When you are struggling with managing acne, choosing a sunscreen might feel far down your list of skincare priorities. But as we all know, sunscreen is important for our skin health and recommended by dermatologists. Not only does good sun protection help to prevent skin cancer, but it can also prevent sun damage and signs of aging. For acne-prone skin sunscreen can be particularly helpful at improving hyperpigmentation left behind after pimples and protecting skin that can be more sun-sensitive from some acne treatments.
When it comes to the different types of sunscreen filters, there is a lot of confusion around chemical vs mineral sunscreens, newer filters used in Asia and Europe, and getting enough UVA protection. However, the cliche is true: the best sunscreen is the one that you can afford and will want to wear and reapply. As long as it offers “broad spectrum” protection, your sunscreen will filter UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, so best way to ensure you are well protected is to apply the recommended amount every day rain or shine and reapply when needed.
Many sunscreens feel thick and greasy and can clog pores and cause breakouts. Fortunately, if you sort through sunscreen options, you’ll find that there are many lightweight noncomedogenic sunscreens that are ideal for acne prone skin. Here are some of our favorites:
ZitSticka Megashade Sunscreen Serum for Face SPF 50
Zitsticka, already in the acne skin care space with their popular pimple patches, have brought us Megashade, a lightweight liquid sunscreen is specifically made for breakout prone skin. It's a hybrid sunscreen meaning it has both chemical and mineral UV blockers and offers SPF 50 broad spectrum protection. It is sweat-resistant, but not water-resistant so use it as your everyday sun protection, but grab a tube of water-resistant sunscreen for a beach day.
Filters: Zinc Oxide, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octinoxate
Water-Resistant: No
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Liquid Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 50
This gentle mineral sunscreen is a great option if you're skin is sensitive as well as acne-prone. It uses 12% zinc oxide and soothing ingredients in a liquid serum-like formula that dries to a matte finish. Although it uses sheer zinc, it can still have a white cast like many mineral sunscreens, so it may be visible on darker skin tones. Cetaphil recommends applying in several thin layers over moisturizer to help it fully absorb.
Filters: Zinc Oxide
Water-Resistant: Yes, 80 minutes
Murad Oil & Pore Control Lightweight Facial Moisturizer and Pore Mattifier SPF 45
If you find that sunscreens make your face look shiny and greasy, Murad's Oil and Pore Control might be the right fit for your skin. It's a lightweight chemical sunscreen that uses oil trapping microspheres to help mattify your skin and minimize the look of pores. These mattifying properties give 10 hours of shine control which can make it an effective primer for makeup. Additionally it also also doubles as a moisturizer so you can moisturize, protect, and mattify all in one step. It is not water-resistant so make sure you have another option for pool days.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: No
TULA Protect and Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Tula's Protect and Glow offers daily SPF 30 protection in a glowy gel formula. In addition to filtering UVA and UVB rays from the sun, this chemical sunscreen also offers protection from blue light and pollution. It's lightweight and sheer formula uses encapsulated technology that breaks on contact and will leave a beautiful glow on your skin; however, if you are sensitive to mica in shimmery products this might not be the right choice for you. Protect and Glow also includes ingredients to promote even skin tone and probiotic extracts to protect your skin barrier. It is not water-resistant so switch to your favorite water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating heavily.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, and Octisalate
Water-Resistant: No
Paula's Choice Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50
Paula's Choice Daily Hydrating Fluid is a great product to reach for if you like a simple skin routine. It's a fluid moisturizer that hydrates without feeling greasy while also protecting you from UVA and UVB rays, so you can use just one product instead of a separate moisturizer and sunscreen. Formulated with antioxidants and soothing ingredients, this chemical sunscreen goes on clear and the matte finish is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It is not water-resistant so if you plan to swim use a different sunscreen.
Filters: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: No
EltaMD UV Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 46 with Zinc Oxide
EltaMD UV Clear is a classic sunscreen option that is often recommended in the acne community for good reason. It is a hybrid sunscreen that contains micronized 9% zinc oxide to protect against UVA and UVB and does not leave a white cast. Designed for sensitive skin types also prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation it goes on smoothly and feels very lightweight on your skin. EltaMD UV Clear contains niacinamide which can improve skin tone and help prevent blemishes, but skip this one if you have a niacinamide sensitivity. It is not water-resistant so use it as your daily sunscreen and be mindful of switching to another option when you will be in the water.
Filters: Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate
Water-Resistant: No
Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen Lightweight Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
One of the hard parts about getting a good sunscreen for acne-prone skin is finding one that is lightweight enough to not feel heavy and greasy on the skin. This Neutrogena Clear Face serum sunscreen is a lightweight and breathable liquid that will go on invisible. It's a chemical sunscreen that is designed to prep skin for makeup and support the skin barrier while providing UVA and UVB protection. It is also water-resistant up to 80 minutes making it a great option for pool days.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: Yes, 80 minutes
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible SPF 40
Supergoop Unseen sunscreen is a holy grail favorite for many people with acne-prone skin. It has a clear gel like formula that goes on with no white cast making it great for beards and darker skin tones. The velvety texture does well with makeup and adds shine control so it can replace a separate primer if you wear makeup. It is a chemical sunscreen with antioxidants and it can help filter blue light, UVA, UVB, and infrared rays and is water resistant for 40 minutes.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: Yes, 40 minutes
SKIN1004 Hyalu-CICA Water-fit Sun Serum SPF 50
The SKIN1004 Hyalu-CICA Sun Serum is a Korean sunscreen that has become a favorite in the K-beauty community. It is lightweight formula with chemical filters that have been used in Asia in Europe for many years but have yet to be approved by the FDA. It has a light serum-like texture that is a great option for oily skin types and contains hyaluronic acid centella asiatica to help hydrate and soothe your skin. It does not leave a white-cast making it a good choice for darker skin tones. Like many Korean sunscreens it is not water-resistant, so make sure to switch to a different sunscreen if you will be sweating heavily or swimming.
Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Uvasorb HEB
Water-Resistant: No
Eucerin Clear Skin SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion with Oil-Absorbing Minerals
Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen is specially designed for acne-prone and oily skin. The lightweight gel-cream texture contains alcohol to dry down quickly and is transparent on all skin tones. Oil-absorbing minerals leave behind a matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day. It's enriched with five antioxidants, including one derived from licorice root extract to help guard against free radicals. This sunscreen is an excellent choice if your skin is oily and sensitive.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: No
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 with Zinc Oxide
Colorescience is known for their sunscreens and makeup products with SPF protection. Their Face Shield is a mineral sunscreen contains 12% zinc and a tint that will help protect from blue light, UVA, UVB, and infrared rays, as well as hydrating and antioxidant ingredients. Face Shield comes in either the sheer original tint that will not show on light to medium skin tones, as well as a bronze shade to blend in on darker skin tones. This sunscreen is lightweight and will very subtly blur imperfections while providing SPF 50 protection.
Filters: Zinc Oxide
Water-Resistant: Yes, 40 minutes
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60
The Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is a fan favorite for fast-absorbing very lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish. If you usually hate the feeling of sunscreen on your face, this might be a good one for you to try. This chemical sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin and also includes antioxidant protection to prevent sun damage. It contains alcohol to help it absorb quickly and is water-resistant for 80 minutes making it a particularly good option for sweaty summer weather.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: Yes, 80 minutes
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 for Acne Prone Sensitive Skin
This daily moisturizer from Differin can help absorb oil on your skin while also providing SPF 30 protection. If you like a streamlined skin routine in the morning, this product might help you get out the door faster. Its lightweight formula is gentle and hydrating and will also absorb excess surface oil from your skin using its micropearl technology. It's designed to protect your skin from UVA and UVB damage while also soothing the drying effects of some acne treatments.
Filters: Avobenzone, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Water-Resistant: No
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35 with Zinc Oxide
Guards Up Sunscreen by Versed is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with 15.2% zinc oxide. It has a slight tint to help it blend without white cast, however it may still show up on darker skin tones. It is silicone-free making it an ideal option if you suspect silicones are contributing to your acne. Guards Up also contains antioxidants to help fight off environmental and blue light damage. This sunscreen is a good daily option, but switch to a water-resistant one on swimming days.
Filters: Zinc Oxide
Water-Resistant: No
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Birch Juice Moisturizing sunscreen by Round Lab is another Korean sunscreen with newer filters. This hydrating sunscreen does double duty and moisturizes your skin while also protecting from blue light, UVA, and UVB rays. It includes birch sap to decrease inflammation and hydrate with amino acids. It has a creamy texture that absorbs quickly and should not have a white cast.
Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Uvasorb HEB
Water-Resistant: No
