23 Best Face Sunscreens For 2024, Tested By Editors and Dermatologists
These formulas are top-notch.
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Whether it's the dead of winter or the middle of July, any dermatologist will tell you to wear sunscreen on the daily. “Many people assume you only need to wear sunscreen on sunny summer days, though it really should be applied year-round,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD.
But, because there are so many options out there, it can be a little tricky to find the perfect formula for your skin, especially if you struggle with skin sensitivities like acne and redness. Below, dermatologists break down what to look for in an everyday face sunscreen, and the exact products to shop depending on your skincare needs.
What to look for in a face sunscreen
There's a lot to consider when it comes to buying a new face sunscreen, from the ingredients to the SPF number. Here's everything derms want you to know before shopping:
- Mineral or chemical SPF: Dr. Gohara and dermatologist Julie Russak, MD both prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical sunscreens because they work for all skin types (even acne-prone or sensitive skin), aren't as irritating, and create a barrier to block UV rays. While mineral sunscreens reflect the sun's rays off the skin, chemical sunscreens absorb them. But "chemical and mineral sunscreens are theoretically both equally effective," Dr. Gohara says.
- Ingredients: Mineral sunscreen has filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that are responsible for protecting against UV damage, so they're the most important ingredients to look for. In chemical sunscreens, the filters are benzone and oxybenzone. These active ingredients are "the most valuable for skin health and cosmetic benefit, seeing as a majority of the signs of aging come from unprotected UV exposure," Dr. Gohara says. Make sure the sunscreen also says it is "broad spectrum" so it protects against all types of UV rays.
- Formula: Choose a formula that you'll actually enjoy wearing. If you have oily skin or just like using more lightweight products, opt for a serum or gel. Those with dry or sensitive skin will want to opt for a more traditional cream formula, or something that adds a nice glow to the skin.
- SPF number: The most important part about shopping for sunscreen is to choose a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher so that the face is protected from all rays, says Dr. Gohara.
Whether you want a dewy glow, prefer a matte finish, or even want something with a tint to it, there's a facial sunscreen for you. To find the best options, we talked to a panel of nine board-certified dermatologists to provide their recommendations. Our commerce and beauty editors have also tested countless amounts of sunscreens over the past year, adding in their top choices. Additionally, we sought a panel of testers who have different complexions and skincare concerns. Keep reading for our 23 favorite sunscreens for every skin type.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health. Outside of topics related to lifestyle, relationships, and dating, she also loves covering fitness and style. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym, reading mystery and romance novels, watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz, and wandering around the West Village in New York City. In addition to Women's Health, her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Danielle is the beauty editor at Women's Health. Her apartment is currently littered with beauty products, but when she's not testing them all out, you can find her watching facial ASMR videos on YouTube, binge-watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and reading rom-coms.
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