Sunscreen is an everyday essential—especially sunscreen for your face. And while it may be tempting to just slap on a foundation with SPF and call it a day, if you really want to get the best protection possible, dermatologists say that you should always try to layer SPF underneath, too. (Yes, even on rainy or cloudy days.) Daily application can prevent sun damage, which can lead to things like premature aging, dark spots, and most concerning, skin cancer. That’s why even if you have acne-prone skin and want to avoid anything that could irritate it, sunscreen is a must.
Thankfully, there are plenty of formulas on the market today—including plenty of drugstore sunscreens—that won’t make things worse. From mineral sunscreens to chemical ones to tinted options, the picks in this curated list will make you forget all about the pore-clogging, greasy, and irritating sunscreens of years past. Some even promise to provide relief to breakout-prone skin, and FYI, sun protection helps post-acne hyperpigmentation fade faster than if you went without sunscreen!
If you’re still a sunscreen newbie, make sure to check out our guide to mineral vs. chemical sunscreens to make a really educated choice. And don’t forget to pop a lip balm with SPF in your purse to protect and nourish your lips, too!
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1
Best Drugstore Option
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen
1
Best Drugstore Option
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen
Waterproof and powered by 100 percent zinc oxide, this gentle sunscreen is free of irritating fragrances. It dries down without feeling too oily, and it stays put!
Instead of sporting that classic, super strong sunscreen smell, this sunscreen has a pleasant citrusy scent. It also feels just like a moisturizer and works for all skin types, including oily and dry.
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4
Best for Oily Skin
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
4
Best for Oily Skin
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
This weightless and scentless sunscreen can multitask as a makeup and primer and doesn't leave behind that dreaded white cast that's common with other sunscreens. No wonder it's Supergoop's most popular formula!
This sunscreen may be pricier than the others on our list, but it comes highly recommended by many a dermatologist. One of its ingredients is lactic acid, which helps lessen shine and clear pores with continued use.
This matte sunscreen is formulated with both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for ultimate protection. It also comes with a slight tint, so it's great for quickly throwing on when you're in a rush.