Wearing sunscreen or sunblock is as much for those sitting indoors as it is for those indulging in high-power outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or running. It is also for people of all ages, gender, and skin color. Regardless of the nature of your sun exposure, you must keep sunscreen for acne-prone skin handy at all times if you suffer from ultra-sensitive skin. 

Dr. Vanita Rattan, a Doctor and Cosmetic Formulator, shares that according to a study conducted in Australia in 2013, 19% of premature aging of the skin happened due to UV (1).

“When you have acne-prone skin, acne leads to inflammation, and inflammation triggers melanocytes…If we don’t wear sunblock, UV will hit the skin and will further trigger melanocytes (cells that produce the pigment melanin) so that the dark spots become darker,” she says.

Hence, sunscreen must be a part of the skincare routine for people with oily and acne-prone skin, as exposure to UV rays can harm your skin's natural barrier, making signs of hyperpigmentation more visible and leading to acne breakouts.  

The best face sunscreen for acne-prone skin is the one that's non-comedogenic, has a gentle formula, and shields you from sun rays without aggravating acne. 

After putting in hours of research and testing various products, we have curated this list of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that will give you holistic protection without breaking out your skin further.

• 1
  Best for Dry Skin

  Dermalogica Oil-Free Matte SPF 30

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For those with acne-prone oily skin, your search for the best sunscreen ends with Dermalogica’s Oil-Free Matte SPF 30. Containing an advanced blend of zinc gluconate, niacinamide, caffeine, biotin, and yeast extract, this ultra-sheer daily sunscreen absorbs all the excess oil from the skin leaving the skin with a gorgeous matte finish. You may use it as the last step of your skincare routine or mix it with a moisturizer or foundation before applying makeup. It’s important to note that it mostly protects against skin-aging UV light, not so much against skin-burning rays.

2

Most Hydrating Spray

COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray

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There are days when you just don’t want to apply a lotion or sunscreen cream. Opt for this breezy spray by COOLA that feels like a breeze on your skin. This organic sunscreen gently protects the skin under your existing acne and hydrates your skin to prevent build-up. The beauty of this product is that it can hold up sweat and water on your skin. Made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber, algae, strawberry, and red raspberry seed oil that protects your skin from any external stressors including pollution, dirt, and dust. 

3

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a lightweight, oil-free face sunscreen for acne-prone skin that can be used both under makeup or alone as it leaves absolutely no residue. Formulated with high-purity niacinamide and transparent zinc oxide, it offers UVA and UVB protection while being sensitive skin friendly. After putting it to the test, we found it to be the best for skin types prone to acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. However, you may have to apply it every 2 hours to protect the skin from sunburn or other environmental stressors.

4

Best for Vacations

Sun Bum Face 50

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Sun Bum Face 50 is one of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin on the market. This facial sunscreen is meant to be applied fifteen minutes before stepping out in the sun and demands application every 2 hours after sweating or swimming. It doesn’t leave a white cast nor does it cause dark patches, thanks to its thick and moisturizing consistency. Interestingly, this broad spectrum product is Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant since it is octinoxate and oxybenzone free. Using the fragrance-free product reduces the risk of cancer and early aging of the skin caused by the harsh rays of the sun.

5

Best for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout Free Oil-Free Sunscreen

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Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout Free Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides superior UVA and UVB sun protection, a result of it being formulated with helio plex technology. Its texture is its most attractive feature as it is water-light and lets the skin breathe all day. As per our expertise, this is a great sunscreen to be applied eighty minutes before outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or even a walk. Men too can easily lather on this sunscreen without worrying about it pilling up in their beards. What’s more, it lasts almost all day.

6

Most Skin-friendly

Hero’s Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

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The Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Hero is one-of-a-kind. Formulated with 100% minerals such as zinc oxide, green surge, and extremolytes - that is not just good for you but also for the ocean. Next time you hit the beach, carry your reef-safe friend along. Additionally, it has a sheer green tint that beautifully camouflages any redness. Its gel-cream formula is its USP. This tinted sunscreen is non-greasy, super lightweight, plays well with makeup, and doesn’t clog pores. We highly recommend using this product as the last step of your morning makeup routine.

7

Most Hydrating

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

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Available in 3 sizes, including a travel-friendly size, Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is a must-have sunscreen for acne-prone skin if you are on the lookout for a hydrating, moisturizing sunscreen. It is a broad spectrum SPF 30 that protects both against sunburn and aging skin caused by harmful sun rays. The sunscreen is great for sensitive skin, provides invisible coverage, and blends well with all skin tones thanks to ultra sheer consistency. Another ingredient in the sunscreen, the water lily, cools and calms sun-stressed skin and makes for the perfect base under makeup.

8

Best for Combination Skin

Julep No Excuses Broad Spectrum Invisible Sunscreen Gel

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Infused with aloe leaf extracts that soothe and hydrate, sunflower seed oil that nourish and repair, and rosehip oil that evens out skin tone, Julep No Excuses Broad Spectrum Invisible Sunscreen Gel for Face is 100% safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It offers an SPF 40 sun-protecting formula, besides being a completely sheer, non-greasy, and lightweight sunscreen. The product isn’t just a sunscreen for acne-prone skin - it also gives an instant glow-up to the skin when applied. Drawing from our experience, the sunscreen needs to be applied after every two hours. You can use it on the face as well as the body.

9

Best for Cystic Acne

MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals Protect Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented

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Protect Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented by MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals comes enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and aloe, and avocado and jojoba oils that deeply moisturize and protect the skin. Additionally, it is a reef-safe zinc sunscreen that can be used all year round. It is water-resistant too, however, you will need to re-apply after swimming or sweating. This sunscreen is great for acne-prone and sensitive skin - there is zero burning, stinging, breakouts, or even irritation caused to the skin, based on our observations. Also, available in a coconut-scented version which too is nice if you enjoy the nutty smell.

10

Most Child-friendly

Sonrei Sea Clearly Translucent Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

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Sonrei Sea Clearly Translucent Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 is formulated using organoshield technology where it uses 3 powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to provide concentrated, water-resistant sun protection. Made by women of minority, it is a premium, eco-conscious sunscreen that fits people of all skin tones, genders, and ages like a glove. Yes, you and your child can lather it up, face and body, without having to worry about it irritating the skin. However, we recommend this sunscreen for people with dry skin since it’s a bit oily and on the heavier side.

11

ZitSticka’s Megashade Sunscreen Serum UVA & UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 50

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ZitSticka’s Megashade Sunscreen Serum is enriched with a whole gamut of breakout-fighting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide NG, niacinamide, ferulic acid, tea tree, and vitamin C. It is one of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that is sheer, buildable, and leaves a beautiful dewy finish. After trying out this product, we also found the skin plumper and brighter-looking. Moreover, its mineral-chemical hybrid formulation works wonders in completely blocking out harmful rays to penetrate the skin.

12

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

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This SPF 40 sunscreen by Supergoop! is a cult favorite! Its oil-free and antioxidant formula effectively protects skin from sun damage and boosts skin hydration. This skin sunscreen glides smoothly onto the skin and has a soft, velvety finish that makes your skin super soft and glowing. This mineral sunscreen for acne is safe for everyday use and can also be used as a primer under foundation. A fun fact — this is the world's first 100% invisible sunscreen with SPF 40. Plus, it can be used on a beard too! You don't have to worry about nasties lingering in the product as it has a gentle formula and is devoid of octinoxate and oxybenzone, making it safe for all skin types.

13

Eucerin Oil Control Broad Spectrum SPF 50

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Say goodbye to blemishes and dark spots with this amazing dermatologist-tested sunscreen by Eucerin. It is formulated with five powerful antioxidants, namely, Vitamin E, Oxynex ST, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Vitamin C,  and Licochalcone A, that nourish the skin, fight free radicals and boost skin health. Its non-irritating and hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for all skin types. Plus, it's non-comedogenic, which means you can use it every day without the fear of clogging your pores. The subtle matte finish of this product gives a natural and dewy look, making your skin feel fresh.

14

Bee&You Skincare Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Face

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Skin revitalization is now easy with this natural sunscreen by Bee&You. Infused with the goodness of aloe vera and vitamin E, this sunscreen helps maintain collagen production, protect the skin from sun damage, and rejuvenate your skin. Its super blendable SPF 50 formula glides smoothly onto the skin without leaving a white cast behind. This is one of the favorite products of many people as it is lightweight and water-resistant. This sunscreen makes for a great product for environment-friendly individuals as it is sustainably sourced, non-toxic, and biodegradable.

Now that we have a good variety of the best face sunscreens for acne-prone skin under our belt, it is time to learn how to choose the best one for your skin.

Let’s find out how to choose the best face sunscreen for acne-prone skin.

Skin type

For break-out-prone, sensitive skin or those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it’s important to look for oil-free, non-comedogenic products. A heavy, greasy sunscreen will make the already existing conditions worse. Lightweight, sheer, or gel formula sunscreens are best suited for acne-prone skin. For normal to dry skin, thick, moisturizing lotions work very well.

Sunscreen type

Sharing some important differences about the two main types of sunscreens - mineral and chemical, our contributor Dr. Yelena Deshko, a board-certified naturopathic doctor, says, “Mineral or physical sunscreens contain mineral based UV filters such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These UV filters function by reflecting the sun's rays. Chemical UV filters absorb into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. Chemical UV filters include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. It is best to use mineral based sunscreens whenever possible, as they are less likely to cause skin irritation.”

Mineral (or physical) sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin acting as a physical barrier against the sun’s rays. They are reef-safe and don’t pose a threat to marine life. Whereas, chemical (or organic) sunscreens are better candidates for wearing under makeup since they get absorbed better and leave no residue.

Purpose

For those exposed to the sun’s rays for long hours, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is ideal for them. Broad spectrum sunscreens give both UVA (rays that cause aging skin) and UVB (rays that cause burning and tanning) sun protection, whereas a normal sunscreen shields the skin against just UV rays, and is a good option for those who keep mostly indoors. However, we recommend a minimum of SPF 30, for daily use and a higher, such as SPF 50 for outdoor activities. 

Broad Spectrum Sun Protection

Before buying sunscreen, make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection, as that will help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If you want maximum protection, always look for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum sun protection feature. 

Oil-free Formula

Look for sunscreens that are "non-comedogenic" and have an oil-free formula to avoid clogged pores and get a natural finish. 

SPF Level

Always aim for a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher to provide adequate protection to your skin from UV damage. Also, don't forget to reapply sunscreen every few hours to block sun rays.

One must know that sunscreens can and should be used for all kinds of skin. If you have sensitive skin or recurring skin disease, you can apply your skin treatment products, allow them to sit for twenty minutes, and then apply your sunscreen for acne-prone skin to protect the skin from skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. If applying sunscreen separately seems too much of a chore to you, you can also look for a 2-in-1 moisturizer plus sunscreen that will meet your daily skincare requirements whilst still providing full-proof protection to your skin. 

If you have acne-prone skin, you must be cautious about applying skincare products because using anything the wrong way might exacerbate symptoms. When it comes to sunscreens, it's pretty simple to use one. 

Wash your face, and pat dry with a clean towel. Take a pea-sized amount of sunscreen and gently apply on your face and neck. Avoid the area surrounding your eyes. Make sure to give attention to your jawline, cheeks, and hairline, and spread the sunscreen evenly. Reapply sunscreen every 4 hours to keep your skin protected from UV rays. 

Conclusion

Sunscreens should be used by people of all skin types. People with acne-prone skin need it especially because too much exposure to the sun can make signs of hyperpigmentation look more visible. If you have sensitive skin or recurring skin disease, you can apply your skin treatment products, allow them to sit for twenty minutes, and then apply your sunscreen for acne-prone skin to protect the skin from skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. If applying sunscreen separately seems too much of a chore to you, you can also look for a 2-in-1 moisturizer plus sunscreen that will meet your daily skincare requirements whilst still providing full-proof protection to your skin. Remember to look for sunscreens that are non-comedogenic for acne-prone skin to ensure maximum protection without triggering acne. Take tips from our buying guide to make an informed decision. Happy shopping! 

Contributor: Dr. Vanita Rattan, a Doctor and Cosmetic Formulator

Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND, Board-certified naturopathic doctor and Founder of Lumèr - Timeless Health Clinic