Even when the winter sun sets in the late afternoon, dermatologists say the best face sunscreen is a non-negotiable, no matter the season—and studies further reinforce this advice. We know, we know. You might not want to add that extra step to your routine. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how important a good sunscreen is—according to the American Academy of Dermatology broad-spectrum SPF not only helps prevent skin cancer but can also help prevent premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots, caused by UV exposure. And that’s precisely why I’ve spent over a year researching and testing them. From sunscreen for sensitive skin to mineral SPF and sticks, I’ve tried close to 100 products from dozens of brands. Tell me your skin concern and I can instantly rattle off the right formula for you—and if not, I have all the dermatologists I’ve tapped while testing on speed dial. My favorite face sunscreen, EltaMD’s UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, is one that’s widely praised by dermatologists and more than a half-dozen Glamour testers. Its mineral formula absorbs readily, is lightweight enough to wear under makeup, doesn’t leave a white cast, and offers powerful UVA and UVB sun protection. But if you want to browse some other rock-solid picks, this list has dermatologist-approved face sunscreens for every skin type, all backed by our reviewers.
The best sunscreens for face, at a glance
Your sunscreen questions, answered
What SPF do dermatologists recommend for the face?
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 problem: 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,” explains 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. But there’s a big downside to mineral SPFs: The active ingredients, zinc oxide and/or 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 direction you go, though, dermatologists say the most important thing is to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which 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 swim or exercise in the summer (though reapplication is crucial—derms suggest a frequency of every two hours or after swimming or sweating).
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Lightweight; nongreasy
- What could improve: Not water-resistant
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
- SPF: 46
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 3 oz.
Try this sunscreen and you may never buy anything else ever again. “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 46 SPF, the lightweight formula is powered by a combination of transparent zinc oxide and octinoxate that won’t leave a white cast, even on darker skin tones. We love that it contains niacinamide too—a skin-care ingredient that helps calm any redness and prevent irritation on 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.”
Our testers back up what dermatologists have told us about EltaMD formulas, including this one. “It’s a little pricey, but every time I try anything else, I go right back to this one,” says one tester. “I have very sensitive skin, and it doesn’t cause any of the usual redness I experience. It doesn’t sting my eyes, either—another huge problem for me with most sunscreens.”
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Best for Dry Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
- What we love: Lightweight and ultra-hydrating; high SPF; a little goes a long way
- What could improve: A little bit runny; not ideal for layering with makeup
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
- SPF: 50+
- Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes
- Size: 1.7 oz.
The runny formula is a little bit more like a serum than a lotion, which means you have to work quickly during application. It’s a great sunscreen for dry skin because it’s very hydrating. Testers reported a dewy glow that looked almost wet but didn’t feel at all greasy or heavy on skin. It’s ideal for that no-makeup look, since foundation doesn’t sit as well on top of the dew.
We love the high SPF—our tester, a woman with very fair skin, said she didn’t burn at all while enjoying an afternoon at the beach. It’s also packed with skin-care ingredients like niacinamide to quell any redness, bisabolol to prevent irritation, allantoin and thermal spring water for hydration, and rosemary leaf extract, an antioxidant that may help protect skin from UV damage.
Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35
- What we love: Light tint; suitable for sensitive skin
- What could improve: Small bottle, especially considering the price
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- SPF: 35
- Water-resistant: No
- Size: 1.85 oz.
If your skin skews somewhere in the middle of dry and oily, depending on the day, the environment, and the products you used, Carolyn Stull, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, recommends this Goldilocks formula. It’s oil-free and noncomedogenic for oily skin, plus fragrance- and paraben-free for those with skin sensitivities. And even though it’s a mineral formula, it goes on relatively clear. “This product contains titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide, which leaves less of a white residue,” says Dr. Stull.
Our tester, who says her skin is both oily and sensitive, tells Glamour this product is worth the price. “I’m a huge fan of everything SkinMedica makes, so it’s no surprise their SPF was a win for me too,” she says. “It actually feels weightless on my skin and doesn’t cause any of the flare-ups or redness that I’m used to.”
Best for Combination Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
- What we love: Universal tint; lightweight; water- and sweat-resistant
- What could improve: Some testers say it transfers easily
- Active ingredients: Antioxidants, iron oxide, zinc oxide
- SPF: 50
- Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes
- Size: 1.8 oz.
