15 Best Face Sunscreens 2024, According to Dermatologists & Editors

You know that using the best sunscreens for the face is nonnegotiable on a beach day, but did you know that derms say you should use a daily SPF every single day—yep, even in the winter. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), 80% of ultraviolet light passes through clouds, so sun protection is not only key to preventing sun burn on those super hot, bright days, but it also holds the power to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines, sun spots, acne scarring, and skin cancer on the not-so-sunny days.

But finding a daily sunscreen for your complexion is easier said than done, particularly if you have a concern like sensitive or oily skin. To help you find the one for your skin type, I tapped dozens of dermatologists for their thoughts on the subject, plus tested somewhere in the realm of 100 different formulas. I also polled my colleagues at Glamour and a team of anonymous testers for their tried-and-true favorites.

TL;DR: The best overall was the EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum (SPF 50), because it was recommended by 9 out of 10 dermatologists, plus garnered rave reviews from a half-dozen testers. One said she’s tried “over and over” to find a facial sunscreen that’s a little less expensive, but always reverts back, because she simply can’t find anything else that measures up. But if you want to browse some other rock-solid options, we’re confident this list has something *chef’s kiss* for every skin concern.

The best face sunscreens, at a glanceBest Overall Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $31Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, $9Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $11Best Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, $20Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bubble Solar Mate Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, $19Best Face Sunscreen With SPF 50: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50, $36Best Tinted Face Sunscreen: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, $32Your face sunscreen questions, answeredWhat SPF do dermatologists recommend for the face?Is SPF 100 too much for the face?Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?Other face sunscreens we’ve testedKopari Antioxidant Face ShieldGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew BalmBask Daily Invisible GeliNN Beauty Project Mineral Sun GlowVacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face MistTruSkin Mineral SunscreenBlue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral SunscreenAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45

Try this physical sunscreen, and you may never buy anything else ever again. “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a dermatologist—and there’ve been dozens upon dozens—who didn’t recommend this sunscreen,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey.

Despite the high 50 SPF, the lightweight formula is powered by a transparent zinc oxide that won’t leave a white cast, even on darker skin tones. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Ibrahim. “It’s also perfect for layering under makeup.” It’s made with the most active individuals in mind too. The UVA/UVB-blocking formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Our testers back up what dermatologists have told us about EltaMD formulas, including this one. “It’s a little pricey, but every time I try anything else, I go right back to this one,” says one tester. “I have very sensitive skin, and it doesn’t cause any of the usual redness I experience. It doesn’t sting my eyes, either—another huge problem for me with most sunscreen.”

Active ingredient: Zinc oxideSPF: 50Water-resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutesSize: 3 oz.What we love: Lightweight; nongreasyWhat could improve: On the more expensive sideSave when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Dermstore promo codes.

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CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint

This tried-and-true sunscreen gets its stellar reputation largely due to it being as effective as it is affordable. Available in both tinted and sheer options, the broad-spectrum SPF 30 is suitable for all skin types and also packs skin-boosting ingredients that dermatologists stand behind. “This broad-spectrum SPF 30 sheer face tint uses mineral blockers to provide coverage against UVA and UVB,” says Dr. Garshick, noting it contains a blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin’s barrier.

“The consistency is thick, but after some rubbing it settles in nicely and leaves a dewy glow,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. She particularly liked the tinted formula for those no-makeup makeup days at the pool or the beach.

Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide 5.5%, zinc oxide 10%SPF: 30Water-resistant: NoSize: 1.7 fl. oz.What we love: Blends well; hydrating; suitable for darker skin tonesWhat could improve: Not water-resistantSave when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Ulta promo codes.