• Home
  • Politics
  • Health
  • World
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • More
    • Sports
    • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
What's Hot

Trump Announces First Post-Tariff Trade Deal

May 8, 2025

100 Funny Father’s Day Quotes for Hilariously Relatable Humor (and Plenty of Love Too)

May 8, 2025

Top 10 Benefits Of Acupuncture

May 8, 2025
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Friday, May 9
Patriot Now NewsPatriot Now News
  • Home
  • Politics

    Security video shows brazen sexual assault of California woman by homeless man

    October 24, 2023

    Woman makes disturbing discovery after her boyfriend chases away home intruder who stabbed him

    October 24, 2023

    Poll finds Americans overwhelmingly support Israel’s war on Hamas, but younger Americans defend Hamas

    October 24, 2023

    Off-duty pilot charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after allegedly trying to shut off engines midflight on Alaska Airlines

    October 23, 2023

    Leaked audio of Shelia Jackson Lee abusively cursing staffer

    October 22, 2023
  • Health

    Disparities In Cataract Care Are A Sorry Sight

    October 16, 2023

    Vaccine Stocks—Including Pfizer, Moderna, BioNTech And Novavax—Slide Amid Plummeting Demand

    October 16, 2023

    Long-term steroid use should be a last resort

    October 16, 2023

    Rite Aid Files For Bankruptcy With More ‘Underperforming Stores’ To Close

    October 16, 2023

    Who’s Still Dying From Complications Related To Covid-19?

    October 16, 2023
  • World

    New York Democrat Dan Goldman Accuses ‘Conservatives in the South’ of Holding Rallies with ‘Swastikas’

    October 13, 2023

    IDF Ret. Major General Describes Rushing to Save Son, Granddaughter During Hamas Invasion

    October 13, 2023

    Black Lives Matter Group Deletes Tweet Showing Support for Hamas 

    October 13, 2023

    AOC Denounces NYC Rally Cheering Hamas Terrorism: ‘Unacceptable’

    October 13, 2023

    L.A. Prosecutors Call Out Soros-Backed Gascón for Silence on Israel

    October 13, 2023
  • Business

    Trump Announces First Post-Tariff Trade Deal

    May 8, 2025

    Electric Vehicle Sales Nosedive As GOP Takes Buzzsaw To Biden’s Mandate

    May 7, 2025

    Tyson Foods Announces It Will Bend The Knee To Trump Admin’s New Rules

    May 7, 2025

    Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Despite Pressure From Trump

    May 7, 2025

    ‘Wait Them Out’: John Kennedy Tells Larry Kudlow One Lie He Suspects China’s Telling US

    May 7, 2025
  • Finance

    Ending China’s De Minimis Exception Brings 3 Benefits for Americans

    April 17, 2025

    The Trump Tariff Shock Should Push Indonesia to Reform Its Economy

    April 17, 2025

    Tariff Talks an Opportunity to Reinvigorate the Japan-US Alliance

    April 17, 2025

    How China’s Companies Are Responding to the US Trade War

    April 16, 2025

    The US Flip-flop Over H20 Chip Restrictions 

    April 16, 2025
  • Tech

    Cruz Confronts Zuckerberg on Pointless Warning for Child Porn Searches

    February 2, 2024

    FTX Abandons Plans to Relaunch Crypto Exchange, Commits to Full Repayment of Customers and Creditors

    February 2, 2024

    Elon Musk Proposes Tesla Reincorporates in Texas After Delaware Judge Voids Pay Package

    February 2, 2024

    Tesla’s Elon Musk Tops Disney’s Bob Iger as Most Overrated Chief Executive

    February 2, 2024

    Mark Zuckerberg’s Wealth Grew $84 Billion in 2023 as Pedophiles Target Children on Facebook, Instagram

    February 2, 2024
  • More
    • Sports
    • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
Patriot Now NewsPatriot Now News
Home»Lifestyle»12 Best Face Sunscreens, Tested & Reviewed with Pics
Lifestyle

12 Best Face Sunscreens, Tested & Reviewed with Pics

June 5, 2024No Comments12 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
12 Best Face Sunscreens, Tested & Reviewed with Pics
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email


Share on facebook



Share on twitter


Share on pinterest


Share on email

Most dermatologists would agree that sunscreen is The Most Important product in your bathroom cabinet, far outweighing your cleanser, treatment serums, or face masks. Yet, for many people, sunscreen is still the one product that can feel like pulling teeth to apply. Which makes sense: Face sunscreens have historically had less-than-stellar formulations, from greasy formulas to white-cast finishes—so why would anyone want to use a product that leaves them oily and chalky?

But in the last few years, sunscreen innovation has come a long way. And that’s a good thing, considering sunscreen is your best line of defense against cancer-causing UVB rays and damage-causing UVA rays. Still, the best face sunscreen is the one that you’ll slather on every single day—which is why Well+Good did the work of testing dozens of facial sunscreens, from the top-selling to the lesser-known, to find the best formulas, below. Not sure where to start or which one to try first? Try following these expert-approved tips:

How to choose the best face sunscreen

Picking the best sunscreen for your skin type boils down to finding one you’ll use daily. So, it’s important to consider a few different factors like your skin type, lifestyle, and formulation to lock down one that fits into your routine. 

☀️ Look for an SPF rating of 30 or more

First things first: Always pick a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30—which, FYI, all of our 2024 SPF Award Winners have. A sunscreen’s SPF (sun protection factor) measures how well it will protect your skin from sunburn, says Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. The kicker is, to get the most protection from your sunscreen, you also need to ensure that you’re applying enough (two finger-lengths of sunscreen for your face) and reapplying appropriately every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. So, even the fanciest SPF 60 cream on the market isn’t doing you justice if you only apply a pea-size amount once in a while. 

☀️ Pick a formula you’ll actually enjoy using

To get the most protection from your sunscreen, you also need to ensure that you’re applying enough. “When it comes to sunscreen, most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount,” says Sara L. Allen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Charleston, NC, and founder of Skin Clique. “On your face, a good rule of thumb is one teaspoon of sunscreen to get adequate sun protection.”

Not only that, but you’ll need to ensure you’re wearing it every single day—not just when the vibe strikes. “A 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology1 looked at patients who wore sunscreen every day versus those who only wore it when they felt like it,” says Dr. Allen. “Not surprisingly, those who were in the latter category had double the chance of developing melanoma relative to those who wore it every day.”

☀️ Try a formula based on your skin type

Is your skin oily and you want a sunscreen that mattifies? Or is your skin dry and you prefer something with a dewy finish? Knowing your skin type will help you pick between formulas that promise hydration versus shine control. You’ll also want to think about the type of sunscreen you want—e.g., chemical, mineral, or hybrid. Mineral sunscreens utilize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on your skin that blocks UV rays, while chemical sunscreens utilize chemical filters (like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and avobenzone) to help absorb and disperse the sun’s rays.

Hybrid sunscreens formulas, as you can guess, combine the best of both worlds with chemical and mineral filters. Each has their potential pros and cons: Mineral sunscreens are gentlest on sensitive skin, but have a higher chance of leaving a white cast; chemical sunscreens are typically easiest to “wear” across all skin tones, but can potentially irritate sensitive skin types.

See also  5 Glowy Skin Essentials From Walmart's Beauty Event

Whatever you decide, picking a formula you’ll commit to is the most important thing. Dr. Allen encourages her patients to keep their SPF at their bathroom sink to remember to reach for it every morning. “One of my favorite tricks for application is putting my SPF next to my toothpaste, which is found to increase your regular daily SPF use2,” she says. “The moral of the story is to find the highest SPF product that you will use daily.” Got that? Now let’s dive into the winners.

Shop our award-winning face sunscreen picks

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50—$40

Shop Now

Best drugstore face sunscreen

“If you hate sunscreen, you need to try this sunscreen. It looks, feels, and applies so much like a face lotion that I had to double-check the bottle to make sure it was, in fact, a ‘real’ sunscreen. The consistency is lightweight and milky, making it easy to massage in, and the hyaluronic acid-spiked formula leaves your skin looking dewy and glowy, without any irritating fragrance. And unlike so many drugstore sunscreens that are basically white casts in a bottle, this one dries down totally clear on all skin tones, according to testers.” — Chloe Metzger, deputy editor

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene

Lion Pose Ghost-Buster 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42—$46

Shop Now

Best mineral face sunscreen

“I am legitimately afraid of mineral sunscreen, because every time I give one a chance, my skin is left looking like a gray, ashy mess. I’ve just never found a mineral SPF that actually looks good on brown skin. But this formula—designed by two brilliant women of color—might have just restored my hope. Despite it being a mineral sunscreen, I don’t have to spend forever massaging it in. Instead, it’s easy to apply and leaves behind a hydrated, satin-y finish, making it a great option to wear before putting on makeup. It also has cucumber extract that gives a nice cooling effect when you rub it on. Most importantly, though? No ghostly white cast—hence its name. Get it?” — Aimee Simeon, senior beauty editor

Chemical or Mineral:

Mineral

Sunscreen filters:

Zinc oxide

Tula Skincare Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad—$38

Shop Now

Best for dry skin

“If your skin is dry, you’re in for a treat with this sunscreen, which is basically a glass of fruit-infused water for your face. The hydrating formula gives my skin a dewy sheen without feeling greasy or sticky. And, despite its lightweight gel texture, it manages to keep my skin moisturized throughout the day without drying me out. I also love that it’s loaded with almost a dozen fruit extracts—including pineapple, papaya, and apple—that help my dull skin look a bit glowier over time.” —Francesca Krempa, commerce editor  

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46—$43

Shop Now

Best for sensitive skin

“My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen to me when I was on the hunt for a formula that wasn’t greasy and wouldn’t irritate my already-sensitive skin. I’ve been using it for awhile now, and I haven’t looked back. I love that it’s a no-frills formula that doesn’t have a white cast, greasy feel, or irritating fragrance. It’s also formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E—a gentle, skin-soothing trio that helps calm my reactive skin. I honestly get why it’s every derm’s go-to sunscreen.” — Jessica Campbell-Salley, associate fitness director

Chemical or mineral:

See also  The 13 Best Tinted Sunscreens for Oily Skin, According to Derms

Hybrid

Sunscreen filters:

Zinc oxide, octinoxate

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50—$22

Shop Now

Best chemical face sunscreen

“When it comes to facial sunscreens, I always look for a hydrating formula that makes my skin glowy and plump. This moisturizing one from Naturium fits the bill, living up to its Dew Glow name. It’s formulated with niacinamide to help soothe irritation and fade dark spots, along with vitamin C to help brighten hyperpigmtation and protect against environmental damage. Each time I use it, my skin looks more luminous and hydrated, so I actually want to apply it every morning. And, as an added bonus, the packaging is super cool: The top of the cap has a deep indent in it that—when pumped full with sunscreen—equals one-quarter teaspoon, which is the recommended amount of sunscreen needed for your face. I just pump it in, scoop it out with my pinky, and apply it. Super easy and very smart.” —AS

Chemical or Mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+—$16

Shop Now

Best waterproof face sunscreen

“I’m not too proud to admit I’m a mineral-sunscreen skeptic. I’ve simply been done dirty too many time in the past by chalky formulas with major white cast, so I approach every mineral formula with a side eye until proven wrong. This one proved me wrong. It’s completely sheer, super hydrating, and highly water resistant. I used this all over my face (and even on my body, tbh) during my last vacation and was super impressed at how undetectable it looked and felt on my skin.” —AS

Chemical or Mineral:

Mineral

Sunscreen filters:

Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun:Rice + Probiotics SPF 50—$18

Shop Now

Best Korean sunscreen

“If you know me—honestly, even if you don’t know me—you’ve probably heard me wax poetic about the magic of this Korean sunscreen. Sunscreens made and sold in Korea are typically lighter, sheerer, more protective, and more comfortable to wear than sunscreens made in the U.S. Why? Because the FDA classifies American sunscreens as medical drugs, resulting in an intensely slow approval process for new sunscreen filters (like avobenzone or titanium dioxide). But other countries, including Korea, classify sunscreens as cosmetics, so new sunscreen filters are continually innovated and tested, resulting in only the best of the best formulas making it to market, like this one from Beauty of Joseon. This fragrance-free sunscreen has a lightweight, serum-like texture that looks shiny when you first apply it, but dries down to a satiny sheen after 15 seconds. And yes, that’s still true when you apply the recommended amount—i.e., the length of two fingers, or one-quarter teaspoon. It’s easily one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used in career, and that’s saying something.” — CM

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Iscotrizinol, Tinosorb M, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus

Hero Force Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30—$20

Shop Now

Best for oily skin

“If your skin is oily, you know that some SPF formulas can turn greasy fast. That’s why I keep this formula in my toolkit when I need a matte base that doesn’t suck the life out of my face. It has a velvety, satin finish that makes your skin feel smooth but not stripped, and it also doesn’t pill under my makeup—which is one of my biggest gripes with some mattifying formulas. And, despite being a mineral formula, it’s totally clear and super lightweight; I almost always forget I’m wearing sunscreen when I have it on.” —AS  

See also  'Wizards Of The Coast' and 'Apex Legends' Face Criticism for AI-Generated Art in Promotions

Chemical or mineral:

Mineral

Sunscreen filters:

Zinc oxide

Dermalogica Powerbright Moisturizer SPF 50—$79

Shop Now

Best for acne-prone skin

“I have acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen is crucial for keeping my acne marks and dark spots from worsening. This one from Dermaologica not only has an SPF rating of 50, but also contains niacinamide and licorice root—two anti-inflammatory and brightening ingredients that work double-duty on my breakouts and scars. Just remember: Consistency is key. The more you use it, the better your skin will look—though consistency is pretty easy when you have a formula that smells this good and applies this well.” —AS

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate

Elemis Marine Cream SPF 30—$140

Shop Now

Best for fine lines

“I recently survived my first year as a parent to an infant. Needless to say, life is catching up with me, and before more fine lines start creeping in, I’m trying to future-proof my skincare routine. Enter: this Elemis SPF. I love how it hydrates my skin instantly with collagen and glycerin, and I’ve also noticed that it’s made my face feel tighter and firmer over the last few months, without any irritation that I get from typical line-smoothing ingredients. I literally always forget I’m technically applying sunscreen when I’m using this day cream.” — AS

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene

Bask Daily Invisible Gel Sunscreen SPF 40—$28

Shop Now

Best totally clear

“If you can’t help but eye-roll when you see a product claiming to be ‘invisible,’ I get it—it’s often B.S. However, I can 10/10 confirm that Bask’s Invisible Gel is completely clear and undetectable on your face, regardless of how melanated your skin is. And even though it has a gel consistency—which can often feel sticky on your skin—this one dries down to a non-shiny, velvet finish, so it’s perfect for layering under makeup when you want a smooth base on a hot day.” —AS  

Chemical or mineral:

Chemical

Sunscreen filters:

Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene

Avène Mineral Sunscreen Balm Stick SPF 50—$24

Shop Now

Best stick

“I got a sneak-peek of this mineral sunscreen before it hit shelves, and it’s been a staple in my house since. Since the weather’s been warming up, I’ve been going out for daily walks with my infant daughter; I keep this in our stroller so we can both reapply while outdoors. It’s safe for little ones over six months, so I also have peace of mind knowing I can protect her skin while I’m protecting mine. It also checks all the important boxes: no ashy cast, no greasy feel, and no leaks or spills—all wins! Just remember that stick sunscreens are best for touch-ups rather than as your one-and-only SPF, since it’s impossible to get the adequate amount of coverage from a stick that you’d need to be fully protected.” —AS

Chemical or mineral:

Mineral

Sunscreen filters:

Zinc oxide


Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.

  1. Gimotty, Phyllis A., and Karen Glanz. “Sunscreen and Melanoma: What Is the Evidence?” Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 29, no. 3, 20 Jan. 2011, pp. 249–250, https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2010.31.7529. Accessed 8 Apr. 2022.
  2. Wang, Steven Q et al. “Improving compliance of daily sunscreen application by changing accessibility.” Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine vol. 33,2 (2017): 112-113. doi:10.1111/phpp.12292


Face Pics Reviewed Sunscreens tested
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

100 Funny Father’s Day Quotes for Hilariously Relatable Humor (and Plenty of Love Too)

May 8, 2025

Top 10 Benefits Of Acupuncture

May 8, 2025

101 Short Happy Father’s Day Quotes to Help You Express Your Gratitude and Love

May 7, 2025

110 Inspirational Father’s Day Quotes and Sayings to Help Celebrate Your Dad

May 6, 2025
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Top Posts

Zimbabwe Man Barges into Supreme Court, Swings Ax at Ex-Wife

September 2, 2023

Goldman Sachs cutting jobs again amid Wall Street deals slump

May 30, 2023

LeBron James #4 on Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes List Thanks to Chinese Nike Cash

May 18, 2023

TikTok Tutors Chinese on How to ‘Run’ Across the U.S. Border from Mexico

May 6, 2023
Don't Miss

Trump Announces First Post-Tariff Trade Deal

Business May 8, 2025

President Donald Trump announced Thursday the U.S. has reached a trade agreement with the U.K.,…

100 Funny Father’s Day Quotes for Hilariously Relatable Humor (and Plenty of Love Too)

May 8, 2025

Top 10 Benefits Of Acupuncture

May 8, 2025

Electric Vehicle Sales Nosedive As GOP Takes Buzzsaw To Biden’s Mandate

May 7, 2025
About
About

This is your World, Tech, Health, Entertainment and Sports website. We provide the latest breaking news straight from the News industry.

We're social. Connect with us:

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
Categories
  • Business (4,110)
  • Entertainment (4,220)
  • Finance (3,202)
  • Health (1,938)
  • Lifestyle (1,626)
  • Politics (3,084)
  • Sports (4,036)
  • Tech (2,006)
  • Uncategorized (4)
  • World (3,944)
Our Picks

Meghann Fahy’s SAG Awards Hair Was Courtesy of John Frieda Products

February 27, 2023

Exclusive: Stellantis, GM pay $363 million in US fuel economy penalties

June 3, 2023

Actor Evan Ellingson Dead at 35

November 7, 2023
Popular Posts

Trump Announces First Post-Tariff Trade Deal

May 8, 2025

100 Funny Father’s Day Quotes for Hilariously Relatable Humor (and Plenty of Love Too)

May 8, 2025

Top 10 Benefits Of Acupuncture

May 8, 2025
© 2025 Patriotnownews.com - All rights reserved.
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.