Definitely Avoid These Sunscreen Ingredients if You Have Acne-Prone Skin—Plus Products Derms *Always* Recommend
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Protecting the skin from the sun’s UV rays is one of the best things you can do for your skin and your health. Not only does sun protection help lower the aging side effects of a beach day (think: fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots), but it can also help lower your risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. But if you have acne-prone skin, sunscreen might not be your favorite formula in your arsenal. After all, so many formulas tend to feel too heavy, lead to congested pores, and leave a trail of grease in their path. These common SPF woes aren’t reasons to ditch this step altogether, though. Instead, it’s important to choose a sunscreen for acne-prone skin that doesn’t cause a breakout.
The secret to finding the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin is all in the ingredients. Up ahead, we tap a top dermatologist to learn more about what to look for in SPF formulas and what to avoid to ensure sun protection without breakouts.
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin, at a Glance
Best Overall: Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $43 (originally $45)
Best Budget: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen SPF 50, $13
Best Drugstore: CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $12 (originally $15)
Best Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $41 (originally $43)
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, $25
Best Tinted: EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen for Face, $42
Best Korean: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, $16
Best Mineral: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $46
Best Spray: Vacation Super Spritz SPF50 Face Mist, $8
Best Fragrance-Free: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen, $22
Best Brightening: Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $38
Best Clear Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $38
Best Lightweight: Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+, $44
Best for Even Skin Tone: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $42
Best Primer With SPF: Glossier Invisible Shield Priming SPF 50, $32
Best Anti-Aging: Murad City Skin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++, $69
Editor’s Pick: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50, $40
What to Look for in SPF for Acne-Prone Skin, According to a Derm
When shopping for sunscreens for acne-prone skin, Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, says to “look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.” Zinc oxide is a common sunscreen ingredient that is used to shield the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Additionally, zinc is an anti-inflammatory, which in some cases, can benefit acne-prone skin by reducing the appearance of breakouts. Titanium dioxide is another common sunscreen ingredient that protects the skin from the sun. While it doesn’t necessarily do anything to reduce or treat acne, titanium dioxide is a great option for those looking for sunscreens that don’t cause breakouts since it won’t clog your pores.
In addition to these ingredients, Dr. Graf recommends looking for non-comedogenic formulas (that means it won’t cause breakouts) that are lightweight and non-greasy. Oil-free formulas are also beneficial, especially if your skin errs on the side of oily and is prone to excess sebum production. While it’s not essential, those with oily and acne-prone complexions might also want a sunscreen with a matte finish to reduce the look of shine. It might also help to include a sunscreen powder — like this one from Supergoop! — to reapply throughout the day and blot away any oil residue.
What Ingredients to Avoid in SPF if You Have Acne, According to a Derm
When you have acne-prone skin, the ingredients to avoid in sunscreen are just as important as the ingredients to look for. “Coconut oil, beeswax, silicones, cocoa butter, soybean oil, lanolin, and oxybenzone should be avoided as they can potentially clog your pores and exacerbate symptoms as well as cause irritation,” says Dr. Graf.
If your skin errs on the side of dry vs. oily, some oils are safe to use and can provide the skin with balancing nourishment. However, check to make sure those are still lightweight and non-comedogenic before clicking add to cart. Acne-prone skin can also be a little more sensitive than other skin types — especially if you’re experiencing a breakout — so if you are prone to irritation, also avoid fragrances.
Need help shopping for an SPF formula that will protect your skin without clogging pores? See our dermatologist-approved top picks for the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin, ahead.
Experts in This Article
Dr. Jeannette Graf: A board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
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BEST OVERALL
Colorescience, Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
If you’re looking for the overall best sunscreen for acne-prone skin, Dr. Graf says this one is her favorite. The Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen features SPF 50 and is formulated with zinc oxide to physically protect the complexion from the sun’s harmful rays. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed with all skin types in mind — including acne-prone and oily — is non-comedogenic, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. It also has a lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave behind a white cast, providing an easy application process for everyday wear.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST BUDGET
Aveeno, Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen SPF 60
You can still protect your skin without wreaking havoc on your complexion, or your wallet. For a budget-friendly sunscreen, opt for the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen with SPF 60. This under $10 sunscreen is formulated with avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene for sun protection, and also includes oat leaves for added nourishment and moisture. The drugstore sunscreen is sweat and water-proof as well as non-greasy, oil-free, and hypoallergenic.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
SPF: 60
Size: 2 oz.
Fragrance: Yes
BEST DRUGSTORE
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
The CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30 is one of the best drugstore sunscreens that money can buy, not only for its sun protection but also for its nourishing skincare ingredients. This formula features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, plus hyaluronic acid for lightweight moisture (yes, acne-prone skin still needs hydration) and niacinamide for its anti-inflammatory and anti-redness benefits.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 30
Size: 2.5 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST FACE SUNSCREEN
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, Oil Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
When it comes to the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin, EltaMD has a few great options (keep scrolling for our favorite tinted SPF from the brand). But dermatologists swear by the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen for everyday wear. This formula features SPF 46 and is designed to physically block the sun’s rays with its inclusion of zinc oxide. It’s also oil-free and enriched with niacinamide to help target the redness and inflammation that breakouts bring with them. In addition to being a fantastic pick for acne-prone skin, the EltaMD sunscreen also works great for sensitive skin, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
SPF: 46
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non Greasy, Oil Free Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50
If you’re on the hunt for the best face sunscreen that you can wear daily on acne-prone skin, try the Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen with SPF 50. This formula features sun protection from titanium dioxide and also includes beneficial skincare ingredients such as vitamins A, E, and C and aloe for overall skin health. The sunscreen is particularly great for those with oily complexions as it also features kaolin clay to naturally absorb oil and mattify the complexion.
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide
SPF: 50
Size: 5 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST TINTED
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen for Face, SPF 41
We’re convinced that tinted sunscreen is the ultimate life hack (at least as far as beauty routines are concerned). And, the EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen for Face is a go-to for its sun protection-meets-makeup properties. This SPF 41 formula features sun protection derived from zinc oxide and titanium oxide, plus a light tint that blends into the skin to even out the skin tone. Its mattifying finish helps target excess oil production and its nourishing ingredients have a soothing effect on the skin, too. Not to mention: It won’t clog pores or leave you feeling extra greasy.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF: 41
Size: 3 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST KOREAN SUNSCREEN
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is one of the best sunscreens we’ve ever tried — it’s no wonder it went viral on TikTok. This Korean sunscreen is formulated with all skin types in mind, including oily and acne-prone skin. We love it because its creamy consistency feels more like a moisturizer than an SPF, so it soaks into the skin easily, doesn’t leave a white cast, and protects the complexion from the sun’s damaging UV rays. It’s also enriched with 30 percent rice extract, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and can, therefore, address some of the common woes with acne-prone skin.
Active ingredients: Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
SPF: 52.5
Size: 1.69 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST MINERAL
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
For the best mineral sunscreen for acne-prone skin, consider this broad-spectrum option from ISDIN. The sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide and features SPF 50 for impressive sun protection. But, in addition to physically blocking the sun’s rays, the sunscreen also acts as an anti-aging skincare product thanks to its inclusion of antioxidant-rich vitamin E and DNA Repairsomes, which can target pre-existing sun damage.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: Yes
BEST FACE SPRAY
Vacation, Super Spritz Face Mist SPF 50
Facial sunscreen sprays are one of the most convenient ways to get your sun protection and also work well as a touch-up method throughout the day. For one that is safe for all skin types — including blemished skin — consider the Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist, which has SPF 50 in it and is formulated with avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene for sun protection. In addition to sun protection ingredients, the sunscreen spray also features caffeine for its de-puffing properties and a blend of bisabolol, aloe, cucumber, green tea, vitamin E, algae, and ferric acid for their soothing antioxidants and the ability to protect against blue light and pollution. While the sunscreen is formulated without some of the ingredients Dr. Graf warns against (like beeswax and mineral oil), it features hydrating shea and maracuja oils, so if you’re concerned about added oils, it’s best to use this one on acne-prone skin that runs a bit dry.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
SPF: 50
Size: 2.2 oz.
Fragrance: Yes
BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE
La Roche Posay, Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Sensitive skin needs a fragrance-free sunscreen that won’t cause irritation, like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. This sunscreen features SPF 60 and has an oil-free formula with lightweight hydration from ingredients such as glycerin and soothing La-Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water. It’s also fast-absorbing and leaves a satin finish on the skin that doesn’t ever feel too heavy or greasy.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
SPF: 60
Size: 3 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST BRIGHTENING
Tula, Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
If you want a sunscreen that also acts as a skin brightening cream, go with the Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel with broad spectrum SPF 30. This formula features sun protection from avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate, plus probiotics to smooth the skin, pineapple and papaya for gentle exfoliation and brightening, and wild butterfly ginger root to ward off blue light and pollution. It also has a gel-like consistency that feels comfortable on the skin, is fast-absorbing, and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
SPF: 30
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST CLEAR OPTION
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Clear sunscreens are a total game changer — and this Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop! is one of Dr. Graf’s top recommendations. The SPF 40 sunscreen features a primer-like consistency and a colorless formula that protects the skin without leaving behind a white cast. It also includes meadowfoam seed for its lightweight hydration, red algae to protect against blue light from our screens, and frankincense for an added soothing touch. Since it’s a clear formula, you can use this on its own or in place of your makeup primer for an added dose of sun protection.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
SPF: 40
Size: 1.7 oz., 2.5 oz. 0.68 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Bioderma, Photoderm SPF 50
The Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+ is another sunscreen Dr. Graf swears by for acne-prone skin — especially if you want something more lightweight. The sunscreen is formulated with mineral filters to physically block the sun’s damaging rays and also features antioxidant-rich vitamin E for warding off the effects of pollution and other environmental aggressors on the skin. It’s also fragrance-free and doesn’t leave the complexion feeling super dry, which can have a negative on acne-prone skin (even if you have an oily complexion).
Active ingredients: Mineral filters
SPF: 50
Size: 2.65 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST FOR EVEN SKIN TONE
Skinceuticals, Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
For a sunscreen that also temporarily targets skin tone, consider the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense with SPF 50. It’s formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection and also includes Artemia salina, a plankton extract that supports the skin’s natural ability to block stress caused by heat and UV rays. The sunscreen also features a subtle universal tint that helps even out the skin tone and can be worn on its own for a no-makeup makeup look or as a base for foundations and BB creams.
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No
BEST SPF PRIMER
Glossier, Invisible Shield SPF 50
Face primers with SPF are another great way to get an added dose of sun protection. If you have acne-prone skin, the Glossier Invisible Shield Priming SPF 50 is formulated with combination and oily skin types in mind. This sun protector features avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene for sun protection, plus aloe for its soothing properties. It’s also lightweight, breathable, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: Yes (less than 1%)
BEST ANTI-AGING
Murad, City Skin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Sunscreen in and of itself is an anti-aging skincare formula since it protects against the side effects of sun exposure (which include wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots). However, if you want a formula with some extra oomph, this option for Murad is a great choice. It’s formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection and also includes vitamin C for antioxidant support, brightening, and supporting collagen production. The sunscreen is formulated with all skin types in mind and is non-comedogenic so it won’t wreak havoc on blemish-prone skin either.
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 0.6 oz., 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No
EDITOR'S PICK
Shiseido, Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF 50
“Shiseido is so widely trusted by so many people in the beauty space,” Gina Vaynshteyn, senior commerce director says. “It’s also a brand I’d see in my mom’s bathroom cabinet growing up — it’s. truly timeless. And that’s because it’s really, really effective. The Ultimate Sun Protector has been my go-to SPF in my 30s, and I’ve never experienced a sun burn, or a break-out — and I am very acne-prone,” Vaynshteyn says.
“Formulated with Shiseido’s SynchroShield™ Technology, this stuff is perfect for all-day protection, whether you’re sitting by a window in the office, or on an hours-long bike ride on the beach. It’s ultra grippy, so even you’re submerged in water or covered in sweat, it stays put. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, so it keeps your face nice and dewy.”
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 oz.
Fragrance: No