The best sunscreens for face are among the few nonnegotiables in any skin deva routine. The right formula not only protects the skin from UV rays, sunburn, and skin irritation, but also contains antioxidants like vitamin C and hydrators like hyaluronic acid to minimize the appearance of fine lines, aging skin, and dark spots. And derms agree: “UV exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging and sun damage, so daily sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging steps someone can take,” says Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks.
Finding the right formula for your skin type can get tricky, so our team of Glamour staffers combined tried close to 100 products. The ones below are all from top-rated brands and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types, from mineral SPFs that don’t leave a white cast to sticks for reapplication. Take a look at our dermatologist-approved face sunscreens for every skin type and concern below.
Our top sunscreens for face
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46, $45
- Best Without White Cast: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, $32
- Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, $16
- Best for Under Makeup: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen SPF 50, $40
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, $20
Frequently asked questions
- What SPF do dermatologists recommend for the face?
- Is SPF 100 too much for the face?
- Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
- What type of sunscreen do dermatologists recommend for mature skin?
- How to find the right sunscreen for your skin type
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen (SPF 46)
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Amazon
Dermstore
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Not water-resistant |
| Nongreasy |
Try this sunscreen, and you may never buy another. “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a dermatologist—and there’ve been dozens upon dozens—who didn’t recommend this sunscreen,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey. Despite the high SPF of 46, the lightweight formula uses transparent zinc oxide and octinoxate that won’t leave a white cast, even on deeper skin tones. It earned the top spot because it also contains niacinamide which makes it unique compared to other sunscreen formulas. This helps address redness and prevents irritation, so it’s a stand out pick for sensitive skin. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Ibrahim. “It’s also perfect for layering under makeup.”
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“This formula, without a doubt, is worth every penny. It’s weightless during application and dries down quickly. It leaves behind a birçok veil of moisture but won’t pill if you apply makeup on top. It does a great job of protecting skin and giving it a fresh glow without looking shiny or greasy. I love both the clear version of this and the tinted—which you can pair with concealer for summertime for a no-makeup makeup finish.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
“Go to Elta if you seek a sheer wash of color in your tinted sunscreen. It spreads on muhteşem easily, so if you’d like to reduce the appearance of imperfections on your face while getting sun protection, this is the product for you. Just add lip balm for a quick and casual look. A caveat is that this product comes in only two colors; the tint I used was a tad too dark for my pale skin, so I used a light hand. Overall, my skin looked firmer, even-toned, and glowy. —Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
- SPF: 46
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 3 oz.
Best Without White Cast: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Amazon
Sephora
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Improved formula with higher SPF | Can feel a bit greasy |
| Invisible for all skin tones | |
| Doubles as makeup primer |
Supergoop has gone viral more times than we can count for formulas that make sunscreen genuinely enjoyable to use, and Unseen Sunscreen is their most iconic. This pick goes on completely invisible—yep, even on deep skin tones—and makeup artists regularly use it as a primer because of its blurring and smoothing capabilities. It’s also made with ceramides for a hydrating boost. The formula recently got an upgrade, too: Unseen was reformulated to provide SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection (up from SPF 40), making it a stronger everyday option. You won’t see a wash of cast after using it, it seeps right into your complexion for a “your skin but better” finish.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“Literally one of the hands down best sunscreens I’ve tried for oily skin. It keeps my makeup matte all day and absorbs excess shine that tends to appear on my T-zone and around my nose. There’s not one ounce of a cast with it either, it’s totally invisible.” —A.M.K.
Glamour senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers says:
“I’m actually shocked at how light it is—no white cast or anything. I’ve never seen a sunscreen with this consistency, almost like a primer which makes it perfect for layering makeup on top,” —Jazmin Gathers, Glamour senior social media manager
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- SPF: 50
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Best Korean Beauty: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 36)
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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 36)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | You really have to rub the formula in |
| Gentle on all skin types including sensitive | |
| Has a matte finish and combats signs of aging |
Korean sunscreen are renowned for their glass skin–like finishes and potent skin deva ingredients that soften and smooth skin for a youthful, bouncy look. This formula is no different, dries down quickly, doesn’t leave behind a white cast, and gently soothes the skin with cica (to help soothe irritation), green tea (to calm redness), and sunflower oil (to deeply hydrate). It leaves behind a glowy, radiant finish that doesn’t look overly shiny, making it ülkü for all skin types, including combination. We like that it absorbs quickly and helps soften areas of rough texture for that Korean glass-skin finish.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’ve tried a lot of different sunscreens in my day, and this is one of the very best I’ve ever gotten my hands on. It’s lightweight, muhteşem silky to the touch, and my skin simply drinks it up. All you need is about one pump to saturate your entire face and it’ll dry down quickly without leaving a cast behind. I add on a layer of my tinted moisturizer on top and I’m good to go for hours.” —A.M.K.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“This Innisfree suncreen is great for both face and body. I use it on my face, neck, and arms, and it absorbs nicely without leaving a white cast. It does take some rubbing but it’s so worth it. I have oily, combination skin and this lightweight SPF is one I’ve gone through two bottles of already because my skin loves it.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Avobenzone
- SPF: 36
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
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Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Seamlessly blends into skin | Might be a little shiny for oily skin types |
| Glowy finish |
This tinted fluid sunscreen has mineral protection and comes in 12 sheer shades for a range of skin tones. The texture is silky and lightweight, and seamlessly blends into skin for a glowy finish without a white cast. It can be worn alone or paired with makeup and helps soften the look of lines and texture for a smooth, fresh finish.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’m extremely impressed with this tinted sunscreen because it does a great job of providing sheer to medium coverage that’s just enough to cover up any blemishes, but doesn’t overdo it. It’s gentle on skin and helps soften areas of texture, and doesn’t pill when paired with a concealer over top. The formula is a bit runny, so I recommend being careful when you squeeze it out of the tube–a little certainly goes a long way!”—A.M.K
Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu says:
“Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula. It feels so fluid and weightless, and I’m obsessed with the natural finish it leaves. This tinted sunscreen is sheer and forgiving—more like a blurring filter for your skin than a full-on foundation. On days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but still want to even out my skin tone and give it a beautiful glow, I always reach for this.” —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
- SPF: 40
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Best for Under Makeup: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen (SPF 50)
La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen SPF 50
Shop Now
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Runny texture means it can get messy |
| Water-resistant |
This drugstore sunscreen lotion is packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients that do more than offer UV protection—they make skin look bouncier, more youthful, and radiant, giving luxury sunscreens a run for their money. Niacinamide evens skin tone, hyaluronic acid plumps fine lines, and azelaic acid gently resurfaces dull, rough skin texture for a smoother, softer appearance. A little goes a long way—one to two pumps can cover your face—and the formula is invisible, so no white cast. It’s also water-resistant and pairs well under makeup.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“This silky sunscreen is extremely lightweight and a dream to apply. I never have to worry about white cast or greasy, tackiness. It glides so smoothly on my face which makes it easy to apply in every little crevice without missing a spot. It is a little bit runny but if you apply gradually you should be fine.” —J.C.
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- SPF: 50
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to layer | Pump occasionally clogs |
| Helps with redness |
Don’t be put off by the green color. The formula is specifically designed this way to help cancel out any redness associated with irritated or acne-prone skin. The gel-cream formula feels birçok and cool as it settles, lending a soothing effect that’s ülkü for inflamed skin. Zinc oxide physically absorbs UVA/UVB rays, and the formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, particularly good for skin types prone to breakouts and redness. It sits beautifully under makeup and won’t pill.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This sunscreen is one of the most unique I’ve tried. It has a slight green tint and a creamy finish. It slides onto the skin effortlessly and dries down upon contact. I also like that it acts as a great primer. It leaves the skin velvety and silky, without a touch of oil or residue behind.” –A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
- SPF: 30
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 1.69 oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
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Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Amazon
Dermstore
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Universal tint | Some testers say it transfers easily |
| Lightweight | |
| Water- and sweat-resistant |
If you’re shopping for zinc-oxide-based sunscreen for sensitive skin, look for at least 10% of the active ingredient, says Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. At 12%, this lightweight formula delivers. It physically blocks UV rays and skips irritating ingredients that you might find in chemical formulas. And it’s also recommended by Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, who says it also contains iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented EnviroScreen Technology. The sunscreen touts itself as sensitive-skin friendly because it contains proprietary ingredient filters that protect against pretty much everything: UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. It also boasts an antioxidant-rich ingredient list that brightens uneven skin tone, plus a hydrating finish that smoothes dry, patchy areas. And if you’re looking for some coverage, you’ve come to the right place.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“This sunscreen has a cool color changing effect when you apply it. It comes out of the tube white with blue flecks that dissolve and turn into a tan shade as you apply. If you have very oily skin this is a great sunscreen because it layers on almost matte.” —J.C.
Fast facts
- Active ingredients: Antioxidants, iron oxide, zinc oxide
- SPF: 50
- Water-resistant: Up to 40 minutes
- Size: 1.8 oz.
Best Sunscreen Stick for Reapplication: Abib Airy Sunstick
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Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar (SPF 50+)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Creamy formula | The stick formula is easy to break apart by accident or if you’re rubbing it too harshly |
| Easy to glide on and apply quickly |
Sunscreen sticks make reapplication easy (which by the way, you should be reapplying every two hours if you are outdoors), and this moisturizing bar is one of our faves. It has SPF 50 to protect skin, plus sunflower seed oil to moisturize, and allantoin, a botanical extract to calm redness and inflammation. Ectoin, which is an amino acid derivative, also helps protect the skin from free radicals and softens fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother complexion by strengthening the skin barrier. The formula glides on for a dewy finish that isn’t overly greasy or shiny, either.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“This sunscreen stick is always with me in the summer or when I travel. I pull it out of my tote and reapply if I’m outside for long hours or if the UV index is high. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t completely disturb my makeup. For the most part, I can apply it over makeup and still have it intact. It has a dewy finish that absorbs after a while, and doesn’t feel too heavy. Reapplying is always tricky, but this SPF stick makes it easy.” —J.C.
Fast facts
- Active ingredient: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone
- SPF: 50
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Size: 0.81 fl. oz.
More face sunscreens we tested
- If you have sensitive skin, the Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, which has SPF 50, is non-comedogenic and is great for acne- and reactive-skin types. It doesn’t feel tacky or greasy during application, and is packed with shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to help soften and moisturize skin. While we generally liked it, we decided to remove it from our list above because it leaves a white cast.
- For another tinted sunscreen option, we love the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation SPF 30. It leaves behind a soft matte finish and has a blend of prickly pear extract and white sage to protect skin from blue light and free radicals, in addition to UVA/UVB. While it’s SPF 30, sensitive skin–friendly and comes in a ton of shades, we ultimately cut it from this list because it’s more of a foundation product than a proper sunscreen.
- Another drugstore pick we tried was the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50, which is lightweight, oil-free, and and plays well with makeup products. It’s water resistant up to 40 minutes and quite hydrating, leaving skin soft and supple post-application. Although we liked the texture, it left a white cast behind, so we omitted it from our top picks.
Frequently asked questions
What SPF do dermatologists recommend for the face?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for face and body. Many dermatologists tell us this is just a baseline, suggesting SPF 50 is really the gold standard because it offers a high enough SPF to protect you during everyday activities with realistic reapplication expectations of 1–2 times per day.
Is SPF 100 too much for the face?
High SPF isn’t necessarily better. While SPF 100 does offer more protection against the sun’s UV rays, the extra protection is marginal, explains Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts. The big sorun: SPF 100 tends to lend a false sense of security, so the average person may reapply less frequently. “There is a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun, when in reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen for every hour or two you are out in the sun, depending on your activity level and activity type,” says Dr. Frieling.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
You may know that there are two types of sunscreen: physical (a.k.a. mineral) and chemical. Dermatologists tend to recommend mineral sunscreen because it’s gentler on sensitive skin. The active ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it and reflect UV away from the skin. But there’s a big downside to mineral SPFs: The active ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—tend to leave a white cast, particularly on those with a darker complexion. Chemical sunscreens—powered by active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate—are easier to rub in and work like a sponge to absorb the sun’s rays rather than deflect them.
No matter which type you choose you go with, dermatologists say the most important thing is to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen for protection against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistance is also key, especially if you have plans to swim or exercise outdoors. Derms say reapplying every two hours is crucial.
What type of sunscreen do dermatologists recommend for mature skin?
Look for formulas that combine broad-spectrum protection with hydrating or antioxidant ingredients, says Dr. Queller. Hydrating ingredients include hyaluronic acid to soften lines, niacinamide to even skin tone and peptides to plump skin and soften lines. She also recommends looking for antioxidants that support skin hydration and overall skin health, like vitamin C.
How to find the right sunscreen for your skin type
There are a few things to look out for when it comes to shopping for a facial sunscreen based on your skin type, according to Rachel Nazarian, MD and board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology.
If you have oily skin, Dr. Nazarian recommends looking for a formula that’s oil-free and noncomedogenic. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. “For people who have sensitive skin (including babies, children, or those with rosacea or allergies to the ingredients in chemical sunscreens), I love to recommend mineral sunscreens,” she says.“These formulas are typically tinted, so this is a good option for people wanting to block visible light from sun exposure or those who are looking for a little color correction and coverage in their product.”
How we tested face sunscreens
To bring you the ultimate guide to face sunscreen, we asked dermatologists and Glamour editors to test both tried-and-true broad-spectrum sunscreens and the newest, most promising launches of 2026.
We evaluated based on the type of sunscreen (mineral or chemical) and method of application (stick, spray, lotion, powder, and more). We checked the consistency and how the formula feels on the skin, how well it absorbs, and whether it leaves a white cast on various skin tones; we considered the finish (is it dewy or mattifying?), and—of course—overall efficacy. Below are the best of the best, tested by beauty editors and experts who wear them daily.
Meet the experts
- Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey
- Kunal Malik, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC
- Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist
- Rachel Nazarian, MD a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology
