Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (2024)

Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (1)

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Beauty PSA alert: Everyone 6 months and up should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 coverage from head to toe, regardless of skin type or complexion. Not wearing and reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours while exposed to the sun's ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays can lead to signs of aging, burns, and potentially cancer.

While some might say using facial sunscreen isn't necessary, especially if they already own a regular body-safe sunscreen, that's not true. The doctors I consulted say sunscreen for the face is more cosmetically elegant because it caters to different skin types and layers nicely under makeup.

As the SPF-obsessed beauty editor of Best Products, I asked several board-certified dermatologists about all things facial sunscreen. The pros get real about how to shop for sunscreen and their favorite product recommendations. I also opened my medicine cabinet and found a few solid sunscreens for the face worth knowing about.

Best Facial Sunscreens

Why Use Facial Sunscreen

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., argues using a separate facial sunscreen has many benefits. "This is similar to the difference between face lotions and body lotions. Products designed for the face tend to be lighter weight because there are more oil glands on the face. Sunscreens for the face tend to be the same," she explains.

The New York-based doctor notes that from a sun protection factor (SPF) standpoint, sunscreen developed for the face or the body is interchangeable. She adds, "Using sunscreen designed for the face may reduce the risk of a breakout from the product, and they often feel better on the delicate skin of the face."

    What to Consider

    Broad-Spectrum SPF Level

    Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and Skincare Foundation say we need a minimum of SPF 30 outdoors, and our experts agree. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., says SPF 30 provides about 97% sun protection, while SPF 50 offers 98% coverage. Not that massive of a difference when users actively reapply sunblock aka at least every 2 hours and immediately after sweating or swimming.

    Murphy-Rose adds actively using one will prevent burns and skin cancer. "It will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and worsening skin conditions like melasma and rosacea," she says.

    Sweat- and Water-Resistance

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christina Lee Chung, M.D., FAAD, argues that some sunscreens are better suited for the elements if you spend the day at the beach vs. attending a garden party. For those with an active lifestyle, opt for a sport sunscreen that's typically sweat- and water-resistant.

    "Water-resistant sunscreen is a must for swimming and sports, and water-resistant sunscreens generally don’t burn when your sweat gets in your eyes," says Chung. She adds that the sunscreen's label will indicate how often users should reapply, typically every 40 or 80 minutes.

    Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., advises those with sensitive skin to use a fragrance-free sunscreen. However, she says choosing a facial sunscreen that uses chemical or physical blockers is more important.

    Dermatologists tend to favor mineral sunscreens because they offer immediate broad-spectrum sun protection, meaning users won't have to worry about signs of aging, sunburns, and skin cancer. They're gentle enough for children and sensitive skin, and last longer in direct sunlight than chemical sunscreens. Plus, they sit on the face rather than soak into your skin like chemical sunblocks.

    The bottom line: Mineral and chemical sunscreens are worth using since using any SPF while exposed to solar rays is better than forgoing sun protection altogether. However, consumers should opt for the mineral formula if they crave peace of mind when using facial sunscreen.

    Here is a quick at-a-glance look at some common active ingredients people will likely encounter while online shopping for a facial sunscreen:

    • Chemical sunscreen ingredients: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate
    • Mineral, aka physical blockers: Zinc and titanium dioxide

    Application

    Selecting the right sunscreen for someone's needs is essential, but it’s even more crucial to use it correctly. Continually reapply about 2 oz. or a shot glass worth of sunscreen from head to toe throughout the day.

    Murphy-Rose says for the face, a good amount of sunscreen is about 2 finger lengths of product. She notes, "If you squeeze your sunscreen along your pointer and middle fingers from the fingertips to where the finger meets the palm, for most [people] this should be a sufficient amount."

    Other spots that need sunscreen TLC are over the brows, ears, and around the lips. Use an SPF lip balm for sun protection on the pout. "These are areas where I very often see actinic keratoses or pre-cancers, and I believe that’s partly due to less sunscreen use in these areas," she adds.

    How We Chose

    As mentioned earlier, some of these sunscreens earned snaps from dermatologists or myself. As for the others, I carefully evaluated their benefits and limitations, including ingredients and water- and sweat-resistance levels. I also considered the frequency of application, overall brand reputation, and read through thousands of online reviews to ensure they live up to their promises.

    1

    Best Overall

    Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (8)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (9)

    This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, M.D. “It’s lightweight, water-resistant, comes in a mineral-only version, and contains antioxidants,” she says — and I love it for all the same reasons.

    La Roche-Posay is one of my favorite skincare brands, and this particular sunscreen is wonderful. The flattering tint is like a face primer for foundation and it blends into the skin easily with zero streaks, so I feel comfy wearing it under makeup or on its own.

    The secret to the tinted sunscreen's popularity is that it contains a Cell-Ox Shield technology that ultimately creates a veil of antioxidants against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Boasting an impressive SPF 50, the product also creates a stunning glow, so not only will users be burn-free, but they'll look good doing so.

    Need further proof it deserves our best overall category? "I’ve used this one for over a decade. It’s lightweight, has excellent coverage and comes in a tinted version that is equally lovely. Good for all skin types," gushes Chung. If that's not an enticing endorsement, we don't know what is!

    More: I'm a Beauty Editor, and These are the Best New Beauty Products for Spring

    2

    The Runner-Up

    Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (10)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (11)

    Given its light lotion feel, high rating, quality of ingredients, and positive sentiments among shoppers and our team, Supergoop! earned our runner-up distinction.

    Everyday sunscreen is multifunctional and caters to the needs of both the face and body. The Clean at Sephora-approved sunblock provides broad-spectrum coverage, moisturizing plant-based ingredients, and has a light botanical scent.

    I love that it's rich in antioxidants and infused with the brand's trademarked Cellular Response Technology to protect against UVA/UVB and IRA rays, all while boosting skin hydration.

    It's not just beauty editor-approved — consumers can't get enough of this award-winning face sunscreen. One Sephora reviewer praised this sunblock because it does not leave behind an ashy white or gray tint on her melanin-rich complexion. In contrast, another shopper jokingly referred to themself as a vampire and highlights Everyday Sunscreen protects their fair sunburn-prone skin.

    More: Sunscreen Lotions to Keep Your Body From Burning

    3

    Best fBudget

    Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (12)

    Cheap sunscreens don't typically contain extra ingredients like antioxidants, but they're not necessary to get the full SPF listed on the bottle, says Marcus, who founded the skincare line Maei MD. “The most important thing about sunscreen is consistency. So finding one with an SPF of 30 or higher that you love and will be comfortable using on a daily basis takes priority above all else,” she says.

    For those prone to breakouts, Neutrogena's facial sunscreen won't result in acne. The formula is light, oil-free, and 100% waterproof, and it's made with Neutrogena's Helioplex technology to guarantee maximum UVA/UVB protection.

    It also contains avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, all active ingredients that our experts recommends in a sunscreen.

    4

    Best for a Cooling Sensation

    Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (13)

    Simply put, Chung says this $14 sunscreen is phenomenal for sports, trip to the beach, and even the mountains. "It goes on like a liquid but dries like a cooling gel without being irritating. Highly recommend it for normal, normal to oily skin types and athletes! This is the one I grab before heading out to run," she says.

    She's not the only fan — thousands of online reviewers praise it's affordable yet highly effective formulation. One Amazon reviewer with a bald head loves applying this sunscreen onto his face and head. To quote his 5-star review, "This product is nice and light, feels just like a moisturizer, and doesn't leave my head and face feeling sticky or shiny."

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    5

    Best for a Radiant Finish

    Glowscreen SPF 40

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (14)

    Supergoop! sunscreen is mentioned three times in this story, but I promise they're not sponsoring this article or myself, although I wish they were!Chung is a huge fan of Glow Screen, and like always, she kept it real about her experience with the SPF. She calls it her absolute favorite facial sunscreen if she's focused on cosmetic benefits. "I did a gig with them last year but had never tried their products. When I asked my patients about them, so many of them, especially my patients of color, RAVED about the Glow Screen. I had no idea what they were talking about until months after the campaign. I tried it for a function, and now I’m hooked. It gives you this otherworldly glow-tint without feeling like a foundation," she says.Chung adds the brand also created two darker shades for deeper skin tones, which is always a win.

    6

    Most Popular on Amazon

    EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, SPF 46 Oil Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Protects and Calms Sensitive Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, Lightweight, Silky, Dermatologist Recommended, 1.7 oz Pump

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (15)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (16)

    Murphy-Rose considers this the goat of facial sunscreens and notes it is a perennial favorite among dermatologists.

    She says, "I frequently recommend UV Clear to my acne-prone patients for excellent sun protection that won’t promote breakouts. And my patients love it! UV Clear is non-comedogenic and formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide to prevent acne and reduce inflammation."

    In our guide to sunscreen for oily skin, multiple doctors namechecked this as a tried and true mineral sunscreen. There are tinted and united versions, but regardless of which one someone uses, they can anticipate it's lightweight, anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic formulation to keep their skin looking fabulous.

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    7

    Best for Repairing Sun Damage

    Eryfotona Actininca Ultralight Emulsion

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (17)

    Murphy-Rose calls this another great lightweight mineral sunscreen that offer excellent sun protection. She loves that it's also made with enzymes called DNA Repairsomes that help heal some existing skin damage.

    Although on the pricey side, the tinted sunscreen is handy for anyone concerned about signs of aging to utilize this face sunscreen. In addition to DNA Repairsomes, there is moisturizing vitamin E to help plump tired skin.

    Or as one ISDIN reviewer succinctly put it in their 5-star review, “Superior product- excellent sun protection in a formulation that applies easily."

    8

    Best for No White Cast

    Unseen Sunscreen

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (18)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (19)

    Finding an effective, non-ashy sunscreen is especially hard for anyone with a melanin-rich complexion. Unseen was by far the most-loved sunblock in our guide to the best sunscreens for darker skin tones.

    “The Unseen sunscreen goes on clear and smooth, leaving your skin looking supple — not at all ashy like other products might,” says Refinery29 writer Ineye Komonibo.

    I'm also a mega fan because this sunscreen combines physical blockers with moisturizing meadowfoam and soothing frankincense to mattify my face and blur my imperfections, similar to a pore minimizer. It also plays nicely with my oily complexion and doesn't cause pimples.

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    9

    Best for Travel

    Premium Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (20)

    Stick sunscreens easily adhere to the face because they are thicker than cream and liquid sunscreens, notes Marcus. “Stick sunscreen is also useful for squirmy children — it’s often easier to swipe the sunscreen stick over faces than get kids to sit still for application by hand,” she says.

    Sun Bum’s compact sunscreen stick is designed to combat sun exposure to the face. And given its unique push pop-inspired design, users won’t have to worry about sunblock accidentally leaking out in their travel bag. Simply twist the stick up like a deodorant stick and apply it to the skin.

    The face will soak up vitamin E while active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate offer broad-spectrum sun protection and water-resistant coverage for 80 minutes.

    10

    Best for a Matte Finish

    Cucumber Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 30

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (21)

    COOLA's freshly fragrant sunscreen is like a spa treatment for the skin because it's infused with 70% organic ingredients, like rosehip oil, vitamin C, evening primrose, and flaxseed oil. It's also rich in omega-3 and plankton extracts to protect skin cells against environmental stressors and rebalance the complexion.

    The cruelty-free sunscreens utilizes four types of active ingredients — avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene — to provide broad-spectrum protection.

    "Its truly a weightless sunscreen that is perfect! I put it on before work, and it doesn't make me look greasy or anything," says one 5-star Amazon review.

    We love these SPF drops from COOLA, too!

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    11

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Complete Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 (2-Pack)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (22)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (23)

    At just under-$30, we're paying a slight premium for an Olay product. However, you are getting extra bells and whistles in this face sunscreen. I think it's worth a few extra bucks because it combines soothing ingredients with highly-regarded antioxidants. It's also the first-ever facial sunscreen I purchased in middle school.

    While I've upgraded to different options featured on this list, this one is packed with vitamin E, B-3, B-5, and aloe to nourish the skin as the coverage protect us from the sun. It's specifically formulated without fragrance or oil to ensure it's safe for even the most sensitive skin and will not cause irritation.

    It's also the only 2-pack on our list, which I find incredibly practical since each bottle is only 2.5 ounces, and someone will likely finish them quickly.

    12

    Best for Touch Ups

    Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (24)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (25)

    Powder sunscreens are not a full replacement for liquid and cream sunblocks because they don’t stick to your skin as readily, says Marcus and Chung. Instead, they suggest using powder sunscreens as a supplement to touch up your face throughout the day.

    Colorescience’s sunblock earned the distinction of best powder sunscreen because it is available in multiple pigments, allowing users to conceal imperfections as you hide from the sun's rays.

    This award-winning sunblock is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, meaning it’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, like mine.

    Speaking of a gentle formula, Sunforgettable uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect you from sun damage while hyaluronic acid powder and botanical extracts hydrate your face.

    Thanks to its innovative brush, this portable, and easy-to-apply sunscreen offers powerful protection with a sheer, natural-looking finish.

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    13

    Best for Dry Skin

    UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (26)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (27)

    Dry and flaky skin doesn't stand a chance against this sunscreen from EltaMD, a brand regularly featured in my sunscreen coverage. Not only does it help guard my skin against UV rays, but since it also contains hyaluronic acid, I find it helps hydrate my face.

    It's relatively lightweight and doesn't feel super oily after application. Like all EltaMD sunscreens, it does require a little leg work to get it to blend into my skin, but it's totally worth the added effort.

    Plus, it's fragrance- and paraben-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great addition to any sensitive skin type's sun care routine.

    14

    Best for a Mineral Formula

    Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (28)

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (29)

    If someone would rather opt for a mineral sunscreen — as in, a sunscreen that uses physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for protection — then give this pick from Dermalogica a whirl.

    My facialist Yuko Funaki of Moonflower Spa in New York first introdcued me to this option. I like using it because it's sheer, lightweight formula protects the skin from UV rays, pollution, and blue light rays that emit from our gadgets. Plus, it soaks in quickly.

    Amazon reviewers agree it doesn't irritate their sensitive, acne-prone skin. "I was searching for a new sunscreen for my sensitive skin, and this is exactly what I wanted! It has a light scent to it, but otherwise, it is lightweight and soaks into the skin easily. It hasn't made me break out or irritated my skin at all," says a 5-star review.

    Sick of Your Usual Facial Sunscreen? Then It’s Time to Switch to These Fan-Favorite SPFs (30)

    Nicole Saunders

    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.

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