Protect Your Acne Prone Skin With the Right Sunscreen

Nicole Pajer
·9 min read

With so many sunscreens available, we're sharing the best options that won't irritate your acne.

Afraid that sunscreen might clog your pores, dry out your skin and cause it to break out? If you have acne-prone skin, these are very real concerns. But with melanoma on the rise and sun being one of the main causes of wrinkles, skipping your daily dose of SPF is not a healthy option. The good news? If your skin is sensitive and breaks out easily, there are specific sunscreens designed just for you. It’s just a matter of knowing what ingredients to avoid and what properties to look for in a sunscreen when you have acne-prone skin—and then sticking to using it during your daily skincare routine.

“As a general rule of thumb, people with acne-prone skin need to make sure that their sunscreen is non-comedogenic/oil-free, which means it won’t clog your pores,” says Dr. Hayley Goldbach MD, a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Brown University. She also says it’s important to avoid products that are heavily scented since they may be irritating to your skin. “Acne involves inflammation, so you don’t want to add to that by applying irritating fragrances, no matter how delicious they smell,” adds Dr. Goldbach.

Dermatologists like Dr. Goldbach typically recommend using mineral-based sunscreens and lightweight formulas if you're prone to acne. And bonus points if your daily SPF lotion contains some anti-aging properties and hydrating components as well! We caught up with an array of dermatologists who walked us through their list of top sunscreens for acne. Here are the ones to consider with summer having officially started this month.

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Sunscreen for Acne-prone Skin

1. Drunk Elephant Tinted Umbra Tinte Physical Daily SPF 30, $36 at Sephora

“This is a great option for people who have an active breakout and want something that will protect them from the sun but also cover up any blemishes,” says Dr. Goldbach. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen made with zinc oxide and is a clean product that is free of essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance, dyes and sodium laurel sulfate. Drunk Elephant Tinted Umbra Tinte Physical Daily SPF 30, $36 at Sephora

2. Babo Botanicals Daily Spectrum Tinted Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 30, $18.50 at Ulta

“I use this line both for my baby and for my own skin,” says Dr. Goldbach. “It’s light, which is great for acne-prone skin, doesn’t break the bank, non-comedogenic and ‘clean’ ingredients.”  It’s mineral-based with zinc oxide and also contains Bob’s Nutri-Firm Complex, which includes sea buckthorn, and argan oil. And as a bonus, it’s reef-friendly. Babo Botanicals Daily Spectrum Tinted Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 30, $18.50 at Ulta

3. EltaMD UV Clear, $42 at Dermstore

This, says Dr. Zain Husain, a dermatologist in Marlboro, New Jersey, is a mineral-based sunscreen that is lightweight and fragrance-free. “It also has hyaluronic acid to moisturize and lactic acid to reduce shininess and clear pores,” he adds. “It also contains niacinamide which is anti-inflammatory and helps treat acne.” EltaMD UV Clear, $42 at Dermstore

4. Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, $42 at Dermstore

Dr. Husain likes this one, since it’s a mineral-based sunscreen in the form of a mattifying liquid that is paraben-free and offers true broad-spectrum coverage from UVA and UVB rays.” It has a non-irritating, ultra-sheer texture for all skin types including sensitive skin,” he explains. Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, $42 at Dermstore

5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50, $37.99 at CVS

“This lightweight 100% mineral tinted face sunscreen with titanium dioxide was developed for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Husain. “The fast-absorbing texture leaves a tinted matte finish on skin for a healthy glow,” he adds. This SPF is also formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology: broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50, $37.99 at CVS

Related: The 5 Best Sunscreens for Your Skin and Your Wallet

6. Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen, $27.45 on Amazon 

This, says Dr. Orit Markowitz, a dermatologist, skin cancer specialist and CEO and founder of OptiSkin, is a fantastic option for acne-prone skin. “The Blue Lizard brand, in general, is one of my favorite mineral sunscreen lines and the face sunscreen is a lightweight gel formula formulated to not clog pores,” she says. It contains no parabens or fragrance, making it great for sensitive skin types as well. “I like to tell my acne-prone patients to look for mineral-based sunscreens, like this Blue Lizard one, as chemical sunscreens get absorbed by your skin and can clog pores (mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin),” adds Dr. Markowitz. Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen, $27.45 on Amazon 

7. SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34, $70 at Dermstore

“If you are taking medication for your acne and it is leading to dry skin, I recommend looking for a thick mineral sunscreen formula like this one,” says Dr. Markowitz. She notes that a thicker cream like this one will be soothing for the drying agents that treat your acne. SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34, $70 at Dermstore

8. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen, $14.49 at CVS

“This is oil-free and light so it won’t weigh down the skin or interfere with an active acne skin regimen,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “It has a matte finish to help de-shine even the oiliest among us.” Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen, $14.49 at CVS

9. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, $70 on Amazon

This one, says Dr. Hartman, is a formula that suits almost any skin type. “The lightweight nature of the product is mattifying that really provides an almost immediate smoother skin texture,” he explains. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, $70 on Amazon

10. Sunforgettable Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen, $69 at Colorscience

“This is a powder sunscreen to use as your reapplication throughout the day,” says HealthCentral’s board-certified dermatologist Dr. Holly Singletary, M.D.  “It comes in multiple shades for light coverage and easily portable, twist-up brush applicator.” “Powder sunscreens are less likely to clog pores,” adds New York City dermatologist Susan Bard, MD. “One of the main reasons people don't reapply their sunscreen throughout the day is because it's inconvenient,” she adds. “This is especially true for women who don't want to ruin their makeup.” Sunforgettable Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen, $69 at Colorscience

11. Neocutis Journee Revitalizing Day Cream SPF 30, $189 at Dermstore

“This product is ideal for adults with acne rosacea,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California. “This subset of acne tends to have reactionary, sensitive skin that is simultaneously experiencing aging changes,” she explains. “The PSP formulation contains growth factors, large proteins that initiate skin repair and encourage healthy collagen growth.” She notes that the mixture of zinc oxide and antioxidants, including vitamin C, E and green tea, is anti-inflammatory and broadly protective against UVA/UVB, high energy visible light and infrared light. “And the addition of hyaluronic acid provides non-comedogenic skin moisture.” Neocutis Journee Revitalizing Day Cream SPF 30, $189 at Dermstore

12. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50, $12.99 at CVS

This sunscreen contains zinc oxide and does not use chemical blockers. “It is non-comedogenic, lightweight and dries to form a matte layer over your skin,” says Jill Canes, founder of Face Forward Medical Aesthetics. “It’s a plus for people with oily skin so that it doesn't feel greasy.” Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50, $12.99 at CVS

Related: Beauty Influencers Share The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

13. Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact, $65 at Mind Your Skin

“This sunscreen is great for acne-prone skin because it is a mineral-only sunscreen with a high SPF,” says Dr. Geeta Patel, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, Texas. “The formula feels smooth and lightweight, almost like sheer-coverage foundation balm, and can even be applied over makeup.” It’s also convenient, as it comes in a makeup compact and adds a pop of color. Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact, $65 at Mind Your Skin

14. Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum, $44 on Amazon

“This sunscreen is a great option for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Patel. “It's a hydrating primer that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and niacinamide to help boost moisture in the skin, sea lavender for antioxidant protection, and cocoa peptides to help protect from blue light.” Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum, $44 on Amazon

15. Cerave AM Facial Moisturizer, $19.79 at CVS

“This moisturizing sunscreen is an affordable sunscreen that is great for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Chesahna Kindred, associate professor of dermatology at Howard University’s College of Medicine and owner of the Kindred Hair & Skin Center in Columbia, Maryland. She notes that it contains key ingredients that hydrate the skin: hyaluronic acid (HA) attracts water to the skin; niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a powerful antioxidant that improves the barrier function of the skin; and ceramides act as a sealant that prevents water loss. “Cerave AM Facial Moisturizer leaves an elegant finish with no white residue on melanin-rich skin tones,” she adds. Cerave AM Facial Moisturizer, $19.79 at CVS

16. ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica, $60 at ISDIN

“This mineral sunscreen is lightweight and doesn't clog pores,” explains Dr. Kindred. “It takes advantage of the plant-based antioxidants and enzymes to repair DNA damage and reverse the signs of aging and sun damage.” For those who prefer tinted moisturizers, ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Ageless is another great option. ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica, $60 at ISDIN

17. Badger SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen, $17.99 at Badger Balm

“Don’t forget sunscreen for the body! Especially for my athletes with acne-prone skin I like to recommend this product line,” says Dr. Godlbach. “This formula is super environmentally friendly, organic and best of all won’t clog pores.” Badger SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen, $17.99 at Badger Balm

Up next, the best sunscreens of the year—and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

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