Keep breakouts at bay with picks from EltaMD, Neutrogena, CeraVe, and more.
There’s no debate: You NEED sunscreen daily, year-round. Even if you only step outside for a few minutes, it’s crucial.
But if you’re acne-prone, you might be terrified of making things worse. The good news? Many formulas WON’T trigger breakouts.
Some might even help improve your skin. So, what should you look for?
Avoid heavy oils that clog pores like coconut oil and certain silicones like dimethicone, says Dr. Martha H. Viera, a board-certified dermatologist. Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formulas are generally best.
We researched for hours to create this list of the best sunscreens. We tested a wide range of chemical and mineral formulas in varying SPF levels.
We considered active ingredients, and what chemicals they left out. Our testers examined how each sunscreen felt on the skin, absorption, and impact on blemish-prone skin.
After consulting with a dermatologist, we narrowed down our list. Here are the top-rated options.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
When applying sunscreen to your face, a clear formula is a game changer. That’s why we love EltaMD UV Clear.
It offers invisible, broad-spectrum protection. During testing, we found a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly.
It also didn’t leave a white cast – just a healthy glow. Dr. Viera is a big fan, too.
The formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid and leaves a shine-free finish. It’s also oil-free, non-comedogenic and uses lactic acid to exfoliate.
Easily the most non-irritating, absorbent, and low-maintenance facial sunscreen I’ve come across, said a product tester. It’s essentially a nice mid-range moisturizer that happens to have SPF 46.
Best Overall, Runner Up: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Coming in second is Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen. Its unique texture is like a silicone primer.
It glides effortlessly over the skin. It feels like a barrier, spreads easily, and doesn’t streak.
This moisturizes and preps for makeup, but let it dry first. A little goes a long way.
This is good if you exercise or swim frequently, as it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Best Gel: Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
Glossier’s Invisible Shield has a lightweight water-gel formula. It absorbs instantly and works well with makeup.
It goes on like a serum and won’t leave your face greasy. We liked its texture and overall feel.
The recommended amount covers the face easily and sinks in quickly. It doesn’t give your skin a glow, so use a tinted moisturizer for that.
It has a light citrus scent. We wish it had a higher SPF for maximum UV protection.
Best Budget: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion
You’ll be glad you have CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
It offers SPF 50 mineral protection. It works to restore the skin’s natural barrier with ceramides and niacinamide.
We loved the creamy texture. The recommended amount covered the face and neck.
It’s a mineral sunscreen, so rub it in. It sinks in after about three minutes without a white cast.
It has no fragrance and didn’t irritate our testers.
Best for Dark Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Made by a woman of color, Black Girl Sunscreen is ideal for dark skin tones. It moisturizes the skin and acts as a primer or face lotion with no white cast.
We loved its lightweight, mousse texture. It melts into the skin almost instantly.
It has a subtle cooling effect. It spreads easily and leaves a fresh, healthy, glowing complexion!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 20% of African Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, making daily SPF crucial.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
Hero Cosmetics created the perfect mineral sunscreen. Its barely-there green tint counteracts redness.
It can be used as a makeup primer. It’s fragrance-free and contains no irritating ingredients.
We found that it felt super light on the skin, almost invisible. It glides on and rubs in easily.
Be careful to blend it in completely to avoid a slight white cast.
Best for Water Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
If you spend time in the water, you know UV reflects back at the skin. This Dry Touch sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is ideal.
It has a thick consistency that soaks in well. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
It’s recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Best Lightweight: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
If you want a cruelty-free, lightweight sunscreen, this one’s for you. It has 30% rice extract and grain fermented extracts to moisturize.
Its texture absorbs and spreads easily. It doesn’t get cakey or settle into fine lines.
Let it dry before you put on BB cream or foundation.
Best Liquid: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
This mineral sunscreen is lightweight and easy to spread. It is very similar to Chanel’s Vitalumiere.
It dries to a matte finish. It has a milky texture and color that looks invisible under makeup.
Blend it into your face to ensure even protection.
Best Splurge: Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula
We tested Dr. Rossi Derm MD’s The Day Formula in our Lab. We chose it as our favorite splurge.
It has a gorgeous matte finish and is easy to apply. The cream absorbs easily and evenly.
The formula contains niacinamide and titanium dioxide.
Best Vegan: Cocokind Silk SPF
This hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen feels amazing. It has a creamy, light consistency, thanks to banana blossom.
It absorbs quickly and leaves a healthy glow. We enjoyed how soothing it felt upon application.
It’s not water or sweat resistant.
Best Cruelty-Free: Kinship Self Reflect Sport Sunscreen SPF 60
This mineral sunscreen is gentle to the skin and the environment. It contains reef-safe mineral properties.
It left our most sensitive testers with no irritation. It has a hydrating texture with a matte finish.
It protects the skin using Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 22.4%. It also uses the probiotic Kinbiome™ that promotes clear skin.
Best Multi-Tasking: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow
It has SPF50+ protection, vitamin C, and a glowy finish. We tested it to see how well it absorbed into the skin.
It contains serum-grade active ingredients such as vitamin C. It sinks into the skin quickly and easily.
It’s water resistant.
Final Verdict
The best sunscreen for acne-prone skin is EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. A close second is Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion is budget-friendly.
What to Look For in a Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Oil-Free Ingredients
Choosing an oil-free formulation helps prevent breakouts. Our favorite is Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Sunscreen SPF 30.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 is another good option.
Non-Comedogenic Formula
This means it is not supposed to clog pores. ZitSticka MegaShade SPF 50 Sunscreen and Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen are a couple of the best non-comedogenic options.
Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection
You want protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This means an SPF of at least 30.
We suggest our Best Overall pick, the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
FAQ
What types of sunscreen are best for acne-prone skin?
It is best to look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products, says Dr. Viera. She suggests looking for a mineral formula.
Some mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast. You can find mineral-chemical hybrids.
What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreens for acne-prone skin?
You should still use sunscreen if you have acne-prone skin. According to Dr. Viera, oil-free formulas are ideal.
Chemical filters and fragrances can be irritating.