I Finally Found the 8 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin and My Epidermis Is Grateful
Lightweight formulas that protect against sun *and* breakouts.
I have a confession to make: Before I developed my meticulous skincare routine (which comes complete with a toner, essence, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer), I tended to skip sunscreen. Because my combination skin is prone to breakouts, particularly during the warmer months, I felt like sunscreens were too thick and greasy for my skin. They often felt like they were sitting in thick, pore-clogging layers atop my skin, and they were a nightmare to layer with makeup. I had no idea that sunscreens for acne-prone skin (including several innovative Korean sunscreens and spray sunscreens) even existed.
"There are definitely challenges those with acne-prone skin might when trying to find the right SPF," admits board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD. "Several sunscreen formulations can be thick, especially if they are not specifically formulated for the face, and they can clog the pores, worsening acne. Additionally, some sunscreens can be formulated with comedogenic (AKA acne-causing) oils which can contribute and worsen acne as well."
And my complaints about sunscreen making it impossible to apply foundation? Turns out, I'm not crazy. Dr. Farhang says, "Some sunscreens may cause the skin to look very oily and/or not allow makeup to sit on the skin well. Plus, some sunscreens have chemical sun protecting ingredients that can potentially irritate the skin, causing more inflammation and acne."
But, as I've learned from dermatologists and beauty experts alide, not all sunscreens are built the same. There are plenty of sunscreens that work beautifully on acne-prone skin, and since regular use of sunscreen dramatically lowers your risk of developing skin cancer, you should consider making them part of your skincare routine (I sure have).
Below, everything you need to know about finding a sunscreen that keeps your skin both protected and clear.
Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
- Best Affordable SPF for Acne Prone Skin: Bliss Block Star Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Best Watery SPF for Acne Prone Skin: Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
- Best Oil-Free SPF for Acne Prone Skin: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Pa +++
- Best Satin-Finish SPF for Acne Prone Skin: Kopari Beauty Sun Shield Soft Glow Daily Face SPF 30
- Best Tinted SPF for Acne-Prone Skin: Revision Skincare Intellishade Original
"Bliss Block Star is a clean and affordable option, especially for those with acne-prone skin," says Dr. Farhang. "It is a great everyday sunscreen that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and 100 percent mineral-based. Some additional benefits include the antioxidant blend which helps brighten the skin and help protect it from free radicals, and rosa canina fruit oil, which helps control excess oil while minimizing pores."
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Expert-approved; Non-comedogenic; Mineral formula
What I Don't: It only comes in one shade and likely isn't suitable for deeper skin tones
Customer Review: "This mineral sunscreen has a silky texture, it absorbs & dries very quickly without leaving your skin chalky or greasy looking. It doesn't clog my pores or irritate my skin and it leaves my skin with a matte finish...My skin feels smooth and protected while wearing this sunscreen." -Bliss Block Star
This is the sunscreen that truly changed the game for me. The ultra-lightweight formula is watery, and feels more like an essence than like a sunscreen. As a result, it layers very well under makeup and never leaves a white cast. Formulated with vitamin C, it visibly brightens skin with consistent use, and protects skin from both UV rays and from the harmful effects of blue light.
SPF: 42
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Lightweight; Protects against blue light
What I Don't: Since it has a watery consistency, it might feel messy for some customers
Customer Review: "I use this every morning after serum. It has a great texture and is SO moisturizing. I have [dry] skin and was worried how it would do under make up but it's been a non-issue. I love it" — Ulta
"Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a good option for those who want something very lightweight and disappears into the skin as a primer would," Dr. Farhang attests of this popular formula. "It is formulated with frankincense which helps soothe the skin and Meadowfoam Seed Oil complex which helps moisturize the skin."
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Sits well under makeup and can be used as a primer; Completely invisible
What I Don't: It's not moisturizing
Review For MC: "My skin tends to get a little greasy, especially in my T-zone area, but this is one of the only sunscreens that doesn't make me feel super oily. It also goes on completely clear—the only thing I'd warn ahead of first time use is to make sure you're applying it over an actual moisturizer, since this isn't meant to address dryness. " — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
This is another sunscreen I love that has a lightweight texture and a satin finish that layers well under makeup. I also absolutely love it's packaging: The pump makes for simple, quick application, and the airtight container makes it easier than ever to see how much product I have left. Plus, it keeps me from wasting even a single drop of sun protection.
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Lightweight and has a satin finish
What I Don't: SPF 30 isn't the most optimal UV protection
Customer Review: "I am fair skinned with red hair and sun protection is a must for me. I have used several kinds of face sunscreen and they have all made my skin breakout except for this one! I have used three bottles and I love it! It goes on silky smooth and works well with different foundations." — Ulta
Dr. Farhang raves, "Revision Intellishade Matte, although splurgy, is one of my go-to products. It is a little thicker, so it has more coverage, and the formulation is mattifying, so I recommend it for those with oily skin. It is formulated with peptides, antioxidants, botanical extracts and hydrators so it offers more than just sun protection too."
SPF: 45
Type: Mineral
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Helps control excess sebum on oily and combination skin types
Cons: More expensive than competitors and has a thicker formula
Customer Review: "This sunscreen goes on evenly. The tint is perfect. I find I don’t need any foundation when I use this. It also gives me good sun protection." — Dermstore
This broad spectrum sunscreen is a fairly new option from Korean beauty brand Beauty of Joseon. It absorbs well and doesn't clump, no matter how much makeup you layer over it. Its formula includes organic ingredients like green tea, which can provide antioxidant protection and prevent breakouts. Plus, it has ceramides for moisturizing.
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Lightweight and works well under makeup; Fairly inexpensive
What I Don't: None
Review For MC: "I became a fan of this sunscreen almost immediately after it launched. It's moisturizing without making me feel oily, and it doesn't have an annoying scent that lingers on my face. I also spent a few weeks applying it underneath my makeup, and it doesn't pill at all." — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
La Roche-Posay is great at a lot of things, but what the brand does especially well is sunscreen. Non-comedogenic and made with sensitive skin in mind, it's also perfect for those dealing with breakouts. The key to its success among customers? Hyaluronic acid, which is a known hydrator that's safe and effective for all skin types.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: Provides hydration and sun protection
What I Don't: Slightly thick consistency
Customer Review: "I love this sunscreen and so happy to have finally found one that meets all of my needs: the texture is smooth and doesn't pill under makeup or with reapplication, no irritation around my eyes, and the finish is glowy but not over the top." — Ulta
Popular YouTuber Deepica Mutyala founded Live Tinted to enhance representation within the beauty world, and this hero product is one of the most prominent examples of that mission. It's a high-performance sunscreen with SPF 50 that never leaves a white cast—an answer to the prayers of people with deep skin tones everywhere. And because it comes in a stick formulation, it's easy to reapply on the go.
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection?: Yes
What I Love: No white cast; Packaging is convenient and travel-friendly; It's made with deeper skin tones in mind
What I Don't: Consider skipping if you don't want your skin to look dewy
Customer Review: "I have been on a hunt for a sunscreen with clean ingredients and no case for my skin tone. Unfortunately I haven't had much luck with mineral sunscreens. So I gave this product a shot and it definitely has no cast and leaves your skin with a natural dewy hydrated look a perfect base for makeup or a no makeup [kind of] day." — Ulta
Why Is It Important to Wear Sunscreen?
For those with acne-prone skin, the inclination to skip the sunscreen step is particularly tempting. Those who already produce a lot of excess oil might try to mitigate that oiliness by minimizing the amount of product they put on their skin, but Dr. Farhang says that this couldn't be further from the truth.
"Sunscreen is especially important in those with acne because sun protecting minimizes the risk of acne scarring," she says. "Any trauma to the skin—especially for those darker skin—increases excess melanin production when exposed to the sun. This is what a dark acne lesion is (AKA post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Wearing sunscreen decreases that excess melanin production caused by the sun after acne or any trauma to the skin."
She adds that if you're using an acne treatment, including an acid (like lactic or salicylic acid) or a retinoid (including retinols like Tretinoin), your skin becomes more prone to sunburn and long-term damage from UV rays, making it all the more imperative that you use a sunscreen whenever you go outside.
What Should I Look for In a Sunscreen?
So what are the qualities that make certain sunscreens so good for acne-prone skin?
"Look for oil-free SPF formulations, and other mattifying ingredients that help decrease oil production and also help calm or soothe the skin," says Dr. Farhang. Niacinamide, for instance, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and certain Korean sunscreens boast matte formulas. "Tinted sunscreen may also be nice for those who have active acne or acne scarring to help with aesthetic coverage. Tinted sunscreen also helps further decrease the risk of acne scarring, as it blocks blue light exposure from our screens."
She adds that thinner, non-comedogenic, mineral formulas are ideal for those struggling with acne.
"If there is a sensitivity to chemical sunscreens, a physical sunscreen (AKA mineral) should be used formulated with zinc and titanium," she explains. "It is also important to use a sunscreen on the face specifically formulated for the face—no body sunscreens for the face!" This even includes thinner body sunscreens such as body sprays, she notes.
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Meet the Expert
Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist and double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon as well as a reconstructive Mohs micrographic (skin cancer) surgeon. “Dr. Sheila” as many know her as, stands out in the dermatology space as she has expertise in both integrative skincare and cutting-edge procedures. She is also highly regarded in the female empowerment space being a founder, CEO, and multi-business owner. Dr. Sheila attended the University of Texas for her undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Sheila then completed her dermatology residency at the University of South Florida Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. During this time, she augmented her surgical education with additional training with plastic surgeons. Upon completion, she was selected for a position at arguably one of the most competitive programs in the country for dual fellowship at the Skin Institute of South Florida and Hollywood Dermatology in the Miami, FL area. During this time, she also completed a year-long entrepreneur and leadership program through the Advancing Innovation in Dermatology led by Harvard faculty and international industry leaders.
