The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, according to dermatologists

CNN

15 hours ago

When you're struggling with breakouts, your skin care routine becomes a true science and the last step is finding a sunscreen for acne-prone skin that will keep it both protected and happy. Applying a daily sunscreen can help reduce signs of aging, prevent scarring from blemishes and is an overall smart way to keep your skin safe from damaging UV rays from sun exposure.
I spoke to skin experts to find out the safest sunscreens for those dealing with frustrating flare-ups ahead of summer. From name brands you may already have in your medicine cabinet to K-beauty formulas you haven't tried yet, there's a sunscreen that's a right fit for you and your skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
"For everyday use, I love this product. It comes tinted, which is great for minimizing blemishes," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser. The mineral sunscreen is available in four shades, and the light tint can help cover redness from breakouts.
Face Reality Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 Plus
Recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, this is a great sunscreen option for all skin types but especially for those with acne-prone skin. "It contains niacinamide, witch hazel and hyaluronic acid. It offers broad-spectrum coverage while also supporting the skin," she said. The packaging makes it clear too, with a small "acne-safe" marker right on the front.
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This option from Neutrogena is great if you're looking for a daily-use sunscreen that won't break the bank when it's time to pick up a new bottle. "This oil-free formulation is lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving behind a matte finish on the skin and reducing the appearance of oiliness," Garshick said. "It offers broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant, making it especially great for those who are active outdoors."
Goldwasser also recommends this sunscreen, noting it doesn't look or feel greasy after application.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay is a brand you've likely seen in the skin care aisles, and our experts and editors are fans of it. "This one's oil-free, dries down matte and is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin," said Tiffany M. Rice, aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner. "It also contains perlite and silica to help absorb excess oil throughout the day."
Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
CNN Underscored's director of social Stephanie Griffin swears by Clearstem's lineup and notes this SPF as one of her most-used products from the brand. The mineral sunscreen also packs ingredients like green tea and centella asiatica (gotu kola) for calming irritated skin.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Rice likes this mineral sunscreen because it's oil-free, dries with a matte finish and is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. She called out key ingredients, like perlite and silica, which help absorb excess oil throughout the day. Tthe SPF 50 also gives you ample protection for beach days or hiking.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45
K-beauty products often go viral on social media and for usually for good reason. This one came dermatologist recommended in our search for the best Korean sunscreens. It's formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin, and the lotion has the slightest green tint to help neutralize redness.
Dr. Tiffany M Rice Protect Sun Drops SPF 50
Rice designed these drops to be noncomedogenic and suitable for all skin types. "These sheer, lightweight mineral sun drops provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 25% zinc oxide, the highest allowable for mineral filters," she said. "Infused with potent antioxidants like green tea polyphenols and vitamin C, it soothes and hydrates skin while leaving a soft, natural radiance." The formula is easy to layer with makeup if you're looking for daily protection.
Paula's Choice Extra Care Nongreasy Sunscreen SPF 50
Dr. Noreen Galaria, a board-certified dermatologist, notes that her patients remark how lightweight this sunscreen feels on their skin. You'll find aloe vera and kaolin clay on the ingredients list, which can help soothe irritation and redness. It's a hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen option and comes in at a reasonable sub-$30 price.
Eucerin Sun Clear Skin Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This Eucerin sunscreen comes recommended by Dr. Connie Yang, cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, and is another sunscreen that's labeled as safe for acne-prone skin. The lotion has antioxidants and oil-absorbing ingredients.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
If you don't want another serum or lotion, this option provides mineral sun protection in powder form, similar to a powder foundation. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi recommends it for people with acne-prone skin types since it doesn't clog pores. The brush applicator makes it easy to reapply throughout the day too. Between shopping for mineral sunscreens over chemical options, varying SPF levels and long lists of ingredients that are hard to read let alone pronounce, the sunscreen aisle can be confusing. There are a few key points to focus on, though, according to dermatologists.
'Look for noncomedogenic, fragrance-free and oil-free formulas,' Rice said. 'Ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are especially acne-friendly. Avoid heavy oils, added fragrance and alcohol-based sunscreens that can clog pores or trigger irritation.'
Garshick recommends looking for sunscreens that are oil-free and have ingredients that can be calming to irritated skin. 'It can also help to look for ingredients that may be calming, such as niacinamide and those that support the skin barrier, such as ceramides, which can be especially important for those using acne treatments that can be drying,' she said. She recommends those with oily skin might opt for a gel or lightweight option that rubs in easily and said it's best to avoid formulas that contain alcohols since they can dry out the skin.
Sticking to well known and name brands can be a safer shopping experience if you're not sure where to start, according to Goldwasser, because major manufacturers will state if a product is noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. 'Smaller manufacturers may not have the wherewithal to do that sort of testing, so I recommend that patients stick with the well-known brand names, and read the packaging,' she said.
The last thing you want to do while adding a sunscreen into your daily routine is to add in something that stresses your skin out more. It can be daunting to add in a new product, but there are smart steps to take before you incorporate it into your routine. 'Start with clean, moisturized skin. Pat or gently press sunscreen into the skin, don't rub aggressively, especially over breakouts,' Rice said. 'Sunscreen should be the final layer in your daytime skin care routine. Allow it to absorb fully before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours when outdoors or sweating.'
Goldwasser recommends applying sunscreen liberally and, ideally, even before you get dressed or change into your bathing suit. 'I recommend lotions over sprays, generally. If you're using a mineral block (that means the active ingredient is zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both) you'll be protected immediately,' she said. 'If you're using a chemical sunscreen, you'll need to wait 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.'
Garshick and Goldwasser both mentioned that reapplying sunscreen is important throughout the day, especially while out in the sun for extended periods of time. 'It is best to apply sunscreen daily and remember to reapply every two hours,' Garshick said. 'For those with acne who prefer to avoid wearing heavy makeup, a tinted sunscreen can be a good option to provide some cosmetic camouflage while also offering protection.'
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Marisa Garshick, Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser and aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner Tiffany M. Rice.
Should I use sunscreen if I have acne?
Should I use sunscreen if I have acne?
The resounding answer from each expert we spoke to was yes: It's important to use sunscreen if you have acne (and if you don't!). Goldwasser said that many acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
'Sun exposure can worsen inflammation, darken post-acne discoloration (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and accelerate skin aging,' Rice said. 'Many acne treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs and azelaic acid increase sun sensitivity. Daily sunscreen is essential not just to prevent sunburn but also to protect the skin barrier while it heals.'
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for acne-prone skin?
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for acne-prone skin?
'Both are effective, but SPF 50 offers more protection, especially for those using active ingredients or treating hyperpigmentation,' Rice said. 'The key is choosing a noncomedogenic formula that won't clog pores. SPF 50 no longer means thick or greasy. Modern formulas can feel weightless.'
Goldwasser said that an SPF of 30 will give you excellent coverage for most situations, but if you're spending time outdoors while the UV is high, or you're near reflective surfaces like sand or water, it's advisable to use an SPF 50 option. Garshick said either SPF 30 or SPF 50 will do the trick, as long as you've applied enough to get the full benefits listed on the bottle.
Which sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin mineral or chemical?
Which sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin mineral or chemical?
Either option will be effective, so it comes down to more of a personal preference. 'Either mineral or chemical sunscreen may be used by those with acne-prone skin, but those with acne who may also have sensitive skin may prefer a mineral sunscreen as they tend to be less irritating,' Garshick said.
Goldwasser agreed, saying she's partial to mineral sunscreens for her acne-prone patients since their skin may be extra sensitive.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Dr. Noreen Galaria, Virginia-based board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey
Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser, board-certified dermatologist based in Westchester County, New York
Tiffany M. Rice, aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner and founder of Dr. Tiffany M. Rice
Dr. Nazanin Saedi, double board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Connie Yang, cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank
CNN Underscored has a skilled team of 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 it makes sense 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, writer Ellen McAlpine consulted dermatologists on the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.