By now, most of us know: protecting ourselves from the sun is the best thing we can do to keep our skin young and healthy. We wear our sun hats regularly, keep our eyes safe with our favorite shades, and of course, slather on the best face sunscreens that help us maintain our glow without compromising our skin. Sunscreen not only protects against the premature signs of aging, but also helps us proactively anticipate concerns like skin cancer.
The downside is that most sunscreens are packed with ingredients that aren’t exactly safe. The FDA issued a statement stating that just two Of the sixteen common active ingredients in sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were “generally recognized as safe and effective.” Most sunscreens use oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting chemical that’s linked to skin cancer, breast cancer, eczema, allergic reactions, and more. Traditional sunscreens have also been linked to causing damage to ocean coral reefs. Not pretty things.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
The best facial sunscreens
Fortunately, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do an excellent job of protecting our sensitive skin from the sun’s rays. Gone are the days when one swipe of mineral sunscreen leaves your face with clogged pores and a ghostly white cast for the rest of the day. To help you filter out the noise and find the best sunscreens for your face, we’ve rounded up our favorites. I’ll give you a sneak peek: They blend seamlessly into skin, and bonus, they won’t break you out.
Below, we’ve broken down the best of the best face sunscreens. From options that are optimal for acne-prone skin to those that hold up through all your intense outdoor activity, these are the best of the best. Scroll through and find your new favourite; we guarantee you are waiting for it.
Each product is handpicked by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether we’re giving it away or buying it ourselves. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
It should come as no surprise that the cult-favorite sunscreen brand is at the top of our list of the best face sunscreens. When it comes to sunscreens, Supergoop! perfects the balance between protection and helping to maintain that sun-kissed summer glow. The brand’s Mineral Mattescreen leaves skin pore-free and unclogged, offering a matte finish (hence the name) that lets you skip foundation—perfect for summer. I consider it an everyday favorite, as the bamboo extract in the formula offers antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. It’s a solid everyday option that keeps shine and oiliness at bay while giving your skin a natural, sun-kissed summer look.
- SPF Level: 40
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
If you still think sunscreen is only for skin protection, it’s time you discovered Sonny. The formula not only keeps skin protected against UVA/UVB rays, but from the first application (and each one thereafter), you’ll discover an immediate cosmetic boost. Not only did a single pump leave my face glowing and glowing, but I noticed that my skin stayed hydrated even several hours later. And although you can refuse at the price, it is more than deserved. In truth, while I love the matte look that choosing Supergoop produces, Sonny evens out skin tone and texture and gives me peace of mind with sun care.
It’s skinimalism at its finest. Combine with Screencream Moisturzier and Poreboy Pore Minimizer for best results.
- SPF Level: 40
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.0 fluid ounces
I keep this sunscreen, Sonny, and Supergoop selection in my regular rotation. While I love the look of glowing skin, all of the options are my favorite for taming my naturally oily skin. Although I would go for something with more protection for a day at the beach, I find any sunscreen with SPF 30 to be a solid choice for protecting my skin during my day-to-day activities. Also, given the matte finish of this sunscreen, I can feel confident with my shine-free complexion.
I like to apply a generous amount to my face and neck as the final step in my skincare routine. For best results, reapply every two hours if you are in the sun and want to maintain that strong matte look.
- SPF Level: 30
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
There is nothing No to love about all of Summer Fridays’ makeup and skincare lines (and the brand’s best-selling candle, for that matter). Each product acquires beauty with a multiple approach. Namely, the famous Lip Butter Balm hydrates and adds shine with every swipe; Jet Lag Mask (which started it all) works as both a mask and a moisturizer; And of course, ShadeDrops sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection for every skin tone. It is light and quickly absorbed, which makes it a good option for daily use. For those wary of white, have no fear: its natural finish is unmatched.
- SPF Level: 30
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
Live Tinted is a brand to trust and obsess over. Hueglow Tanning Drops brighten my skin all year long (because I apply and reapply without fail every morning, every day). And Rays Copper eye masks rejuvenate the delicate skin under the eyes with their hydrating superpowers. So of course, when Hueguard SPF Moisturizer + Primer appeared on my desk, I was instantly intrigued. And from the first application I was convinced: it is one of the best sunscreens for the face. Not only does it blend beautifully into the skin (for each skin tone, i.e. without the dreaded white cast), but keeps skin protected from the sun and blue light. So while we all have plenty of concerns around screen time, the impact on your skin doesn’t have to be one of them.
- SPF Level: 30
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
It’s hard to find fault with anything Drunk Elephant puts out, particularly this sunscreen. It keeps skin protected against UVA and UVB light and is packed with powerful antioxidants to keep skin protected against free radicals and oxidative damage. But my favorite thing about the best face sunscreens is that they double as wellness and beauty products, helping us maintain our glow while staying protected. With a hint of tint, this mineral sunscreen keeps skin beautiful and glowing all day.
- SPF Level: 30
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 2 fluid ounces
The more the merrier: While this sunscreen boasts an SPF level of 50, the consistency is anything but heavy. The pure formula offers an antioxidant-rich organic formula that guarantees protection from all angles. And it checks all the boxes: COOLA Mineral Matte Sunscreen is dermatologist-tested (a enormous plus in my book), not greasy, and lasts hours in the sun or in the water. While reapplying every two hours is recommended, I have found that given the SPF level and formulation, this lotion keeps my face protected longer than most.
- SPF Level: fifty
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
IYKYK: Keeping the skin barrier protected is the most important thing for all lovers of holistic beauty. Fortunately, we have reached a place in the beauty industry where we understand that topical products are not the only solution. The result? Beauty-from-within formulations like Covey’s Moisturizing Sunscreen that nourishes skin from the inside out. It is anti-aging, hydrating, and applies beautifully to all skin tones. While there are plenty of options on this list that make the most of skincare ingredients, Covey’s sunscreen comes out on top. Squalane offers lightweight hydration (rehydrating without a sticky feeling), while non-nano zinc oxide protects skin from dark spots and premature aging. Skincare perfection, sun safe? Could be.
- SPF Level: fifty
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
Wander Beauty can’t be wrong. From the hard-working eye cream to the brand’s powder foundation, our obsession is endless. And now: a lightweight, protective sunscreen that keeps your glow going strong. Sheer, lightweight SPF glides on easily without leaving a sticky or heavy residue. The resulting look is very bright and luminous – your skin simply brighter.
- SPF Level: 40
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
I first discovered this clean beauty brand through my (much loved, frequently purchased) bottle of Slip Tint. The tinted moisturizer was the perfect base for my preferred dewy look. So when I came across a four-in-one sunscreen (serum, moisturizer, face oil, and SPF), I knew it would be an immediate yes. To confirm: Sunvisor delivers on all levels. Moisturizes and softens skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and everyone’s favorite sunscreen, aloe vera. Blended with the brightening benefits of Vitamin C, this is a powerful beauty-enhancing protectant.
- SPF Level: 35
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
Emma Lewisham is the under-the-radar skincare brand everyone should know about, stat. Not only is the entire beauty and skincare line effective, but the B Corp brand is committed to sustainability from every angle. It offers carbon-neutral shipping and is led by its mission to “lead a movement toward transparent, climate-positive, circular beauty.” There are no empty containers thrown away: all products can be returned and refilled, encouraging the regenerative and sustainable consumption of beauty products.
And while I could write pages about Emma Lewisham’s admirable business practices (as well as the brand’s brilliant Skin Academy, which offers a trove of beauty insights), Skin Shield deserves all the attention it can get. Moisturizing hyaluronic acid is blended with soothing plant extracts for a daily cream that doubles as a protective layer. As with all of the brand’s products, Skin Shield’s formulation is the result of careful scientific engineering, featuring carefully researched and clinically proven ingredients that work in harmony to achieve the best skin of your life. And while I had to give this the dry skin seal of approval thanks to its ultra-moisturizing abilities, it also wins best packaging. The colors look beautiful in my medicine cabinet and I love that the push applicator dispenses exactly the right amount of product, every time. Not a single drop of this skin elixir goes to waste.
- SPF Level: 30
- Size: 50ml
This post was originally published on May 9, 2019 and has since been updated.
