What are the top 5 sunscreens?
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao There's no debating the importance of applying SPF every morning—especially on your face. Everyday application is necessary to reap the benefits of SPF, as dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, explains. "We are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared light every day that produces free radicals in our skin," she tells Byrdie. "These free radicals inhibit collagen production and decrease our elastin. This leads to premature aging, wrinkling, brown spots, and sagging." We conducted hours of research on the best face sunscreens, with our testers taking a few fan-favorites out for a spin. They rated how well each kept them protected during a day out in the sun, and evaluated each formula's texture, feel, and finish. Our team then combined these results with expert recommendations and our own extensive research to put together this roundup of the best in show. Ahead, find the best face sunscreens to apply everyday.  Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
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Who else recommends it? Runner's World and ELLE both picked the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60. What do buyers say? 90% of 8,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Board-certified dermatologist Martha H. Viera, MD, FAAD, recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios for all skin types, and we're here for it. The award-winning formula provides SPF 60 protection from both UVA and UVB rays. A favorite of the French pharmacy, this formula glides on and is oil-free, non-irritating, fragrance-free, and water-resistant for 80 minutes. It goes on sheer, absorbs quickly, and delivers a velvety finish. In addition to being a dermatologist-approved product, Anthelios Melt-In Milk has the stamp of approval from the Skin Cancer Foundation and boasts the highest score from Consumer Reports. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene 7% | SPF: 60 | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Free Of: Parabens, fragrance, oil, oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $36 Amazon What We Like
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Sun Bum makes some excellent budget-friendly formulas. Clear 50 is a hybrid sunscreen, meaning it combines chemical protection with the immediate physical blockers of mineral SPF. Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octocrylene 6.00%, and Zinc Oxide 7.00% | SPF: 50 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Free Of:
Oxybenzone, parabens, oil, gluten, PABA | Water-Resistant: 80 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $10 Amazon What We Like
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From the pharmacy aisle, we're big fans of CeraVe. In addition to providing SPF 30 mineral protection, this face lotion calls on ceramides and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to replenish the skin barrier. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6% and Zinc Oxide 5% | SPF: 30 | Size: 2.5 fluid ounces | Free Of: Oil, parabens,
fragrance | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $18 Sephora What We Like
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Dr. Brandt's Liquid Sun Shield promises gentle yet effective mineral protection with non-nano zinc oxide, but it doesn't stop there. This top-shelf tincture softens with shea butter and boosts radiance with antioxidant-rich plankton extract. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 17% | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Free Of: Fragrance, parabens | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $65 Amazon What We Like
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If you're gonna splurge on sunscreen, go with Priori, a nourishing formula that helps skin repair while protecting it from sun damage. The formula works great for those dealing with texture issues and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8.0% and Zinc Oxide 8.5% | SPF: 35 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $95 What Our Testers Say "I love this product, as it does triple-action sun protection, hydration, and DNA repair. It helps our skin to heal from the free radicals as well as protect."—Diane Madfes, MD Sephora What We Like
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If you have sensitive skin, consider Innisfree. This supremely lightweight sunscreen contains cica (centella asiatica), green tea, and plant-derived oils to soothe and nourish stressed skin while protecting it from the sun's rays. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 7%, and Octisalate 4.3% | SPF: 36 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free Of: Parabens, synthetic colors, mineral oil, animal products, synthetic fragrance, imidazolidinyl urea, sulfate surfactant, triethanolamine, silicone, silicone oil, polyacrylamide, coal tar colors, talc, PEG, artificial colors | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $15 Amazon What We Like
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Peter Thomas Roth Drench Cloud Moisturizer contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Pentavitin for intense moisturizing properties. The water-resistant sunscreen starts as a cream, absorbs immediately, and leaves no trace other than hydrated, dewy skin for up to 72 hours. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene 10% | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Free Of: Fragrance, oxybenzone, octinoxate | Water-Resistant: Yes, time not specified | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $55 Courtesy of Nordstrom What We Like
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If you're battling a greasy complexion, your best bet is Supergoop! Matte Screen. The mineral formula is lightweight, not at all sticky, and offers a mattifying effect that minimizes the appearance of pores. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Free Of: Oxybenzone, octinoxate, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, talc, synthetic fragrances | Water-Resistant: 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $70 Sephora What We Like
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If your complexion can't decide whether it's oily, dry, or just having a rough day, consider Hydra Vizor to target combination skin. This non-comedogenic sunscreen moisturizes thirsty skin without any oil and targets hyperpigmentation and dullness with niacinamide. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 9%, and Octisalate 4.5% | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Free Of: Gluten, oil | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $38 Dermstore What We Like
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EltaMD UV Clear is a non-comedogenic lightweight lotion formulated without any oils that can trigger acne-prone skin. The formula absorbs quickly and offers an invisible finish. Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients:
Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free Of: Oil, fragrance, parabens | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $39 What Our Testers Say "This is the only sunscreen I've ever used that hasn't caused breakouts on my extremely acne-prone skin. I swear by it. I've used the clear and the tinted, and both work equally as well. I'll opt for the tinted one if I'm in a hurry and don't want to put additional makeup on, I find that it helps calm down some of the redness in my face." — Kelly Gallagher, Former Senior Social Media Editor Ulta What We Like
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Made by a woman of color for people of color, this wallet-friendly moisturizing lotion is ideal for dark skin tones. The zinc-free formula absorbs quickly without a white cast, plays well under makeup, and provides SPF 30 protection from the sun's harmful rays. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone: 3%, Homosalate: 10%, Octisalate: 5%, Octocrylene: 2.75% | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 fluid ounces | Free Of: Parabens, fragrance, oxybenzone, octinoxate | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $16 Courtesy of Unsun What We Like
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We’re loving this pick from Unsun, which is available in two different shades that blend in seamlessly with a wide range of skin tones. It uses mineral superstars zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection from the sun, while ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil, and fruit extracts keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil, fruit extracts | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Free Of: Animal byproducts, parabens, phthalates, nanoparticles, PABA, propylene glycol, oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, formaldehyde releasers, synthetic sunscreens, fragrance | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $29 Amazon What We Like
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Algenist Sublime Defense offers super-sheer SPF 50 protection while minimizing the appearance of fine lines with the brand's patented alguronic acid. The antioxidant-rich hybrid formula also boosts radiance and protects the skin against free radical damage. Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2%, Zinc Oxide 17.1% | SPF: 50 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Free Of: Oil | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $28 Glossier What We Like
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Flaunting a fabulously lightweight water-gel formula, Glossier's Invisible Shield absorbs instantly and works well under makeup. Created for those who dread applying sunscreen, it goes on like a serum, absorbs instantly, and won't leave you feeling greasy or sticky. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 6%, and Octisalate 5% | SPF: 35 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $25 What We Like
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Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face is a great intro-to-sunscreen pick for teens, formulated with hyaluronic acid for a silky feel. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly without a white cast and leaves all skin tones with a lit-from-within glow. Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Homosalate 8%, Octisalate 4%, Avobenzone 3%, and Octocrylene 2% | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Free Of: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, animal-derived ingredients, alcohol, PABA, oxybenzone, octinoxate | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $24 Ulta What We Like
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Containing both mineral blockers and chemical protection, this hybrid sunscreen by Sunday Riley covers all the bases to safeguard your skin from photoaging. The antioxidant-infused formula is incredibly lightweight, offering a comfortable feel and a velvety finish. Type:
Chemical/mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients: Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 3.5%, and Zinc Oxide 16.3% | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.5 fluid ounces | Free Of: Oil, sulfates, parabens, gluten, soy, phthalates, fragrance | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $35 Courtesy of COSRx What We Like
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CosRx Soothing Sun Cream is everything we love in Korean sunscreen. The creamy, dreamy formula offers high-level protection from UVA and UVB rays, works great under makeup, and comes at a very agreeable price point. Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes |
Byrdie Clean: No Price at time of publish: $16 Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
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MegaShade is a serum-style sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection from zinc oxide and skin-safe chemical compounds. The hybrid formula absorbs in a flash, dries clear, and primes your skin for makeup without clogging your pores in the process. Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, Niacinamide, Tea Tree Oil, Ceramide, and Hyaluronic Acid | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free Of: Animal
byproducts, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, gluten, fragrance | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Price at time of publish: $40 Final VerdictOur best overall pick is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk, an oil-free, dermatologist-approved formula offering SPF 60 protection and won't irritate the skin or cause breakouts. For something more affordable, you can't go wrong with CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, a drugstore mainstay that hydrates and protects with SPF 30. Open to spending a little more? Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield won't let you down. Meet the Expert
What to Look For in a Face SunscreenSPF Protection Between 30 and 50When it comes to SPF, which indicates how much protection a product offers against UVB rays (note: not UVA rays), it’s best to look for a formula that offers SPF 30 or higher. “An SPF of 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF of 30 filters out approximately 97%,” explains Halim. On the other hand, an SPF of 50 filters out approximately 98%, though a recent study by EWG claims that SPF products above 50 aren’t necessarily any more effective. That said, choosing a sunscreen with an SPF in the 30 to 50 range is best. Broad-Spectrum ProtectionAs mentioned above, SPF doesn’t protect against UVA rays, which can be just as dangerous as UVB rays. “UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply—even without causing any sunburn—and they result in sun damage and aging,” says Halim. It's important to note that both types of ultraviolet rays can also lead to skin cancer. With that in mind, it’s crucial to find a product that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it will absorb or deflect both UVA and UVB rays. Halim mentions a few key ingredients to look out for that will indicate broad-spectrum protection: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both mineral ingredients, and avobenzone, a chemical sunscreen. “In regards to avobenzone, it breaks down quickly when it’s on its own, therefore it needs to be combined with other ingredients,” she says. “Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide enhance avobenzone’s effects while stabilizing it. Any other additives should be avoided." The Right Formula for Your Skin TypeAs you would with any type of facial skin care product, Halim stresses the importance of choosing a formula based on your skin type. If you’re oily or prone to blemishes, look for mattifying formulas that are non-comedogenic and non-greasy, ensuring they’ll keep shine under control and won’t clog your pores. Drier skin types should look for products that provide hydrating benefits while still being lightweight in texture (nobody likes a heavy sunscreen!). Those with more sensitive skin should avoid anything with potential irritants like added fragrance or dyes. FAQ
How We Researched & TestedTo compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list Why Trust ByrdieTheresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in lifestyle and cosmetics. She considered dozens of sunscreens for the face for this roundup, evaluating each on active ingredients, texture and skin-feel of formula, and finish. Additional input was provided by Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC specializing in the detection and treatment of skin cancers, facial rejuvenation, chemical peels, and general skin care. and Azza Halim, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist/aesthetics/functional medicine physician based in Florida with locations in California and Chicago. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
What is the highest rated sunscreen?Best Sunscreen Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50.. Best Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46.. Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.. Best Mineral Sunscreen: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.. Which is the best sunscreen recommended by dermatologists?8 Best Medicated Sunscreen In India – Recommended By.... Truderma Sunscreen Gel SPF 50.. Z Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel.. Bello Photostable Sunscreen Gel.. Tvaksh Face Guard Sunscreen.. IPCA Acne UV Gel.. UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel.. La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel.. Suncros Matte finish Soft Gel SPF 50.. What is the most popular face sunscreen?EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. ... . Cetaphil Daily Oil Free Facial Moisturizer with SPF 35. ... . Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. ... . Urban Skin Rx SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer. ... . Tizo 2 Non-Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40. ... . La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60.. What sunscreen is best for everyday use?For an everyday sunscreen you can use on your face and body, reach for La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in-Milk SPF 60. The milky texture is fast-absorbing and velvety, making it easy to reapply throughout the day without making skin feel greasy or heavy.
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