By now, most of us know that protecting ourselves from excessive sunlight is the best way to keep our skin looking young and healthy. We put on sun hats, keep our eyes safe with our favorite shades, and of course, generously slather on the best facial sunscreens to help keep our skin glowing without damaging it. Sunscreen not only helps prevent early signs of aging, but it can also help you stay ahead of concerns like skin cancer.
The downside is that most sunscreens contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily safe.of FDA Issues Statement claim to only two Of the 16 common active ingredients in sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are “generally recognized as safe and effective.” Most sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to skin cancer, breast cancer, eczema, and allergic reactions. Conventional sunscreens have also been associated with causes such as: Damage to coral reefs in the ocean. it’s not pretty.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
![Brandi Joy Smith smiling while wearing a sun hat.](https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/brandy-joy-smith-best-sunscreens-for-face-768x1151.jpg)
best face sunscreen
Thankfully, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do a great job of protecting sensitive skin from the sun. Gone are the days when a swipe of mineral sunscreen clogged the pores on your face and left you with a ghostly whiteness all day long. To help you cut through the noise and understand the best sunscreen for your face, we’ve rounded up our favorites. I will give you a teaser. They blend seamlessly into the skin and, as a bonus, are non-irritating.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the best face sunscreens. From best for acne-prone skin to lasting through intense outdoor activities, it’s the best of the best. Scroll down to find your new favorite. I am definitely waiting.
All of our products are carefully curated by our editors to always give you an honest opinion, whether it’s a gift or a purchase for yourself. When you purchase something through our links, we may earn a small commission for free.
It’s no wonder that a cult-favorite sunscreen brand tops our list of the best facial sunscreens. When it comes to sun protection, Supergoop! The perfect balance between protection and maintaining your glow in the summer sun. The brand’s Mineral Matte Screens are perfect for summer, providing a matte-like finish (hence the name) that empties pores without clogging the skin and allows you to omit foundation. I consider this an everyday favorite because the bamboo extract in this formulation has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. A solid, everyday option that gives skin a natural, sun-kissed summer look while reducing shine and oiliness.
- SPF level: 40
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.5 fl oz
If you still think sunscreens are all about protecting your skin, now is the time to find Sonny. Not only does this formula protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays, but you’ll find an immediate beauty boost the first time you apply it (and every time after that). Not only did one pump make my face glow, I noticed that my skin remained hydrated even hours later. The price might put you off, but it’s worth it. Truth be told, I love the matte look of his Supergoop picks, but Sonny evens out the texture and skin tone while also giving me the comfort of sun care.
That’s schemalism at its best.pair with screen cream moisturizer and Poa Boy Pore Minimizer for best results.
- SPF level: 40
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.0 fl oz
I regularly have this sunscreen, Sonny, and Supergoop picks all in my rotation. I love the look of dewy skin, but I rely on all the options for my naturally oily skin. I opt for something more protective for beach days, but I’ve found that an SPF 30 sunscreen is a solid choice for everyday skin protection. Plus, this sunscreen has a matte finish, so I feel more confident in my non-shiny skin.
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 2 hours if you want to maintain a matte look in the sun.
- SPF level: 30
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.7 fl oz
There is nothing no I love the entire Summer Friday skincare and makeup line (and the brand’s best-selling candles, for that matter). Each product expresses beauty with a multifaceted approach.i.e. famous lip butter balm Moisturizes and adds shine with every swipe.of jet lag mask (This is how it all started) It works as both a mask and a moisturizer. And of course, ShadeDrops sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection with SPF 30 for all skin tones. It’s lightweight and highly absorbent, making it perfect for everyday use. Don’t worry if you are concerned about white floating. The natural finish is second to none.
- SPF level: 30
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.7 fl oz
Live Tinted is a trusted and addictive brand.of Huglow Bronze Drops It illuminates the skin all year round (because I apply and reapply every morning and every day without fail).and the rays copper eye mask Rejuvenate the delicate under-eye skin with its moisturizing superpower. So, of course, when Hueguard SPF Moisturizer + Primer showed up on my desk, I was instantly intrigued. The first time I applied it, I was convinced that this is one of the best sunscreens for the face. Not only does it blend beautifully into the skin, every day skin tones (i.e. no dreadful white cast), but protects skin from the sun and blue light. So everyone has a lot of concerns when it comes to screen time, but the effect on your skin doesn’t necessarily have to be one of them.
- SPF level: 30
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.7 fl oz
It’s hard to find fault with anything from Drunk Elephant, especially when it comes to this sunscreen. It protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and boasts powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage. But what I love most about the best sunscreens for the face is that they can act as both health and beauty products, protecting your skin while keeping it glowing. This tinted mineral sunscreen keeps skin looking gorgeous and glowing all day long.
- SPF level: 30
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 2 fl oz
This sunscreen boasts an SPF level of 50 and is never heavy in consistency. The sheer formula offers an organic, antioxidant-rich formula that ensures protection from every angle. And it meets all the conditions. COOLA Mineral Matte Sunscreens are dermatologist tested ( gigantic Plus, according to my book), it’s non-sticky and holds up well in the sun and water for hours. I recommend reapplying every few hours, but considering the SPF level and formulation, I found this lotion to keep my face protected longer than other lotions.
- SPF level: 50
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.7 fl oz
IYKYK — Keeping the skin barrier protected is a top priority for all holistic beauty lovers. Thankfully, we’ve come to the point where we understand that topical products aren’t the only solution in the beauty industry. result? Inner beauty formulas that nourish your skin from the inside out, like Covey’s moisturizing sunscreen. It is anti-aging, moisturizing and works beautifully on all skin tones. There are a lot of choices on this list that make the most of the topical skincare ingredients, but Covey’s sunscreen is the most effective. Squalane provides light hydration (re-moisturizing without a greasy feeling), while non-nano zinc oxide protects skin from blemishes and premature aging. Sunscreen, perfect skin care?
- SPF level: 50
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.5 fl oz
Wonder Beauty can do no wrong. From hardworking eye creams to branded powder foundations, our obsession is endless. And now, a protective, lightweight sunscreen that keeps your glow strong. Sheer and lightweight, his SPF applies easily without leaving a sticky or heavy residue. The resulting look is dewy, bright, and even brighter on the skin.
- SPF level: 40
- Chemicals or Minerals: mineral
- size: 1.5 fl oz
My first introduction to this clean beauty brand was in a bottle of bottles (which I love and buy often). slip tint. The tinted moisturizer was the perfect foundation to achieve my preferred dewy look. So when I found the 4 in 1 sunscreen (serum, moisturizer, face oil, SPF), I immediately said yes. Confirmation: Sun visors work on all levels. Moisturize and soothe skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and everyone’s favorite sun care, aloe vera. Blended with the brightening properties of Vitamin C, this is a powerful ingredient that enhances and protects your beauty.
- SPF level: 35
- size: 1.5 fl oz
Emma Lewisham is a lesser-known skincare brand that everyone needs to know about. Not only are their entire beauty and skincare lines effective, but the B Corp brand addresses sustainability from every angle. The company offers carbon-neutral shipping and operates on a mission to “lead the movement towards circular, climate-friendly and transparent beauty”. There are no single-use vacancies and all products are returnable and refillable, promoting consumption of renewable and sustainable beauty products.
And while I could write a page about Emma Lewisham’s great business practices (and great things about the brand), skin academy, offers a treasure trove of beauty information), Skin Shield deserves the utmost attention. A daily cream that doubles as a protective layer, blended with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing botanical extracts. As with all of the brand’s products, Skin Shield’s formulation is the result of thoughtful scientific engineering, with carefully researched and clinically tested ingredients working in harmony to deliver the best skin ever. And, thanks to its super moisturizing ability, it won the best packaging award, although it had no choice but to give a stamp of approval to dry skin. The color looks gorgeous 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 is wasted.
- SPF level: 30
- size: 50ml
This post was originally published on May 9, 2019 and has since been updated.