A trip to the beach, grocery shopping, jogging, and even sitting in front of your computer screen (hi, blue light) all have one thing in common: You should be wearing face sunscreen while doing these things. While face sunscreens are similar to body sunscreens, face sunscreen is designed for the more sensitive skin on the face, and tends to contain skincare ingredients in addition to SPF. 

“Anyone with particularly tricky skin types should be looking for sunscreens that offer more than just sunscreen,” says Dr. Steve Xu, professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and head of the Medical Advisory Board at Geologie. “And be ready to try a few different products to find the right fit for you and your skin.”

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface and reflects UV light away from your skin, while chemical sunscreen actually absorbs UV light to protect the skin. Hybrid sunscreen combines both methods.

To find the best face sunscreens, we did extensive research on different sunscreen types, including both mineral and chemical. Our top picks were chosen based on SPF levels, skincare benefits, consistency, and water resistance.

Our Top Picks Best Overall: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Budget: CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Mineral: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 at Amazon ($42) Jump to Review Best for Existing Sun Damage: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Geologie Broad-Spectrum SPF30 Face Sunscreen at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Melanated Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 at Target ($16) Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Tinted: EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 at Amazon ($41) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Transparent formula

Doubles as a makeup primer

Great for all skin types

What Could Be Better Gel texture might take some getting used to

The Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop! checks off all the boxes and proves to be a winner for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the gel consistency is totally transparent, meaning you won’t have any white cast like you can with other sunscreens. That gel consistency also goes on smoothly and doubles as a makeup primer. It has SPF 40 protection and is water- and sweat-resistant (up to 40 minutes), meaning you can wear it for sports, at the beach, and as your daily face sunscreen. 

It’s a chemical sunscreen that contains additional skin-friendly ingredients, including red algae (which looks in moisture), frankincense (which helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation), and meadowfoam seed oil (which seals in moisture). It works great with normal, oily, dry, and combination skin, and it is unscented, a bonus for those with sensitive skin. It’s super lightweight, and although it’s not reef-friendly, it is cruelty-free and vegan. 

SPF: 40 | Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes | Size: 2.5 ounces

　　 Best Budget

CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target What’s Great About It Moisturizer and sunscreen in one

Oil-free and won’t clog pores

What Could Be Better Must rub in well so there isn’t a white cast

Not water resistant

For a great two-in-one product that acts as both a sunscreen and a moisturizer, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a skincare staple. It’s designed for normal to dry skin types and has SPF 30 for sun protection, plus ceramides for a healthy skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide to soothe skin. The formula is made with both chemical and mineral ingredients, and it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. People with sensitive skin will love the fact that it’s oil-free and allergy tested, too. 

Use it in the morning after applying other creams and serums and before applying makeup. Take note, though, that it needs to be rubbed in well so you aren’t left with a white cast. If you’re using it at the beach, remember to reapply often, as it is not water resistant.

SPF: 30 | Type: Hybrid | Water Resistant: No | Size: 3 ounces

　　 Best Mineral

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Lightweight formula

No white casting

Non-greasy

What Could Be Better Pricey

Not water resistant

If you’re looking for a mineral sunscreen that also contains some great skincare ingredients, we recommend this option from Dr. Dennis Gross. Not only does it protect against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also designed to work against blue light from computer screens, pollution, and photoaging. It’s made with zinc oxide, plus antioxidant-packed ingredients like bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry, and ferulic acid, which help fight fine lines and wrinkles. 

It’s also oil-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The lightweight feel helps it blend well under makeup, so you can easily wear it for a day at the beach or at an outdoor event. Warm it in between your fingers before applying it onto your face for a smooth, protective sunscreen layer. Just be aware, though, that it’s pretty pricey and is not water resistant.

SPF: 30 | Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: No | Size: 1.7 ounces

　　 Best for Existing Sun Damage

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

View On Amazon View On Isdin.com View On Dermstore What’s Great About It Patented formula works to repair sun damage

High SPF

What Could Be Better Expensive

Designed for those who already have actinic damage (aka sun damage), ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen is formulated to repair existing sun damage thanks to patented ingredients. This dermatologist-approved pick also contains added vitamin E to help protect against environmental damage and boost the skin’s natural defenses. 

The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and fast absorbing. It’s the most expensive sunscreen on our list, but we think it’s worth it if you have ultra sensitive skin that’s showing signs of sun damage. It’s water resistant, but you should still plan to apply it after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours while in the sun. This sunscreen is made for all skin types, and works well with makeup. 

SPF: 50+ | Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes | Size: 3.4 ounces

　　 Best for Oily Skin

Geologie Broad-Spectrum SPF30 Face Sunscreen

View On Amazon View On Geologie.com What’s Great About It Mattifying and oil-free

Easy to blend

What Could Be Better Thinner formula can sweat off easily, so should be reapplied often

Those with oily skin should look for an oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores. This option from Geologie is a hybrid sunscreen, which means it uses both chemical and mineral ingredients. It’s made for all skin types, but we love it for oily skin because it’s lightweight and non-greasy, and has a mattifying finish that will keep shine at bay. The formula is water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes, and blends easily so there’s no white cast left on your face. 

SPF: 30 | Type: Hybrid | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes | Size: 2.5 ounces

　　 Best for Dry Skin

Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Made from mainly organic ingredients

Has a barely-there feel

Water resistant for up to 80 minutes

What Could Be Better Needs to sit a bit before applying makeup

Sun protection and moisturizer all in one, Coola’s Classic Sunscreen is made with antioxidant-rich ingredients that help hydrate dry skin. These include raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract, as well as chemical SPF 50 to block harmful rays. Coola stands out for following California Organic Products Act (COPA) standards, which means that at least 70% of the formula consists of certified organic ingredients.

This formula is lightweight enough to wear under makeup or by itself, and is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is higher than most sunscreens on our list. While the original formula is fragrance-free, you can also purchase it in Cucumber or White Tea scents. 

SPF: 50 | Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes | Size: 1.7 ounces

　　 Best for Melanated Skin

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

View On Target View On Ulta View On Walgreens What’s Great About It No white cast

Ultra hydrating

What Could Be Better Can be too rich for acne-prone skin

Made by women of color, Black Girl Sunscreen is made for people with melanated skin. It doubles as a moisturizer as well, and dries clear so you don’t have to worry about any white casts. It works well under makeup, and contains nourishing ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil. These skin-friendly ingredients offer a range of benefits: Jojoba soothes and moisturizes, carrot juice helps with healing and boosts melanin in the skin, while sunflower oil works to prevent irritation and provide inflammation relief. 

This sunscreen has a rich consistency that may be too heavy for acne-prone or oily skin. If you do have oily skin, we recommend checking out the Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen, which has a gel consistency that’s lighter in weight than a typical lotion.

SPF: 30 | Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes | Size: 3 ounces

　　 Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target What’s Great About It Has a green tint to neutralize redness

Blends well with makeup

What Could Be Better Not water resistant

If sunscreens tend to give you breakouts, try Hero Cosmetics’ Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, which is made for acne-prone skin. The SPF 30 formula is made from zinc oxide in a cream-gel formula that hydrates without feeling greasy. It comes out in a green tint, which might sound strange but disappears into the skin and actually helps balance any signs of redness. 

It’s lightweight and breathable, and can even double as a light primer before makeup. This sunscreen is reef-friendly, silicone-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Just note that it’s not water resistant, so reapply it often if you’re swimming or sweating. 

SPF: 30 | Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: No | Size: 1.7 ounces

　　 Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target What’s Great About It Dries quickly

Non-greasy and oil-absorbing

What Could Be Better Can leave white cast

La Roche-Posay is a drugstore favorite for sensitive skin, and the brand’s Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen is made to protect skin while absorbing pore-clogging oils, a win for those with sensitive skin. The Cell-Ox Shield technology uses UVA/UVB filters and antioxidant protection to defend skin cells against free radicals that can speed up skin aging. It also contains perlite and silica, which help absorb excess oil and reduce shiny or greasy skin. 

The sunscreen is oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It leaves a matte finish rather than a shiny one, and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. If oily skin isn’t a concern for you, the brand has a few other sensitive skin-friendly sunscreens, like the Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60 and the Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50.

SPF: 60 | Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes | Size: 1.7 ounces

　　 Best Tinted

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

View On Amazon View On Eltamd.com View On Dermstore What’s Great About It Works as foundation and sunscreen

No white cast

What Could Be Better Only two tints available

Not water resistant

Tinted sunscreen makes your daily routine a bit easier since you don’t have to apply foundation and sunscreen separately. It’s also great for days where you don’t plan on wearing makeup but still want light coverage to even out your skin tone. EltaMD’s popular UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen feels like a lightweight foundation and is made with hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

The formula is lightweight and sheer, and although it only comes in two tints, it blends well and works on most skin tones. It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free. It works best for normal, dry, and combination skin, so those with oily skin should consider the brand’s UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 Sunscreen, which is oil-free.

SPF: 40 | Type: Hybrid | Water Resistant: No | Size: 1.7 ounces

　　 Best Spray

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It Travel-friendly

Dries quickly

Can be applied over makeup

What Could Be Better It’s scented, which may not appeal to some people

Can’t ensure even application

Conveniently sized to fit in your purse, Vacation’s Super Spritz SPF 50 is great if you’re looking for an on-the-go option. It works well at the pool, beach, or for any outdoor activity, and can easily be reapplied whether you’re running errands or lounging on a beach towel. It’s reef-friendly and water resistant up to 80 minutes, and features Vacation’s signature scent, a summer-inspired fragrance that includes coconut, banana, and sea salt notes.

The formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. The invisible mist won’t ruin your makeup, and it dries fast for quick and easy reapplication. We love it because it’s lightweight, but also easy to use and travel-friendly. Plus, the light mist feels refreshing on a hot day. 

SPF: 50 | Type: Chemical | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes | Size: 2.2 ounces

　　 Best Stick

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

View On Amazon View On Colorescience.com What’s Great About It Easy to use

Can use on entire body

What Could Be Better Need to blend well to avoid white cast

Pricey

A sunscreen stick is a good option for those on the go, and works well for outdoor sports and activities, the playground, or a quick beach trip. The stick design of Colorscience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick makes reapplication easy, and you can even use it for full-body sunscreen—even on your lips! It goes on white so you can see where you’ve applied it, and blends into your skin with a clear finish. (Just be sure to really blend it in!) 

It provides protection against UV rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. It’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, oil-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free—a win for the entire family. Since it’s a stick sunscreen, it’s best to not leave it in hot temperatures for a long period of time, as the stick can soften and lose its shape. 

SPF: 50 | Type: Mineral | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes | Size: 0.63 ounces

　　 The Bottom Line

We love Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen because it works not only as a sunscreen, but as a lightweight makeup primer as well, plus it’s sweat-resistant and goes on clear for no streaks. It also contains ingredients that help calm and nourish your skin, making it a very versatile product. If you’re looking for a budget option, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a go-to for every skin type. It’s meant to be used as moisturizer and sunscreen in one, so it will streamline your skincare routine, and it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores.

　　 Tip for Choosing the Right Face Sunscreen

Type Mineral sunscreen is made from mineral formulas, and this type of sunscreen sits on top of your skin to reflect UV rays away from the skin. Mineral formulas typically contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays to prevent damage to the skin, and usually contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. 

Mineral sunscreens are usually better for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, but mineral sunscreens are worse about leaving white cast behind, especially on melanated skin. Mineral sunscreens are usually thicker as well, while chemical sunscreens are lighter and easier to apply. 

“Mineral sunscreens provide an instant, physical barrier between you and the sun, but they can easily wash off with water, sweat, or daily activity,” says Dr. Xu. “Chemical sunscreens can take up to an hour to provide full effects, but they don't wash off as easily. So, practically, using both is the best way to get both instant and long-lasting protection.”

Broad Spectrum Protection “Broad spectrum protection simply means you are protected from both UVB and UVA rays,” says Dr. Xu. “Fortunately, these days most manufacturers strive to create SPF 30 products that offer broad spectrum protection. If it is, it will always say it right on the front of the package, so look for it.” 

UVB rays are the culprit if you have a bad sunburn, and typically affect the outermost layer of skin. UVA rays, on the other hand, create more lasting damage because they penetrate the skin and cause wrinkles and long-term skin damage. Even if a sunscreen has a high SPF, if it doesn’t have broad spectrum protection then it won’t protect you from all types of UV light.

SPF According to the American Academy of Dermatology, SPF 30 or higher is recommended to protect against sunburns. While you might think a higher SPF equals stronger protection, this actually isn’t true. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of the sun’s rays, and anything higher can only offer slightly more protection, with no SPF able to offer 100% protection. No matter what SPF you have, you should always reapply often.

Skin Type Your skin type can help determine what type of SPF will work best for you. Those with dry skin, for example, might want to buy a sunscreen that is hydrating and has extra nourishing ingredients in it like vitamin E and natural oils. Those with oily skin will want to avoid sunscreens that are thick and pore-clogging, and instead should look for something non-comedogenic with a matte finish. 

　　 Questions and Answers 

What SPF level is best for the face?  “We recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for the face when you're going to be spending any sustained time outdoors,” says Dr. Xu. “And for many people, during their average workdays when they're not as likely to be outdoors, a great moisturizer with lighter SPF 15 protection can also be adequate for everyday use.”

What is the difference between face and body sunscreen? “Technically, there are no differences,” says Dr. Xu. “FDA-approved ingredients for SPF don't distinguish between body and face. But people are more sensitive to how products feel on their skin so they demand products that provide adequate protection and feel cosmetically elegant to use.”

Sunscreens designed for the face are typically lighter in weight and contain extra skincare ingredients for maximum benefits. There are also tinted face sunscreens that can be used as replacements for foundations.

Do you need to wear sunscreen every day? “Yes, every single day without a doubt. Sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do for skin health,” says Dr. Xu. Just remember to incorporate it as the final step in your skincare routine—soon enough it’ll become second nature.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living?

Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor with seven years of experience covering general lifestyle topics. For this article, she researched different types of face sunscreens, considering factors such as skin type, price, and ingredients. For expert insight, Amanda consulted with Dr. Steve Xu, a board-certified dermatologist who is the head of the Medical Advisory Board at Geologie and the company’s co-founder.