Legit Everything Breaks Me Out—But Not These 14 Sunscreens

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As a beauty writer, I’m constantly preaching the importance of wearing sunscreen—I even have it listed on my Hinge profile that I never leave the house without SPF. I wasn’t always so gung-ho about sunscreen, though. For years I skipped this important step because I hated how gloopy and heavy some formulas felt on my skin.

Once I discovered non-comedogenic sunscreens, my world (and skin) changed for the better. Essentially, the best non-comedogenic sunscreens won’t clog your pores, cause breakouts, or feel gross on your skin. Yep, SPF that offers a weightless, second-skin finish exists. Proof? I spent the past few weeks testing dozens of non-comedogenic formulas and chatting with dermatologists to find the best of the best. Just take a little peek at a few of the stellar options.

With any of these non-comedogenic picks, slathering on sunscreen won’t feel like a chore. In fact, it may just become your all-time favorite skincare step like it has for me. Glowing, clear, protected skin awaits!

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Dermatologists often say that it doesn’t matter what sunscreen you use, as long as you use it. However, if they could give you one recommendation, I bet 9 out of 10 derms would suggest this lightweight pick. In fact, both of our experts named this one of their all-time favorites. Every skin type will adore how the silky mineral SPF melts into skin, though board-certified dermatologist Nicole Lee, MD, constantly urges her acne-prone patients to use it because of how weightless it feels.

As for board-certified dermatologist Michael I. Jacobs, MD, he points to the added skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid, which helps boost hydration.

• Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

• SPF level: 46

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “I first bought this from my dermatologist's office as they highly recommended it. It is great for sensitive skin and is very moisturizing. I have rosacea and wear it every day. It isn't too thick or heavy and doesn't clog your pores.”

Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60

As a super-pale redhead, I make sure to use the highest SPF coverage possible (like minimum 50). Few brands compare to the protection levels of La Roche-Posay, and this particular fluid pick features a whopping SPF 60. The high broad-spectrum protection is just one factor that makes this one of Dr. Lee’s top non-comedogenic sunscreens, too. She also loves the featherlight finish, which doesn’t leave any hints of white cast—even on deep skin tones. Plus, where many liquid sunscreens can give your complexion a dewy sheen, this one keeps things matte, making it perfect for oily skin types.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water

• SPF level: 60

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “I have tried a million face sunscreens, and this one is the lightest weight one I can find. I hate feeling sunscreen on my face and can’t stand feeling sticky. If it makes me sticky, I won’t wear it every day. This one is a very thin consistency and really melts into your skin, leaves minimal white cast, and I find myself reaching for it every day."

Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 PA++++

On a hot day, there's nothing better than this: The weightless liquid feels cool when it sinks into my skin, offering a calming effect on sun-soaked (or sunburned) areas. It also leaves me with a natural-looking sheen and high SPF 50 water-resistant protection that even lasts through quick dips in the pool.

While everyone raves about Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen (I get it—Team Cosmo loves it too), you might prefer this lightweight pick if you've got acne-prone or oily skin. Dr. Jacobs says this formula is perfect for those who hate the feeling of wearing sunscreen. “I like this because it’s lightweight and has a thin consistency compared to other sunscreens, making it comfortable for all skin types,” he says.

• Key ingredients: Cress sprout extract, wild butterfly ginger root extract

• SPF level: 50

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “As a dry skin girlie, this is the perfect sunscreen for me. I continue to rebuy it because it’s moisturizing and great under my makeup.”

Clear As Day SPF 46

If you have oily skin, it can feel impossible to find a good sunscreen that won't leave skin shiny. But you can end your search once you try this option from acne brand Starface. Cosmo’s beauty editor, Beth Gillette, has tried her fair share of sunscreens that cater to her acne-prone skin and says that literally none compare to this gel formula. "It has never once broken me out—a major feat, as my skin is so reactive—and it leaves me with a matte finish that cuts down on shine throughout the day," she says.

• Key ingredients: Dimethicone

• SPF level: 46

• Size: 1.79 oz

Glowing customer review: “I absolutely love this stuff. It’s legitimately THE ONLY facial sunscreen I’ve ever used that didn’t cause me to break out. And I’ve tried a lot of them. If you’re sensitive or acne prone, try it!!! My husband doesn’t get breakouts but he loves it because it’s so lightweight. Win-win.”

Ultimate Sun Serum PentaPeptide Sunscreen

You know that the sun’s rays aren’t the only thing affecting our skin, right? As if we needed another thing to worry about, blue light and pollution also contribute to free radical damage and can potentially speed up the aging process. That’s where this liquid sunscreen comes in. With a blend of probiotics, peptides, and red algae, this guards against both UVA and UVB rays, while helping to smooth skin to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It manages to do all this and still feel super silky on my skin too. Talk about multitasking at its finest, babes.

• Key ingredients: probiotics, pentapeptides, peach extract, red algae

• SPF level: 50

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “I love this facial sunscreen! I don’t know what I did before it. It makes my skin feel so smooth and glowing and it definitely protects my skin from the sun.”

Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen

So many sunscreens give skin a dewy finish, but for those with oily and acne-prone skin, that sheen can quickly turn into a greasy-looking mess. Matte finish sunscreens are few and far between these days, although this formula from MDSolarSciences is the GOAT. It's still v hydrating with green tea, pomegranate, and cranberry fruit extract but it doesn't leave behind any glow. Instead, it helps blur and mattify skin, all the while adding a sticky, gripping finish that acts as a makeup primer. Bonus: The bottle is also so much bigger than other options, so this will last you a very long time.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, green tea extract, pomegranate

• SPF level: 50

• Size: 3.4 oz

Glowing customer review: “I have tried so many different face sunscreens and finally found this one, which I've been using for years now. My skin is very sensitive and dry and this screen is perfect for all of my issues. The consistency feels a little like icing. There is the most lightest tint to the creme, which makes it perfect for my pale skin."

Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43 PA +++

Mineral sunscreen often gets a bad rep for being notoriously difficult to blend into skin. InnBeauty Project decided to challenge that and transform the way everyone looks at the sunscreen category…for good. This is unlike any other mineral SPF I’ve tried, and one use secured it a top spot on my list of go-to sunscreens.

Available in two hues (fair-medium or medium-deep), this pick doesn’t exactly provide significant coverage, but it does seamlessly even out my skin tone to reveal a lit-from-within radiance and filter-like finish. I love that I never have to worry about it piling under makeup, and most days I replace my moisturizer with this. The added skincare ingredients—including vitamin C, peptides, and rice extract—are an added bonus too to help protect and moisturize my skin.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, rice extract

• SPF level: 43

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “What sorcery is this?!? This is hands down the best mineral sunscreen I have ever tried. It doesn’t pill even after putting on multiple layers and works perfectly under makeup. It makes your skin look and feel super hydrated but it doesn’t at all feel sticky."

Refreshing Water Plumping Gel with SPF 30

More often than not, derms recommend mineral sunscreens for those with sensitive skin. That said, if you want to try out a chemical option, this is the one to grab. The gel consistency feels like a refreshing glass of water for your skin and really works to revive your complexion. This is made possible thanks to super hydrators like hyaluronic acid, organic aloe, and organic coconut water. Plus, the beachy scent makes applying this all the more fun.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, coconut water

• SPF level: 30

• Size: 1 oz

Glowing customer review: “Really nice sunscreen that has a very light consistency, easily absorbs into the skin, and leaves it hydrated and calm. I prefer mineral sunscreen, but got hooked by this one because it has hyaluronic acid, aloe, and coconut water - all proved to be good for the skin. Seems to be good for sensitive skin as my skin is very sensitive, have not noticed if it clogs pores or irritates the skin.”

DreamBeam Sunlit Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Listen, I know everyone wants to look like a bronzed goddess by summer, but the sun damage is not worth it, folks! You don’t have to completely give up your glowing dreams, though. This ultra-smooth sunscreen imparts a natural bronze tint onto my skin. When I wear it, I always look like I just returned from vacation… even if I’ve been sitting in my sunless apartment all day. DreamBeam doesn’t just make my skin look good, it also helps it feel incredible. Packed with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, this deeply hydrates, soothes, and smoothes my skin.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid

• SPF level: 40

• Size: 1.3 oz

Glowing customer review: “This sunscreen feels great on my skin! It is a very lightweight formula and adds a subtle glow to your face. There is no white cast either amazingly!"

Best Sunscreen Serum

The first time I applied this sunscreen serum, I had to double check the bottle just to make sure it was actually sunscreen—I had never come across an SPF that felt like *nothing*. The peach-tinted formula works like magic to gently hydrate my skin while boosting radiance with a mix of glycerin and ginger root. It doesn’t give me any sort of coverage, though it does give me the confidence to go fresh-faced on any given day.

My one gripe? I wish the bottle was bigger because I can’t stop myself from reaching for it on a daily basis! If you’ve ever wanted to forget that you’re wearing sunscreen, this bb is the thing to grab.

• Key ingredients: Avobenzone, glycerin, ginger root extract

• SPF level: 60

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “I have been looking for a sunscreen that sinks right into my skin and keeps me covered while I’m out and about during the day without my makeup sliding off of my face or causing random blemishes…this is it!!! It’s light and a strong barrier against the sun."

Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

It doesn’t matter if I’ve spent too much time out in the sun or just completed a super tough workout—my skin’s normal state of being is…red, or at least pink. To neutralize that redness, I slather on this green-tinted mineral SPF. Along with evening out my skin tone (which some foundations can’t even do), this keeps my complexion hydrated and calm with eight different types of hyaluronic acid and soothing cica. It does require a bit of effort to fully blend in, but the extra elbow grease is worth it for calm, even, protected skin.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cica

• SPF level: 45

• Size: 1.69 oz

Glowing customer review: “I consider myself a mineral spf junkie! This one is great! I used it for the first time today and was really impressed. I have fair skin and my face always has a natural flush to it. This sunscreen has a green tint to it which makes it so easy when I don’t want to wear makeup but still want to conceal my redness. The formula was easy to apply, did not pill and went nicely

UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50

Part of the reason why wearing sunscreen can feel like a slog has to do with the gloopy, heavy textures you grew up wearing. (TBH, I’m still scarred from those.) This formula, which comes highly recommended from Dr. Lee, wears like air and will make all of your sunscreen PTSD disappear for good. “This is one of my favorite water-based sunscreens for day-to-day use, especially for my melasma or pigment-prone patients,” says Dr. Lee. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it floods skin with moisture and works as a gorgeous base for smooth makeup application, while also adding a natural dewiness to your complexion.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin

• SPF level: 50

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “I have extremely fair skin and work outside in the snow so a good SPF is much needed. This is by far the best one I’ve used. Hardly a smell, sinks into the skin almost immediately and wears well under makeup. In fact I think my makeup looks better over this because it adds some nice hydration to the skin. I haven’t gotten a burn since I started using this. I’ll continue to repurchase this one.”

Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 Face Sunscreen

I love a good multitasking sunscreen that not only protects against UV damage, but also helps address common skin concerns, like dryness or dark spots. This drugstore favorite does all three and has secured the seal of approval from Dr. Jacobs. He loves that the formula is mineral oil- and fragrance-free, and the non-greasy, lightweight texture is simply the cherry on top. Vitamin C and E offer skincare benefits, and with consistent use can help diminish hyperpigmentation on top of preventing new marks from forming.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E

• SPF level: 50

• Size: 1 oz

Glowing customer review: “This is my new holy grail sunscreen. I have very fair skin so I need to wear sunscreen year round and I love the fact that it's SPF 50. I also have dry skin but this didn't leave my face feeling tight and dry at all like other facial sunscreens do. I hope this never gets discontinued!”

Better Screen UV Serum

You can stop worrying about white cast (for good!) when you have this clear sunscreen in your stash. I’ll admit I had my doubts when I pumped out the white sunscreen serum, but I’m happy to report that this goes on completely invisible and leaves nothing but a dewy radiance behind. Beyond the finish, I love that it features collagen peptide as its hero. This buzzy ingredient helps protect against signs of sun damage like dark spots and wrinkles.

• Key ingredients: Collagen peptide, glycerin

• SPF level: 50+

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: “Really love this! Doesn’t burn my eyes, so lightweight, no smell, no greasiness, good skincare ingredients, absorbed into my skin, great glass packaging with a pump, high SPF coverage. Literally a perfect facial sunscreen for everyday!”

How do I know if my sunscreen is comedogenic?

The clearest way to know if your sunscreen is comedogenic (or rather non-comedogenic) is to see if it says so on the packaging. “If you’re unsure, you can look up the ingredient list online and use a search engine like this one to look for pore-clogging ingredients in the formulation,” says Dr. Jacobs.

Keep in mind that the term non-comedogenic isn’t regulated by the FDA, though. So what can break you out might be a dream for another acne-prone person, and vice versa. Dr. Lee recommends selecting water-based formulas that are lighter than other options and steering clear of formulas with cocoa butter, red dye, fragrances, essential oils, and coconut oils, as these ingredients are known to clog pores, which can lead to acne.

How to choose the best non-comedogenic sunscreen for you:

Consider your skin type

Regardless of your skin type, Dr. Lee says reaching for a non-comedogenic sunscreen is a good idea. (After all, no one wants to deal with clogged pores or exacerbate acne.) That said, some formulas are better for dry skin than oily and vice versa. If you lean dry, try opting for sunscreens that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to boost your skin’s moisture. These sunscreens, like the Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 can amplify the effects of your moisturizer to keep your skin smooth, plump, and comfortable throughout the day.

On the flip side, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’re better off selecting mattifying or ultra-lightweight sunscreens that don’t leave you feeling like a grease pool midday. The Starface Clear as Day SPF 46 is one of our all-time top choices for oily skin.

Choose between mineral or chemical

There’s tons of debate over whether mineral or chemical sunscreen is better. Truth be told, both will protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so as long as you’re wearing any SPF you’re doing a great job! Still, it doesn’t hurt to know the difference between the two.

Mineral sunscreens utilize mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common) to create a shield over your skin. Dermatologists often recommend these types of sunscreens because they tend to be much gentler than chemical formulas. However, they’re not always the most pleasant to apply: Mineral sunscreens have a reputation for feeling heavy and leaving a white cast, although there are plenty of options on our list that are incredibly lightweight and blend beautifully into skin.

Rather than mineral filters, chemical sunscreens use chemical filters (including avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene). These chemicals sink into skin, where they absorb the sun’s rays and convert them to heat before releasing them from your skin.

Again, whichever type you use comes down to personal preference. Dr. Jacobs says that more non-comedogenic sunscreens are mineral rather than chemical—which is something to keep in mind.

PAQ hed here

• Michael I. Jacobs, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

• Nicole Lee, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epoch Dermatology, a boutique dermatology and aesthetics practice in New York, NY.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including reviewing every Maison Margiela Replica perfume and finding the most spot-on Baccarat Rouge 540 dupes. She's an authority in all beauty categories and never leaves the house without sunscreen. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists and tested dozens of non-comedogenic sunscreens to find the best options for all skin types.

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