30 best face sunscreens you'll want to apply every day, according to dermatologists

CNN

19-05-2025

Face sunscreen quick picks
Mineral face sunscreen: Andalou Naturals Daily Shade and Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30
Face sunscreen for dry skin: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50
Face sunscreen for acne-prone skin: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Face sunscreen for mature skin: SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear SPF 47
Water-resistant face sunscreen: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Tinted face sunscreen: Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 While the world of skin care is highly personal, there's one step that dermatologists agree everyone should be doing: applying sunscreen to your face. Practicing sun safety is about finding the product that works for you — one that you'll actually apply (and reapply) daily and works with your lifestyle, whether that be a tinted formula that can double as makeup or a sweat-resistant lotion that will keep you protected during workouts.
'No matter the forecast — cloudy, rainy or full sun — SPF is non-negotiable,' said Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician and the 2025 #GetNaked spokesperson for the Melanoma Research Foundation. Crumm's work with MRF reminds us that in addition to practicing sun safety and wearing sunscreen daily, it's also important to schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist for early detection of skin cancer.
After all, wearing sunscreen isn't just about your skin care routine, it's about your health too. Ultraviolet radiation, specifically UVB radiation, causes skin cancer, which can largely be prevented by staying out of the sun and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen when you are exposed. That's why sunscreen is considered a drug in the US and you can use your FSA dollars to buy it — it reduces the risk of skin cancer. According to MRF, nine out of 10 cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are preventable. While squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, are less lethal, they may still require surgery and can be disfiguring.
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Since your face is exposed to UV rays the most, finding a great face sunscreen that works with your skin and lifestyle is ultra-important. To help you find a new favorite formula, I asked dermatologists about their top picks. Here are the 30 they raved about, plus a few sunscreens I — a beauty editor who's tested over two dozen formulas — personally love too.
Andalou Naturals Daily Shade and Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey, loves this mineral sunscreen that is loaded with skin care ingredients and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. 'This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage while also protecting against blue light and pollution,' she said. 'It also contains hyaluronic acid and bio-designed collagen to help boost moisture, helping to hydrate and plump the skin, and won't leave a white cast behind.'
Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Finding a mineral sunscreen that seamlessly blends into the skin can be tricky, but Crumm swears by this one that uses a mix of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "It's a weightless mineral option that works beautifully under makeup or on its own," he said. "It's great for daily wear and doesn't leave a greasy feel."
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Daily Lightweight Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry recommends this sunscreen fluid that repairs and protects in one step. Along with zinc oxide, it contains patented DNA Repairsomes, which help improve existing sun damage.
Lightsaver Tinted Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
Dr. David Kim, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lightsaver, said his formula is a zinc oxide-based mineral SPF that has a lightweight whipped texture. It happens to be one of my personal favorite sunscreens because of its pleasant texture and added skin benefits. "It's formulated with skin care ingredients such as photolyase to help repair UV damage, niacinamide to help brighten and squalane to hydrate," Kim said.
Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula SPF 30
"Formulated with titanium dioxide and niacinamide, this SPF 30 daily sunscreen protects skin from the effects of sun damage, including the risk of skin cancer and premature aging," said Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology.
Tizo Skin Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-Tinted SPF 40
"This is nice when you want a sunscreen that can double as a makeup primer," Berry said. It's infused with vitamin C and E for antioxidant benefits and is safe for sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV AOX Mist Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 40
'This mineral spray sunscreen leaves behind a sheer finish and also contains antioxidants to help protect against free radical damage,' Garshick said. 'It is lightweight and won't feel greasy while still leaving the skin feeling hydrated. It has a white-to-clear technology that makes it easy to see how much you're applying but then absorbs easily without a white cast.'
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50
"This multitasker hydrates and protects with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, perfect for skin that needs moisture support all day," Crumm said. It's also a budget-friendly pick that you can easily pick up at the drugstore.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+
"This product has eight types of hyaluronic acid and is loved for how smoothly and seamlessly it blends into skin," Berry said of this Korean sunscreen. It has a gel consistency that adds a layer of light hydration while protecting the skin.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen + Hydrating Serum SPF 60
Garshick recommends this affordable option that 'offers UV protection while also containing antioxidants to provide protection against environmental factors. It is lightweight and easy to apply.' The oil-free serum is suitable for those that want a hydrating primer-like formula that doesn't feel like a heavy moisturizer.
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets of Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York said this tinted sunscreen gives a nice glow to the skin while adding hydration. The multitasking product also comes in a bigger tube than other face sunscreens we''ve tried — 3.2 ounces! — so it'll last you a while (which helps justify the high price tag just a little bit).
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
This is by far the most popular face sunscreen among dermatologists I've spoken to over the years, and Kobets and Berry said it's great for acne and rosacea-prone skin. It's a hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen, featuring zinc oxide and octinoxate UV filters, that is oil-free and invisible on the skin. It also includes niacinamide to calm breakouts and lactic acid to help with skin texture.
innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur recommends this zinc oxide SPF in our guide to the best Korean sunscreens. It's made for sensitive and acne-prone skin and even has a hint of a green tint to combat redness.
Krave Beauty Beet The Sun SPF 40
According to Crumm, this noncomedogenic sunscreen is a go-to for breakout-prone skin. "Lightweight, breathable and packed with antioxidants, this one won't clog pores or leave you greasy," he said.
Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF 30
"To reduce shine on oily and acne-prone skin, this SPF 30 daily SPF contains natural tapioca starch, as well as willow bark extract, green tea extract and vitamin C for antioxidant protection," Camp said.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60
Berry recommends this sunscreen to her patients that have acne-prone and oily skin. "This sunscreen is oil-free, noncomedogenic and it stays matte even in heat and humidity," she said. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
The chemical version of the Unseen Sunscreen Crumm recommends, this clear gel is also dermatologist-approved. It's especially good for oily skin, 'as it absorbs easily, leaving a clear, natural finish,' Garshick said. 'It not only offers protection against UVA/UVB rays but also contains red algae that may offer protection against blue light.'
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
This travel-friendly mineral sunscreen powder is great for makeup wearers, offering an easy way to nix shine throughout the day while also refreshing on SPF protection. It's a favorite of Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University, who said, 'It's great for your face, hair line and, astonishingly, it's also water-resistant. After my morning sunscreen, I keep this on hand to help me reapply SPF throughout the day, especially when I'm spending the day outside.'
SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear SPF 47
"A hybrid sunscreen, featuring chemical and mineral active ingredients, this SPF 47 sunscreen is paraben-free, hypoallergenic, oil-free and fragrance-free," Camp said. It's sensitive skin-friendly, so it's a good choice for those that have an anti-aging regimen full of other skin care actives, such as retinol and vitamin C.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ PA++++
I've been loving this SPF that features ectoin, a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient that dermatologists recommend for mature skin. Ectoin guards the skin from environmental stressors and helps support the skin barrier, which goes hand-in-hand with the protective qualities of SPF. It has a hydrating feel and can double as your daytime moisturizer too.
Doctor Babor Protect RX Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
'This is a mineral-based sunscreen that feels light, is not at all greasy and won't leave a white sheen,' said Saedi. 'It contains moisturizing ingredients that will leave your skin feeling well hydrated.' These include soothing bisabol and antioxidant beta-carotene.
Sonage Roux Tinted Day Creme With SPF 30
Another SPF and moisturizer in one, Saedi recommends this formula when we asked her about the best skin care routine for the 40+ crowd. The tint helps even out the skin tone, while the ceramides, peptides and niacinamide provide anti-aging benefits.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Sunscreen SPF 50
"This is a no-nonsense, high-performance sunscreen designed for active days," Crumm said. "It's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, absorbs quickly and won't run into your eyes when you're breaking a sweat. It's perfect for outdoor workouts or beach days when you need reliable coverage that stays in place."
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Camp and Berry recommend this face and body sunscreen that's great for outdoor activities and workouts. The sweat- and water-resistant formula is noncomedogenic and doesn't feel sticky.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Kobets said this mineral sunscreen initially goes on white but then absorbs clear. It can be used on the face and body, offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance and is safe for sensitive skin.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion
'If I'm spending a day at the pool, chances are I have Sun Bum sunscreen in my bag,' Saedi said. 'This one is made for the face and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. It's fragrance-free, water-based, very lightweight and good for both sensitive and acne-prone skin types.'
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Berry recommends this color-shifting tinted SPF and I'm a personal fan too. The unique formula comes out of the bottle white, but then adapts to your skin tone as you blend it in. More than just a gimmick, you get broad-spectrum protection and a medium-coverage tint that enhances the complexion.Read our review
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Sheer Tint SPF 30
Kobets said this drugstore pick 'has the perfect touch of hydration, tint and mineral SPF protection for everyday use.' The sheer color works on a wide range of skin tones and helps combat the chalky white cast.
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Another EltaMD favorite among our experts, Crumm and Berry love this tinted mineral formula. It evens the complexion, adds a bit of hydration with hyaluronic acid and provides antioxidant protection with vitamins C and E, on top of the mineral UV filters.
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Camp is a fan of this tinted sunscreen from Isdin, which is made with a blend of peptides, antioxidants and those aforementioned DNA Repairsomes. According to the dermatologist, it has an "ultralight" feel and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You have a choice between SPF lotions, sprays, powders or sunscreen sticks. Within these categories, you can choose between chemical sunscreens or mineral sunscreens (more on this in the FAQs below).
You may have heard about the potential health risks (to yourself and the environment) associated with chemical sunscreens, but at the end of the day, the dermatologists agreed that the best sunscreen is the one that you will use, regardless if it is mineral or chemical. To this point, Garshick said, 'Although some studies have shown that chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not necessarily mean the ingredients are unsafe or that the amount that is absorbed is enough to cause problems or concerns, so further research is needed. For this reason, the FDA recommends either type of sunscreen in conjunction with other sun-protective measures.'
Just keep in mind that you should opt for broad-spectrum coverage of SPF 30 protection or higher. The type of formula you choose can be tailored to your skin type too. Camp said to go with a hydrating sunscreen with hyaluronic acid or ceramides if you have dry skin. Oil-free, matte or gel-based SPFs are suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, according to Crumm. 'Your sunscreen should feel like a seamless part of your routine, not a chore,' Crumm said.
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologists Dr, Asmi Berry, Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Marisa Garshick, as well as celebrity esthetician Ian Michael Crumm.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
'Mineral sunscreens refer to sunscreens that contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that physically block UV rays, reflecting and scattering the UV rays from the skin surface, as opposed to chemical sunscreens that absorb the UV rays and convert them to heat,' Garshick said. Typically, mineral sunscreens are best for those with sensitive skin, as the dermatologist said that chemical sunscreen ingredients may be irritating. However, mineral sunscreens are the ones associated with leaving a white cast (although many new formulas add a touch of pigment to offset this) and 'some chemical sunscreens may be preferred, as they tend to rub in easily,' Garshick said.
When do you need to wear SPF?
When do you need to wear SPF?
Our experts agreed that sunscreen should be worn daily year-round, not just in the summer or on sunny days. If you are spending your day outdoors, sweating or swimming, the experts said to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
'Reapplication is often the missing link in most people's routines, and it's critical for real protection,' Crumm said.
As for how much sunscreen you should apply, the general guidance is that you'll need about an ounce of sunscreen (nearly a. shot glass' worth) for your whole body. For your face and neck, dermatologists advise using about a nickel-sized amount or two fingers' lengths.
Which is better: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide face sunscreen?
Which is better: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide face sunscreen?
'Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect skin from UVB and UVA rays, but zinc oxide protects skin from a wider range of UVA rays, offering more complete UVA coverage,' Camp said. Crumm added that UVA rays are the ones that cause premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn. That's why broad-spectrum protection is important. In addition, some mineral sunscreens will include both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
What is the best face sunscreen for older skin?
What is the best face sunscreen for older skin?
'Look for formulas that are hydrating and contain ingredients like niacinamide, peptides or hyaluronic acid,' Berry said. 'These help support the skin barrier while protecting from UV damage.' Crumm also said antioxidants like vitamin C or E pair well with SPF, helping improve texture, tone and fine lines over time.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Dr. Asmi Berry, board-certified dermatologist and beauty biohacker in Los Angeles
Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey
Dr. David Kim, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lightsaver
Dr. Kseniya Kobets, board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York
Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, founder of Marmur Medical and clinical professor at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Dr. Nazanin Saedi, board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw asked dermatologists about their tips for sun safety, what to look for in a face sunscreen and the best face sunscreens to shop.