These Are the Face Sunscreens Our Editors Love for Skin Protection—and Derms Approve (2025)

“Designed for patients with rosacea or acne, this oil-free formula provides light moisture, rubs in quickly, and contains niacinamide as an anti-inflammatory to reduce sebum (a.k.a. oil),” says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Editor review: "This sunscreen has seen me through hot, sunny Florida beach days, sweaty treks across the island of Manhattan, and beyond, without unsightly streaking or a cakey feeling. It wears well under my makeup, and dermatologists recommend it too. It does require a bit of rubbing in, but it’s worth it," says Emily Goldman, deputy editor.

Adding moisture back to skin that we tend to lose with age is key to plumping your complexion and filling in fine lines. Dr. Lamb recommends this pick from one of my favorite brands, Skinceuticals, as “it is also light enough to be able to go on top of a tighter moisturizer that you would need for mature skin.”

The tinted sunscreen boasts SPF 50, so you know you’re getting serious protection. Plus, it’s great for all skin types, including sensitive.

User review: “I love the thin texture of this tinted sunscreen. It is moisturizing and soaks in well. I love that it doesn’t sweat off in the heat. I’m 73 and need a bit of coverage to even out my skin tone,” wrote one customer.

There’s a reason Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a cult-favorite. Goldman loves how this sunscreen has a completely clear application that is perfect to wear under makeup.

Editor review: "It leaves a lovely matte finish, doesn’t feel greasy after application, and is incredibly lightweight. I love that it’s SPF 40 so I know I’m getting solid protection. It does have a slight sunscreen-y scent, but it’s subtle so definitely not a dealbreaker," she says.

"I adore the ridiculously lightweight formula of Supergroup’s Unseen Sunscreen. As someone with combination skin, many sunscreens cause my T-zone to become oily—but the primer-like formula of this product is the exception. I also appreciate the water- and sweat-resistant properties that hold up through beach days and sweaty summer workouts alike," says Samantha Jones, commerce editor.

This featherlight SPF packs photolyase (DNA enzymes that repair sun damage), hydrating vitamin E, and zinc oxide to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and premature aging. “This sunscreen is beloved by both women and men, as it rubs in beautifully without leaving a white film,” says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “And it’s a physical sunscreen, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin.” It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, fast-absorbing, and super lightweight.

User review: One reviewer wrote, “Even when layering Isdin with moisturizer, makeup, etc. there isn’t any heavy feeling.”

Dermatologists recommend Vanicream products again and again for the brand’s non-irritating ingredients (free of fragrance!) that are ideal for those with sensitive skin. It’s formulated with ceramides to help hydrate and retain the skin’s moisture and it’s suitable to wear underneath makeup.

Editor review: “As someone who has been known to break out in hives when using the wrong formula, Vanicream’s collection reassures me when testing products. This one is formulated with ceramides to help hydrate skin. I love that it’s lightweight and doubles as a moisturizer,” says Goldman.

Formulated with niacinamide and bisabolol, this gentle, non-comedogenic skin tint SPF is ideal for those who want to streamline their morning routines. It’s supposed to replace a hydrating serum, a moisturizer, a skin tint, or foundation and provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection.

Editor review: “I prefer to keep my morning routine as simple as possible, which is why I’ve recently become a fan of the Daybird skin tint. The formula is creamy, lightweight, and easy to blend with your fingers or a beauty sponge. It provides a pleasing blur to my skin, and the SPF 50 protection holds up well throughout the day,” says Jones. “I’ve even gone on multiple sunny midday runs while wearing this product and it holds up shockingly well to sweat!”

Naturium’s Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 will replace your daily moisturizer with its deeply hydrating formula. It applies invisible and has a dewy, glass-skin link finish that works well underneath makeup. It’s formulated with niacinamide and ethyl ascorbic acid to help balance and even out your skin.

Editor review: “When my skin gets super dry from retinoids or other skincare treatments, I always turn to this SPF to provide my skin with long-lasting hydration. Although it has a creamy lotion-like texture, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. Plus, it doubles as a primer too and works beautifully under makeup. It’s one of my all-time faves for its high SPF rating, hydrating feel with no white cast, and it doesn’t break me out. It’s one of the few chemical formulations that doesn’t sting my eyes," says Anvita Reddy, commerce editor.

Stick sunscreens are useful for reapplying SPF throughout the day, and we love the texture and feel of this one from Neutrogena. Not only does it have a high SPF rating of 60, but also it glides elegantly on the skin and goes on completely clear.

Editor review: "I used to get the liquid version of this, but for my honeymoon I swapped to the stick and I’m never going back! It applies so so easily, sinks in immediately, layers well with makeup. I did not get burned once in all my hours out in the Mexico sun for a full week,” says Charlotte Finigan, senior commerce editor. “Plus, I love that I don’t have to worry about spillage, so I pretty much just keep one in my purse for easy reapplying. I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it has never caused me to breakout once.”

Formulated with aloe, coconut water, silymarin, kakadu plum oil, and watermelon seed oil, this sunscreen delivers hydration and barrier support for all skin types. It has a sheer semi-matte finish that feels lightweight on the skin.

Editor review: Mackenzie Dunn, senior commerce manager, loves using the HoliFrog Solar Daily Mineral Sunscreen daily, noting that it leaves “no white cast, easily absorbs, hydrating, and great for under makeup.”

If you’re looking for a face sunscreen serum, this luxe-feeling option from Kiehl’s offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ for great coverage and protection. Though the formula does feel a bit, well, wet once applied, it rubs in well and leaves skin with a subtle shine. It features skin-loving ingredients like collagen peptides, to plump skin and help visibly address the signs of aging (by plumping fine lines).

User review: “I like how easily this is to apply. It’s not thick like most sunscreen. It’s smoother and absorbs much easier,” wrote one Nordstrom shopper.

This sunscreen boasts five ceramides to hydrate skin. The brand claims that it supports the skin barrier as well, thanks to Centenella Asiatica.

Editor review: “I’m on my sixth or seventh tube of this one and refuse to try anything else. It melts in so easily, is so glowy and moisturizing, doesn’t burn my eyes, and the Centella in it takes down redness and evens the complexion,” says Kayla Blanton, contributing writer. “It’s the best and so underrated.”

Streamline your morning skincare routine with this sunscreen-meets-moisturizer formula from Supergoop! It contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, red algae, ectocin, and glycerin, but feels weightless on the skin. It's ideal for those with oily to normal skin types.

Editor review: “This has become my holy grail product. I wear this sunscreen-meets-face moisturizer every day under my makeup and it does not disappoint. It glides on seamlessly, absorbs quickly, hydrates my skin, and truly leaves a glow (I was shocked because I’m not one to say I’m glowing. But I really do when I wear this!),” says Goldman. “It’s somehow lightweight but incredibly moisturizing. It comes in a pot/tub which makes it easy to get enough product for major protection.”

Pay attention to the labels. SPF rating traditionally denotes the UVB (burning) protection and the PA rating denotes the UVA (aging) protection. Some sunscreens, especially in the US market, aren’t required to disclose their PA rating, but as long as the label on your sunscreen says “broad spectrum” you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays. Experts say to look for at least SPF 30 for your best protection.

Is SPF 100 too much for the face? Although it’s logical to think that the higher the SPF number the better, there are some nuances to consider. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, SPF 100 blocks 99% of UBV rays. It’s a mere difference of one to two percentage points for each level, and that’s not even considering the percentage of protection against UVA rays. In other words: SPF100 usually doesn’t justify the price tag.

Human error has more of an impact on SPF coverage than the SPF number on the label. The best way to stay protected is to use a sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin and won’t irritate it. It’s also important to use the right amount and reapply when necessary for optimal protection.

Know your skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If your skin tends to be oily, look for sunscreens made for acne-prone skin, which tend to have a matte finish. Lighter gel formulations will also feel less heavy if you tend to get shiny throughout the day.

Consider your skin tone. If you have a medium-to-dark complexion, chemical sunscreens (which are absorbed into the skin) apply more clear, while physical or mineral sunscreens (which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays) often leave some white cast. The type you choose is a personal decision, but if you go for a mineral formula, which tends to work better for sensitive skin, apply it in sections so you can thoroughly rub in and sheer out the product.

How much sunscreen should I apply to the face? The recommended amount of sunscreen to use on the face is around one-fourth to one-half a teaspoon, a nickle-sized dollop, or two finger lengths worth to get the SPF protection listed on the bottle.

How often should I apply face sunscreen? Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before you go in the sun and reapplied every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating more than usual, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying immediately after.

When should I apply sunscreen in my skincare routine? Sunscreen is your last step in your skincare routine and your first step before your makeup. “You should put it on top of moisturizer,” Dr. Lamb says.

Do I need to wear face sunscreen if my makeup has SPF in it? Cleveland Clinic recommends layering facial sunscreen under SPF makeup to get the proper amount of sun protection.

Emily Goldman, deputy editor, and Anvita Reddy, commerce editor, have tested dozens of face sunscreens over the years to find the best ones available. We spoke with Angela J. Lamb, M.D., dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice and an associate professor of dermatology; Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; and Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York, for their recommendations. We also tapped Prevention editors for their personal recommendations, as well as pored through numerous reviews to confirm shoppers felt similarly.

Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic