Here’s one thing we can all agree upon: using the best sunscreen for face is nonnegotiable. It’s crucial for preventing wrinkles, sun spots, acne scarring, and skin cancer. Some dermatologists go as far as suggesting that a traditional skin care routine is useless if you aren’t prefacing it by using sun protection. But finding the best sunscreen for your face is easier said than done, so we’ll break it down.
There are two types of sunscreen: physical (aka mineral) and chemical. The best mineral sunscreen acts as a, well, physical block that shields skin from harmful UV rays, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cohost of The Doctors. Experts typically recommend them for those with sensitive skin (it’s also good sunscreen for acne prone skin). The downside: The active ingredients—zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide—tend to leave a white cast. 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.
Either way, dermatologists say it’s important to look for a broad-spectrum formula (that means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistance is also key, especially if you have plans to exercise or swim. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
To help you find the best face sunscreens for every skin type, we polled dermatologists for their top picks and asked Glamour editors for their favorites, including the best tinted moisturizers with SPF that double as makeup, sunscreen sticks that are easy to apply, popular korean sunscreen, and a few Glamour Beauty Award winners.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall SPF for Face: EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $30
Best Drugstore Facia Sunscreen : Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen, $13
Best for Everyday: Doctor Babor Protect RX Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $53
Best Antiaging Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50, $37
Best for Mature Skin: Sonage Roux Tinted Day Creme With SPF 30, $60
Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, $17
Best for Oily Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, $18
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, $32
Best Clean Formula: Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen, $40
Best Mineral Sunscreen
Best for Darker Skin Tones
