Ugh, acne. A struggle so many of us deal with but can't always seem to handle efficiently. With so many conflicting viewpoints and opinions on acne-fighting ingredients, it can be tough to find the right products for your skin that won't cause more irritation or breakouts. Case in point: sunscreen. We have quite a laundry list of SPFs we love, but not all of them are suitable for acne-prone skin.
That's why I figured it was time to clear up all the confusion and ask the experts. I polled two board-certified dermatologists, Marisa Garshick, MD, and Snehal Amin, MD, on the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin. Below, find their advice on what ingredients to look for and the SPFs they fully endorse.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
First things first, it's important to choose a noncomedogenic formula, meaning a formula designed not to clog your pores. "Look for formulas that are oil-free to avoid clogging the pores," Garshick adds. "While those with acne can use either mineral or chemical sunscreens, those with particularly sensitive skin may opt for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these tend to be less irritating. It can be helpful for those with acne to use a sunscreen containing calming or soothing ingredients such as niacinamide to help calm redness and inflammation. Given those with acne may also be using acne-fighting ingredients that can be drying on the skin, it can also help to use a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients to combat any potential dryness or irritation occurring as a result of acne treatments."
Amin has a few other helpful tips to consider when selecting a sunscreen for acne-prone skin. "Labels like 'noncomedogenic,' 'fragrance-free,' and 'oil-free' are helpful indicators that your sunscreen won't trigger a breakout. What many people don't realize is that acne-prone skin is sensitive. Choose a mineral sunscreen rather than chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc and titanium dioxide, form a protective layer on top of the skin that deflects UV rays. This is in contrast to chemical sunscreens, which get absorbed into the skin and cause allergies and can irritate the skin. Active ingredients in chemical sunscreens commonly trigger breakouts and clog pores. This is especially true if you have acne-prone skin." For each of their favorite SPFs for break-out-prone skin, keep on scrolling.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
"This is a great option for those with acne-prone skin. In addition to offering broad-spectrum coverage, it also contains niacinamide which calms and soothes the skin and reduces inflammation or redness associated with acne flare-ups. It is also hydrating as it contains hyaluronic acid and can be used daily. It's oil-free and noncomedogenic, which is especially important when it comes to finding a good sunscreen for acne-prone skin." — Garshick
Customer Review: "I love this sunscreen. My face breaks out easily, but this sunscreen does not cause any problems. It is not greasy but feels like lotion. I have bought it several times."
2. Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
"A great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin, this mineral sunscreen is good for daily use. It incorporates a universal tint that blends in easily, leaving behind a sheer finish that won't leave the skin feeling greasy. It also incorporates an antioxidant blend in addition to Rosa Canina Fruit Oil which helps to control excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores." — Garshick
"I love that this is fragrance-free and formulated without toxic skincare ingredients like parabens or phthalates. It blends easily and doesn't leave you looking like a ghost. It also doesn't contain breakout triggering mineral oil." — Amin
Customer Review: "I am adamant about wearing sunscreen daily. I have tried so many different brands that leave my face feeling heavy or cause it to sweat, which I absolutely hate. This one goes on flawlessly, and it is all I wear—no need for foundation!"
3. CeraVe Ultralight Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
"This lightweight daily moisturizer helps hydrate while providing adequate broad-spectrum SPF coverage. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which can help to reduce the potential irritation from acne-fighting ingredients." — Garshick
Customer Review: "Finally, a sunscreen that doesn't pill under my makeup. I have tried so many, and they pill or make my skin look very dry under the makeup. I have combo oily skin, and this is light but moisturizing enough to be under makeup. I [evenly] apply two layers and let it sink in 5-10 min before my makeup."
4. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
"This oil-free sunscreen is a favorite for all skin types but is especially good for oily skin as it absorbs easily, leaving a clear, natural finish. It not only offers protection against UVA/UVB rays but also contains red algae that may offer protection against blue light." — Garshick
"Major plus is that this one is water resistant. It's great for working out outdoors or being poolside during the summer. It's also lightweight and won't leave a greasy residue." — Amin
Customer Review: "My face doesn't feel sticky or oily with this. In fact, it’s quite silky in texture and works beautifully!"
5. DRMTLGY Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 46
"This mineral sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and provides a natural tint, helping to camouflage any marks or blemishes. It is oil-free and also great for those with sensitive skin." — Garshick
Customer Review: "I rarely take the time to write a review, but this absolutely merits a few words. This tinted moisturizer creates a lovely finish on your skin. Provides a nice but not overpowering glow. I am 60 (thankfully, with unlined skin), so I was happy to see the high SPF level to help keep it that way. Even after cleaning my face at night before bed, my skin still looked great after removing my makeup. Would definitely purchase again."
6. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
"This oil-free formulation is lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving behind a matte finish on the skin, reducing the appearance of oiliness. It offers broad-spectrum coverage and is water resistant, making it especially great for those who are active outdoors." — Garshick
Customer Review: "I bought this facial sunscreen and also another brand. Even though I have dry skin, the other brand left my face very shiny and with a greasy look. I'm glad I bought this brand because it didn't leave my face oily looking. I'm very happy with my purchase."
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50
"This ultralight sunscreen fluid is mineral-based, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it a great option for those dealing with acne and sensitive skin. It offers a fast-absorbing, lightweight texture that leaves behind a matte finish. In addition to providing broad-spectrum SPF coverage, this easy-to-apply sunscreen also offers antioxidant protection through the brand's Cell-Ox Shield Technology." — Garshick
Customer Review: "I have used this sunscreen for years and have always had great dermatologist checkups. I'm so thankful for this product!"
8. Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
"This mineral sunscreen is a lightweight formula, which layers well under makeup. It also has a gel-to-cream texture." — Amin
Customer Review: "I truly love this product. I am a first-time user. I love it! I've been using it for about three months now, and I truly love it. I'm very picky when it comes to face products because I have bad eczema. But this product has really helped me. I honestly barely wear makeup now. I love the hint of green that it has for protection. Just make sure you rub it in well. You don't want to look like a ghost. I also love how my face feels moisturized and not dry or like rubber, if that makes sense. I will definitely be reordering again."
9. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
"This SPF is hydrating, lightweight, and easy on the skin. It's suitable for acne and rosacea-prone skin. It has a vetted ingredient list, which is free of endocrine-disrupting and toxic ingredients. Water lily extract calms and cools the skin while soothing stress from heat and UV exposure." — Amin
Customer Review: "I went months with eyes that would burn and run randomly to the point where I couldn't even keep them open. I thought I had developed intense allergies, but medication wouldn't fix it. I finally deduced that it was the chemical sunscreen I had been using. Once I switched to zinc sunscreen, I never had the eye problem again. But now I was getting ghost-face from the white cast of the zinc. When I discovered this product, all my mineral sunscreen qualms went out the window! I don't know how they are able to make a mineral sunscreen with no white cast, but I've been using this for two years, and I don't think I'm switching to any other sunscreen. It's an added bonus that it's very hydrating (so when I travel light or have a lazy morning, I can use this in place of moisturizer, too!)."
10. Paula's Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30
This formula from Paula's Choice is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. It has vitamin E and chamomile for antioxidant support and soothing redness.
Customer Review: "LOVE THIS! I've been looking for a new SPF, as some of the ones I've used in the past are too shiny. This one absorbs super quickly and calms the redness of my skin (in my problem spots) and feels really light on my skin."
11. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45
This ultra-sheer formula is water-resistant and creates a nice dewy base to wear under your makeup.
Customer Review: "I love this product. It's great for oily skin, and it does what it's supposed to do. Does not feel heavy on my face. I usually wait about 5-10 minutes before applying makeup."
12. Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
This Versed gem blends into the skin like a dream, won't leave any white cast, and is noncomedogenic. It also contains antioxidants to help fight environmental stressors like blue light.
13. Zitsticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF 50
Megashade is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin and is packed with breakout-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, ferulic acid, and Kakadu plum.
Customer Review: "I love this SPF. It has been the only one that works great under my makeup and [on] my oily skin. It kinda feels like a moisturizer on my skin, and my skin likes it."
14. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55
Neutrogena always gets the job done. The brand's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch formula has SPF 55, is non-greasy, and has a nice matte finish. It's a great option to bring to the beach.
Customer Review: "I use sunscreen every day to prevent wrinkles. I have used quite a few, and this is my favorite. A lot of them tend to be oily or leave a white cast, but this doesn't. I usually put a liberal about on before I put in my makeup, and it works great!"
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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