By now most of us know that protecting ourselves from the sun is the best thing we can do to keep our young skin and good for health. We wear our sun hats on the reg, protect our eyes with our favorite shades and, of course, slather on the best face sunscreens that help us keep our glow without compromising our skin. Not only does sunscreen protect against premature signs of aging, it also helps us stay ahead of issues like skin cancer.
The downside is that most sunscreens contain ingredients that aren’t really safe. THE The FDA released a statement pretending that only two of the sixteen common active ingredients in sunscreens – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – were “generally recognized as safe and effective”. Most sunscreens use oxybenzone, a hormonal disruptor which has links to skin cancer, breast cancer, eczema, allergic reactions, etc. Traditional sunscreens have also been linked to the cause ocean coral reef damage. No pretty things.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
The best sunscreens for the face
Luckily, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do a great job of protecting our sensitive skin from the sun’s rays. Gone are the days when a swipe of mineral sunscreen leaves your face with clogged pores and a ghostly white cast for the rest of the day. To help you sift through the noise and make sense of the best face sunscreens, we’ve rounded up our favorites. I’ll give you a taste: they blend perfectly into the skin and, as a bonus!
Below, we break down the best of the best face sunscreens. From the optimal choices for acne-prone skin to those that stay in place throughout any strenuous outdoor activity, these are the best of the best. Scroll through and find your new favorite – we guarantee it’s been waiting.
Each product is carefully selected by our editors and we will always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
It’s no surprise that the cult sunscreen brand tops our list of the best face sunscreens. When it comes to sunscreens, Supergoop! perfects the balance between protection and helping you maintain that sunny summer. The brand’s matte mineral shield leaves skin pore-free without any clogging, delivering a matte finish (hence the name) that lets you skip foundation, perfect for summer. I consider this an everyday favorite because the bamboo extract in the formulation provides antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. It’s a solid daily option that keeps shine and oil at bay while giving your skin a natural, sun-kissed summer look.
- FPS level: 40
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
If you still think sunscreen is only for skin protection, it’s time you got to know Sonny. Not only does the formula keep skin protected against UVA/UVB rays, but from the first application (and every time after) you will experience the immediate cosmetic boost. Not only did just one pump leave my face looking shiny and glowing, but I noticed my skin stayed hydrated even several hours later. And while you may balk at the price, it’s more than deserved. Really, while I love the matte look that the Supergoop choice gives, Sonny evens out both skin texture and tone while giving me peace of mind when it comes to sun protection.
This is skinimalism at its best. Partner with the Screencream Moisturzier And Poreboy Pore Minimizer for the best results.
- FPS level: 40
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.0 fluid ounce
I keep this sunscreen, Sonny, and the Supergoop picks everything in my usual rotation. While I love the glowing skin look, all of the options are my picks to tame my naturally oily skin. While I would go for something with more protection for a day at the beach, I find any sunscreen with SPF 30 to be a solid choice for day-to-day skin protection. Plus, given the matte finish of this sunscreen, I can feel confident in my shine-free complexion.
I like to apply a generous amount to my face and neck as the last step in my skincare routine. For best results, reapply every two hours if you’re in the sun and want to maintain that matte look.
- FPS level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
There is nothing not love all of the Summer Fridays skincare and makeup lines (and the best selling candle, Besides). Each product takes on beauty with a multi-pronged approach. Meaning, the famous Lip balm moisturizes and adds shine with every pass; THE Jet lag Mask (which started it all) works as both a mask and moisturizer; and of course, ShadeDrops sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection for every skin tone. It is both lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it a good choice for everyday use. For those wary of white cast iron, fear not, its natural finish is unmatched.
- FPS level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
Live Tinted is a trusted and obsessed brand. THE Hueglow Tanning Drops illuminate my skin throughout the year (because I apply and reapply without fail every morning, every day). And the Rays Copper Eye Masks rejuvenate the delicate skin under the eyes with their moisturizing superpowers. So of course, when the Hueguard SPF Moisturizer + Primer fell on my desk, I was instantly intrigued. And from the first application, I was convinced: it is one of the best sunscreens for the face. Not only does it blend perfectly into the skin (for each skin tone, i.e. no dreaded white cast), but it protects the skin from the sun And blue light. So, while we all have many concerns about screen time, the impact on your skin doesn’t have to be one.
- FPS level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
It’s hard to fault anything that Drunk Elephant offers, especially this sunscreen. It protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays and contains powerful antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage. But what I love most about the best face sunscreens is that they serve as both a wellness and beauty product, helping us keep our glow while staying protected. With a hint of tint, this mineral sunscreen keeps skin looking beautiful and glowing, all day long.
- FPS level: 30
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 2 fluid ounces
The more the better – although this sunscreen has an SPF of 50, the consistency is anything but heavy. The transparent formula offers an organic formula rich in antioxidants that guarantees protection from all angles. And it checks all the boxes – COOLA Mineral Matte Sunscreen is dermatologist tested (a enormous more in my book), non-greasy, and lasts up to hours in sun or water. Although it is advised to reapply every two hours, I have found that given the SPF level and formulation, this lotion protects my face longer than most.
- FPS level: 50
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
IYKYK—keep your skin barrier protected is a priority for all lovers of holistic beauty. Luckily, we’ve come to a place in the beauty industry where we understand that topical products aren’t the only solution. The result? Beauty-from-within formulations like Covey’s moisturizing sunscreen that nourishes the skin from within. It is anti-aging, hydrating and applies beautifully to all skin tones. While there are plenty of options on this list that make the most of the buzzy skincare ingredients, Covey’s sunscreen does the most. Squalane offers lightweight hydration (rehydrating without slipperiness), while non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin from dark spots and premature aging. Sun-safe skincare perfection? Maybe that’s right.
- FPS level: 50
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
Wander Beauty can’t be wrong. Of hard working eye cream to the mark powder foundation, there is no end to our obsession. And now: a protective, lightweight sunscreen that keeps your glow strong. Clear, lightweight FPS glides on easily without any sticky or heavy residue. The resulting look is ultra-shiny and luminous – your skin, simply more radiant.
- FPS level: 40
- Chemical or mineral: Mineral
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
I first discovered this clean beauty brand through my (much-loved and frequently repurchased) bottle of Drag the tint. The tinted moisturizer was the perfect base for my favorite rosy look. So when I found a four-in-one sunscreen (serum, moisturizer, face oil, and SPF), I knew it would be an instant yes. To confirm: Sunvisor delivers at all levels. It hydrates and soothes the skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and all sun care favorite aloe vera. Blended with the brightening benefits of vitamin C, it is a powerhouse of beauty and protection.
- FPS level: 35
- Size: 1.5 fluid ounces
Emma Lewisham is the under-the-radar skincare brand everyone needs to know about, stat. Not only is the entire line of beauty and skincare products effective, but the B Corp brand is committed to sustainability from every angle. It offers a carbon neutral expedition and is guided by its mission to “lead a movement towards circular, climate positive and transparent beauty”. There are no voids thrown away – all products can be returned and refilled, encouraging regenerative and sustainable beauty product consumption.
And while I can write pages about Emma Lewisham’s admirable business practices (as well as the brilliant skin academy, which offers a treasure trove of beauty information), Skin Shield deserves all the light it can get. Hydrating hyaluronic acid blends with soothing plant extracts for a daily cream that doubles as a protective layer. As with all of the brand’s products, Skin Shield’s formulation is the result of thoughtful scientific engineering, with carefully researched and clinically tested ingredients that work in harmony for your best skin. And while I had to give it the dry skin seal of approval thanks to its ultra-hydrating abilities, it also wins the award for best packaging. The colors look great in my medicine cabinet and I love that the push-on applicator dispenses exactly the right amount of product, every time. Not a single drop of this skin elixir goes to waste.
- FPS level: 30
- Size: 50ml
This post was originally posted on May 9, 2019 and has since been updated.
