You do not have to be an aesthetician to know the importance of applying sunscreen daily. But, if you have bumpy or acne-prone skin, regular sunscreens can clog your pores leaving your skin feeling worse. However, according to Dr. Vanita Rattan, it is even more important for people with acne-prone skin to apply sunscreens. She says, "When you have acne-prone skin, acne leads to inflammation, inflammation triggers the melanocytes-the cells producing their pigment melanin. Those cells then start to produce too much pigment and that's why you see dark marks on the skin called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If we don't wear sunblock, UV will hit the skin and further trigger those melanocytes so that those dark spots become darker now." 

Here's where the best non-comedogenic sunscreens enter the picture. These sunscreens have ingredients that do not clog your pores while providing sun protection, thus preventing acne, breakouts, and dark spots.  

If you are scared that applying sunscreen would further harm your oily or acne-prone skin, then put all your worries to rest because we have compiled a list of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens, as per our expertise, that will help you up your defense game against UV rays while taking care of your skin.

• 1
  Best Calming Formula

  CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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This CeraVe sunscreen contains zinc oxide for UVA/UVB protection. It has hyaluronic acid that helps in retaining the skin's moisture. Additionally, it also has niacinamide that helps calm the skin. Developed with dermatologists' approval, the sunscreen contains a miraculous MVE technology that gradually releases moisture on your skin to provide long-lasting hydration. The sunscreen has three crucial ceramides- 1, 3, and 6-II that are essential to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.

Customer review: ‘I've been using this for a couple of years and I love it. I use a moisturizer that doesn't contain sunscreen so I use this over it. Not only does it have sunblock, but it also contains ceramides! I'm a "mature woman" in my 60's and I swear by this stuff.’ - Immortal me

2

Smoothest Emulsion

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

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As a 100% mineral-based formulation, this non-comedogenic sunscreen is unlikely to cause any lesions or inflammation since the UV filters won’t penetrate your skin. While most sunscreens shield you from photodamage, this product even helps in reducing existing damage. Besides, the product has a delectable consistency that feels low-key on the skin and absorbs fast, unlike many over-the-counter products that leave a greasy residue. What makes this feature even better is that the product is water-resistant. So, you can easily wear it under your makeup and use it as you find convenient!

3

Best for Sensitive Skin

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen

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If you have sensitive skin prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, EltaMD is an incredible sunscreen choice to protect your skin. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 46 comprising 9.0% zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and lactic acid to promote healthy skin while blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. These ingredients provide hydration and anti-aging benefits, and reduce the appearance of pores. Overall, it is a lightweight sunscreen that you can use daily with makeup or alone.

Customer review: As per Angie, an Amazon customer, it is extremely effective and it does not burn your eyes, which usually happens with other sunscreens when we perspire.

4

Most Refreshing

Sun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

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This non-comedogenic oil-free sunscreen by Sun Bum contains SPF 30, which is perfect for beach lovers. Our research indicates that this fantastic water-resistant sunscreen is packed with vitamin E and other skin conditioners that make your skin healthy and younger-looking. Owing to its lightweight, non-greasy formula, Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion is easy to apply and absorbs like a dream! Moreover, it provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is suitable for all skin types. To top it all off, user reviews suggest that it smells refreshing, like summer in a bottle.

Customer review: ‘Great product! Non-greasy, smells nice, and good protection from sunburn.’ - Cheryl S.

5

Most Long-Lasting

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen

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The Neutrogena sunscreen lotion is packed with advanced features to provide exceptional UVA/UVB protection, specifically designed for acne-prone skin. This sunscreen is enriched with powerful Helioplex technology and is boosted by the active ingredient avobenzone, ensuring superior defense against harmful sun rays. Owing to its water-light texture, this sunscreen lotion offers a weightless and matte finish, allowing your skin to breathe freely while effectively warding off any unwelcomed skin issues. Additionally, this liquid sunscreen lotion is fragrance-free and boasts water-resistant properties, providing up to 80 minutes of defense against the sun's harmful rays.

Customer review: ‘This is such a great sunscreen! I have sensitive skin that is acne prone and this is the first chemical sunscreen I’ve been able to use. It really really helps with the sweat and oil.’ - Jojojon

Quick Tip

Apply the non-comedogenic sunscreen after moisturizing your face, and let it dry for 10 minutes before stepping out in the sun for utmost protection against UV rays.

6

Best for Daily Use

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen Lotion

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Next in line is this skin-loving non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin by Aveeno, which is designed to shield your facial skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Based on our first-hand experience, we conclude that this sunscreen absorbs quickly in your skin, and seamlessly layers under makeup without any visible residue. Specifically crafted for sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen harnesses the power of naturally sourced zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Additionally, it also contains vitamin E, feverfew, and nourishing oat extracts that protect your skin from external aggression and pamper the delicate eye area and facial skin (1), (2).

Customer review: An Amazon customer says that she loves this sunblock. She has been using it for many years and it is very moisturizing and gives full coverage.

7

Most Travel-friendly

Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen

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This product by Blue Lizard is the ultimate non-comedogenic sunscreen for the face as it contains a lightweight water-gel formula, specifically designed for daily application. When we tried this sunscreen, we found that the pores remained unclogged, allowing the skin to breathe freely while receiving optimal protection. Its broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ ensures that your skin is safeguarded from the full spectrum of damaging rays. A unique feature about this product that sets this product apart is that the sunscreen bottle turns blue in sunlight as a reminder to stay sun safe wherever you go.

Customer review: ‘It is the best there is and I believe it is the best there is. Highly recommended by dermatologists.’ - Skip H.

8

Best Probiotic Sunscreen

TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

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This oil-free non-comedogenic sunscreen shields the skin from the harmful effects of sun rays, pollution, and blue light while giving your skin a dewy appearance. Enriched with probiotic extracts, pineapple, papaya, and wild butterfly ginger root, TULA's sunscreen not only strengthens and protects the skin but also promotes an even skin tone. While trying out this product, we found that it seamlessly blends into the skin, making it an excellent choice to wear under makeup or on its own.

Customer review: ‘My favorite product! It moisturizes my face while giving me peace of mind in knowing I’m protecting my skin from the sun! The product I recommend the most!!!’ - Abby M.

9

Most Nourishing

MEGASHADE by ZitSticka - SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Serum

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Megashade's exceptional formula offers broad-spectrum defense, preventing skin darkening while brightening existing blemishes. With ingredients like vitamin C, ferulic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil, ceramide NG, and hyaluronic acid, it not only fights UV rays but also acts as a daily serum. These ingredients invigorate your skin, boost hydration and indulge your senses. Dermatologically tested for breakout-prone and sensitive skin, this non-clogging sunscreen is also lightweight and leaves no white cast. By using this product, you can elevate your skincare routine and achieve a dewy finish without compromising on sun protection.

Customer review: ‘I absolutely adore this spf! It is a fairly big bottle so I’m convinced you’re getting the money's worth. It is so non-greasy and is perfect for oil and dry skin!’ - Gloria

10

Most Hydrating

Supergoop! Zincscreen- SPF 40 PA+++ 100% Mineral Face Lotion & Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

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Supergoop! offers a 100%  mineral sunscreen for oily skin with non-nano zinc oxide that ensures broad spectrum SPF 40 coverage without the particles penetrating your skin. It has a unique pink hue that blends seamlessly into most skin tones, reducing the appearance of a white cast. Enriched with winter cherry, coconut fruit extract, and blueberry extract, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin while defending against sun damage, filtering out blue light, and protecting against other aggressors. Lastly, it goes perfectly under makeup, leaving your skin soft and glowing.

Customer review: ‘No white cast, super hydrating, love how it feels on my skin and gives a glowy finish. Highly recommend.’ - Cecilia

Now that you have a complete list of sunscreens you can choose from, let's move forward to what exactly non-comedogenic sunscreens are and how you can choose the one that fits your needs perfectly.

Non-comedogenic products are the ones that are designed in such a way that they do not clog pores after application. They are formulated with ingredients that do not disrupt the flow of sebum on our skin. This makes our skin less prone to irritation, allergies, and other unwanted breakouts. Additionally, opting for non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers proper protection from UV and infrared radiation without initiating congestion and acne breakouts.

There are several non-comedogenic sunscreens available out there. Let's move on and discuss how you can find your perfect sunblock that takes care of your skin needs.

Here is how you can pick the best non-comedogenic sunscreen as per your skin type - 

Ingredients

Looking at the key ingredients of sunscreen is the first step toward picking the correct non-comedogenic product for your skin. Crosscheck to ensure that the sunscreen is free from heavy-duty pore-clogging ingredients. Instead, look for alternatives that have ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin E, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics. These ingredients are approved by dermatologists to have various skin benefits. Make sure that the sunscreen you pick is non-greasy and free from mineral oil, petrolatum, heavy occlusives, denatured alcohol, phthalates, and sun filters that may irritate your skin. Also, ensure that the product is cruelty-free and reef-safe so you make a conscientious skincare choice.

SPF

SPF is another vital aspect to examine while buying a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Go with options that fall in the range of SPF of 30 to 70 for optimal sun protection. The number can vary depending on how sunny or cloudy it is outside, and how long you’re going to be out in the sun for. However, avoid going for strong formulations with SPF 100 as it may feel hefty on the skin due to the higher protection factor.

Skin Type

If you have oily skin go for gel or water-based formulas that won't clog your pores. Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to control oil production. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, pick sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like aloe extracts, allantoin, coconut oil, and glycerin. These elements hydrate the skin without clogging your pores. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin go for a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen.

Formula

The sunscreen formulation plays a vital role while skimming for a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Opt for sunscreen lotions that are lightweight in consistency and have water-based formulas. You may also go for spray and serum-based sunscreens as they are light on the skin.

Here are simple steps to use non-comedogenic sunscreens correctly - 

Cleanse Your Skin - Wash your face using a gentle foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils.

Moisturize Your Face - Hydrate and moisturize your skin using an oil-free lotion or cream that doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind.

Dispensing the Perfect Amount - It's vital to cover your neck and face properly while applying sunscreen. For that, follow the two-finger rule, i.e., squeezing sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers and applying it all over your face/neck.

Gentle Blending - Massage the sunscreen well and leave it for 5-10 minutes before putting your makeup on.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam