The Best Blue Light Skincare of 2023, According to Dermatologists
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ISDIN's Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF nabbed the top spot
Target / Ulta / Dermstore
Between UV damage and free radicals, your skin has enough to worry about, but with our increased dependency on devices that emit blue light, a new external force has emerged. “Blue light, also referred to as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, has become the focus of increased attention in recent years with regard to skincare, eye care, and our circadian rhythm from increased exposure,” says Dr. Erum Ilyas, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania.
While blue light may not be as powerful or as harmful UV rays, it is "able to penetrate skin deeper than UV radiation given its longer wavelength,” says Dr. Tiffany Libby, board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology. “It has also been shown to cause persistent pigmentation through directly stimulating melanocytes, our skin’s pigment-producing cells, especially in patients with darker skin.”
What is blue light skincare?
Some skincare products can help prevent damage caused by blue light, which may be linked to premature aging in the skin, according to Dr. Ilyas. Skincare products including mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide, as well as those that include vitamin C and/or algae extracts, can help in lessening the effects of blue light on your skin over time.
Thankfully, the solution to this skin aggressor may already exist in your beauty bag. Just how blue light glasses protect your eyes, your go-to SPF or antioxidant serum can provide some protection against blue light for your skin. Zinc, titanium oxide, and antioxidants (from vitamin C to algae extract) can also help prevent blue light damage.
In order to find the best blue light skincare out there, we spoke to multiple dermatologists and tested some out ourselves — read on to find out which skincare products were the very best.
Best Overall: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Who It's Good For
This powerful SPF is formulated to protect all skin types.
Who It's Not Good For
While this SPF will protect every skin tone, deeper skin tones will have a tougher time blending it in.
This powerful SPF got the top spot on our list for its high-quality ingredients and accessible price point. A dermatologist favorite, ISDIN relies on research in each one of its products. Dr. Libby names this oil-free SPF as one of her top blue light fighters. “This is a lightweight, non-greasy, 100 percent mineral sunscreen with iron oxides and vitamin E for antioxidant protection,” she says.
As with most mineral sunscreens, blending seamlessly into skin (especially deeper tones) requires a little extra effort. We recommend applying a moisturizer first to assist with application.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: 3.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E
Best Value: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
Who It's Good For
This tinted multitasker is particularly handy for those who never skip foundation before heading out.
Who It's Not Good For
It's hard to get out the last bit of product due to the stiff bottle, so it may not be the first choice for anyone who prefers a more malleable tube.
Another one of Dr. Libby’s favorites, this water-resistant SPF protects skin from both harmful UV rays and blue light. “It contains both titanium oxide for SPF protection and iron oxide, which offers blue light-blocking effects,” Dr. Ilyas says.
She also notes that this option is easy to find across department stores. The tinted goop dries down in a sophisticated matte finish, making it the perfect product to layer under your makeup. Our one complaint is the packaging: The stiff bottle makes it tough to get each last bit of product out.
Price at time of publish: $37.99
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, iron oxide
Best Investment: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex
Who It's Good For
This serum is great for those with leftover acne scarring or stubborn sun spots, as this will help alleviate them.
Who It's Not Good For
If you have super sensitive skin, we recommend patch-testing this serum before using it; the high concentration may irritate some skin types.
Another way to fight blue light is to apply products with antioxidants. This potent vitamin C fends off blue light and evens out tone. Another one of Dr. Libby’s faves, this treatment serum may be a splurge, but it comes with major skin-loving ingredients like THD Ascorbate.
In addition to fighting blue light, “this powerful vitamin C antioxidant serum also contains prebiotics to help support the skin’s microbiome,” Dr. Libby says. Unfortunately, the bottle is a little on the small side; We wish it was a little bigger based on the price point.
Price at time of publish: $176
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: THD Ascorbate (vitamin C), vitamin E, probiotics
Best Vitamin C Serum: OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Who It's Good For
This Vitamin C serum can assist anyone looking for a glow — especially those with dark spots, melasma, or scarring.
Who It's Not Good For
Like any serum with active ingredients, those with sensitive skin should patch-test before applying.
If the Revision serum was a little too pricey, check out this more affordable option from OAM. A relatively new brand on the scene, OAM stands for “On A Mission.” The line was developed by singer and songwriter Ciara (with the help of dermatologists) and aims to make clinical skincare accessible for all skin tones.
“Packed with three forms of vitamin C, including L-ascorbic and THD ascorbate, and coenzyme Q10, this antioxidant serum helps protect against free radical damage, which leads to cellular aging and reverses the damage done by blue light by also lightening pigmentation like dark spots and melasma,” Dr. Libby says.
Price at time of publish: $62
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamins C, E, and A, bearberry extract
Related: These Are the 11 Best Face Oils That We’ve Tested in 2023
Best Mist: One Ocean Beauty Blue Light Protection Hydration Mist
Pros
This mist is for anyone who needs touch-ups throughout the day — but make sure to apply a strong base of protection underneath.
Cons
Those looking for a highly concentrated SPF application should look at other options on this list.
When it comes to blue light protection (much like sun protection), a cream or lotion is your best bet for maximum efficacy. However, for a quick refresh throughout the day, a mist is a convenient option. Dr. Sheila Farhang, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology, prefers SPF as a blue light protector but likes this hydrating mist for those who work long hours in front of a screen. Pro-tip: Spritz a little on before applying complexion products for a dewy finish.
Price at time of publish: $58
Size: 3.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Peptides, red algae
Related: The 15 Best Skincare Fridges of 2023, According to Beauty Experts
Best SPF: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Who It's Good For
For anyone needing a mineral SPF that's also water-resistant, this one is a great choice.
Who It's Not Good For
Mineral formulas, though the most effective at blocking blue light, are much harder to blend into deeper skin tones.
Many associate SPF with summertime, but sun protection should be prioritized year-round. This elegant formula makes application easy. Not only does it protect your skin (Dr. Ilyas says it has “the trifecta for photo-protection” thanks to zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxides), but it also blends easily onto the skin without whitecast or pilling, and it's water-resistant up to 40 minutes if you're headed out to swim. Beyond that, artemia salina, or plankton extract, fights free radicals and oxidative stress on the skin.
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, artemia salina | Fragrance: No
Best Tinted SPF: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
Who It's Good For
This tinted SPF softens the typical whitecast of a mineral formulation, working well with those with deeper skin tones.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who needs a water-resistant formula should choose another SPF.
Though zinc, titanium, and iron oxide are powerful skin protectors, they can leave skin looking chalky. A tinted formula can help eliminate that. The flexible tone blends well into deeper skin tones and boosts the skin's radiance. Dr. Farhang highlights the antioxidant blend as one of her favorite parts. “Not only is this SPF available at a great price point, but it is also super lightweight and relies on blueberry, acai, and green tea extracts to help protect from free radicals."
Our tester fell so in love with this SPF that it earned a permanent spot in her beauty bag. We found the formula to be so blendable that we can apply it without looking in the mirror.
Price at time of publish: $17.55
Size: 1.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, rosa canina fruit oil, blueberry, acai and green tea extracts
Related: The 10 Best CC Creams of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Moisturizer: Coola Full Spectrum 360° Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer SPF 30
Who It's Good For
Formulated for all skin types, this moisturizer is great for those looking to skip a step in their morning routine.
Who It's Not Good For
This formula has a super rich texture, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter cream or product that comes in a tube versus a jar.
Yes, this cream has an SPF 30, but we promise it doesn’t feel like it. This luxurious lotion melts into the skin — tacky residue not included. Our tester’s favorite part was the two-for-one benefits. “I am not a morning person, so I cannot commit to a complicated multi-step routine," she says. "This talented twofer gets me out of the door in record time.” The white lotus and jasmine help hydrate while zinc oxide defends. Our only complaint was the jar packaging, since it can be messier and less hygienic than coming from a tube.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size: 1.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, sacred lotus, white peony, jasmine extract
Best Eye Cream: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Who It's Good For
We recommend this gel for those experiencing puffiness or under-eye circles looking to get blue light protection.
Who It's Not Good For
True to its name, this has a gel texture. If you prefer rich eye creams, this may not be for you.
The skin around the eyes is ultra thin, making it one of the first places to show signs of aging. Squinting into a screen (or two or three) isn’t doing that area any favors. Device screens and blue light glasses can help protect your eyeballs, while this antioxidant treatment gel can protect the skin around them. Lipochroman shields the skin from free radicals, and marine algae peptides hydrate and soothe the area. The gel is so lightweight that our milia-prone tester used it for three weeks straight and never saw a single bump.
Price at time of publish: $41.61
Size: .68 oz. | Key ingredients: Marine algae peptides, lipochroman
Best Multitasker: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30
Who It's Good For
If you prefer a simplified skincare routine, we recommend this do-it-all cream that hydrates, protects, and perfects in one swipe.
Cons
This offers sheer coverage, so it won't give you a full coverage finish if that's what you're looking for.
Get ready to make space in your beauty bag. The BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is one of those products that we keep repurchasing time and time again, thanks to its silky texture and hydrating, glowy finish. It's so good, in fact, that it earned the title of Best Tinted Moisturizer in our PEOPLE Tested labs.
“This is one of my most recommended products for every age group, every skin type,” Dr. Ilyas says, “It is simple lightweight coverage with a hint of tint, and with a broad range of tints to choose from, most skin types can find the coverage they need.” But the benefits go beyond complexion. “It also is formulated with iron oxides for blue light, hyaluronic acid and squalane oil for hydration, and titanium for SPF.”
Price at time of publish: $37
Size: 1.18 oz. | Key ingredients: Titanium oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalane oil
Related: The 8 Best Liquid Foundations of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
How to Pick the Right Blue Light Skincare
SPF
Not all SPFs protect against blue light, but mineral or physical formulations are a pretty safe bet. Zinc and titanium oxide create a protective film over the skin and are able to reflect harmful rays away. The ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide, our best overall pick, offers SPF 50+ and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Dr. Farhang suggests looking for certain ingredients when selecting blue light protection products. She recommends finding products that include mineral sunscreen like zinc or titanium dioxide, antioxidants to protect against free radicals and iron oxide, or products with a tint. “Tinted products provide a higher degree of protection, especially for those with melasma,” she says. Both the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream and SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense are tinted options that are formulated with SPF and iron oxides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does blue light do to your skin?
“Blue light has been linked to premature aging of the skin,” Dr. Ilyas says, “Studies have suggested that almost half of the oxidative stress our skin experiences throughout the day is related to visible light exposure, not UV exclusively.” In fact, UV rays and blue light have been shown to have a similar effect on the skin. “This means increased exposure to blue light can break down collagen and elastic fibers resulting in thinning of the skin as well as hyperpigmentation," Dr. Ilyas explains.
Is expensive blue light skincare worth it?
Blue light skincare is relatively expensive due to the high quality ingredients needed and multipurpose function it can offer. For example, blue light skincare products typically also provide SPF protection, blendable tinted formulas, or moisturizing ingredients in addition to the ingredients needed to defend your skin from oxidative stress. They should also be clinically tested to prove effectiveness. However, although more pricey than some other sunscreen or moisturizing products, the benefits may outweigh the cost.
What does blue light skincare cost?
There are blue light skincare options that cover a wide range of budgets, so you don't have to shell out a ton of money to reap the benefits. This list features products starting at $21.99 and goes up to $169, with most options less than $65.
Take Our Word for It
Anneke Knot is a full time freelance writer. She has over five years experience reporting on fashion and beauty. Her work has appeared on sites including Instyle, People, Real Simple, and Byrdie. In order to find the best blue light skincare, she interviewed multiple dermatologists, including Erum Ilyas, M.D., Sheila Farhang, M.D., and Tiffany Libby, M.D., for their expert recommendations, tested launches from popular brands, read reviews, and had individuals test available options. This story was most recently updated by PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer with updated insights on the best products to protect your skin from blue light.
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