Best Face Sunscreens of 2023
Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen for Face and Sensitive Skin for everyday use outdoors
June 5th, 2023
We purchased dozens of sunscreens and tested them over two years at the beach in San Diego and poolside in Palm Springs in a search to find one that isn’t oily, greasy, and feels good enough we want to use it everyday.
SUNSCREEN. Your mom/ grandma/ partner/ friends won’t shut up about how much you need to wear it. So here you are, trying to find the right one. Congratulations, you’re in the right place!
Like almost everything that brings me joy, the sun can cause some major harm. UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer, sun spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, etc.
Darker skin, while less prone to burning than lighter skin tones, is still susceptible to all the risks above. Plus, people with a darker skin tone are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation from rashes and acne blemishes due to sun exposure.
Luckily, facial sunscreen can help. Over the past two full years (we live in San Diego and split our time in Palm Springs!), we've purchased and tested literally dozens of the top-rated face sunscreen options to find the best face sunscreen for most people.
Related: The Best Sunscreen for Your Body
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Comparison Table
| FACE SUNSCREEN | TREELINE AWARD | PRICE PER OZ* | SPF | APPLICATON METHOD | TYPE | INTENDED USE | REEF SAFE? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supergoop Play everyday | Best Overall Face and Body Sunscreen Read why |
$3.22 | 50 | Cream | Chemical | Face & Body | Reef-friendly |
| Supergoop Unseen | Best Gel Sunscreen for the Face Read why |
$21.18 | 40 | Gel | Chemical | Face | Reef-friendly |
| EltaMD UV Clear | Best Mineral Face Sunscreen Read why |
$22.94 | 46 | Cream | Mineral | Face | Unclear |
| CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen | Best Affordable Face Sunscreen Read why |
$5.00 | 30 | Cream | Chemical | Face | Reef-safe |
| Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Face | Best Watery Gel Face Sunscreen Read why |
$5.29 | 30 | Cream | Chemical | Face | Reef-friendly |
* Prices reflect MSRP in the most common size volume. Prices go down when you buy in bulk. See our Deals Page for other discounts and sales.
Curious about sun protection? See our Sun Protection & Hydration page:
The Best Face Sunscreens
Best Sunscreen for Face & body: Supergoop play everyday SPF 50
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin
Cost per oz: $3.22 (in the 18 oz pump bottle)
What we liked: not greasy or oily, good for dark skin, no white cast, feels like a moisturizer, affordable for face, sold in easy to use pump, encourages using the correct amount of sunscreen, absorbs quickly, wears well under make-up
What we didn’t like: not sold in big box stores or drugstores, slight shine
If you’re looking for a single, all-around, use-all-over sunscreen, Supergoop Play is your best (and most highly recommended) bet. Very few sunscreens are formulated for the sensitive skin of the face but are still robust (and affordable) enough to use all over your body. This, in our opinion, is the best of them.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SUPERGOOP PLAY EVERYDAY SPF 50
The Supergoop Play in the portable 5.5 oz bottle has a light and watery texture that rubs in easily.
The most important feature of a sunscreen is that it's one you'll use every day – EVERY DAY – and we definitely like this sunscreen enough to want to use it daily.
Supergoop Play tops many dermatologist and user lists for both face and body.
We appreciate that the Supergoop Play feels more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. We actually recommend skipping moisturizer if you’re using this, since it basically does both.
At almost $6 per ounce, Supergoop Play is on the slightly more expensive side for a body sunscreen, but is on the less expensive side for a facial sunscreen.
Supergoop Play absorbs quickly and does not leave a white cast on any skin tones. This is the facial sunscreen that our testers with darker skin raved about because it didn't leave any traces of color on the skin.
While many brands/products are highlighted for leaving absolutely no white cast (including most of the products on this list), one that comes up frequently is Black Girl Sunscreen.
Other than being extra-moisturizing, though, Black Girl Sunscreen did not have many distinguishing features, and was not hands-down a favorite among people with darker skin. However, as a well-reviewed Black-woman-owned brand, we wanted to give it a shoutout.
On the downside, some Supergoop customers find the finish on the Play too shiny or sticky, and it’s not available in drugstores or big-box retailers like Target. However, it is widely available online and in-person at stores like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom, among others (pro tip: the Supergoop website charges shipping on smaller orders, but Sephora & Nordstrom have no-minimum free shipping).
Our testers wore this as an everyday sunscreen as well as for more intensive activities like backpacking and all-day vintage shopping at outdoor popup markets (if you’ve done this, you know it’s intense).
Because it’s a face and body sunscreen, the Supergoop Play pump bottle is the bring-one-bottle with you option for activities in the outdoor.
We appreciated that it is moisturizing and absorbs quickly, wears well under makeup, reapplies without pilling, and doesn’t get thick or greasy over the course of the day, even after re-application. We noticed that it leaves a slight shine and can feel tacky on the skin's surface, but not to the degree that bothered us, particularly on days when we wanted more moisture.
If you have particularly oily skin or if the weather is super hot and humid, consider using a face sunscreen with a gel-like texture (like Unseen Sunscreen) or mineral composition (like zinc oxide in EltaMD UV Clear). This is also true for those with combination skin, who may have oily skin in some parts like their T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin), but dry skin on their cheeks. We cover gel sunscreens and mineral sunscreens below.
Best gel sunscreen for the face: Supergoop unseen sunscreen
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: gel sunscreen
Skin Type: oily skin, sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $21.20/oz
What we liked: transparent gel, smooth, doesn’t feel like a sunscreen, invisible, light, no white cast, good for all skin tones, not oily, good to wear under make-up
What we didn’t like: price, can only buy online, could be more moisturizing
Gel sunscreens are very popular options for face sunscreens at the moment. The most beloved of the gel sunscreens on the market is undoubtedly Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. A smooth, fragrance-free, transparent gel, Unseen Sunscreen feels unlike any other sunscreen we’ve tried (hardly like a sunscreen). That's why we think this gel sunscreen is the best face sunscreen for those with oily or sensitive skin, who particularly appreciate its light, invisible, matte finish.
As with the Supergoop Play, the Unseen sunscreen absorbs quickly and does not leave a white cast on any skin tones. This is the gel facial sunscreen that our testers with darker skin raved about because it didn't leave any traces of color on the skin.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SUPERGOOP UNSEEN SUNSCREEN
The Supergoop Unseen sunscreen rubbed into a tester’s face. The gel structure rubs in easily and doesn’t feel heavy or oily on the skin.
One thing that makes the Unseen Sunscreen the best face sunscreen is it’s light and not oily texture. Those who wear makeup note that its texture is similar to a makeup primer (a product applied before makeup to create an even texture and keep any cosmetics looking good longer). In fact, many people use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen in place of products like these.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is clear and doesn’t leave a residue on the skin.
If you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or dislike the texture of lotions and creams on your face, this is a great product to try.
However, it can feel a bit greasy for a few minutes until it sinks in, and because its texture is so gel-like and oil-free, it may not be ideal for someone with drier skin or those looking for a more moisturizing product.
I am actually in the latter category – I like my sunscreen to be a bit moisturizing – but I’ve gotten many people in my life hooked on this product, particularly those who find it difficult to establish a daily sunscreen habit.
Best affordable Sunscreen: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: dry skin, sensitive
Cost per oz: $4 to $5/oz (often on sale)
What we liked: moisturizing, good for sensitive skin, includes hyaluronic acid, value
What we didn’t like: greasier than higher-end sunscreens (though the best of its price), can leave a white cast, slower to absorb than higher-end sunscreens
The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the best face sunscreen you can get at a drugstore, with a user-friendly price of less than $4 an oz. CeraVe is a moisturizer + SPF from a brand that many love for its simplicity, effective go-to quality, and particularly its usefulness for dry skin or sensitive skin.
CeraVe oil-free facial sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid, a chemical that naturally occurs in the body and helps keep dry skin moisturized and elastic. At the top of many best-SPF lists, this is also Amazon’s #1 best-selling face moisturizer.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE CERAVE AM FACIAL MOISTURIZING LOTION SPF 30
At $4 to $5 per oz for a purely face sunscreen, we can see why it’s a fan favorite. While the body+ face sunscreen Supergoop Play can come to a lower price when purchased in bulk sizing, CeraVe is the most affordable purely face sunscreen. That's why we think the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the best best budget face sunscreen.
Keep in mind that there are less expensive sunscreens out there but most feel greasy or oily or don’t absorb into the skin well. If your skin is not sensitive, some people can get away with wearing body sunscreen on their face. We get into the differences between face and body sunscreens in our section below. of See our best body sunscreen guide for our recommendations.
However, some users found it to be too greasy, and some noted that it left a white cast on their skin or didn’t absorb completely. Still, we appreciate how moisturizing this sunscreen is and how it can easily be integrated into a daily sunscreen regimen. At a fraction of the cost of the other sunscreen brands, this is the best drugstore option we found in the price range.
Best mineral Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 46
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide), some chemical
Skin Type: oily skin, acne-prone skin
Cost per oz: $22.94
What we liked: oil free, lightweight, goes on clear, non-greasy, quick absorbing (rare in mineral sunscreens!), contains skin-friendly antioxidants
What we didn’t like: price, not reef-safe
The EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is the best face sunscreen for folks who prefer a mineral sunscreen. It's an oil-free, lightweight mineral lotion that is the most frequently recommended mineral sunscreen out there. It has an active ingredient of 9% zinc oxide.
The brand has a ton of mineral-based products – tinted, clear, “sport,” etc – all of which get rave reviews. But the UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 seems to come up the most among lists formed by professional and customer reviewers.
We love that the EltaMD UV Clear is non-greasy and quick-absorbing. Despite the zinc oxide working as a physical sunscreen, this lotion dries clear on all skin tones. This is an especially tough thing to find in a mineral sunscreen! That's why we think the EltaMD UV Clear is the best sunscreen for people who want a mineral sunscreen for their face.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ELTAMD UV CLEAR BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 46
The author blending in the Elta MD mineral sunscreen at the pool.
In addition to being fragrance-free, the EltaMD UV Clear mineral sunscreen also contains skin-friendly antioxidants like Vitamin C and acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide and lactic acid (making it a particular favorite of those with sensitive and acne prone skin).
It’s important to note that although this is a mineral sunscreen, it is NOT reef-safe. In addition to the physical sunscreen barrier of zinc oxide, the EltaMD UV clear contains a chemical sunscreen ingredient, octinoxate (a non-reef-safe ingredient).
This can be confusing because EltaMD's main ingredient is zinc oxide, the main ingredient in many reef safe sunscreens. We'll cover Reef Safe Sunscreens in a separate article – but know that if you're headed to Hawaii, Palau, or many other scuba and snorkeling destinations, you're legally required to use sunscreen that won't harm coral. (Check out our best waterproof camera guide for photos of snorkeling in reefs in Palau and you’ll see why reef-safe sunscreens are important).
Our testers appreciated that although this face sunscreen felt like a typical lotion at first, it absorbed rapidly, did not leave any shiny/chalky residue, and did not leave skin feeling sticky or tacky.
It performed well in both every day and more active contexts. However, it did pill a bit with re-application, especially on sweaty skin. I noticed that this mineral sunscreen made me very slightly paler. This is common among the zinc oxide sunscreens we tested. However, other testers did not notice a difference – especially when compared to other options in the mineral sunscreen genre.
Overall, though the price tag is hefty, if you have sensitive skin, are acne-prone, or just prefer a mineral sunscreen, this is your best option for invisible, lightweight, everyday use.
best watery gel sunscreen: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid
Watery Sun Gel SPF 50
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: oily skin
Cost per oz: $7.6/oz
What we liked: pleasant to wear, comes with moisturizing ingredients, lightweight, invisible, fragrance-free
What we didn’t like: can only order online
In my opinion – shared by a number of skincare experts and fellow testers – the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is actually one of the best and most pleasant-to-wear face sunscreens out there.
Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid (common moisturizing ingredients), this popular Korean face sunscreen is moisturizing, lightweight, invisible, fragrance-free, and my personal favorite for daily use.
VIEW THE ISNTREE HYALURONIC ACID WATERY SUN GEL SPF 50
On the downside, you do have to order it online, and it isn’t on as many “Best Sunscreen” lists (possibly because it’s not available in stores in the US). However, it’s well worth a try if you’re looking for a lightweight, lightly-moisturizing, high-SPF product and you’re willing to wait a few days for it to be delivered.
It goes on completely clear, and while it does leave a very slight shine, it looks and feels more like a dewy glow than a greasy residue.
After writing this article, I now have five or six of the most highly-rated and widely-beloved facial sunscreens in the world on my shelf – but last night, I ordered more Isntree because I ran out. So.
best Drugstore face sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Face SPF 30
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: oily skin
Cost per oz: $5.29
What we liked: scent, texture is mousse-like, absorbs well, invisible on all skintones
What we didn’t like: feels heavier on the skin
PSA: It’s easier to form healthy habits when the action itself is pleasant and rewarding. This sunscreen smells like a piña colada on a hot day, and the texture is mousse-like, almost fluffy.
It absorbs well, is invisible on all skin tones, and is only slightly more expensive than our CeraVe pick, at around $5/oz. It’s a bit heavier on the skin than a gel sunscreen, but for the price, it’s a vacation in a bottle that we highly recommend.
We loved putting it on every morning, and that’s the real difference between something you’ll use and something you’ll forget on the bathroom counter.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE HAWAIIAN TROPIC WEIGHTLESS FACE SPF 30
Other Sunscreens We Tested
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF60
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: All skin types
Cost per oz: $7.40
This is on a ton of lists, and many people swear by it. It’s actually a liquid, thus the “melt-in milk” part of the name – and it does go on utterly without shine, residue, tackiness, or even the feel of lotion. While most people did not notice a white cast from this product, one fellow tester and I found that it makes us look washed-out and pale.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS MELT-IN MILK SUNSCREEN SPF 60
It also costs a lot more than our other recommended products – when I ordered online/picked up in-store at Target, I took the teeny bottle out of the bag and was like “Holy tamales! I paid $30 for this???” and the salesperson was like “Yes, that’s how stores work.” So for me, it’s a big no-thank-you, but if you hate the feel of anything like lotion on your face, give this a try.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-aging Primer
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $29
La Roche-Posay tops many Best Sunscreen list options. But when we tested the La Roche Anthelios Anti-Aging Primer, we found this gel face sunscreen texture was pomade-like. This clear gel rubbed in smoothly and left no residue.
The real reason we didn't choose this sunscreen is similar to the La Roche-Posay Melt-in Milk Sunscreen we tested above: it is among the most expensive sunscreens available. It’s also harder to find than the La Roche-Posay Melt in Sunscreen with several retailers having low stock.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS 50 DAILY ANTI-AGING PRIMER
Glossier Invisible Shield BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: All skin types
Cost per oz: $25/oz
This gel sunscreen has a large and loyal following, and its consistency and finish are similar to that of Unseen Sunscreen. I used it for two full bottles when I first discovered it. It’s great.
However, at $25/oz, it’s more expensive than Unseen ($21/oz) and is only available online through Glossier (which has a free shipping minimum). We also dislike the excessive plastic in the bottle & packaging – and since it only comes in a 1oz bottle, you go through a lot of bottles if you’re applying as much as you should.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE GLOSSIER INVISIBLE SHIELD BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: Oily skin, combination skin
Cost per oz: $9.60
This is a Japanese gel sunscreen that’s very popular among skincare gurus, especially internationally. Our editor Liz Thomas has been a fan for years.
When other testers tried it, we liked it – it’s lightweight, completely clear, and lightly moisturizing, similar to Isntree. But we found that it stung a bit on sensitive skin and it has a slight chemical smell that didn’t appeal to us.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE BIORE UV AQUA RICH WATERY ESSENCE SPF 50
Supergoop Every.Single.Face WATERY LOTION SPF 50
Broad spectrum SPF: Yes
Sunscreen Type: watery lotion
Skin Type: sensitive skin, dry skin
Cost per oz: $20/oz
Supergoop’s blog shares that they created this product specifically for the texture, a “watery lotion” (probably based on the popularity of similar Korean & Japanese products, like the Biore & Isntree products above), and it’s gotten great reviews so far.
We tried it and think it’s....fine. While the consistency is indeed similar to the Biore & Isntree products we tested, the user experience just isn’t as nice. It took longer to absorb, had a more chemical-y fragrance, and overall remained a bit oily on our skin. Not a bad product, but it is expensive ($20/oz) – and for that kind of money, there are better options.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SUPERGOOP EVERY.SINGLE.FACE. WATERY LOTION SPF 50
Literally any and every other type of sunscreen
Is it SPF30+, UVA/UVB rays protective, and water resistant? Go ahead and use it. It’ll work. They’re “losers” in this article because they didn’t have as many user-experience factors to recommend them – maybe they feel heavy, or greasy, or don’t rub in completely, or bother some sensitive skin, or get streaky when you sweat, or any number of things depending on the person – but they’re still 100% functional as sunscreen.
If you’ll wear them, buy them!
Sunscreen isn’t just for putting on when you’re at the beach. You are exposed to UVA and UVB sun rays every day, regardless of where you live.
Why you really need sunscreen
“But it’s winter!” “I don’t live somewhere sunny.” “I don’t spend every day outside.”
Fun fact about those rays: UVB rays (“B” for Burning!) are the primary cause of sunburn; these are blocked by window glass. UVA rays (“A” for Aging! Thank you, American Academy of Dermatology Association [AADA] for these helpful mnemonics) are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, etc. They are the leading cause of skin cancer.
UVA rays pass even through window glass, so you’re still at their mercy in your car, office, breakfast table, and other places you thought you were safe. Both types of UV rays pass through clouds, so they cause sun damage regardless of weather or season. Read on to find what you can do to interrupt those rays with sunscreen.
A side by side comparison of some of the sunscreens we tested.
What do Dermatologists recommend for sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use a sunscreen that offers:
Broad spectrum sun protection (ie. protects against UVA and UVB rays)
SPF 30 or higher
Water resistance
Buy a sunscreen that meets the requirements above (this info is usually on the front of the bottle). Every single sunscreen we review meets those basic requirements.
Apply more than you think you need (most people only use 25-50% of the recommended amount)
Use sunscreen literally every day.
Apply sunscreen to every part of your body that will see the sun.
Re-apply every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
If you’re going to be outside for a while, wear clothing designed for sun protection and a sun hat.
And that’s it. Go forth, apply, and prosper without skin cancer! If you want more fun & helpful facts about sunscreen, please enjoy the AADA’s website and the Skin Cancer Foundation.
If you want a little more help and info on your sunscreen-selection journey, I’ve got you. Since anything meeting the AADA guidelines, when applied properly, is going to work, the question becomes: which sunscreen(s) will you actually USE? Sunscreen you apply twice a year on vacation is a sunscreen that is not working for you. So let’s get into it.
Testing face sunscreens side-by-side to determine differences in texture and whether it rubs into the skin clear.
How we Researched & Tested
For this review, I started with my extensive passion for the sun protection category and the desire to justify purchasing many products I had wanted to try for a while but didn’t exactly “need.”
From there, I expanded to include expert input from dermatologists, scientists, doctors and other professionals (the American Academy of Dermatology Association, SaveTheReef.org, etc); professional review sources (like Wirecutter and Consumer Reports); periodicals and informational sites (like Healthline, Men’s Health, Byrdie, AARP, Self, Into the Gloss, and others); user reviews on retail sites (like Amazon, Target, Sephora, REI, etc.); social media influencers; and fellow testers. These fellow testers span a range of skin tones, locations, and outdoor activities.
One of our sunscreen testers on a coastal hike in the San Diego area.
Buying advice
What should I look for in a face sunscreen?
Assuming you’ve met the AADA’s guidelines, the answer is: look for one that feels good, and that you’ll put on every day (every day. EVERY. DAY.).
Of course, what “feels good” differs from person to person. However, most people seem to agree that they DON’T want sunscreens to:
Feel thick, greasy, oily, sticky, or heavy
Clog pores or cause skin reactions/breakouts
Leave a white cast or stay visible on the skin
Get pilly or otherwise weird if applied with other skincare products or makeup
Have an overwhelming fragrance
Again speaking generally, people DO want a sunscreen that:
Feels light and non-greasy, so you can forget you’re wearing it
Absorbs quickly
Becomes invisible once applied, regardless of skin tone
Maybe has other skincare benefits, like moisturizing or acne-fighting ingredients. Some sunscreens have hyaluronic acid, antioxidants like Vitamin C, or other skin care additives.
As a rule of thumb, the more a sunscreen meets the needs above – the lighter, less greasy, more quickly-absorbent, and more skincare-beneficial it is – the more you can expect it to cost.
From there, the path forks in several ways. You can either consider or ignore various factors and types, such as:
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens use chemical ingredients to absorb the sun’s UV rays like a sponge. These tend to be easier to rub in without leaving a residue. Chemical sunscreens can also deteriorate over time – so check those expiration dates on the bottle!
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to act as a shield, deflecting the sun’s UV rays. Often called mineral sunscreens as a nod to their main ingredients, these tend to leave a white residue but can be easier on sensitive skin.
Sunscreen Creams and Lotions
Sunscreen creams and lotions have a lotion-like consistency.
Sunscreen Gels
Sunscreen gels are currently having a moment in pop culture. Gel sunscreens don’t have a strict definition, but they generally refer to sunscreens with a light, gel-like or liquid-like consistency (as opposed to a thicker/heavier lotion or cream). Because of their lighter texture, these products feel less greasy than a typical sunscreen, and they tend to apply completely clear and without the shine of sunscreen lotions.
Sunscreen Sprays
Sunscreen sprays apply as a spray. These tend to be less recommended by experts since they’re more challenging to apply evenly and with complete coverage, but let’s be honest, there’s a time and place for easy — and in my opinion, that place is re-application.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain common UV-blocking chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate, for example) that can harm living coral. These tend to be physical sunscreens. Most reef-safe options are mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. But not all mineral sunscreens are reef safe, and not all zinc oxide sunscreens are free from oxybenzone.
FYI, the term “reef-friendly” is not regulated, so many sunscreens put this term on their packaging. If you’re a frequent ocean swimmer, are playing in tidepools, or are traveling to Hawaii (which has banned sunscreens that aren't reef-safe) or other tropical ocean destinations, refer to this guide to ensure you’re good to go.
Face and body sunscreens have some similarities. We tested both body sunscreens and face sunscreens.
What's the difference between a face sunscreen and body sunscreen?
Face sunscreens
Face sunscreens are specially formulated to be used on the face. Because the skin on your face is thinner and often more sensitive than other body areas, these sunscreens are usually lighter-feeling than “body” sunscreens, less oily, and often contain moisturizing ingredients. Face sunscreens often will blend in better, which is especially notable among mineral sunscreens. You’re welcome to use these on your body, but they’re more expensive per ounce than body sunscreens.
Body sunscreens
Body sunscreens haven’t been specially formulated for the face. Body sunscreens might be thicker, heavier, or have more fragrance than face sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens for the body may not rub in as well. Of course, you can use it on your face, but stop if you get skin irritation or breakouts.
We purchased and tested more than a dozen sunscreens for this guide to the best facial sunscreens.
How we chose what sunscreen to test
To compile this list, we considered:
AADA requirements for sunscreens
All of our picks had to offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB rays protection; SPF 30+; and water resistance.
Price
You can spend $80 on a bottle of sunscreen (and power to you if you want to), but we wanted these to be more accessible. Everything here is under $40.
Availability
Readily available at lots of major stores and online. If you can’t grab it on your way to the beach/trail/party, what’s the use?
Expert recommendation
Do dermatologists and other skin experts recommend it?
User experience
Does it feel heavy or greasy? Does it absorb quickly and invisibly, regardless of skin tone? Does it have a major fragrance? Do people like using it?
Remember that no sunscreen can completely block damaging UV rays from the sun, especially if misapplied (ie. you don’t use enough or don’t re-apply)! Wear sun-protective hats and clothing if you’re going to be out there for a while. See our guide to The Best Sun Shirts and The Best Sun Hats for our recommendations.
We purchased and tested half a dozen sunscreen products from Supergoop, many of which are cosmetic sunscreens.
What about cosmetic products like makeup with SPF?
Great question. The biggest functional issue is that the amount of a cosmetic product (like a serum, foundation, or makeup) you’d generally use is not always enough to achieve maximum SPF protection, so it’s a good idea to layer these products over your daily sunscreen rather than as a replacement.
Another issue (and a pet peeve of mine) is that many products that make sunscreen more widely applicable and hassle-free are marketed as makeup, which can be a barrier to some people who would otherwise benefit from those products.
Things like powders, sprays, and mineral tinted sunscreen (which are never going to be fully invisible, so the only way to make them functionally invisible is to add a tint) are much more likely to be marketed with culturally femme-coded terms like “CC cream” or “powder makeup” or “serum,” which may make them feel less accessible to anyone who doesn’t want to wear makeup.
All of this, of course, is marketing nonsense, but it influences us nonetheless. Of all the brands above, EltaMD and Supergoop tinted sunscreen alternative products are probably the least femme-coded in their packaging.
The author on a hike in the San Diego area, wearing a lot of sunscreen.
What do I, the author and self-proclaimed sunscreen nut, personally wear and use?
Wow, I’m so glad you asked — let’s talk about it!
My daily face sunscreen is Isntree Watery Sun Gel, but I use Supergoop Play Everyday when I want a little extra moisture. The Isntree Watery Sun Gel is an honorable mention, with Supergoop Unseen taking the award for Best gel sunscreen. But I've found my skin prefers the Isntree, even if I do have to wait longer for it to arrive.
If I’m going to be in the sun a bunch (wearing a hat, of course), I’ll put on a mineral product over my everyday face sunscreen. I usually do this with a tinted sunscreen so I don’t look like a ghost — I mostly use Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40 because it has a nice glow, and I can still see my skin underneath, but I’ll also use Supergoop CC Screen or Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen occasionally (the latter has a very fun, light, mousse-like texture, but definitely leaves a cast on darker skin tones). These mineral products come across more like makeup in their marketing.
I’m also a devotee of facial sunscreen sprays for re-application. I use Supergoop Re-Setting Mist and Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Mist about equally often.
For a body sunscreen, I use Supergoop Play Everyday, Neutrogena Hydro Boost, or Sun Bum Original. See our upcoming guide to The Best Body Sunscreens for more recommendations.
I’m also, full disclosure, a huge fan of Supergoop as a brand – I don’t love every single one of their products, but I love their ethos of taking products people are using anyway (like primers and vitamin serums and hand creams and makeup) and adding SPF because, why not? They lower the energy necessary to screen-up and, as a lazy person, this appeals to me greatly. I highly recommend exploring their repertoire and trying anything that sounds fun, if you haven’t already.
Can I recycle sunscreen packaging?
Nordstrom recently partnered with Terracycle to provide in-store recycling boxes for all personal care packaging.
They're in all stores, in the beauty department, which is usually on the ground floor, out in the open so you don't have to like, give your stuff to someone to recycle (I've already taken advantage of the one in my local Nordstrom, obviously). Any tubes, sample packaging, etc., that can't go curbside can go in there.
The author rubbing sunscreen into her face at a pool in Palm Springs.
About the Author/Why You Should Trust Us
I am a native Southern Californian (read: I’m in the sun all the time, all year, by default). I’m a hiker, backpacker, small-scale farmer, dog-walker, general outdoor enthusiast, and all-around sun-worshiper with an unfortunate history of skin cancer in my family.
I’ve been known to pop into the backyard in my pajamas “just for a minute, to get some air” and then accidentally toil in the garden for several hours, or go “for a short walk” and come back many miles and many “Where are you? ARE YOU DEAD???” texts from my wife later.
All this to say: sometimes you plan to be in the sun all day, and sometimes a day in the sun finds you, you know? To protect myself from myself – and to be prepared for the unexpected – I have been testing many sunscreens for many years hoping to find the one(s) that make me WANT to put them on in the morning.
Hello, World!