What types of sunscreen are best for acne-prone skin?

To avoid clogged pores, Dr. Viera says, "It is best to look for oil-free or noncomedogenic products." She also suggests looking for a mineral formula to avoid irritation, though everyone's skin is different even in the acne-prone camp.

What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreens for acne-prone skin?

Even if you have acne-prone skin, you should still use sunscreen—it is all about steering clear of certain ingredients (namely oil-based ones). However, a small amount of plant-based oil may not be an issue for some people. "Chemical filters in the sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octocrylene, and certain fragrances can also be irritating and may induce skin allergies," she adds.

What’s the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use actives such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide to form a physical barrier to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and are ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients, like oxybenzone, that absorb UV rays and convert them to heat that dissipates off your skin. A chemical sunscreen is usually lightweight and less likely to leave a white cast or oily finish. Given the potential environmental impact and a few chemical sunscreen recalls, mineral sunscreens tend to be more trusted by dermatologists. Ultimately, the right sunscreen for you is the one you will actually wear.

Do all suncreens for acne-prone skin leave a white cast?

Some mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast or a greasy residue, but there are many sheer, mattifying formulas on the market, too. Additionally, you can find mineral-chemical hybrids, which provide SPF protection from minerals such as zinc or titanium dioxide, as well as organic chemical compounds, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.

The 12 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, Tested in 2024

Three sunscreens for acne-prone skin we recommend displayed against a brown background — Byrdie / Alli Waataja

In This Article

Our Top Picks What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Byrdie

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you should wear sunscreen every day, year-round, even if you only spend a few minutes outside. Still, some folks resist this crucial skincare step for fear it'll cause breakouts. Luckily, some fab formulas protect without clogging pores and, believe it or not, can actually help improve your skin.

"Ideally, you need to avoid heavy oils that can clog the pores (coconut oil, for example) and certain silicone derivatives such as dimethicone," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Martha H. Viera, MD FAAD, of choosing the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin. Generally speaking, she tells Byrdie that oil-free, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formulas are the best bets for those battling breakouts.

We tested dozens of the most popular sunscreens for acne-prone skin in our New York City Lab and at home to find the ones that live up to their claims. We tried a range of chemical and mineral formulas with different SPF levels (including options free of additives such as parabens and sulfates), evaluating ease of application, how they layered under makeup, and whether they prevented and improved blemish-prone skin over time. After consulting with skincare experts, we dubbed these the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

Acne-Prone Skin and The Sun

Many acne-fighting medications and topical treatments contain ingredients—including retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating acids—that make skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Sun damage can actually worsen acne and lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen should be a nonnegotiable in your daily skincare routine. Once you’ve found your favorite sunscreen, be sure to reapply it often if you’re spending time out in the sun.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 at Amazon
Best Overall, Runner Up: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen at Amazon
Best Gel: Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 at Sephora
Best Budget: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon
Best for Dark Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum at Ulta
Best for Sensitive Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen at Amazon
Best for Water Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen at Amazon
Best Lightweight: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun at Beauty of Joseon

Best Liquid: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops at Sephora
Best Splurge: Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula at RossiDermMD

Best Overall

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

PHOTO:

EltaMD

$43 at Amazon $73 at Dermstore $43 at Dermstore

What We Like: Lightweight, mildly exfoliating, dries quickly, and no white cast
What to Consider: This particular EltaMD formula doesn’t come as a tint which we’d like

When applying sunscreen on your face, a clear formula is clutch. We love EltaMD UV Clear which offers invisible, broad-spectrum protection (courtesy of zinc oxide octinoxate) from the sun's harmful rays. Dr. Viera is a big fan of EltaMD's products for acne-prone skin. The exceedingly lightweight, fast-absorbing formula hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and leaves a sheer, shine-free finish.

This oil-free, noncomedogenic sunscreen calls on lactic acid to gently exfoliate and help prevent future breakouts. During testing, we found it to have a lightweight texture and consistency that’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. It also didn’t leave behind any white cast, just a gorgeous moisturized, healthy glow.

Best Overall, Runner Up

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

PHOTO:

Amazon

$39 at Amazon $22 at Sephora $18 at Ulta

What We Like: Velvety, natural finish, available in a jumbo size, and water and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes
What to Consider: I left a slightly oily film on the skin

A close second-place pick is Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen. Its unique texture has the consistency of silicone primer, so it glides effortlessly over the skin. During testing, it sat on the top of the skin like a barrier (thanks to actives including homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene) but still spread easily and didn't streak. It left the skin feeling very moisturized and prepped for makeup, but it works better if you allow it a few minutes to dry before applying foundation or tinted moisturizer.

A little goes a long way so a standard-sized tube should last you quite a while. This is a great choice if you exercise or swim frequently as it’s sweat and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Best Gel

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35

PHOTO:

Sephora

$25 at Sephora $25 at Glossier.com

What We Like: Lightweight, comfortable consistency, and non-comedogenic
What to Consider: Only available up to a SPF 35

Glossier's Invisible Shield boasts a brilliantly lightweight water-gel formula that absorbs instantly and plays well with makeup. Formulated for folks who dread wearing sunscreen, it goes on like a serum and won't leave your face feeling greasy.

We tested it in our Lab and really liked its texture and overall feel on the skin. The recommended amount covers the face easily, glides on well, and sinks in quickly. It doesn’t leave any real glow to the skin so you may want to add a tinted moisturizer on top, but it does smell heavenly with a light citrus scent. Our only real complaint is that we'd like it in a higher SPF for maximum UV protection.

Best Budget

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion

PHOTO:

Ulta

$14 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $14 at Target

What We Like: Noncomedogenic, restores the skin barrier, and includes soothing ceramides
What to Consider: Takes a bit of time to sink in

You'll be glad to have CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen in your bag if you have eczema. The noncomedogenic, wallet-friendly lotion offers SPF 50 mineral protection while working to restore the skin's natural barrier with essential ceramides and skin-soothing niacinamide.

We loved its super creamy texture and found that the recommended amount covered the face and neck easily. As it’s a mineral sunscreen, it takes a bit more rubbing in, but it does sink in after approximately three minutes without leaving behind a white cast. If you have sensitive skin, rest assured, that it has no fragrance and does not irritate our testers’ faces.

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

PHOTO:

Ulta

$16 at Ulta $16 at Target $11 at Walmart

What We Like: It's a budget-friendly, sheer formula, and no white cast
What to Consider: There's no physical SPF

Made for people of color by a woman of color, Black Girl Sunscreen is ideal for dark skin tones. The zinc-free formula moisturizes the skin and acts as a lightweight makeup primer or a standalone face lotion—no white cast in sight. We tested it rigorously and loved its lightweight, mousse-like texture that feels super moisturizing while melting into the skin almost instantaneously. It also has a subtle cooling effect on the skin that would be really refreshing on a hot summer day. It spreads easily onto the skin, covering the whole face and neck with the recommended teaspoon-sized amount of cream. Best of all, it leaves the complexion looking fresh, healthy, and glowing.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

PHOTO:

Amazon

$20 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $20 at Dermstore

What We Like: Works well under makeup, reduces redness, and is fragrance-free
What to Consider: Might cause a white cast if not blended well

Hero Cosmetics created the perfect mineral sunscreen for acne-prone skin types dealing with sensitivity. Its barely there green tint counteracts any redness and can be used as a primer before applying makeup. The product is formulated without any fragrance or other irritating ingredients that could cause breakouts.

It felt super light on the skin when we tried it—almost invisible. It glides on and rubs in easily without leaving behind any grease or oil (aka ideal for the blemish-prone). Just be careful to blend it in completely otherwise we did find it can leave behind a slight white cast.

Best Water-Resistant

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

PHOTO:

La Roche-Posay

$20 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $27 at Dermstore

What We Like: Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and high SPF that’s ideal for water activity
What to Consider: May cause some pilling

If you spend a lot of time doing watersports or swimming, you know that the water reflects UV back at the skin twice making broad-spectrum sunscreen even more essential (that's also waterproof or water-resistant, obvs). This Dry Touch sunscreen from La Roche-Posay has a thick consistency that’s light and airy and soaks in well.

This wouldn’t be our first choice for wearing beneath makeup as it does cause some pilling, but for water activity it’s ideal. You can see exactly where it’s been applied and it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, too, so you know your skin will be protected effectively before hitting the beach or pool.

Best Lightweight

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

PHOTO:

Amazon

$15 at Yesstyle.com View on Beautyofjoseon.com $15 at IHerb

What We Like: Vegan and cruelty free, applies easily with no streaks, and a little goes a long way
What to Consider: We’d prefer not to have to remove the entire cap to apply it

This one from Beauty of Joseon is cruelty-free and one of the most lightweight formulas we've tried. It contains 30% rice extract and grain-fermented extracts to help moisturize and soothe the skin. During testing, it absorbed and spread easily. It also didn’t go cakey or settle into fine lines, which is always a bonus. It just needs a bit of time to dry before you go in with your BB cream or foundation.

Best Mineral-Based

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

PHOTO:

Sephora

$36 at Sephora $36 at Summerfridays.com $36 at Kohls.com

What We Like: Lightweight and easy to apply, absorbs quickly while leaving a matte finish, and is vegan and cruelty-free
What to Consider: Slight fragrance which some may not like

This mineral sunscreen from Summer Fridays is lightweight and easy to spread across the face and neck (likely due, in part, to the moisture-rich squalane in the formula). During testing, we found its consistency very similar to Chanel’s Vitalumiere which goes on effortlessly while drying to a matte finish. It has a milky texture and color that looks and feels invisible when layered beneath makeup. Word of warning: this dries quickly but you should have enough time to blend it into your face to ensure an even layer of protection.

Best for Sun Damage

Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula

PHOTO:

Dr. Rossi Derm MD

$116 at Rossidermmd.com

What We Like: Leaves a matte finish on the skin, doesn’t go cakey or settle into lines, and absorbs easily and evenly
What to Consider: Leaves a slight white cast

We tested Dr. Rossi Derm MD’s The Day Formula in our Lab, at home, and on our daily run to really put it through its paces. It has an absolutely gorgeous matte finish and is easy to apply. The texture of this cream absorbs quickly and evenly and we didn’t find that it pilled or streaked—even when working up a sweat. We especially love that the formula contains niacinamide and titanium dioxide to help combat signs of photoaging and prevent future damage. Considering all these pluses, we think it's worth the extra cheddar.

Best Chemical/Mineral Hybrid

Cocokind Silk SPF

PHOTO:

Amazon

View on Amazon $25 at Target $19 at Walmart

What We Like: Its vegan, hybrid formula, creamy, light consistency, and doesn’t leave streaks
What to Consider: It’s not resistant to swimming or sweating

This hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen feels amazing on the skin with a creamy, light consistency thanks to banana blossom (an ingredient rich in hydrating polysaccharides—antioxidants that help support the skin barrier). It absorbs quickly and leaves a healthy glow on the skin that looks beautiful alone or beneath makeup.

During testing, we enjoyed how soothing it felt upon application and its scent, which is pleasant but not overwhelming for more sensitive noses. If you’re very active or like to swim, however, this sunscreen won’t be suitable as it’s not waterproof or sweat-resistant.

Best Multitasking

Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

PHOTO:

Iris & Romeo

$25 at Sephora $50 at Irisandromeo.com View on Credo Beauty

What We Like: Hydrating and glowy finish makes it ideal for layering under makeup, water-resistant, and absorbs really well into the skin
What to Consider: Light fragrance may bother very sensitive noses

With SPF 50+ protection, added vitamin C, and a hydrating, glowy finish, there’s so much to love about this sunscreen from Iris & Romeo. It absorbed quickly and easily into the skin during testing and left it feeling amazing.

Not only does it contain serum-grade active ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and neutralize free radicals, but it's also water-resistant so you can work out or take a quick dip worry-free. It has a light fragrance that we enjoyed but it might be irritating to reactive skin.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

Oil-free ingredients: Sounds obvious, but choosing an oil-free formulation is one of the easiest ways to make sure it won’t exacerbate or cause breakouts.
Noncomedogenic formula: This indicates that it is not supposed to clog pores, another key factor for those prone to acne or even just blackheads and whiteheads.
Broad-spectrum sun protection: This is less about the oily skin side of things and more about the dun defense element. You want to make sure the product can shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which usually means an SPF of at least 30. A "broad-spectrum" indication on a label indicates that has that level of protection.

FAQ

What types of sunscreen are best for acne-prone skin?

To avoid clogged pores, Dr. Viera says, "It is best to look for oil-free or noncomedogenic products." She also suggests looking for a mineral formula to avoid irritation, though everyone's skin is different even in the acne-prone camp.
What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreens for acne-prone skin?

Even if you have acne-prone skin, you should still use sunscreen—it is all about steering clear of certain ingredients (namely oil-based ones). However, a small amount of plant-based oil may not be an issue for some people. "Chemical filters in the sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octocrylene, and certain fragrances can also be irritating and may induce skin allergies," she adds.
What’s the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use actives such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide to form a physical barrier to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and are ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients, like oxybenzone, that absorb UV rays and convert them to heat that dissipates off your skin. A chemical sunscreen is usually lightweight and less likely to leave a white cast or oily finish. Given the potential environmental impact and a few chemical sunscreen recalls, mineral sunscreens tend to be more trusted by dermatologists. Ultimately, the right sunscreen for you is the one you will actually wear.
Do all suncreens for acne-prone skin leave a white cast?

Some mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast or a greasy residue, but there are many sheer, mattifying formulas on the market, too. Additionally, you can find mineral-chemical hybrids, which provide SPF protection from minerals such as zinc or titanium dioxide, as well as organic chemical compounds, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance content creator specializing in commerce, lifestyle, and beauty. For this article, she interviewed a board-certified dermatologist and researched various sunscreen types, ingredients, and formulations that fare best on acne-prone skin. She looked at products from myriad brands and retailers, carefully considering the key attributes of each one before making her final selections. Having tried a plethora of sunscreens over the years, Theresa is personally fond of EltaMD, Tatcha, La Roche-Posay, and CeraVe. She has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, and workout apparel.

She consulted with one expert for this piece:

Dr. Martha H. Viera, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Coral Gables, FL.

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.

Updated by Ally Hirschlag

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