Best Sunscreens for Your Face: Finding the Perfect Facial Sunscreen for You
If you’re like most people, you want to make sure you’re protecting your skin while having fun in the sun. And this should be especially true about protecting your face. But with so many different sunscreen options, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. That’s why we have put together this list of the best sunscreens for your face.
This list of the best sunscreens for your face will provide you with the top facial sunscreens for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a mineral-based sunscreen or something waterproof, this list of the top face sunscreens will have you covered.
Also, all of these top sunscreens for your face only use the best ingredients. So not only can you know you will be protected from the sun, but you can also know that you are not putting harmful chemicals into your body through your skin.
This will give you complete confidence in your facial sunscreen for any outdoor activities. Whether hiking, laying out at the beach, or playing an outdoor sport like baseball, you can know that your sunscreen is up for the task.
When you finish with this list, visit our lists of the best sunscreens and best sun protection clothing. These lists will allow you to enjoy the sun while still making sure that you are protected.
Top 20 Sunscreens for Your Face:
1. Neutrogena Sunscreen Lotion
Price: $19.99 (3 oz)
Highlights: Protects against UVA and UVB, has a matte finish, and offers a lightweight formula.
About Sunscreen: This Neutrogena sunscreen absorbs into your skin quickly to ensure that you have dry, protected skin. The formula is ultra-lightweight, which means that you won’t even know that you’re wearing it.
As one of the best sunscreens for your face, Neutrogena sunscreen provides a non-shiny finish that allows you to put makeup over it or wear it alone without worrying about reflection. The sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays which helps lower your risk of future cancer and skin damage.
2. PCA SKIN Sunscreen
Price: $44.00 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: An SPF of 45, a reef-safe formula, and it has Zinc oxide, octisalate, and caffeine.
About Sunscreen: Don’t let the sun ruin your day. PCA SKIN’s Sunscreen is here to save the day. With an SPF of 45 and a reef-safe formula, this sunscreen will protect you from harmful UV rays.
Zinc oxide and octisalate work together to absorb, filter, and protect you from the sun, while caffeine helps reduce UV-induced free radicals. Fast-absorbing and lightweight, this top face sunscreen will keep you feeling comfortable all day long.
3. EltaMD Sunscreen
Price: $37.00 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: Protects against acne breakouts, contains zinc oxide for additional protection, and is ideal for people with various skin conditions.
About Sunscreen: EltaMD is the perfect facial sunscreen for anyone worried about acne since it is made with an oil-free formula that minimizes potential breakouts. The sunscreen includes zinc oxide to provide further protection from harmful rays.
This sunscreen is designed for people with other dermatological issues such as rosacea or dark spots. Additionally, the patented formula also protects against dark spots and wrinkles. EltaMD sunscreen is ideal for everyday use for people with a variety of skin tones.
4. Avène Sunscreen
Price: $31.46 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: Available in a tinted or non-tinted formula, contains minerals, and is lightweight and quick-absorbing.
About Sunscreen: Worried about the toll the sun can take on your skin? This sunscreen from Avène is perfect for giving you peace of mind. It’s available in a tinted or non-tinted formula and contains minerals to protect against UV, pollution, and blue light.
The key ingredients include zinc oxide, niacinamide, bisabolol, allantoin, and thermal spring water – all of which help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. And because it’s lightweight and quick-absorbing, you’ll never have to worry about feeling weighed down or leaving behind a white residue. Plus, it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin.
5. Jergens Facial Sunscreen
Price: $8.49 (2 oz)
Highlights: Customized options based on skin tone, lightly scented, and helps to moisturize.
About Sunscreen: Jergens is a trusted name in skincare, and their sunscreen is no different. Although people with various skin tones need different skin protection, Jergens has the best SPF for your face based on your skin tone.
Along with their reasonable price point, they have gone a step further to ensure that all people have a sunscreen that makes sense for their skin tone. The sunscreen also keeps your face moisturized while it projects against UV damage. And last but not least, this face sunscreen also has a fresh and light scent which is subtle and perfect for everyday use.
6. Aveeno Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Price: $11.90 (4 oz)
Highlights: Combination lotion and sunscreen, light feeling, and can be worn under makeup.
About Sunscreen: Aveeno is known for its lotions for sensitive skin, and this sunscreen is perfect for people prone to reactions as it is hypoallergenic and oil-free. Meant to be used daily, the formula will minimize facial acne along with providing SPF 15 protection.
Also, this formula is soy-based and avoids other common allergens. And if you want to also wear makeup, you wear it over top of this sunscreen without reducing its sun protection factor.
7. EleVen by Venus Williams Sun Serum
Price: $50.00 (1 oz)
Highlights: Has an SPF of 35, contains 25% zinc oxide, is vegan, and is free from fragrances.
About Sunscreen: EleVen by Venus Williams Sun Serum is a lightweight mineral sunscreen that will help keep you looking radiant all day long. With an SPF of 35 and containing 25% zinc oxide, this reef-safe sun serum will protect you from harmful UV rays.
It’s also vegan and free from fragrances, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it can be applied over moisturizer or under makeup for added convenience. Give your skin the protection it deserves with EleVen by Venus Williams Sun Serum.
8. CeraVe Sunscreen and Face Moisturizer
Price: $13.99 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: It contains three ceramides, works well on any skin type, and is the perfect finish to your daily skincare routine.
About Sunscreen: CeraVe is one of the best sunscreens for your skin as it contains four active ingredients to ensure that your skin is fully protected. Also, it does not leave any white cast on your face after application, which some sunscreens are known to do.
This top face sunscreen has one of the highest SPF factors among the sunscreens meant to be used on a daily basis. It is appropriate for oily or dry skin and includes three different ceramides to replenish your skin’s natural protection.
9. Peter Thomas Roth Sunscreen
Price: $34.00 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: Has an SPF of 45, contains vitamins A, C, and E, and also safflower extract.
About Sunscreen: If you are looking for one of the best sunscreens for your face, look no further than Peter Thomas Roth Sunscreen. This broad-spectrum lotion has an SPF of 45 and is slightly tinted to suit all skin tones while providing a matte finish.
It contains vitamins A, C, and E, safflower extract to nourish and protect your skin, and zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide additional sun protection.
10. Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Lotion
Price: $12.99 (3 oz)
Highlights: Lasts several hours under heavy use, high SPF factor, and includes vitamin E.
About Sunscreen: With an SPF rating of 50, you can be assured that your skin is protected against the harshest rays with Sun Bum Sunscreen. Since it is fully fragrance-free, this sunscreen is the perfect choice for people who are sensitive to smells.
Also, this sunscreen includes vitamin E to provide additional nutrients for your skin. Sun Bum’s sunscreen lasts several hours before needing to be reapplied. Also, this sunscreen was developed to be environmentally friendly and not pollute the waterways. All of this allows for Sun Bum to be one of the best sunscreens for your face.
11. Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops
Price: $145.00(1 oz)
Highlights: Has an SPF of 50, features hyaluronic acid and green tea leaf extract, and is cruelty-free.
About Sunscreen: This light-textured sunscreen serum has an SPF of 50, and it protects against aging and sunburning UV rays. It features hyaluronic acid for moisture and green tea leaf extract for protection.
It also contains cassia extract, vitamin E, and beta-glucan – all of which help keep your skin looking young and healthy. Plus, this sunscreen is gluten-free, cruelty-free, and suitable for people with sensitive skin.
12. Priori Skincare Sunscreen
Price: $95.00(1.7 oz)
Highlights: Provides 35 SPF sun protection, helps with DNA repair, and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
About Sunscreen: Looking for a face sunscreen that does it all? Look no further than Priori Skincare Sunscreen. Their mineral-based formula provides triple-action sun protection, hydration, and DNA repair, helping your skin to look and feel its best.
It provides 35 SPF sun protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. And because they are cruelty-free, you can feel good about using their products.
13. Australian Gold Sunscreen Face Cream
Price: $13.99 (3 oz)
Highlights: Various skin tone options, water-resistant, and vegan.
About Sunscreen: For the vegans amongst us or for those who just want a quality facial sunscreen, there is Australian Gold Botanical sunscreen. This sunscreen has numerous options, including various skin tones. Its water-resistant formula makes it ideal for either beach visitors or athletes. Also, the sunscreen is free of dyes, fragrances, oils, and parabens which can cause reactions in some people.
Australian Gold’s formula has received approval from both pediatricians and dermatologists, and it protects against both UVA and UVB sun to ensure the complete spectrum is blocked from your skin. And for those that want to stay away from animal-tested products, Australian Gold Sunscreen is cruelty-free.
14. La Roche-Posay Face Sunscreen
Price: $19.99 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: High SPF rating, oil-free formula, and is irritant-free.
About Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Sunscreen provides sun protection with an oil-free formula. Depending on the thickness of your application, the sun protection varies between 50 to 70. It’s free of normal irritants such as parabens, fragrances, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Also, La Roche-Posay has won numerous awards based on the quality of its sunscreen so you can rest assured that it’s one of the best sunscreens for your face.
15. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen
Price: $16.38 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: Mineral-based, enriched with aloe arborescens leaf extract, and has a light cream texture.
About Sunscreen: Looking for a sunscreen that will protect your skin while still being gentle enough for daily use? Look no further than COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen. This mineral-based sunscreen is enriched with aloe arborescens leaf extract to help soothe and protect skin from sunburn. Plus, the light cream texture ensures a smooth, comfortable application.
16. Algenist Sublime Defense Sunscreen
Price: $28.00 (1 oz)
Highlights: Offers SPF 50 protection, has patented alguronic acid, and is antioxidant-rich.
About Sunscreen: Algenist Sublime Defense Sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for your face. It offers super-sheer SPF 50 protection while minimizing the appearance of fine lines with patented alguronic acid. The antioxidant-rich hybrid formula also boosts radiance and protects the skin against free radical damage.
17. Supergoop! Sunscreen
Price: $38.00 (1.5 oz)
Highlights: Made with mineral ingredients, is non-sticky, and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
About Sunscreen: Looking for a sunscreen that won’t make your face look greasy? Supergoop! has you covered with their Matte Screen formula. Made with mineral ingredients, this lightweight sunscreen is non-sticky and mattifying, minimizing the appearance of pores. It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and cruelty-free.
18. innisfree UV SPF Sunscreen
Price: $15.00 (1.69 oz)
Highlights: Contains plant-derived oils, is free of synthetics, and has an SPF of 36.
About Sunscreen: This supremely lightweight sunscreen contains green tea and plant-derived oils to soothe and nourish stressed skin while protecting it from the sun’s rays.
Plus, it’s free of parabens, synthetic colors, mineral oil, animal products, synthetic fragrance, and a number of other harmful ingredients, which makes this sunscreen perfect for those with sensitive skin. With an SPF of 36, this sunscreen will keep you safe from the sun all day and looking your best.
19. TIZO 3 Face Sunscreen
Price: $41.99 (1.75 oz)
Highlights: Mineral sunscreen, SPF rating of 40, and is water-resistant.
About Sunscreen: With an SPF rating of 40, this top face sunscreen will block over 95% of the sun’s UV rays when applied correctly. It contains both titanium oxide and zinc oxide providing protection against UVA and UVB.
Along with sun protection, Tizo 3 moisturizes skin leaving it looking more youthful. The lightweight formula leaves the skin with a matte finish. TIZO sunscreen is also water-resistant and provides sun protection for up to 80 minutes after getting wet.
20. DRMTLGY Face Sunscreen
Price: $23.95 (1.7 oz)
Highlights: No white residue, includes zinc oxide, and works for a variety of skin tones.
About Sunscreen: DRMTLGY sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for your face. It is made with an oil-free formula and includes zinc oxide to provide excellent coverage for your skin. This sunscreen works for a wide range of skin tones from fair to medium-dark and can be used without any white residue being left on your skin.
Also included in the formula is vitamin B to slow down the skin’s natural aging process. This sunscreen also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee ensuring that you will be satisfied with the sun protection provided by this sunblock.
Editor’s Pick: Best Sunscreen for Your Face Overall
EltaMD Sunscreen – Editor’s Pick for Best Daily Facial Sunscreen
When it comes to daily sun protection and skincare, EltaMD Sunscreen is hard to beat. Its lightweight, oil-free formula is ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin, offering broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide. Unlike many heavy sunscreens, it absorbs quickly and wears comfortably all day—whether alone or under makeup. Dermatologists often recommend EltaMD for its effectiveness in preventing UV damage without causing breakouts or irritation. For anyone seeking reliable and gentle facial sun protection, EltaMD stands as our top pick for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Sunscreens for Your Face
What SPF is best for facial sunscreen?
For daily use, experts recommend an SPF of at least 30. However, if you spend extended time outdoors, a higher SPF like 45 or 50—as found in brands like EltaMD, Sun Bum, and Peter Thomas Roth—offers better protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Is mineral sunscreen better for your face?
Yes, mineral sunscreens (like PCA SKIN or EleVen by Venus Williams) are often gentler on the skin and sit on the surface to deflect UV rays. They are ideal for people with sensitive skin, acne, or allergies and usually contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Can I wear makeup over facial sunscreen?
Absolutely. Many of the best facial sunscreens—such as La Roche-Posay, Aveeno Daily Moisturizer, and CeraVe—are designed to wear smoothly under makeup without affecting its look or staying power. Just be sure the sunscreen has fully absorbed before applying makeup.
Should I use a different sunscreen for my face than my body?
Yes, facial sunscreens are specially formulated to be lighter, non-comedogenic, and less likely to cause breakouts. Using a sunscreen designed specifically for the face—like those on this list—can prevent clogged pores and irritation while providing effective UV protection.
Tips for Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Face
1. Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection
Make sure the sunscreen you choose offers broad-spectrum SPF, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging, while UVB rays lead to burning—both contribute to skin cancer. Products like Neutrogena, EltaMD, and Supergoop! all offer full-spectrum coverage.
2. Consider Your Skin Type
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free facial sunscreens like CeraVe or DRMTLGY. Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit more from hydrating sunscreens that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe, such as COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen or Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops.
3. Pick Water-Resistant Options for Outdoor Activities
Planning a beach day or hike? Go with water-resistant sunscreens like Priori Skincare, Australian Gold, or Sun Bum. These stay effective even during sweating or swimming and are essential for active sun protection.
4. Look for Tinted Sunscreens for Added Coverage
Tinted facial sunscreens can double as a light foundation, blending seamlessly into your skin while protecting it. Brands like Avène, Peter Thomas Roth, and TIZO 3 offer excellent tinted options that enhance your complexion without clogging pores.
5. Avoid Harmful Additives
Check the ingredient list and avoid sunscreens with fragrances, parabens, and oxybenzone, which can irritate skin or disrupt hormones. Choose sunscreens labeled reef-safe or mineral-based to ensure safety for your skin and the environment—like EleVen by Venus Williams or innisfree UV SPF.
Best Sunscreens for Your Face Conclusion
Unfortunately, most of us have been there where we didn’t put on enough sunscreen or used a brand that wasn’t quite up to the task, and we got fried in the sun. The aftermath was tender and painful skin for the next few days and then pealing after that. And while we remember those negative side effects, there is also the long-term damage to our skin.
These top facial sunscreens will make sure that your skin is protected from both short and long-term side effects. You can rest easy knowing that you won’t get burned and that your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This will allow you to concentrate on enjoying whatever you are doing outside; rather than on whether you are getting burned or not.
Many of these sunscreens are also up to the task of sun protection while playing an outdoor sport like baseball or soccer. With the added sweat, you want to make sure that you have a strong sunscreen to protect you while you play.
Have you tried one of these sunscreens before? Please feel free to share your feedback in the comments below if you have.
