The 12 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin

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, there are some fab formulas that 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, non-comedogenic, 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 like parabens and sulfates), evaluating active ingredients, ease of application, how they layered under skincare and makeup, and whether they prevented and improved blemish-prone skin over time. After consulting with skincare experts, we created this list of the very best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

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

$43 at Amazon $43 at Dermstore $35 at Walmart

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

Type: Chemical/mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, lactic acid | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When applying sunscreen on your face, a clear formula is clutch. So, we appreciate EltaMD UV Clear, which offers invisible, broad-spectrum protection (courtesy of zinc oxide octinoxate) and 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, non-comedogenic 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.

Tester review: "This is easily the most non-irritating, absorbent, and low-maintenance facial sunscreen I’ve come across," said one tester. "It’s essentially a nice mid-range moisturizer that happens to have SPF 46."

Best Overall, Runner Up

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

$38 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 We Don't Like: We found it left a slightly oily film on the skin.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Water-Resistant: 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No

Coming in a close second place to our overall fave is Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen. Its unique texture has the consistency of silicone primer, so it glides effortlessly over the skin. During testing, it felt like it was sitting on the top of the skin like a barrier while also spreading easily and not streaking (thanks to actives including homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene). This makes the skin feel 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

$25 at Sephora $25 at glossier.com

What We Like: Lightweight, comfortable consistency, and non-comedogenic.
What We Don't Like: Only available up to a SPF35.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 35 | Size: 1.6 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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, gliding on well and sinking 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

$11 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $14 at Target

What We Like: Non-comedogenic, restores skin barrier, and includes soothing ceramides.
What We Don't Like: Takes a bit of time to sink in.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.5 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

You'll be glad to have CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen in your bag if you have eczema. The non-comedogenic, fragrance-free 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 did not irritate our testers’ faces.

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

$16 at Ulta $16 at Target $16 at Walgreens

What We Like: Budget-friendly, sheer formula, and no white cast.
What We Don't Like: No physical SPF

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces Water-Resistant: Up to 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

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

What We Like: Works well under make-up, reduces redness, and fragrance-free.
What We Don't Like: Might cause white cast if not blended well.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1. 6 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hero Cosmetics created the perfect mineral sunscreen for acne-prone skin types who deal with sensitivity. Its barely-there green tint counteracts any redness and can be used as a primer before applying make-up. 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, in fact. 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 for Water Activities

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

$20 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $20 at Target

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 We Don't Like: Causes some pilling

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene | SPF: 60 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No

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++++

$18 at yesstyle.com View on Beautyofjoseon.com View on IHerb

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

Type: Physical | Key Ingredients: Rice extract, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate | SPF: 50+ | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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, and during testing, it absorbed and spread easily across the skin. 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 Liquid

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

$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 vegan and cruelty free.
What We Don't Like: Slight fragrance which some may not like.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, squalane and an antioxidant complex | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 also 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 Splurge

Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula

$116 at rossidermmd.com

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

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, niacinamide and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propanediol | SPF: 30 | Size: 35ml | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. We awarded it as our splurge pick due to its gorgeous matte finish and easy application. The texture of this cream absorbs easily and evenly and we didn’t find that it pilled or streaked—even when working up a sweat. We especially love that the formula also 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 Vegan

Cocokind Silk SPF

$20 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $25 at Target

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

Type: Hybrid of a chemical and mineral sunscreen | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalate, and banana blossom | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 water or sweat-resistant. 

Best Multi-Tasking

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

$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 We Don't Like: Light fragrance may bother very sensitive noses.

Type: Mineral sunscreen | Key Ingredients: Zinc, vitamin C, and niacinamide | SPF: 50+ | Size: 1.18 fl oz | Water-Resistant: Yes| Cruelty-Free: Yes

With SPF50+ 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 does have a light fragrance that we enjoyed, but 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. Our favorite is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 if you want something with a higher SPF.

Non-comedogenic 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. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen is one of the best non-comedogenic options for acne-prone skin.

Broad-spectrum sun protection: This is less about the oily skin side of things and more about the sunscreen part of things. You want to make sure the product you pick can shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which usually means an SPF of at least 30. We suggest our Best Overall pick, the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46); a "broad-spectrum" indication indicates that it does.

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 for 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.

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.