The 12 Best Sunscreens For Every Skin Type

Last updated on June 15, 2023
The 12 Best Sunscreens For Every Skin Type

If you’re not wearing sunscreen all day, every day, then who even are you? Come on… protect yourself—it’s 2020, people!  Skin cancer and premature aging are very real things, and it’s officially time for you to do some intense adulting and sun-proof your face. But if you’re not absolutely sure which SPF to choose, especially if you hate the feeling of sunscreens, or have oily skin, or dry skin, or sweat a lot, or whatever other excuse you can think of, then today is your lucky day. Because we rounded up the 12 best sunscreens that are so good, you’ll forget you’re wearing any at all.

12 Best Sunscreens For Every Skin Type

Here is the 12 best sunscreens list for every single skin type.

1. Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen

1. Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen

You should not go to the beach without this sunscreen in your bag. The sport formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so your skin stays protected whether you’re swimming or sweating. And we love the that the lotion is mineral-based—which means it never stings or burns your skin and is reef-safe, too.

2. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45

2. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45

This facial sunscreen is the ultimate skin protector (and works on all skin types). Not only does the SPF 45 formula shield your face from UV rays, but it also contains eight different antioxidants (like vitamin C, green tea, and resveratrol) to protect your skin from the harmful effects of pollution, infrared (IR), and blue light.

3. Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

3. Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Not a fan of traditional sunscreens? We got it. This green and clean SPF 30 from Love Sun Body is made with 100 percent natural ingredients (like vitamin E and coconut oil), plus mineral blockers to protect your face and body from harmful UV damage.

4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60

4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60

Breakouts are no excuse to skip sunscreen—in fact, UV exposure can make acne and acne scars worse. Protect your skin with this lightweight, oil-free, and mattifying SPF 60 from La Roche-Posay. It’s perfect for acne-prone skin since it won’t clog your pores (even in heat and humidity).

5. Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30

5. Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30

Proof that sunscreen doesn’t need to look or feel chalky on your face? This sheer, skin-brightening sunscreen from Dermalogica. It uses light-reflecting technology to boost your glow, plus SPF 30 and antioxidants (like vitamin E) to protect your skin from UV damage and free radicals. Use it everyday as the last step in your skin before makeup.

6. Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 35 + Shine Control

6. Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 35 + Shine Control

If most sunscreens make your face look and feel insanely greasy, try this mattifying formula from Olay. The lightweight texture feels almost like a serum, meaning it absorbs instantly (without any oil slicks), and is infused with micro-fine powders that help keep shine in check throughout the day.

7. Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 PA+++

7. Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 PA+++

Massage a quarter-size scoop of this moisturizing sunscreen into your skin every morning if you want to be very, very nice to your dry, dehydrated face. The whipped-like formula contains SPF 40 plus a combo of heavy-hitting moisturizers (glycerin, algae, and safflower extract) to nourish dry, flaky skin.

8. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen for Face

8. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen for Face

Not only does this all-mineral sunscreen protect skin from UV damage with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide, but it’s also free of fragrance (a known skin irritant), making it safe for rosacea, psoriasis, or just incredibly sensitive skin. 

9. EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

9. EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

This water-resistant sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid (a humectant that draws moisture from the air and pushes it into your skin throughout the day) and absolutely zero oil. So your dry patches stay hydrated and your oily patches remain semi-matte.

10. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick

10. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick

If you’re going to be at the beach and in the water all day, you’ll need a water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF to keep your face safe. Neutrogena’s Beach Defense checks both boxes—and comes in an easy-to-apply stick that won’t leak or spill in your beach bag.

11. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50

11. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50

All your excuses for not reapplying? Gone. Because this brush-on sunscreen powder is infused with SPF 50, allowing you to dust it over your face throughout the day for a sheer layer of protection. It’s easy to stash in your bag, won’t mess with your makeup, and comes in four different tints to cover up any breakouts or redness.

12. Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

12. Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

The stickiness that comes from sweat mixed with multiple layers of SPF is the last thing you want to deal with when doing burpees in the park. Thankfully, this spray sunscreen was created to absorb that extra moisture so you don’t feel like a swampy mess by the end of your workout.

Go ahead and pick the sunscreen you like. Share your experience and feedback with us in the comments section below.