These editor- and dermatologist-approved formulas are lightweight, nourishing, pill-free, and offer plenty of broad-spectrum UV protection so your skin doesn’t get damaged from “playing in the sun too much.”
What’s our biggest skincare tip? The Best Face Sunscreens—Broad-Spectrum Protection with SPF 30 or higher—we’ve naturally incorporated them into our daily routines. We don’t just write about wearing it; we actually wear it every day. (Yes, even if it’s pouring rain or we’re spending the day comfortably indoors.)
But don’t just take our word for it. Every dermatologist in the world will rave about the importance of wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect your skin from harmful, damaging UVA and UVB rays that can cause long-term sun damage, such as Sun spots, sagging skin, fine lines, etc., and lead to wrinkles and more. (By the way, UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and can cause more aggressive skin cancers, including melanoma.)
As a reminder, SPF 30 protects against 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 protects about 98% of UVB rays, and so on. (SPF 15 is only 93% protective, which is why most dermatologists and their teams recommend using at least 30.) The evidence is clear, so do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen every few hours Apply sunscreen regularly to prevent the above effects on your face – which in the worst case may ultimately lead to a diagnosis of skin cancer.
Now that we know the facts, we want to admit that finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be difficult. As with any other skin care product, personal preference matters here. People with sensitive skin may prefer mineral or physical sunscreens, which are always formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to “reflect UV rays before they penetrate skin cells,” as Dr. Miami’s board-certified Dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo explained it before.
On the other hand, those who want their SPF to feel more like a lightweight serum or moisturizer (and are more likely to avoid a white/grey cast) turn to chemical sunscreens, which “use chemicals that block the absorption and transformation of harmful UV rays” substance”. “.to harmless heat,” said Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Allure. FYI: Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, and ensulizole. (Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two other chemical filters banned in Hawaii, which is why many companies are following suit and removing them from ingredient lists.)
But to help you apply sunscreen on a daily basis, we’ve rounded up the 20 best facial sunscreens recommended by editors and board-certified dermatologists. The formulas work like a dream, never ruin your makeup, are suitable for all skin types, and best of all, prevent sunburn and UV-related damage if used correctly.
Best Overall: Innisfree Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36
If you’ve ever been on Beauty TikTok, you’ll know that Korean skincare brands are the gold standard in the moisturizing sunscreen category, and Innisfree’s Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36 is a great example. Enriched with Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, Sunflower Oil, and Vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin barrier, people of all skin types (especially dry skin) will love this lightweight, non-sedimenting formula that leaves a slight smear luster. (Don’t worry, it’s not greasy at all.) Did we mention it’s only $16 and a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner? One thing is clear: You don’t have to break your budget to buy high-quality sunscreen.
Best Mineral: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42
The last thing you need to worry about when applying (and reapplying) sunscreen is the potential for new pimples to form. Consider an oil-absorbing formula, like Best of Beauty Award-winning Shiseido Urban Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42. This all-physical SPF doubles as a face primer while minimizing shine, but that doesn’t mean it ignores humidity. (Because yes, oily skin needs moisture to thrive. It’s all about balance.) Hyaluronic acid and spirulina leave your skin glowing, soft and matte, but never greasy.
P.S. If you prefer chemical sunscreen, consider Shiseido’s Urban Environment Vita-Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen, which is an ultra-light formula that leaves a dewy (rather than matte) finish and is rich in Vitamin C to overall brighten skin tone.
Best Tinted: Lightsaver Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
Founded in 2023 by Dr. David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York, Lightsaver’s mission is to “make daily sun protection simple,” according to its website. Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33 is formulated with tinted zinc oxide to leave a subtle glow. It’s one of the few mineral sunscreens that Han not only tolerates but loves to use, and she confirms that it doesn’t even leave a trace of white behind. No wonder it won the Best of Beauty Award 2023 in the “Clean” category.
The silky, creamy formula contains renowned active ingredients, including photolytic enzymes to help soothe skin and repair sun damage; antioxidant-rich cranberry stem cells to protect skin cells from blue light damage; and niacinamide and Squalane, which evens skin tone and moisturizes.
Best Lightweight Sunscreen: KraveBeauty Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40
After two years of intensive research and independent testing, KraveBeauty’s Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40 is finally back and better than ever, winning a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award. This always-hydrating, always-soothing formula contains vitamin C-rich beetroot extract to add shine and protect against free radicals, along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to boost moisture levels and maintain a healthy barrier.
This is easily one of Allure Commerce editor Sarah Han’s favorite sunscreens this year. “The silky smooth cream is a dream to apply, disappears without a trace, and leaves my skin looking just right, hydrated without being greasy,” confirms Han.
Best Skin Approval: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
If you’re an avid reader of allure.com, you’ve probably seen a few mentions of EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 over the years. Ideal for acne-prone skin, this lightweight, fragrance-free, oil-free formula has been recommended by numerous board-certified dermatologists for its pore-clearing (via lactic acid), shine minimizing, and of course UV protection properties. recognized.
Remember: All skin types benefit from moisturizing, including oily skin types. That’s why you’ll be happy to know that this oil-controlling moisturizer with SPF contains just the right amount of fast-absorbing sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid).
Best for reapplying: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+
We understand how difficult it can be to apply sunscreen (every few hours as your dermatologist recommends) in addition to applying careful makeup. Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+ from Australia offers a practical solution in the form of a sunscreen spray. To be clear, this isn’t a replacement for “regular” sunscreen—you should still apply a base layer of at least SPF 30 or higher, preferably before makeup.
Okay, back to the fog. This sunscreen mist gives your skin a delicious glow with hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich watermelon, and brightening Kakadu Plum (the latter two ingredients are rich in vitamin C). Don’t be afraid to be a little clumsy when spraying. “When using a spray sunscreen, you need to apply more product than you think to achieve full coverage,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, previously explained. All in all, this sunscreen spray is an easy way to ensure you’re protected throughout the day.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 50
Chemical sunscreens can be harmful to sensitive skin. That’s where Thank the Farmer Sunshine Project’s lightweight Sunshine Serum comes into play. Allure Commerce editor Sarah Han notes that this Korean beauty product is great for soothing all year round, thanks to ingredients like aloe vera leaf extract, lotus water, and soy lipids. The lightweight, cast-free formula also absorbs into the skin without leaving a trace. Even though your skin looks radiant after use, it won’t become shiny or greasy.
That’s not all; thank you farmers for convincing the experts too. “This sunscreen serum is lightweight, hydrating, and has a pearlescent finish, making it perfect for normal to oily skin types,” says Dr. Eunice Park, board certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Airem Modern Beauty Rituals. “This is a favorite during the hot summer months.”
Best Liquid Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 50
You know a sunscreen is good when multiple editors of different ages and skin tones love it. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 50 has a gorgeous creamy texture that dries almost to a powder, making it perfect if you want to get serious about sun protection without looking (or feeling) like a greasy mess . It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky, confirms Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
P.S. If you prefer a chemical sunscreen, La Roche-Posay offers Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60.
Best SPF Moisturizer: RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30
To upgrade your skincare routine, all you have to do is swap out your basic day cream for RoC’s Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30. It’s lightweight, smooth, never distracts from makeup, and leaves skin feeling more energized. Not to mention, the fragrance- and paraben-free formula is infused with two types of ceramides to strengthen your barrier for healthier-looking skin, plus antioxidant-rich green tea and soothing of prebiotics.
List of Most Active Ingredients: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum SPF 34
$68 may seem like a lot to spend on sunscreen, but when Connecticut board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, says this is one of her favorite sunscreens, we did a double take. SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 is rich in vitamins C and E, powerful antioxidants found in many of our most popular products, such as Dr. Gohara points out and protects skin from UVA, UVB and Infrared A rays. Rich skin care ingredients including squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide enhance skin’s radiance and strengthens its barrier.
Best Sunscreen Serum: Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum Probiotic Sunscreen
Dewy is the name of the game when it comes to Coola’s Dew Good Illuminating Serum Probiotic Sunscreen, which will leave your complexion looking so dewy and radiant that you’ll forget about foundation. This SPF 30 sunscreen uses triple chemical filters to protect your skin and is sheer and lightweight. Aloe vera and glycerin provide extra moisture – making this formula a clear winner in our 2022 Best of Beauty Awards.
Best picks under $20: Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 is the second product to earn Allure’s coveted “One to Watch” seal and win a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the “Steals” category. This is due to its ultra-hydrating formula, which is suitable for all skin tones and leaves the look radiant but not sticky or greasy. (While it’s a chemical sunscreen, it contains UV filters and is often marketed as “reef-safe,” so it doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octyl octanoate.) Who can argue with the $15 price tag?
In addition to some of our favorite skin-plumping ingredients like squalane and glycerin, you’ll also find polyglutamic acid, a “natural ingredient in the sticky paste found in natto, the Japanese fermented soybean dish.” It’s effective at adding moisture, explains cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos.
Best for Dark Skin Tones: Sunscreen for Black Girls Makes It Matte
One of our top picks for darker skin tones is Black Girl Sunscreen . Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in West Islip, NY, endorses Make It Matte, her best-selling original Black Girl sunscreen latest version. It highlights the formula’s hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, squalene, shea butter, and coconut oil, which help it glide like silk on the skin.
News editor Gabi Thorne also gave the gel-like formula a rave review, noting that the barely-there formula “feels lovely on the skin, like a warm slice of toast” Like the creamiest butter on it.” Of course, there’s no horrible white cast or gray cast. It’s no wonder this matte formula won a 2021 Best of Beauty award.
Best Primer: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Allure’s social editor Bianca Richards calls Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50, formulated with blurring polymer, “the perfect daytime primer for all her glow needs.” Essentially an ideal makeup base, this multi-purpose product is also enriched with peptides, camellia oil, and aloe vera to even out skin tone. “In addition to using it as a base for my everyday makeup, I also use this SPF primer on days when I’m not wearing makeup and it gives my skin a pretty dewy look,” adds Richard.
Best Matte Makeup: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
When it comes to drugstore formulas, Dr. Mariwalla ranks Neutrogena’s Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 as her top pick. The oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) formula contains 100% zinc oxide and dries to an invisible, matte, non-greasy finish. Not to mention, it’s waterproof, making it perfect for beach visits, hiking, and all of your most active days. This is also a great choice for kids.
Totally clear: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
It’s no secret that countless Allure editors have raved about Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 over the years. What’s the most important reason? The gel-like formula dries matte and completely sheer, making it a perfect match for any skin tone (just like any sunscreen). The lightweight, oil-free formula is also packed with skin-loving ingredients like hydrating White Grass Oil and Shea Butter, so you won’t mind reapplying every few hours.
Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, has previously recommended this broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen. While this glycerin- and aloe-enriched lotion highlights a rich, winter-friendly texture, it’s also perfect for warmer weather as it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Its UV protection is the icing on the cake, and it not only won a Best of Beauty award, but also two Readers’ Choice Awards — most recently in 2021.
Best for All Skin Tones: Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
PhD. Kim recommends Versed’s Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35 in peach, which blends seamlessly with all skin tones to even out skin tone. He also notes that his male patients like this particular option because it’s “lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t have a strong sunscreen smell.” This zinc oxide formula is infused with sea fennel and moringa seed extracts to soothe and moisturize skin.
Best Sunscreen Oil: Melé No Shade Sunscreen Oil
PhD. Mariwalla also loves Melē’s No Shade Sunscreen Oil, which won a Best of Beauty award two years in a row (2021 and 2022). Melē, a skincare brand focused on the biology of melanin-rich skin, has already won over Allure editors with its relatively affordable line of nourishing serums and creams, and this sunscreen oil is no exception. Since it’s a liquid, dr. Mariwalla, you can easily mix it into any moisturizer of your choice. But even if you use the pure oil as the last step in your morning routine, you’ll find that it absorbs very quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
Best for Sunburned Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
PhD. Mariwalla also supports Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, which contains photolytic enzymes. They “can improve DNA damage after UV exposure,” she says, adding that they’re a great option for everyone, especially those dealing with severely sun-damaged skin. This lightweight mineral formula also contains vitamin E, which provides antioxidant protection and a strengthened barrier.
Best lightweight formula: Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Just one swipe of Murad’s Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 and you can’t get enough of its silky texture. This feather-light, all-mineral sunscreen (16.7% zinc oxide, in case you were wondering) enhances radiance and prevents future hyperpigmentation—thanks to antioxidant-rich jojoba oil, squalane and tomato ingredients – while protecting your complexion from harmful UV rays. Applying with a pipette also makes it easier to control and dispense the ideal amount of water-based serum, and the formula dries to an invisible finish on all skin tones.