What to Buy Skincare Products The 15 Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Face, Tested and Reviewed These sunscreens will shield you from the sun as well as irritation and the dreaded white residue. By Kayla Blanton Kayla Blanton Kayla is a freelance writer who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle for Prevention, Everyday Health, People, and more. She's always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She thinks therapy is for everyone, and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health. She's a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and ornery tabby cat. health's editorial guidelines Updated on July 22, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Know More to Consider Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Jhett Thompson Sun-protective clothing can shield your body from the sun, but your face is pretty much always exposed. It’s no surprise, then, that skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma are most common on the head, face, and neck. It’s also why dermatologists recommend wearing a good face sunscreen every day. We admit, slathering on a goopy, ghostly beach block every morning is not exactly appealing or convenient, which is why it’s important to find a face sunscreen that is easy to apply and works for your skin type. The best face sunscreens are usually oil-free or non-comedogenic to minimize clogged pores, explains Doris Day, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Doris Day M.D. She adds that they should be lightweight and absorb quickly and undetectably into the skin. Face sunscreen should also be fragrance-free to minimize irritation, as well as broad spectrum to block both UVA and UVB damage. To narrow down the best face sunscreens on the market, we interviewed skincare experts and tested 18 of the best-selling SPFs for dry, normal, and combination skin, considering consistency, finish, spreadability, transferability, and water resistance. These are our top picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: CETAPHIL Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water-Resistant: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kinship Moisturizing Sunscreen at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Working Out: Coola Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dark Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Cocokind Silk SPF at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Natural Glow: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin at Credo Beauty Jump to Review Best for Combination Skin: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 at Sephora Jump to Review Best Overall Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Feel 4.9/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.4/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It We found that this lightweight, clear (yes, clear!) texture smooths over skin easily and feels similar to a makeup primer. It’s Worth Noting The silicone-like texture may feel slightly heavy on oily skin types. If you’re looking for an unfussy, easily blendable sunscreen that leaves zero white cast and works for all skin types, this gel-like chemical formula checks all those boxes. Even better, its barrier-like consistency makes layering additional skincare, makeup, and reapplications of SPF a breeze without pilling. We also found the velvety finish to be aptly water-resistant, making this a great pick for swimming, hiking, or other intensive outdoor activities. Sensitive skin types will appreciate that we detected no scent during application, making it low-risk for any potential irritation. We did find that it absorbs more easily into dryer areas of your skin, so you might need to spend more time on any oily patches. Price at time of publication: $38 Product Details: Type: ChemicalSPF: 40Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneSize: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best Budget CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body, SPF 30 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Our Ratings Feel 3.7/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 3.8/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It For under $10, this mineral sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and gets the job done. It’s Worth Noting We found it takes some rubbing to work it into your skin. When you wear and reapply SPF daily, it’s easy to empty a tube in a matter of weeks, which can get expensive. This 100% mineral formula is kind to the pocketbook while keeping skin healthy and protected. It’s also unscented, which makes it safer for sensitive skin. It’s not as lightweight as other sunscreens we tried and may leave more of a white cast on darker skin tones. But for the price, it’s worth the little bit of extra rubbing during application. Plus, it contains added prebiotics and soothing vitamin E to protect skin against other environmental pollutants. Price at time of publication: $10 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxideSize: 3 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best Water-Resistant ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Isdin.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.7/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It Its lotion consistency is lightweight and applies like a chemical sunscreen despite it offering 100% mineral protection. It’s Worth Noting There is a slight scent, but it’s not offensive and fades quickly. Most mineral sunscreens are on the thicker side, and many are tinted. This one is neither. We found it applies like a lightweight moisturizer, yet still offers the physical sun protection mineral sunscreen wearers love. There’s no finicky rubbing or blending necessary, and the formula melts easily into the skin, leaving behind a healthy glow without appearing greasy, which makes it especially great for dry to normal skin types. We found makeup to layer overtop beautifully and reapplication to be simple with no pilling. It doesn’t transfer and we found it to be extremely water-resistant—a great SPF to wear every day or take on vacation. Price at time of publication: $57 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 50Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide Size: 3.4 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best Mineral Sunscreen Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Lovekinship.com Our Ratings Feel 4.9/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.8/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It Its creamy consistency spreads easily and quickly absorbs into the skin. It’s Worth Noting The slight pink tint is brightening on fair skin tones but may lighten dark complexions. Unlike other mineral sunscreens that can be chalky and drying, we found this SPF to be creamy and easily spreadable. It contains turmeric and probiotics to strengthen the skin’s barrier and improve hydration, and our tests found it to deliver on that front. Furthermore, this formula has a unique pink tinge, which we found to give the skin an overall brightened look. It absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast, but may vary in finish on different skin tones. Although it leaves a healthy glow, it doesn’t melt off during exercise—in fact, we found it went unnoticed during a Pilates class. Price at time of publication: $28 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 32Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide Size: 1.75 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Working Out Coola Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Sephora Our Ratings Feel 4.3/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.3/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It The fragrance-free, organic formula withstood HIIT workout classes without causing eye irritation. It’s Worth Noting It’s slightly on the thicker side and takes a little bit of effort to rub in. This formula is great for sensitive skin because it’s organic and fragrance-free. We found that although it takes a few seconds to work into the skin, it does absorb fully without leaving a white cast, and stays put once it’s worked in. The finish left behind is a healthy radiance that we found looks especially great on Zoom calls. Added aloe and plant antioxidants make this an especially calming pick if you’re prone to redness, and we experienced no pilling or streaking during high-intensity workouts or reapplication. It did feel a bit heavy for the first 5 to 10 minutes after application but, after that, we forgot we were even wearing it. Price at time of publication: $32 Product Details: Type: ChemicalSPF: 32Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene Size: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Best for Dark Skin Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 4.7 Ulta View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Feel 4.3/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.7/5 Water Resistance 4.5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It The moisturizer-like consistency dissolves into the skin within seconds and leaves behind zero white cast. It’s Worth Noting It contains nourishing oils that can leave oily skin excessively shiny. This moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid eliminates the need for another cream in your morning skincare thanks to nourishing jojoba and avocado oils. We found the lotion glides onto the skin like butter and soaks in with minimal blending. We even found it refreshingly cooling to apply, which makes it ideal for summer wear. In addition to chemical protectants, this formula contains brightening antioxidants in the form of vitamin C, vitamin E, and carrot, which protect against environmental stressors and may help fade hyperpigmentation. Price at time of publication: $20 Product Details: Type: ChemicalSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneSize: 3 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Sensitive Skin Cocokind Silk SPF 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.9/5 Water Resistance 4/5 Removal 4/5 Why We Like It This SPF is a hybrid mineral-chemical formula that makes it lightweight and non-irritating. It’s Worth Noting It’s not water-resistant and may cause eye irritation if you sweat. The fewer products those with sensitive skin use, the better, and this hybrid sunscreen is totally wearable without moisturizer, according to our testing. It’s also fragrance-free, and we found it to be particularly soothing to dry, sensitive skin. If you’re stuck between choosing a mineral or physical sunscreen, this one offers the best of both worlds. It also contains protective banana blossom to improve your skin’s ability to retain moisture. We found that it felt a bit heavy immediately after applying, but the greasy feeling went away after a few minutes of wear. We also only used two pea-sized drops to cover the whole face, so a little goes a long way. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Type: Chemical and MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalateSize: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: No Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Acne-Prone Skin Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.3/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 4/5 Why We Like It This gel-cream melts into the skin with ease and leaves behind a hydrated finish without being greasy. It’s Worth Noting There’s a green tint to counteract redness, which may not be a good fit for all skin types. We found this silky formula to blend effortlessly into the skin and feel barely there during wear, making it a great makeup primer that won’t clog pores and lead to breakouts. We found it to be scentless during and after application, and reapplication went swimmingly thanks to its lightweight texture. It also caused no burning or stinging of the eyes. Two pumps was enough to cover the whole face, and it reapplied well later in the day. Its green tint serves to balance redness in acne-prone skin, and added botanicals deliver antioxidants to further protect and brighten the complexion. Depending on your skin tone, the green tint might be difficult to rub in, so if you have fair skin, we suggest looking for a product that goes on clear. Price at time of publication: $20 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Zinc oxideSize: 1.69 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Natural Glow Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow 4.9 Iris & Romeo View On Credo Beauty View On Irisandromeo.com Our Ratings Feel 4.9/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.8/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It This tinted formula helps blur and even minor imperfections, brightens skin with vitamin C, and leaves behind a healthy glow. It’s Worth Noting The mineral formula isn’t super hydrating, so those with dry skin may want to pair it with moisturizer. An excellent skincare multi-tasker, this SPF contains vitamin C and soothing niacinamide to brighten your skin, calm redness, and neutralize free radicals. Plus, its universal tint evens out every skin tone without sitting on top of your skin and feeling heavy. We found it to have no white cast. It applies more like a tinted moisturizer or BB cream than an SPF. With that being said, those with dry skin will likely want to layer a good moisturizer underneath to keep skin from feeling dry between reapplications. We also found that we needed to reapply frequently to keep up the glowy look. Price at time of publication: $50 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 50Active Ingredients: Zinc oxideSize: 1.18 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Combination Skin Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen 4.9 Summer Fridays View On Sephora View On Kohls.com View On Summerfridays.com Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It This invisible, thin sunscreen leaves behind a natural matte finish, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types. It’s Worth Noting If you’re looking for an SPF with a noticeable glow, this may not be the best pick for you. This milky sunscreen applies like a serum, sinking into the skin within seconds and controlling shine rather than contributing to it. Despite its thin consistency, it doesn’t skimp out on coverage and even reapplies over makeup easily with soft patting motions. It takes a nickel-sized amount of SPF to adequately protect the face and neck, per the Skin Cancer Foundation, which can sometimes make a gloopy mess, but applying enough of this sunscreen comes with no issue. We love that this sunscreen is completely clear and unnoticeable, even when we applied it over makeup. That said, you won’t get any glow either, so we recommend Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin sunscreen if you’re going for a dewy look. Price at time of publication: $36 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Zinc oxideSize: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Dry Skin EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart Our Ratings Feel 4.7/5 Transfer 4/5 Opacity 3.5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It This dermatologist-vetted sunscreen functions as an SPF and moisturizer in one. It’s Worth Noting It may leave a white cast if not rubbed in properly. Thanks to this SPF’s added hyaluronic acid (a humectant that pulls moisture from the environment and delivers it to the skin) those with dry complexions don’t have to worry about the sunscreen flaking off mid-day or settling into rough patches. We found it to smooth evenly and easily over the skin like a lotion, resulting in a healthy, hydrated glow after application. It also stayed in place all day, even during a strenuous hike. This non-tinted formula is fragrance-free, so it would likely work for sensitive skin types, too. Just keep in mind it does leave a white cast, so it’s best to use this sunscreen under your makeup. Price at time of publication: $36 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 40Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate Size: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Oily Skin La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 4.2 La Roche-Posay View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Our Ratings Feel 4.2/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 3.4/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It The high SPF and mattifying formula makes it great for long days in the hot sun. It’s Worth Noting A heavy application may result in pilling, depending on what products are layered underneath. We found the consistency of this SPF to be thick, but easily spreadable. Thanks to a combination of lightweight silica and perlite powders, it leaves behind a soft-focused matte finish and doesn’t appear greasy, though we did notice our skin felt slightly slick for a while after applying. For such a high SPF, it absorbs reasonably fast and reapplies easily, though the sunscreen may emphasize dry patches if you have them. We also found it to be a bit heavy for everyday use, but it’s a great option if you need a heavier-duty option for long days in the sun. Price at time of publication: $20 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 60Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene Size: 1.7 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Broad Protection Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Day Formula 4.5 Dr. Rossi Derm MD View On Rossidermmd.com Our Ratings Feel 4.1/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.4/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Like It It offers UVB and UVA protection and layers well with makeup. It’s Worth Noting Because it’s on the thicker side, it takes a few minutes to fully absorb into the skin. This dermatologist-formulated sunscreen is ideal for all skin types, given its broad spectrum protection and non-greasy finish that we found doesn’t emphasize fine lines or imperfections. We also tested its protection in sweaty, sunny conditions, and it held up without running, streaking, or causing eye irritation. Despite its thickness, it washes off with ease and added niacinamide works to calm redness and boost skin elasticity over time. It’s a thick formula and does leave a bit of a white cast at first, though both the feeling of thickness and the whiteness wear off after a minute or two of wear. The sunscreen is meant to be used as a final step in your daily skincare routine, so wear it after you apply your makeup for the best results. Price at time of publication: $116 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxideSize: 35 millilitersWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Best Drugstore CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Why We Like It This is an affordable mineral option generally suitable for all skin types. It’s Worth Noting It takes a bit of rubbing to fully work this product into the skin. Mineral sunscreens typically take a bit more effort to rub in than chemical ones because they function as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. With that being said, once this formula sinks in, we found it to be delightful to wear. It’s not too shiny, nor is it too matte or drying, and it delivers nourishing ceramides to the skin that will keep it feeling comfortable throughout the day. It’s fragrance-free and didn’t cause irritation, even during an intense workout. We also wore it over heavy makeup and didn’t notice a heavy or oily feeling. We even noticed that this sunscreen made our face look more glowy, without appearing or feeling greasy. Price at time of publication: $13 Product Details: Type: MineralSPF: 30Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxideSize: 2.5 fluid ouncesWater-Resistant: No Best for Under Makeup Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 4.4 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Glossier.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 4.8/5 Removal 4/5 Why We Like It This serum-like formula disappears into the skin and doesn’t disturb makeup application or wear. It’s Worth Noting It has a light, pleasant citrus scent. Many sunscreens are notorious for not mixing well with makeup. They either become greasy and melt your makeup off, pill underneath, or cause extreme dryness. That’s why makeup wearers need an undetectable SPF that provides a blank canvas to layer products on top. This serum SPF from Glossier (which, by no surprise, was a makeup brand before a sunscreen brand) is just that. We loved how quickly it dissolved into the skin, and that it barely impacted its finish. The sunscreen was neither too shiny nor too matte. It doesn’t leave a white cast, and when we tested we didn't experience any adverse reactions. In fact, we noticed that our skin felt more hydrated when we used this product. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Type: ChemicalSPF: 35Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalateSize: 1 fluid ounceWater-Resistant: Yes Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Health / Jhett Thompson Our Testing Process We tested 18 sunscreens for two weeks at least three times per week by applying them daily after regular our moisturizer and before we put on makeup. Whenever possible, we tested each formula’s ability to withstand water and sweat during outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and exercise. We also interviewed dermatologists and skin care experts to find out what ingredients to look for in a face sunscreen. Experts we spoke with include: Doris Day, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Doris Day M.D Susan Chon, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Kenneth Mark, MD, an expert in skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology What to Know About Face Sunscreens SPF Level Dr. Chon recommends choosing a face sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher. If you have extremely fair skin, it might be better to opt for protection as high as SPF 50, adds Dr. Day. UVA and UVB Protection A sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” is formulated to protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays have a longer wavelength that penetrates deep into the skin and contributes to aging, whereas UVB rays have a shorter wavelength that is associated with sunburn. Exposure to these two types of rays can contribute to skin cancer, so it’s crucial that a face sunscreen protects against both. Type of Sunscreen There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens are physical blockers that use ingredients like zinc oxide to create a barrier between your skin and the sun, explains Kenneth Mark, MD, an expert in skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology. They also block both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work like a sponge and absorb UV rays with ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Color and Type Skin tone and type play a large role in choosing the sunscreen formula that will work best for you. ”Given that mineral sunscreens contain mineral oxides, they can have a whitish appearance on the skin,” says Dr. Chon. “As a result, there are many face sunscreens available now that are tinted and can match various skin tones.” Your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive) will determine the best type of finish. For example, some sunscreens contain hydrators to imbue a natural glow, while others intentionally blur and mattify. Dr. Day adds that a fragrance-free formula can minimize reactions and inflammation in sensitive skin types. More Face Sunscreens to Consider Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Although this sunscreen applied smoothly, we found it didn’t fully absorb into the skin, resulting in a heavy feeling during all-day wear. Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion: We found this product to perform like a traditional sunscreen. It leaves the skin a bit greasy and doesn’t layer well with makeup, so it’s not a great pick for everyday use, but would be fine for a pool day when you’re in need of extra sun protection. Humanrace Ozone Face Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 30: Although it lived up to the claim to moisturize skin, we found this formula difficult to blend and the texture uncomfortably thick. Your Questions, Answered What sunscreen is most recommended by dermatologists? The experts we spoke to recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for daily use on the face. As for type, many dermatologists prefer mineral sunscreens because they’re more likely to offer broad spectrum protection. Mineral sunscreens are also less irritating, says Dr. Chon. Although you might expect a mineral sunscreen to be overly thick, newer forumlations are surprisingly lightweight. How often should I apply sunscreen to my face? “Face sunscreen can be applied once a day if you are mostly indoors. However, if you are outdoors sweating, you should reapply every two hours,” says Dr. Chon. If you’re swimming or being active, Dr. Day recommends reapplying every 80 minutes. What should I look for when shopping for face sunscreen? Dr. Day notes that there are many important factors to consider when selecting a face sunscreen. Always choose sunscreens that are sulfate-free and fragrance-free to avoid irritation. Perhaps most importantly, make sure to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type, with broad-spectrum SPF protection. Who We Are Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for five years and has interviewed dozens of dermatologists about sunscreen. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 3 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers? The Skin Cancer Foundation. Ask the expert: how much sunscreen should I be using on my face and body? American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs.