Stay Protected and Breakout-Free With These 10 Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin

In the past, sunscreen has received a bad rap for being thick, greasy, and leaving a pale white cast on the skin. But today, whether you opt for a chemical sunscreen or physical sunscreen, you'll find that most sunblocks (and moisturizers with SPF) soak into the skin right away and look invisible on the skin. This skincare essential should be a non-negotiable in everyone’s skincare routine; it can help to defend against skin cancer, sunburn, and free radical production, and signs of premature aging. Even if you have acne-prone skin, you should be sporting sunscreen every single day. Those with this skin type may just want to look for certain ingredients and types of formulas.

Below, we'll dive deeper into what those with acne-prone skin should look for in a sunscreen. Plus, we're sharing 12 of the best sunscreen formulas for this particular skin type.

What should I look for in sunscreen for my acne-prone skin?

“Breakouts are commonly caused by emollients, fragrances, or preservatives in sunscreen,” says Hadley King, MD, an NYC-based dermatologist. “Those with acne-prone skin should look for non-comedogenic products and mineral ingredients, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide." She adds that she typically likes to use SPF 30 or higher for daily protection.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based formulas are commonly referred to as physical sunscreens. These formulas are less likely to clog pores or irritate your complexion. “Avobenzones, benzophenones, oxyphenones, methoxycinnamate, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) are all common ingredients in chemical sunscreens that can cause pimples in sensitive, acne-prone skin,” says King. He adds that chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause allergic reactions and irritations for those with sensitive skin or hyperpigmentation issues.

Acne treatments make the skin more sensitive to the sun?

A number of skincare products for acne can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. That's why wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen is super more important. “Certain acne medications increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light, such as certain antibiotics, isotretinoin, or topical retinoids,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, Proactiv expert and NYC-based dermatologist. These medications decrease the layer of dead skin cells on the surface, making us “more sensitive to sunlight and more susceptible to burning,” she says. The more sensitive we are to the sun, the more likely it is we’ll suffer from sun damage.

Not only can your skincare regimen make your skin more sensitive, but the sun’s UV rays can also darken acne scars making them more prominent. “Ultraviolet radiation can increase redness and dark spots that are associated with old acne pimples and increase the time it takes for them to fade,” Nazarian says.

The 12 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin Types

1. Best Sunscreen with Vitamin C:

MURAD Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++

If you have acne-prone skin, don't sleep on the power of vitamin C. The antioxidant-packed vitamin can help to treat active breakouts, fight free radical damage, and brighten up the skin. While this daily moisturizer will definitely protect against sun damage and boost glow, those brightening powers can also work wonders to lighten up dark acne scars, helping to create radiant, breakout-free skin.

"Fresh smelling and soft on the skin," one Ipster says. "It never breaks me out and does a great job on my dry skin."

2. Best Priming Sunscreen:

COOLA SUNCARE Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Looking for a lightweight, hydrating formula with a sheer, silky finish that’s perfect to layer under your morning makeup routine? Look no further than this organic, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic sunscreen. The antioxidant-rich formula powerfully fights free radicals while also leaving you with a smooth, matte finish. After applying this, your skin will be both prepped and protected.

3. Best Tinted Sunscreen for Mature Skin:

LA CHLORIS Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

Combine both your SPF and your foundation into one quick step with this sunscreen. The tinted, non-comedogenic formula provides light coverage while still being gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. While the pigment helps to smooth out your complexion, this formula also comes with anti-aging benefits that work from within. Anti-wrinkle peptides help to visibly firm skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

4. Best Glow-Boosting Sunscreen:

TULA SKINCARE Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 Gel

Gel moisturizers are almost always a great go-to moisturizer texture for acne-prone skin types because of how lightweight and breathable they are. Add in SPF 30 and you've got yourself a new daily go-to. This weightless formula features anti-inflammatory ginger, soothing probiotics, and pineapple and papaya extract for a balanced complexion and a glowy finish.

"Love this stuff a million times and more," says one Ipster. "My face feels amazing when I use this!" Another adds, "It brightens my face just a little without any other product, and it isn't greasy, which is a plus!"

5. Best Natural Sunscreen:

DERMEDICINE ADVANCED SKINCARE Weightless Face Moisturizer SPF 25

This zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreen boasts a super clean ingredient list that's great for anyone who loves to keep their skincare shelf as natural as possible. Aloe vera provides your daily dose of soothing hydration while the two star minerals shield the skin from sun damage. In this formula, you'll also find nourishing ingredients like fruit stem cells, green tea, and kola nut extract to help defend against visible signs of aging like sun spots and discoloration. Finally, antioxidant-rich sage extract and birch bark extract provide natural brightening powers.

"I have combination dry and acne type skin issues and this works wonderfully–does not sting or feel greasy," one Ipster says. "This is the best lightweight SPF moisturizer I’ve ever used and I’ve tried a lot of them," says another.

6. Best Sunscreen for Irritated Skin:

PURLISSE BEAUTY Blue Lotus Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF30

If those breakouts are being particularly pesky, this sunscreen/moisturizer combo will help to soothe your irritated skin. Blue Lotus extract, the formula's hero ingredient, is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that can help to tame acne, control oil, and naturally moisturize the skin to improve the look of any dry, rough or flaky patches. Additionally, this sunscreen also features conditioning vitamin E, wrinkle-fighting white tea, and plumping algae extract.

"This one was non-greasy, instantly absorbed, and felt really lightweight. My face felt really hydrated and soft. Plus, I love the added SPF. Perfect moisturizer," one Ipster raves.

7. Best Sunscreen for Active Days:

COOLA Mineral SPF30 Sun Silk Crème

If you're going for a run or playing a few rounds of beach volleyball, you'll need a sunscreen that can handle a little bit of sweat. This plant-based formula is oil-free and super lightweight, meaning it's less likely to melt off mid-run. It also features plant stem cells and niacinamide (a must for acne-prone skin types) to moisturize, balance, reduce redness, and provide a healthy glow.

8. Best Redness-Reducing Sunscreen:

SPF RX Ultra-Clear Daily Skin Hydrator with SPF 50

This hyaluronic acid-packed daily moisture pairs deep hydration with strong sun defense thanks to SPF 50. Zinc oxide provides a sheer shield against UVA and UVB rays while ingredients like eucalyptus, ginger, wintergreen leaf extract, and oat help to minimize other skin concerns like scarring, redness, and visible signs of sun damage.

"This the best facial sunscreen EVER!!! Light, not greasy, and great under make-up," says Ipster lia-isa. "It's a thick, creamy formula without being greasy," another adds.

9. Best Brightening Tinted Sunscreen:

PURLISSE BEAUTY Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream

Here's another option with just a touch of tint. This multitasking 4-in-1 CC cream instantly hydrates, color-corrects, brightens, and protects in one quick step. The sheer, tinted sunscreen is perfect for those minimal makeup days but still provides enough coverage to hide dark spots or any redness from breakouts. The formula is also packed with ingredients that acne-prone skin types will love. Hyaluronic acid provides weightless hydration while 15 percent vitamin C powerfully brightens and helps to treat acne. It's also oil-free so you don't have to worry about sacrificing clogged pores for sun protection.

"I have a lot of acne scarring and most makeup and such just sink into those pits," one Ipster says. "I put this on and it smooths everything and gives me the flawless base. LOVE IT."

10. Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin:

NO B.S. Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer w/ SPF 20

If your acne-prone skin is also prone to dryness or dry patches from acne treatments, restore moisture and get your daily dose of sun protection with this broad-spectrum formula. Featuring shea butter and hyaluronic acid, it deeply hydrates parched skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Plus, green tea extract (an antioxidant powerhouse) helps to naturally balance your overall complexion by reducing the appearance of dark spots and smoothing out and rough texture.

11. Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin:

COTZ Natural Tinted Face SPF 40

Don't be fooled by the tinted color of this mineral sunscreen. Once you massage it into your skin, the formula transforms to become totally sheer–that's how you know it's fully absorbed. Handy, right? This vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen has a refreshingly simple, chemical-free ingredient list that skips all the questionable fillers, making it an ideal pick for those who have easily irritated skin types.

"Gave my skin a radiant glow and the tint that I needed," one Ipster writes. "Very smooth application and no oily residue. Great for a beach day or no makeup day," another adds.

12. Best Matte Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:

SUPERGOOP Mattescreen SPF 40

This best-selling formula combines two major pluses for acne-prone skin types: It’s a 100% mineral formula and it’s specially formulated to leave a poreless, matte finish. The mineral formula will help to prevent any skin irritations while the matte finish expertly keeps shine under control. SUPERGOOP formulas are comprised only of the good stuff, offering strong sun protection without any of the questionable ingredients that can cause harm to both your skin and the environment.

13. Best Gel Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:

GLOSSIER Invisible Shield

Formulated with SPF 35, this fast-absorbing gel formula makes for a great daily go-to. It goes on totally invisible and is free of drying alcohols and greasy, pore-clogging ingredients that can irritate blemish-prone skin types. Instead, it’s packed with soothing (and acne-taming) aloe vera, conditioning vitamin E, and redness-reducing broccoli extract. GLOSSIER’s innovative custom complex creates a super breathable formula that blocks both sun and pollution from damaging the skin.

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