyase—a repairing enzyme derived from plankton, which has shown great promise in DNA repair and protecting DNA from further UV-mediated damage.

The 100-percent mineral sunscreen utilizes zinc oxide as its active ingredient and has an SPF of 50. It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Even though it’s more expensive than the other face sunscreens on our list, we think the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica is a great option for people who want a formula that helps protect and repair their skin from sun damage.

Price at time of publish: $60

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a mineral face sunscreen with a light tint and matte finish.

Who it isn’t for: People looking for a water-resistant face sunscreen.

Supergoop! sunscreens are undeniably playful, but they’re also SPF standouts for other reasons, too. This formula, for example, contains non-nano zinc oxide that quickly blends down to a smooth, matte finish that pairs beautifully under makeup but looks equally as flawless on its own. This SPF 40 formula contains bamboo extract, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, plus wild butterfly ginger to help filter blue light.

If you like the sound of this face sunscreen but would prefer a different finish, there are three other options to choose from: Unseen Sunscreen for a natural finish, Sheerscreen for a moisturizing finish, and Glowscreen for a dewy finish.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 0.5 ounces | Water Resistant: No

4.7

Target

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Who it’s for: People looking for a face sunscreen designed to leave no visible residue behind on dark skin.

Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a mineral face sunscreen.

The Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is our favorite sunscreen for dark skin because it was formulated by women of color, for people of color—so you can rest assured that it won't leave behind a white cast (or any visible residue, for that matter). The SPF 30 sunscreen is broad-spectrum, so it protects against UVA and UVB rays.

It uses a variety of chemical active ingredients, including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. We also like that it’s infused with natural moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba, cacao, and avocado.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

4.9

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Sephora

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Who it’s for: People looking for a lightweight face sunscreen that’s formulated with reef-safe ingredients.

Who it isn’t for: People who need a water-resistant formula.

While “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term, sunscreens that contain mineral active ingredients rather than chemicals on the HEL LIST (a list of known pollutants) are considered to be better for reefs and the environment. The Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, and it’s free of oxybenzone and octanoate, two ingredients responsible for damaging our coral reefs.

The SPF 30 formula provides broad-spectrum protection, although it’s not water-resistant (meaning you’ll need to reapply immediately after swimming and sweating). This reef-friendly face sunscreen has a lightweight, serum-like texture and contains moisturizing squalane and antioxidants like vitamin E and ethyl ferulate.

Price at time of publish: $36

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: No

4.8

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a face sunscreen that doubles as light makeup.

Who it isn’t for: Those who aren’t looking for a liquid face sunscreen.

If you're looking for an oil-free face sunscreen that doubles as light makeup, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen is a great option. The liquid texture resembles an ultra-lightweight foundation that absorbs quickly and delivers a natural matte finish. Its versatile tint helps even out your skin tone, so you might not even feel the need to wear foundation on top.

This formula consists of UVA and UVB filters for broad-spectrum protection and senna alata, a tropical leaf extract that defends skin cells against free-radical damage from the sun. The tinted face sunscreen has SPF 50 protection and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Price at time of publish: $38

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a water-resistant face sunscreen that can handle sweat.

Who it isn’t for: People looking for an everyday sunscreen that blends easily.

The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick has your back during even the most intense sweat sessions. The sweat- and water-resistant formula stays on for up to 80 minutes, but perhaps the best part is that it comes in an ultra-compact and lightweight stick that you can keep with you while you bike or run.

This formula isn’t easy to rub in, but if you’re wearing this while working out, you likely won’t have a problem with some zinc being visible on your face. For this reason, the sunscreen stick probably isn’t your best bet for everyday use.

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.5 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a face sunscreen that can be used on top of makeup.

Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a less expensive sunscreen.

Most sunscreens are designed to be used as the last step in your skincare routine, right before you apply makeup. Colorescience’s powder sunscreen stands out because it can be used on top of your makeup, kind of like a setting powder. This makes it a lot more convenient to reapply every two hours as recommended—and the built-in brush comes in handy while you’re on the go.

The powder face sunscreen is mineral-based, so it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Plus, the SPF 50 formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s available in four different shades, but keep in mind that the powder provides sheer, natural-looking coverage. Another thing to note is the price: It’s one of the most expensive options on our list, so we recommend reserving it for post-makeup touch-ups rather than everyday use.

Price at time of publish: $69

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 6 grams | Water Resistant: Yes

4.8

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People with acne-prone skin looking for a face sunscreen that offsets redness.

Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a water-resistant formula.

This formula from Hero Cosmetics is a brilliant sunscreen for people with acne-prone skin because it has a sheer green tint, which is powered by botanical extracts. Like with a color-correcting concealer, this green tint quickly disappears into the skin but helps offset redness from acne.

The non-comedogenic formula works well on its own, but it can also transition seamlessly into your makeup routine because it doubles as a lightweight primer. The mineral face sunscreen is broad-spectrum SPF 30, and it contains zinc oxide as its active ingredient.

Price at time of publish: $20

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.59 ounces | Water Resistant: No

4.3

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a face sunscreen with a lightweight, comfortable texture that won’t cause breakouts or excess oil production.

Who it isn’t for: People looking for a water-resistant formula for the beach or pool.

We think the best face sunscreen for oily skin types is the EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. The sheer formula boasts a lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing texture that feels more like a moisturizer than a traditional sunscreen. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and oil-free, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Since it contains zinc oxide and octinoxate, this formula uses both mineral and chemical active ingredients. Just take note that this is not a water-resistant sunscreen, so it’s not the best choice for days you’ll be sweating a lot or swimming.

In addition to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, this face sunscreen also contains a lineup of skin-boosting ingredients, including hyaluronic acid to boost your skin's moisture retention. It also contains the antioxidant tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E, to reduce visible signs of aging and lactic acid to gently exfoliate. EltaMD offers this face sunscreen in a tinted version for those looking for an option that'll subtly even out your complexion.

Price at time of publish: $36

Type: Mineral and chemical | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and octinoxate | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistant: No

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People with sensitive skin looking for face sunscreen that’s free of potential irritants.

Who it isn’t for: People who need a water-resistant formula.

The Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 was created especially for people with sensitive skin. It's non-comedogenic and free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and more. It’s formulated with a single mineral filter, non-nano zinc oxide, to avoid potential irritation that sometimes comes with chemical sunscreens.

One of the major draws of this face sunscreen is its formulation, which stars ceramides to help hydrate and retain your skin's moisture. Since ceramides occur naturally in the skin, they’re well-tolerated by sensitive skin and can help strengthen your skin barrier and boost hydration. The only downside to this face sunscreen for sensitive skin is that it’s not water-resistant.

Price at time of publish: $15

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 2.5 ounces | Water Resistant: No

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36. This face sunscreen stands out for its lightweight texture, ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays, and hydrating ingredients.

But if you're looking for a more affordable alternative, consider this drugstore pick: the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Oil-Free Face Serum With Vitamin E SPF 60, a fast-absorbing serum that doubles as a makeup primer.

How to Shop for Face Sunscreen Like a Pro

Type

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, face sunscreens (like body sunscreens) come in two different types: chemical and physical. “Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation, and physical sunscreens function as a shield that physically blocks UV radiation from reaching the skin,” she says.

Both types of sunscreens have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider what factors are most important to you. Chemical sunscreens are typically more lightweight, and they tend to work better under makeup. However, some people prefer to avoid chemical sunscreens because there’s more risk of irritation. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, are often better for the environment (as well as sensitive and acne-prone skin), but they tend to leave behind a white cast on dark skin.

Ingredients

Depending on whether you choose a physical or chemical face sunscreen, you’ll typically find a different set of active ingredients. “Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide are three active ingredients found in physical sunscreens,” says Dr. Marcus. “Since sunscreen can be drying, I recommend a formula that combines these ingredients with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid."

"On the other hand, chemical sunscreens contain avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, and octocrylene,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. These ingredients "convert UV rays into heat and then release the heat from the skin."

And, watch what ingredients are in the sunscreen if you have eczema-prone skin, acne, or other skin irritations.

SPF

SPF stands for sun protection factor, and Dr. Garshick says it’s “a measure of the time it takes to make the skin red when wearing sunscreen compared to the amount of time required to develop a sunburn without sunscreen.” However, she says it’s important to note that SPF specifically refers to protection against UVB radiation, which is often what’s responsible for sunburn.

Dr. Garshick recommends at least SPF 30, but notes that a bit more protection doesn’t hurt. Don’t be fooled by face sunscreens that advertise a super high SPF, which can be misleading. "Products with a high SPF may offer a false sense of security," says Dr. Garshick. “It may cause people to believe they can stay in the sun longer and not reapply as often or not necessarily commit to other sun protection strategies like seeking shade, which may, in turn, lead to a potential risk of sunburn."

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Broad-spectrum coverage indicates that an SPF protects against both types of UV rays. “This is important because both UVA and UVB can contribute to skin cancer and signs of skin aging,” says Dr. Garshick. “While UVB rays may be more likely to cause sunburns and UVA rays to cause tanning, both can be involved in contributing to skin signs of sun damage.”

“While higher SPF sunscreens may offer greater protection against UVB, they may not necessarily provide as good protection against UVA rays, which can also contribute to skin cancer and signs of skin aging,” Dr. Garshick adds. “For this reason, it is important that any product with a higher SPF is also broad-spectrum to ensure adequate coverage against both UVA and UVB.”

Water Resistance

If you’re going to be swimming in the pool or sweating on an outdoor run, then it’s also important to choose a water-resistant face sunscreen. Otherwise, you’ll have to reapply as soon as you get wet (or immediately after you get out of the water). Water-resistant formulas are clearly labeled as such, and they’ll typically need to be reapplied after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Questions You Might Ask

How does sunscreen work?

“Sunscreen works by blocking UV rays from causing damage to the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “This can be done by physically blocking the UV rays from penetrating the skin, as is the case with mineral or physical blockers (aka mineral sunscreen), or by absorbing the UV rays, converting them to heat, and then releasing them from the skin (aka chemical sunscreen).”

Is it better to use face sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50?

The main (but very slight) difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreen is the percentage of UVB rays it blocks. Even though a higher SPF can be misleading, Dr. Garshick says “there is some added benefit to SPF 50, as SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays.” SPF 30 sunscreens, on the other hand, block 97 percent of UVB rays. For this reason, it’s probably unnecessary to actively seek out sunscreens with SPF 50 or higher, especially since most dermatologists still recommend SPF 30 formulas.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, sunscreen can expire, and the expiration date is usually listed on the tube or box, says Dr. Garshick. If it isn't labeled, that means the manufacturer conducted stability testing and found the product to remain stable for at least three years, per the FDA.

Dr. Garshick advises against using expired sunscreen "because it is unlikely to offer the same amount of protection as indicated on the label and [could] no longer be effective, which can increase the chance of developing a sunburn or sun damage,” she says. “Additionally, some active ingredients may be degraded and more likely to contribute to skin irritation or sensitivity."

Do you need sunscreen if you wear foundation with SPF?

The short answer is yes, you should still apply sunscreen and foundation with SPF. “The issue with sunscreen in makeup is that most people are not going to apply the quantity of product that would be required to get the full SPF effect that is indicated by the number on the bottle,” says Dr. Marcus.

What’s the best way to apply face sunscreen?

To achieve the SPF labeled on a face sunscreen bottle, you need to properly apply your sunscreen—and that means using a nickel- or quarter-sized dollop for the face. Some people prefer to use the two-finger rule, which refers to applying sunscreen along the length of two fingers, the index and middle finger, the equivalent of 1/2 a teaspoon to apply to the face and neck combined.

Sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine before makeup application. It is important to remember hard-to-reach and often-forgotten areas like the scalp, ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet—and don’t forget to fully rub in the product until you can’t see it. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Marisa Petrarca, a freelance writer specializing in beauty and lifestyle content. She has over five years of editorial experience, and her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more. To write this article on the best face sunscreens, she considered the ingredients and formulations of dozens of products to come up with the best options. She also spoke to Rebecca Marcus, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, for expert advice on how to choose a face sunscreen.