Your face is one area on your body that’s frequently exposed to the sun. It’s important to protect it — as well as your ears, neck, and other exposed body parts — with sunscreen every day, not just on trips to the pool or the beach. Even when you’re indoors, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can filter in through windows, causing sun damage and breaking down collagen.
According to Dr. Joy Chastain, a dermatologist in Athens, Georgia, peak hours to wear facial sunscreen are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This applies no matter the season, even if it’s cloudy outside. The sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds.
“Our face is exposed to UV rays every day, so it’s important to provide protection to prevent cumulative sun damage that may occur and result in skin cancer or signs of photodamage, such as sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, New York-based dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
The type of sunscreen you choose also matters. Some sunscreens may not have a high enough sun protection factor (SPF) or are made with chemicals that may be harmful to the skin. Additionally, chemicals in some sunscreens can cause an allergic reaction or may be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Finding a sunscreen that keeps you safe while also absorbing and blending nicely can be challenging. To help narrow down your search, keep reading for our list of the best face sunscreens.
What to look for in a face sunscreen
Although you might be tempted to choose the first sunscreen you see, or the one with the highest SPF, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a sunscreen.
Here’s what to look for.
Broad spectrum formula
There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays:
- ultraviolet A (UVA)
- ultraviolet B (UVB)
- ultraviolet C (UVC)
UVC rays are absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer and therefore won’t reach your skin. However, UVA and UVB rays can both reach skin and are both a cause for concern.
UVB rays cause most types of skin cancer. UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer, and they cause skin to age prematurely.
While all sunscreens protect against UVB rays, only broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. That’s why choosing broad spectrum is your best bet.
SPF 30 or higher
The American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source recommends using a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. A 2012 review suggests that when used properly, SPF 30 sunscreen will block about 97 percentTrusted Source of UVB rays.
Water- and sweat-resistant
This would be an important consideration for people who live in hot places, plan on spending a lot of time outside or in the water, or tend to sweat a lot.
Keep in mind that even water- and sweat-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied regularly.
A good match for your skin type
If you have oily skin, look for options that are lightweight and oil-free.
If you have dry skin, consider sunscreens that have moisturizing ingredients.
Reading customer reviews can also be helpful. Oftentimes, companies will list what skin types their product is best suited for.
A good match for your skin tone
If you have darker skin, you might find that some sunscreens, especially mineral-based ones, are hard to rub in or leave a white cast. However, some options are designed specifically for darker skin tones. Additionally, some tinted products are able to blend more easily.
No ingredients you’re sensitive to
Keep an eye out for anything you may be allergic to, especially if you have sensitive skin, and look for vegan or gluten-free labels as needed.
If you have rosacea, be sure to avoid ingredients like alcohol and fragrance.
Check out our roundup of the best sunscreens for rosacea.
Chemical or physical
Consider whether you’d prefer a mineral or chemical sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreens that don’t contain nanoparticles are considered safe, but they can be hard to rub in.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be sheerer, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source is still evaluating their safety. Some chemicals found in these sunscreens can be absorbed into the bloodstream. While the FDA’s decision on many of these chemicals is still pending more research, be aware that para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate aren’t recognized as safe.
Reef-safe
If you choose a mineral sunscreen, be sure it’s made with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, rather than versions with nanoparticles. If you opt for a chemical sunscreen, be sure to choose one without:
- 3-benzylidene camphor
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- octocrylene
- benzophenone-1
- benzophenone-8
- PABA
- oxybenzone
- octinoxate
- homosalate
- parabens
- triclosan
- homosalate
How we chose the best sunscreens for your face
To create this list, we asked our dermatology experts for recommendations. They have no interest or affiliation with any of these companies.
We also took recommendations from our editorial team and searched for well-rated sunscreens that have added benefits like hydration, brightening, and more.
All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards. Read more about our process.
Picks for the best face sunscreens
Best waterproof mineral sunscreen for face
Tizo 2 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (8%) and zinc oxide (3.8%)
- SPF: 40
- Who it’s best for: people with lighter skin, people with sensitive skin
- This broad spectrum sunscreen protects against sunburn and premature skin aging caused by the sun. It’s recommended for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
As an added benefit, it’s water resistant.
Reviewers say the sunscreen works great for lighter skin. It may be difficult to blend into darker skin tones since it’s mineral-based.
- Pros
- broad spectrum mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 40
- fragrance-free, oil-free, and noncomedogenic
- water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Cons
- more expensive than other brands
- thicker sunscreen that may not absorb as easily into the skin
Best sunscreen for eczema on face
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
- Price: $
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (21.6%)
- SPF: 50
- Who it’s best for: people with eczema or sensitive skin
- This mineral sunscreen is available in both SPF 30 and 50, though the facial formula is exclusively SPF 50.
Our experts recommend Neutrogena Sheer Zinc because it’s a broad spectrum product, and also because it has a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. In other words, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and doesn’t include many irritating ingredients.
“For sensitive or eczema patients, I recommend avoiding parabens, thiolates, fragrance, and other preservatives,” says Dr. Diane Madfes, New York-based dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
This sunscreen fits the bill.
Happy reviewers say a little goes a long way, and that it doesn’t sting if you accidentally get it into your eyes. However, some also note that it leaves a white cast on darker skin tones.
- Pros
- formulated with zinc oxide
- fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic
- awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- water resistant, but doesn’t state for how long
- Cons
- slightly more expensive than other brands
- our experts feel that the sunscreen is too thick, making it difficult to rub into the face and over facial hair
Best face sunscreen for sensitive skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen
- Price: $
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (1%) and zinc oxide (7.8%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people with sensitive skin, people looking for a physical sunscreen
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen has active ingredients of — you guessed it — minerals. Using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemicals, this SPF 50 sunscreen protects your skin by creating a physical barrier against UV rays.
It’s a broad spectrum sunscreen that’s both sweat- and water-resistant for over 1 hour. As a bonus, the cap on the packaging turns blue when UV rays are present so that you know when to apply — even if it’s cloudy outside.
Reviewers say the sunscreen is moisturizing, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. They also note that it rubs in completely, with no white residue left behind.
- Pros
- sweat- and water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- mineral-based
- unscented
- paraben- and fragrance-free
- broad spectrum
- Cons
- small tube for the price
- some reviewers with dry skin say it’s not moisturizing enough
Best tinted sunscreen for face
Supergoop! CC Screen
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (4%) and zinc oxide (20%)
- SPF: 50
- Who it’s best for: people who want their SPF to double as a tinted moisturizer
- This Supergoop! sunscreen offers mineral-based protection. It’s made to be color-correcting, and there are 15 colors to choose from to match any skin tone.
Active ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide, apple extract for brightening, and red seaweed extract, which helps protect against free radicals.
The non-nano specification is important, as it means the zinc oxide particles are large enough that they won’t enter your bloodstream or damage coral reefs.
- Pros
- broad spectrum and mineral-based
- variety of options to match skin tone
- great for all skin types
- oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
- made without skin sensitizers
- Cons
- some reviewers say the new formula isn’t as good as the old one
- might take a while to soak into skin
- doesn’t layer well with makeup
Best sustainable facial sunscreen
Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30
- Price: $$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (23%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people looking to avoid plastic
- This sunscreen from Raw Elements is plastic-free and made from all-natural ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. This broad spectrum sunscreen is also biodegradable and safe for all ages.
Healthline editor Chelsea Logan tested this sunscreen and notes that it’s a little bit hard to rub in. But it is lightweight, and once it soaks in, it doesn’t leave behind any greasiness.
- Pros
- plastic-free
- broad spectrum SPF 30
- water resistant for over 80 minutes
- biodegradable
- safe for all ages
- gluten-, soy-, and nut-free
- Cons
- difficult to rub in
Best face sunscreen for darker skin tones
Black Girl Sunscreen
- Price: $$
- Type: chemical
- Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylene (2.75%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people with darker skin tones, people looking for a hydrating sunscreen
- Healthline editor Jasmine Seales uses this sunscreen, noting that sunscreen is still beneficial for darker skin, despite the myth that Black people don’t need sunscreen.
Black Girl Sunscreen is made specifically for darker skin tones to not only protect against UVA and UVB rays but also to moisturize and hydrate skin without leaving a white or gray cast. This SPF 30 sunscreen is oxybenzone- and paraben-free.
It’s also infused with avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil to help hydrate and heal skin.
- Pros
- made specifically for darker skin tones
- free of parabens, fragrance, oxybenzone, octinoxate, silicone, and aluminum
- broad spectrum SPF 30
- water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Cons
- chemical-based
Best face sunscreen for dry skin
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (5.1%) and zinc oxide (6.4%)
- SPF: 47
- Who it’s best for: people with dry skin
- This SPF moisturizer packs both skin nourishment and UV protection into one product. The sunscreen is SPF 47 and features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as main ingredients, providing broad spectrum coverage. Other ingredients include argan oil, jojoba oil, and green tea leaf extract.
In testing, Logan noted that the product rubbed in very easily, thanks to the thin consistency. It’s very lightweight and absorbs quickly.
However, it does have a strong floral scent, which might be irritating for people with sensitive noses or skin.
- Pros
- broad spectrum sunscreen and daily moisturizer
- made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- rubs in quickly and easily
- Cons
- strong scent
- some reviewers cite a greasy residue
- may not work for people with fragrance sensitivities or atopic dermatitis
Best face sunscreen for acne-prone skin
Andalou Naturals Vitamin C Beauty Balm
- Price: $$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (20%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people with acne-prone skin
- Andalou Naturals Vitamin C Beauty Balm is SPF 30 and has zinc oxide as the active ingredient. It’s positively rated by online reviewers with acne-prone skin.
Even though it includes vitamin C to help fight dullness, you might want to apply a topical vitamin C serum separately to get more benefits. When vitamin C is mixed with other ingredients, it’s not usually as effective since it’s an unstable molecule.
Healthline editor Kelly Morrell has been using this sunscreen for years and says it’s light and never greasy. Plus, it’s easy to wash off. She also notes, “I don’t really wear makeup and find that the tint is just enough to even out my skin and camouflage any blemishes. It’s also got a light, lemon scent that’s not too strong.”
- Pros
- lightweight, nongreasy feel
- acts as a subtle concealer
- vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
- zinc oxide
- best for normal and combination skin types
- broad spectrum sunscreen
- Cons
- not suited for sensitive skin
- company doesn’t mention it being water resistant
Best face sunscreen for oily skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (16%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people with oily skin
- This broad spectrum, SPF 30 sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect against the sun’s rays. It’s oil-free and claims to aid in minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps protect against blue light from computer screens, tablets, TVs, and phones.
Other ingredients include lingonberry and sea buckthorn.
It’s a favorite of Healthline editor Mellanie Perez, who says it’s lightweight and great for people with oily skin.
- Pros
- good for oily skin and sensitive skin
- lightweight
- broad spectrum
- protects against blue light
- fragrance-free
- Cons
- more expensive than other brands
Best face sunscreen for sensitive skin
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint
- Price: $
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (5.5%) and titanium dioxide (10%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: sensitive and dry skin
- CeraVe hypes the sheer tint in this broad spectrum, mineral sunscreen. Reviewers comment on the hydrating, nongreasy feel, saying their skin didn’t feel like they were wearing sunscreen. Many of them said once the product absorbed, there was no white cast, which often appears with mineral sunscreens.
Besides mineral protection, key ingredients include hyaluronic acid (for its moisturizing properties), niacinamide (to calm the skin), and three kinds of ceramides (which help lock in moisture).
The product has been allergy-tested and is oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it works well for people with sensitive skin.
Healthline copy editor Jen Anderson agrees that it’s a match for sensitive skin, adding, “I love that it doesn’t melt off my face when it gets hot out. Instead, it just leaves my skin with a natural glow that lasts throughout the day.”
- Pros
- broad spectrum
- free from oxybenzone, parabens, fragrances, and chemical filters
- can be worn under makeup
- water resistant
- Cons
- some reviewers say it doesn’t blend into darker skin tones well
Best sunscreen for face and body
Beauty Counter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (19%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people who want one product for both face and body
- This broad spectrum sunscreen is lightweight and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
It’s SPF 30, water resistant for up to 40 minutes, and good for the whole family.
Reviewers say it blends easily and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
- Pros
- lightweight
- mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen
- water resistant for up to 40 minutes
- works well for the entire body
- Cons
- slightly more expensive than other brands
Best organic sunscreen for face
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (20%)
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people looking for a physical sunscreen
- Logan has been using this moisturizer and sunscreen for years. She loves that it rubs in easily and feels lightweight, not greasy.
This broad spectrum sunscreen helps prevent signs of premature aging and protects against sun exposure. In addition to offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays, the ingredients also hydrate the skin and moisturize with plant-derived hyaluronic acid.
Ingredients include organic aloe leaf juice, organic pomegranate, algae, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B5, in addition to the active ingredient zinc oxide.
- Pros
- mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide
- oil-, cruelty-, paraben-, and chemical-free
- UVA and UVB protection
- works well for all skin types
- Cons
- more expensive than other brands
Best sunscreen for face and scalp
EiR Surf Mud
- Price: $$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide
- SPF: 30
- Who it’s best for: people who want to avoid plastic
- This natural sunscreen is SPF 30 and broad spectrum. It’s made from all-natural, organic ingredients, including coconut oil, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, beeswax, tea tree oil, and zinc oxide.
Thanks to the cocoa butter and cocoa powder, it has a chocolatey smell. The beeswax provides water resistant properties.
The packaging is plastic-free, making it more environmentally friendly. However, because it comes in a tin rather than a tube, some reviewers note that it’s a little bit difficult to apply.
- Pros
- water resistant
- chemical-free
- broad spectrum
- made from organic ingredients
- safe for family members of all ages
- Cons
- doesn’t say how long the product remains water resistant
- difficult to apply
Best sun serum for face
EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (25%)
- SPF: 35
- Who it’s best for: people who want to avoid heavy products
- Tennis star Venus Williams created her own SPF 35 sun protection product, and the result is this unique serum. The product is vegan and made with zinc oxide and prickly pear stem extract. It leaves a semi-matte finish.
- Pros
- vegan and cruelty-free
- made with zinc oxide
- good for all skin tones and types
- broad spectrum
- semi-matte finish
- Cons
- more expensive than other brands
- some reviewers cite a strong, unpleasant smell
- some reviewers say it doesn’t absorb well on some skin types
Best face sunscreen with blue light protection
Murad City Skin Age Defense
- Price: $$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (2.7%) and zinc oxide (10%)
- SPF: 50
- Who it’s best for: people who spend a lot of time in front of a screen
- You don’t see too many sunscreens that also protect against blue light, but Murad City Skin Age Defense does.
This indoor and outdoor SPF 50 sunscreen is mineral-based. The company claims it’s great for protecting and brightening dull skin.
Ingredients include zinc oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxides (to brighten), and lutein (to protect against blue light).
- Pros
- good for all skin types
- broad spectrum
- protects against blue light
- mineral-based
- vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
- lightweight
- brightening
- Cons
- more expensive than other products on this list
- company doesn’t mention water resistance
Best sunscreen for face under makeup
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Price: $$$
- Type: mineral and chemical
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide (9%) and octinoxate (7.5%)
- SPF: 46
- Who it’s best for: sensitive skin
- As a broad spectrum sunscreen, this product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Since it’s a mix of chemical and mineral sunscreen, the product contains octinoxate, which isn’t the best for the environment.
EltaMD claims its facial sunscreen works best for people prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration, as the ingredients help calm and protect the skin.
Read our in-depth review of this sunscreen.
- Pros
- works well under makeup
- lightweight
- absorbs easily
- oil- and paraben-free
- noncomedogenic
- broad spectrum
- Cons
- includes octinoxate
Best drugstore face sunscreen
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
- Price: $$
- Type: mineral
- Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (5.2%) and zinc oxide (2.5%)
- SPF: 70
- Who it’s best for: people who want a high SPF
- If you want a sunscreen that’s mineral-based, broad spectrum, has a high SPF, and smells like a mixture of subtle vanilla and cocoa, then Bare Republic’s mineral sunscreen lotion is probably for you.
In addition to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the sunscreen also contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, raspberry oil, carrot seed oil, and grapeseed oil.
Some reviewers comment that the high water resistance is a negative for daily use, saying it’s hard to wash off at the end of the day. On the other hand, reviewers who play sports or use the product for outdoor activities praise this feature.
- Pros
- broad spectrum
- high SPF
- water resistant up to 80 minutes
- paraben- and cruelty-free
- Cons
- natural vanilla-cocoa scent might be too strong for some people
- hard to wash off
How to put on sunscreen correctly
Knowing how to properly use sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right sunscreen for your skin. Madfes recommends washing your face before applying sunscreen in the morning.
If you like to use moisturizer or vitamin C serum as well, apply that to your face first, then layer sunscreen and any makeup you want to use. However, wait about 15 minutes after applying the sunscreen before continuing with your skin care routine.
When it comes to how much you should use, Garshick says about 1/4 of a teaspoon, or a nickel-sized scoop, should be enough. “Another way to think about this is using the two-finger rule,” she says. “Squeeze your sunscreen into a line the length of your pointer and middle finger, then apply to your face and rub in.”
In order to make sure you cover everything, Madfes recommends applying from the center of your face out toward your ears. She adds, “Don’t forget your upper lip and the tops of your ears, too.” It’s also important to apply sunscreen to your neck and scalp as well. Not applying sunscreen to your neck can increase your risk of developing poikiloderma of civatte, a skin condition caused by sun exposure.
Be sure to apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. This allows time for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before sun exposure.
Additionally, be mindful that some facial sunscreens aren’t water resistant or may only be water resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes. You’ll need to reapply all sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. Madfes recommends reapplying every 2 hours you’re in the sun.
Frequently asked questions about face sunscreen
Which SPF is best for the face?
“Our faces are exposed to a lot of UV rays and blue light,” says Madfes. “Daily SPF 30 should be the minimum. Bump it up to SPF 50 or higher for extended outdoor activities.”
What kind of sunscreen is best for the face?
When searching for facial sunscreen, take a close look at not only the ingredients but also the sunscreen filter. This can be a chemical filter or physical blocker in the form of minerals, explains Garshick.
Minerals sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best for people with sensitive skin, she says.
She adds, “For those who experience hyperpigmentation, especially as a result of melasma, it can help to use a tinted sunscreen, which often contains iron oxides that protect against blue light.”
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, Madfes recommends opting for sunscreens that are labeled “noncomedogenic.” Noncomedogenic sunscreens are designed not to block your pores. They’re also a good choice for people prone to breakouts from sunscreen.
When choosing between chemical and mineral sunscreens, keep in mind that only mineral sunscreens are currently recognized as safe by the FDA. The FDA is gathering more information about the safety of chemical sunscreens.
Which sunscreen is best for the face without chemicals?
Garshick advises that it’s best for people, especially those with sensitive skin, to avoid certain types of chemical sunscreens, specifically those containing oxybenzone.
Sunscreens with avobenzone and benzophenone-4, as well as sunscreens with added fragrance, alcohol, or preservatives, can also be irritating for sensitive skin.
Luckily, most of the above items on our list are mineral-based and generally made without chemicals. Some options include:
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, which works well for people with sensitive skin
- EiR Surf Mud, which is made from all-natural ingredients
- Andalou Naturals Vitamin C Beauty Balm, which works well for acne-prone skin
- It’s best to do a little digging and research before applying a sunscreen to make sure you’re aware of all the ingredients.
Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen instead?
Most people can benefit from moisturizing their skin before facing the day. However, you can find sunscreens with moisturizer in them. In that case, you may be able to skip an additional moisturizing step.
“Moisturizing sunscreens are my favorite and excellent for most skin types,” Madfes says.
