These Powder Sunscreens Add Lightweight Protection You’ll Love

We updated this article in April 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

When you think of sunscreen, your mind probably jumps to a thick, goopy lotion that smells way too strong and feels overly sticky. But protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays doesn’t have to be so inconvenient. In fact, it can become an easy (and enjoyable!) part of your beauty routine if you perfect your base with a lightweight, easily applied powder sunscreen.

Meet the Experts: Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City, and Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.

These high-performing SPF powders offer additional sun protection, absorb excess oil, and even your complexion without feeling heavy. “Powder sunscreens are beneficial to those who wear makeup in the summer but don’t want the greasy feeling of a lotion,” says Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare.

Still, “powder SPF should not be your primary form of sunscreen and is best used for touch-ups during day-to-day sun exposure,” adds Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City. They’ll definitely come in handy when you want to mattify your face sunscreen, reapply without disturbing your makeup, or need to throw something in your bag for travel.

Our top picks

Really anyone can benefit from having a powder sunscreen on hand, and we made the process of finding one a bit easier. Below, the best formulas to reach for all year long.