Prevention Editors Swear These Face Sunscreens Feel Lightweight and Offer Major Protection

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With a complexion best described as alabaster, I’m always looking for the best face sunscreens that offer ample protection against harmful UV rays—and wear well under makeup. From sunscreen sticks to powder sunscreens to SPF serums, I’ve tried countless formulas all in the quest to find the best of the best to add to my makeup bag.

In the past, I’ve been tempted to use body sunscreen on my face. But, it’s important to find “one that will not clog your pores and can be used with or without makeup so that it is layered easily,” Angela J. Lamb, M.D., dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology, tells me.

Meet the experts: Angela J. Lamb, M., dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology; Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; and Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York

Some cult-favorite brands like Supergoop! and EltaMD feature specific ingredients formulated for your face, and they wear well under makeup too, making them top contenders on my list of best SPFs.

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This sunscreen has seen me through hot, sunny Florida beach days, sweaty treks across the island of Manhattan, and beyond, without unsightly streaking or a cakey feeling. It wears well under my makeup, and dermatologists recommend it too. It does require a bit of rubbing in, but it’s worth it.

“Designed for patients with rosacea or acne, this oil-free formula provides light moisture, rubs in quickly, and contains niacinamide as an anti-inflammatory to reduce sebum (a.k.a. oil),” says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

User review: “This is my favorite sunscreen for my face for everyday use. Love the high SPF and broad spectrum. Never makes me break out. Have this on subscribe and save so I never run out!” wrote one Amazon shopper.

• Texture: Lotion

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 46

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Adding moisture back to skin that we tend to lose with age is key to plumping your complexion and filling in fine lines. Angela J. Lamb, M.D., director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology, recommends this pick from one of my favorite brands, Skinceuticals, as “it is also light enough to be able to go on top of a tighter moisturizer that you would need for mature skin.”

The tinted sunscreen boasts SPF 50, so you know you’re getting serious protection.

User review: “I love the thin texture of this tinted sunscreen. It is moisturizing and soaks in well. I love that it doesn’t sweat off in the heat. I’m 73 and need a bit of coverage to even out my skin tone,” wrote one customer.

• Texture: Lightweight, creamy

• Type: Mineral

• SPF: 50

Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40 Sunscreen

This has become my holy grail product. I wear this sunscreen-meets-face moisturizer every day under my makeup and it does not disappoint. It glides on seamlessly, absorbs quickly, hydrates my skin, and truly leaves a glow (I was shocked because I’m not one to say I’m glowing. But I really do when I wear this!). It’s somehow lightweight but incredibly moisturizing. It comes in a pot/tub which makes it easy to get enough product for major protection.

User review: “This is not too thick. I was worried that because it’s a moisturizer and SPF that it’d be greasy but it’s not too bad. No white caste and does okay under makeup,” wrote one shopper.

• Texture: Lightweight, creamy

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 40

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

There’s a reason Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a cult-favorite. Truly the only sunscreen I have ever tried that goes on clear, this product is perfect to wear under makeup. It leaves a lovely matte finish, doesn’t feel greasy after application, and is incredibly lightweight. I love that it’s SPF 40 so I know I’m getting solid protection. It does have a slight sunscreen-y scent, but it’s subtle so definitely not a dealbreaker. And though oil-free, it can feel a bit slippery upon first application—but it quickly dries down to a matte finish.

User review: “I have tried SO MANY facial sunscreens that claim they are non-greasy, invisible, scent-free, etc. The claims have never been true for me…until now. Wow! This is worth the price tag. It’s clear and truly not greasy,” wrote one Amazon customer.

• Texture: Lightweight, matte

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 40

Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50

This featherlight SPF packs photolyase (DNA enzymes that repair sun damage), hydrating vitamin E, and zinc oxide to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and premature aging. “This sunscreen is beloved by both women and men, as it rubs in beautifully without leaving a white film,” says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “And it’s a physical sunscreen, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin.” It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, fast-absorbing, and super lightweight.

User Review: One reviewer wrote, “Even when layering Isdin with moisturizer, makeup, etc. there isn’t any heavy feeling.”

• Texture: Lotion

• Type: Mineral

• SPF: 50+

Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50

This non-comedogenic, great for sensitive skin, fragrance-free formula dries down matte and doesn’t have that SPF smell. It also uses a Cell-Ox Shield technology for fantastic UVA/UVB protection and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Prevention Digital Director, Allie Early, swears by this lightweight sunscreen, which she describes as more liquid in texture than traditional lotions. “It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and I put it on daily under my makeup for sun protection. It’s absolutely worth every penny and it goes a long way. I also love the brand’s Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen for other areas as well!”

• Texture: Fluid

• Type: Mineral

• SPF: 50

SPF 30

This face moisturizer with SPF 30 won a spot in our 2023 Beauty Awards. Recommended by Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA, she said: “I love this because it is cruelty-free and reef safe and goes on transparent without leaving a white residue on darker skin types. I also love this brand because they have increased awareness around the myths of wearing sunscreen in communities of color and advocate for sun safety behaviors in people of color.”

User review: “It’s just a wonderful product…doesn’t make me look ashy, smells good, feels good, and I take it on all of my vacays!” wrote one shopper.

• Texture: Fluid

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 30

Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30

Dermatologists recommend Vanicream products again and again for the brand’s non-irritating ingredients (free of fragrance!) that are ideal for those with sensitive skin, like me. As someone who has been known to break out in hives when using the wrong formula, Vanicream’s collection reassures me when testing products. This one is formulated with ceramides to help hydrate skin. I love that it’s lightweight and doubles as a moisturizer.

User review: “My skin is picky. This lotion is the best I’ve tried. Great texture, not to think or runny. My face usually doesn’t feel gross at the end of the day like with others I’ve tried. Not oily or greasy, lightweight but effective,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

• Texture: Creamy

• Type: Mineral

• SPF: 30

Luminizing Facial SPF 29

Dr. Lamb recommends Mad Hippie sunscreen goes as it has “antioxidant properties that help make sure your skin stays healthy and even in addition to protecting from both UVA and UVB. This light texture and translucent finish give you the sun protection and glow,” she says. And it contains hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.

User review: “This product is not only clear but it makes you shine! I love that it’s waterproof. I wore it to the beach and it was perfect!” wrote one Ulta customer.

• Texture: Silky

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 29

Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen

This sunscreen boasts five ceramides to hydrate skin. The brand claims that it supports the skin barrier as well, thanks to Centenella Asiatica.

User review: “I’m on my sixth or seventh tube of this one and refuse to try anything else. It melts in so easily, is so glowy and moisturizing, doesn’t burn my eyes, and the Centella in it takes down redness and evens the complexion,” says Prevention Contributing Writer Kayla Blanton. “It’s the best and so underrated.”

• Texture: Creamy and hydrating

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 50+

Better Screen UV Serum

If you’re looking for a face sunscreen serum, this luxe-feeling option from Kiehl’s offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ for great coverage and protection. Though the formula does feel a bit, well, wet once applied, it rubs in well and leaves skin with a subtle shine. It features skin-loving ingredients like collagen peptides, to plump skin and help visibly address the signs of aging (by plumping fine lines).

User review: “I like how easily this is to apply. It’s not thick like most sunscreen. It’s smoother and absorbs much easier,” wrote one Nordstrom shopper.

• Texture: Liquid, serum

• Type: Chemical

• SPF: 50+

Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion With transparent Tint SPF 30

A staple when I head to an outdoor event, I use this instead of foundation for light coverage that evens out my skin tone with SPF 30 sun protection. The formula boasts niacinamide for skin brightening and ceramides for hydrating. Though the brand says it works on a variety of skin tones, I’ve found it takes some rubbing in, and it only comes in one shade.

User review: “This gives such an amazing glowy tint. It is a little messy after you close the cap and it is a little oily when you put it on but it absorbs quickly and it’s hydrating. The tint stays all day and it doesn’t clump for me. I think it’s great for combination skin/dry skin. Blends easily and lasts a long time,” wrote one Ulta shopper.

• Texture: Creamy

• Type: Mineral

• SPF: 30

How to choose the best face sunscreen

Don’t skimp on quality: The label on your face sunscreen needs to say broad spectrum to guard against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). Experts also say to look for at least SPF 30 for your best bet at protection.

Know your skin type: If you have dry skin, choose a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If your skin tends to be oily, look for sunscreens made for acne-prone skin, which tend to have a matte finish. Lighter gel formulations will also feel less heavy if you tend to get shiny throughout the day.

Consider your skin tone: If you have a medium-to-dark complexion, chemical sunscreens (which are absorbed into the skin) apply more clear, while physical or mineral sunscreens (which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays) often leave some white cast. The type you choose is a personal decision, but if you go for a mineral formula, which tends to work better for sensitive skin, apply it in sections so you can thoroughly rub in and transparent out the product.

How often should I apply face sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before you go in the sun and reapplied every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating more than usual, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying immediately after.

Do I need to wear face sunscreen if my makeup has SPF in it?

Cleveland Clinic recommends layering facial sunscreen under SPF makeup to get the proper amount of sun protection. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to squeeze sunscreen along your pointer and index finger and apply it all to your face.

When should I apply sunscreen in my skincare routine?

Sunscreen is your last step in your skincare routine and your first step before your makeup. “You should put it on top of moisturizer,” Dr. Lamb says.

How we chose the best face sunscreens

Emily Goldman, Prevention deputy editor, has tested dozens of face sunscreens over the years to find the best ones available. We spoke with Angela J. Lamb, M., dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology; Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; and Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York, for their recommendations.

Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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