The 12 Best Face Sunscreens, According to Testers & Byrdie Editors

If you haven’t heard it enough, you should apply sunscreen every single morning. Not only does it protect against sun damage, but it’s the most effective product for keeping your skin looking healthy and clear. “If you want to maintain firmness of the skin, sunscreen is a necessity,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung. “Exposure to UV rays can break down your collagen and elastin, leading to broken blood vessels and sunspots.”

Finding one you’ll want to apply daily is even more challenging, especially since many options can feel chalky, heavy, or leave that dreaded white cast on the skin. So I, alongside testers of all ages, set out to test top-rated formulas to find the ones worth buying. We rated each sunscreen based on its consistency, finish, and feel on the skin, plus any additional skincare benefits.

Best Overall

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

$18 at Amazon $32 at Sephora $10 at Kohls.com

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I’ve tested dozens of sunscreens, but there’s only one formula I always come back to: Innisfree’s UV Daily Defense. This is, without a doubt, my favorite SPF of all time. It’s hydrating and soothing, absorbs seamlessly, and makes my complexion look healthy and luminous. Aside from the SPF filters, the formula has green tea, cica, vitamin E, and more, nourishing the skin and leaving a glowy but comfortable finish. The consistency is similar to a medium weight moisturizer—it’s creamy but settles into the skin easily, so applying two layers is a breeze and doesn’t feel heavy. The smooth, hydrated finish creates the perfect base for any makeup I apply on top, and it never pills or leaves a white cast.

Best Mineral

Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$40 at Sephora $40 at Kohls.com

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Iron oxides | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.5 oz  | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Mineral sun blockers, such as zinc oxide and iron oxide, are great for those with sensitive skin as they’re gentler than their chemical counterparts. This lightweight mineral formula from Ilia has a serum-like texture that settles into the skin easily, with a slightly tinted, natural finish. It can be worn on its own or under makeup, and Associate Editorial Director Lauren Pardee noted that it mixed well with her skin tint of choice and sat well under her other complexion products. She loves that it left a radiant, illuminating finish, and it didn’t cling to her dry patches or emphasize fine lines and texture. It does leave a slightly tacky feel upon initial application, but she didn’t find it too bothersome.

Lauren Pardee, associate editorial director with normal skin: “This product leaves an illuminating, tinted finish on the skin. Reapplication was easy—the consistency and experience were the same as the first application.”

Best for Mature Skin

Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen

$18

$16 at Amazon $16 at Target

$21

$16 at Walmart

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.5 oz | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

If you want to treat signs of aging and prevent wrinkles, daily SPF application should be a must in your routine. We love this option for mature complexions because its formula is filled with antioxidants, which keep the skin protected from environmental free radicals that can cause wrinkles and fine lines. It has a thin, lightweight consistency, and our tester noted that it didn’t emphasize any skin texture—leaving the skin smooth and glowy. The natural finish felt weightless on her face and neck, and it never caused any irritation to her sensitive complexion. It also absorbed pretty much instantly without leaving a white cast or sticky finish behind. Some online reviewers mentioned that it stung their eyes, but our tester personally didn’t have that problem.

Sarah, tester with dry, sensitive skin: “It’s not sticky, greasy, or slippery at all. I was amazed at how nicely it absorbed into the skin and how hydrating it was.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Sofie Pavitt Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30

$38 at Sephora

$38

$35 at Sofiepavittface.com

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Acne-prone skin types may have trouble finding the perfect SPF formula more than other skin types—formulas can sometimes contain pore-clogging ingredients that lead to even more breakouts. We recommend this acne-safe option from “acne whisperer” Sofie Pavitt’s skincare line. The formula is clinically proven to be non-comedogenic, and it’s made with niacinamide—a powerful ingredient that regulates oil production and soothes active breakouts. Our tester loved its lightweight consistency, and it left a dewy finish that made her skin look healthy and hydrated. Reapplication was easy, with no pilling or discomfort. Most importantly, it didn’t lead to any breakouts or irritation—nor did it clog her pores even further. She noted that those with very oily skin types may find the finish too shiny, but it becomes slightly more matte after an hour or two.

India, tester with oily, acne-prone skin: “I love how lightweight this is—other sunscreens I have are thicker in consistency, and some of them leave a subtle white cast at first. When I massage it onto my skin, it glides and absorbs almost like water.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin, Runner-Up

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Face Sunscreen

$45 at Amazon $46 at Target $45 at Eltamd.com

Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5% | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: No

Zinc oxide is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin types—it can protect against UVA/UVB rays while soothing irritation. It’s the main ingredient in this sunscreen from EltaMD, which was specifically formulated for those who deal with acne and rosacea. The finish feels calming on the skin, and it didn’t cause any irritation or redness. While it applies white on the skin, it dries completely clear after rubbing it in for a few seconds and feels unnoticeable a few minutes after applying. Many sunscreens leave the complexion slightly dewy, but this one leaves a satin finish on the face with no glow. Another plus for acneic skin—it has niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate to soothe and hydrate, and it’s also fragrance-free.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

$50 at Amazon $50 at Sephora $50 at Ulta

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with soothing aloe, ectoin, and vitamin E, this ultra-gentle sunscreen from Tatcha impressed our tester with extremely sensitive skin. She was dealing with an active dermatitis rash while testing, and she was able to integrate this formula into her routine without any added irritation or inflammation. As the name suggests, it has a milky, light consistency that applies like a serum—instantly absorbing into the skin, leaving a healthy, glowy finish. She noted that the silky feel it creates was the perfect base for makeup, and the rest of her complexion products applied seamlessly on top. The only downside was the lingering sunscreen scent, but she still loved it enough to make it her new go-to SPF.

Gabriela, tester with sensitive, eczema-prone skin: “The ingredients are non-comedogenic,  and I love that it is reliable for sensitive skin. I also really love the dewy finish this sunscreen has.”

Best Lightweight

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

$38 at Amazon $40 at Sephora $38 at Dermstore

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4% | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you find it difficult to slather on sunscreen every day, I recommend this pick from Supergoop! As the name suggests, it’s completely translucent on the skin (and straight from the bottle), and has a smooth, gel consistency that blends seamlessly—making it a dream to apply. The best thing about this sunscreen is that it’s virtually weightless, so there’s no chalky feeling on the skin. The sunscreen does have a bit of a waxy feel for a few minutes after initial application, but it disappears as soon as it settles into the skin.

Best Hydrating

Tower 28 SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

$32 at Amazon $32 at Sephora $32 at Kohls.com

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You don’t often hear “mineral sunscreen” and “hydrating” in the same sentence, so I was skeptical when trying this formula from Tower 28. It uses zinc oxide, which usually leaves a white finish, especially on dark skin tones. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the thin but creamy texture was easy to spread around my face and absorbed easily—with zero cast. It has a light consistency that leaves a glowy, moisturized finish, but it doesn’t make my skin greasy throughout the day. It felt overall weightless and comfortable on the skin, and it also soothed dryness. A tip for those with deeper skin tones: Make sure to thoroughly rub out the formula as you get closer to the hairline, as it can leave a residue if not. But, I have to give it praise for drying completely clear, otherwise.

Best Gel

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40

$19

$12 at Amazon $23 at Ulta $12 at Target

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No

This gel SPF from Neutrogena is a great lightweight formula if you find standard sunscreens too heavy on the complexion. Our tester has combination skin and visible texture, and she found that it made her rough patches immediately look more hydrated and applied easily without leaving a sticky or uncomfortable finish. While it is a bit shiny initially, the finish mattified as she wore it throughout the day for radiant, healthy-looking skin. It felt undetectable on her complexion, and she also loved that it didn’t irritate her eyes even while sweating—which usually happens with other formulas she’s tried.

Nykia, tester with textured, combination skin: “It feels completely smooth, weightless, and there’s no grittiness. The clear finish is ideal for my deep skin tone, and I love that it makes my face look moisturized but not overly shiny.”

Best Tinted

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen

$16

$10 at Amazon $20 at Beautybay.com

$20

$10 at Beautyofjoseon.com

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, iron oxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A tinted sunscreen is a great alternative to your usual base makeup in the summer, and this one from Beauty of Joseon uses zinc oxide and iron oxides to protect while providing medium to full coverage. I loved that it blended evenly when I applied with my fingers, but it can also be applied with a brush if you prefer. It has a fluid texture that absorbs easily into the skin, leaving a demi-matte finish that doesn’t become greasy as the day progresses—perfect for oily skin types. At the end of the day, it was easy to remove with micellar water. Because it has a good amount of coverage, I was hesitant to apply as much as I usually do with a standard sunscreen. I recommend using it over your initial layer of sunscreen to provide an extra layer of protection and a wash of color.

Best Dewy Finish

Face Reality Brilliant Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

$42 at Facerealityskincare.com $42 at Ecosmetics.com

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone | SPF: 50 | Size: 2 oz | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While some sunscreen formulas can leave a chalky finish on the skin, this formula from Face Reality provides a dewy finish sans a white cast. It applies white initially, but our tester with tan skin found that it dried completely clear—leaving her skin glowy. This formula is made with the brand’s brightening complex, featuring antioxidants like vitamin E to even the skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation. She loved that it was easy to spread into the skin, and it layered well with her serums and moisturizer. She did find that this formula made her eyes watery, so we don’t recommend applying it too close to that area.

Ecleen, tester with combination skin: “This product would be great for no makeup days because it adds a natural glow and radiance.”

Best for Over Makeup

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

$69

$63 at Amazon $69 at Nordstrom $69 at Hsastore.com

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients:  Titanium dioxide 22.5%, zinc oxide 22.5% | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.2 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s easy enough to remember to apply sunscreen every day, but remembering to reapply every two hours is another story—especially if you already have makeup on. I would usually forgo sunscreen reapplication when I had a full face on—until I tried this SPF powder brush from Colorescience. While it’s a little tricky to “activate” so that the product is ready to apply (though there are thorough instructions on the brand page), I was impressed with how simple it was to use.

The brush and powder come in the same tube, making it easy to throw into your bag or keep in your makeup pouch. I assumed that it would be a little messy since loose powder comes through the brush, but the powder doesn’t fall out while applying—only providing a very even application with the brush across the skin. It works similarly to a setting powder as well, so it was able to tamp down some of the shine of my base makeup. I also loved that it had gentle, soft bristles that didn’t feel rough on the skin. According to the brand, you should apply liberally for at least 60 seconds for optimal protection.

What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: The SPF level listed on the label indicates how well it can protect your skin from UVB rays, which cause burning of the skin. SPF 30 will block 97% of UVB rays while SPF 100 will block 99%, which is why finding a broad-spectrum option is even more important, according to Dr. Cheung. When a sunscreen is labeled as broad spectrum, it protects against UVB as well as UVA—the rays that can cause premature skin aging. If you want to prevent a sunburn while maintaining a youthful complexion, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.
• Consistency: “The best facial sunscreen is one that you will apply daily, so look for one that looks, smells, and feels good on your skin,” says Dr. Cheung. If you want to make sunscreen application a skin care habit that lasts, you need to pick a formula that you enjoy applying every morning. The option that feels best on your complexion and works well with your skin type will always be the best choice to keep your skin protected year-round.
• Formula: Sunscreen is skincare too, and many formulas are packed with ingredients to improve your skin condition. If you’re acne-prone, consider using a mineral sunscreen that contains blemish-fighting ingredients for inflamed skin like zinc or niacinamide, and if you lean dry, find a creamier pick that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid or squalane. Choosing a sunscreen with beneficial ingredients aside from the SPF blockers is a great way to reach your skincare goals faster (and with fewer products).

How We Tested Face Sunscreens

We believe in using the products we recommend, which is why we prioritize testing products in our daily lives.

• Number of Sunscreens Tested: 17
• Testing Period: One month
• Factors Considered: Application, consistency, feel and finish on the skin, SPF level, active ingredients

Meet Our Expert

To write this article, Byrdie consulted the following expert:

• Dr. Jessie Cheung is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist with offices in NYC and Chicago. She has been practicing for over 15 years and has expertise in anti-aging, cosmetics, and more.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is an experienced beauty writer and an associate editor at Byrdie. To write this article, she tested out multiple formulas, consulted tester insights, and spoke with experts to recommend the best options. She received a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and now has years of experience writing about skincare and other beauty categories.