14 Best Sunscreens That Go Above and Beyond UV Protection
Hands down, the best step for healthier, more radiant skin is to apply one of the best sunscreens on the market that suits your skin type. Check any of your favorite beauty shops IRL and virtually, and you'll find a near-endless selection of lotions, serums, and spray sunscreens formulated with broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall Sunscreen: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33, $45
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, $78
- Best Chemical Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36, $18
- Best Natural Finish: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50, $42
- Best Matte Finish: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50, $38
- Best Satin Finish: Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $69
- Best Sunscreen Stick: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50, $67
- Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, $70
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $43
In true Allure fashion, we're spilling everything you need to know about our team's favorite face sunscreens—with a few additions from some of the best board-certified dermatologists in the nation. These formulas glide on like a dream, never disrupt makeup, and most importantly, prevent sunburns and UV-induced damage with proper application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does sunscreen work?
- What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall Sunscreen: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
Why It's Worth It: Founded in 2023 by David Kim, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology, Lightsaver is on a mission to "make daily sun protection mindlessly easy," according to the brand. The Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33 is a tinted, zinc oxide formula that leaves a subtly radiant finish. The silky, whipped formula has a few active ingredients worth noting, including photolyase, which helps calm the skin and repair sun damage; antioxidant-rich lingonberry stem cells that guard skin cells against blue light damage; and niacinamide and squalane to even skin tone and provide hydration.
Tester Feedback: "As a chemical sunscreen lover, even I was surprised when I volunteered to test mineral sunscreens for our 2023 Best of Beauty Clean category—but, from the very first application, Lightsaver has become a go-to mineral formula that has claimed a spot in my regular rotation," commerce editor Sarah Han says. "It has the slightest tint that’s perfect for no-makeup makeup days because it still lets my real skin peek through while minimizing some redness and discoloration," Han adds. And thanks to nourishing ingredients like squalane, it leaves behind a subtle dewy finish that's not as overwhelming as the dewiness of some chemical SPFs—which can sometimes emphasize Han's (who has combination skin) shiny T-zone.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (14.2%), photolyase, niacinamide, squalane, lingonberry
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Why It's Worth It: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 pulls off the impossible: Pairing mineral filters with a lightweight feel. “It wears so comfortably that you genuinely will want to apply it—and reapply it—every two hours,” says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. It leaves a dewy finish that blurs out just enough to forgo makeup, and it's non-comedogenic, so it should not block pores.
Tester Feedback: Shipin loves that this mineral-based formula isn't chalky and leaves a natural glow that you'd expect from a skin tint. “In addition to dry skin, I have redness and pregnancy-related melasma on my face, and this sunscreen evens everything out while it brightens—I truly never feel the need to wear base makeup when I use this!” says Shipin. She does call out one notable con: The sunscreen only comes with one tint, a neutral shade that may not blend in as well on those who aren't medium skin-toned.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (8.9%), zinc oxide (3.4%), ectoin, phytoene
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Best Chemical Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36
Why It's Worth It: If you've ever been on beauty TikTok, you know that Korean skin-care brands offer the golden standard of the moisturizing sunscreen category, and Innisfree's Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36 is a prime example. Infused with cica, green tea, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin barrier, the formula works for people of all skin types. Did we mention it's only $16 and a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner?
Tester Feedback: Blackman notes during testing that the lightweight, no-cast formula leaves a slight glow, but don't worry: The finish isn't remotely greasy.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.5%), homosalate (7.0%), octisalate (4.3%), green tea, cica, sunflower seed oil
More Sunscreens We Love:
Best Natural Finish: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: With multiple Best of Beauty Awards under its belt, the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 stands out from the crowd due to its sheer tint, which offers just enough coverage to tackle dark spots, redness, and breakouts alike. (That said, it only has one tint, so it might not work for all skin tones.) However, you can always follow the formula—which delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50—with a foundation if needed.
Editor Tip: It's free of parabens, fragrance, and silicones, making it a great option for more sensitive skin types.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (5%), titanium dioxide (6%), artemia salina
Best Matte Finish: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: When multiple editors of different ages and skin tones love the same sunscreen, you know it's good. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 picked up a 2023 Best of Beauty Award due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky formulation — perfect for those who want serious sun protection without looking (or feeling) greasy. This matte-finish mineral SPF is chock-full of vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, silica to absorb excess oil, and La Roche-Posay's classic Thermal Spring Water to soothe skin.
Editor Tip: If the name sounds familiar, it's the tinted version of the fan-favorite La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50, which won a Best of Beauty Award in 2021.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (11%), vitamin E, silica, thermal spring water
Best Satin Finish: Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Why It's Worth It: One swipe of Murad's Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 and you won't be able to get enough of its satiny texture. This sheer mineral sunscreen (16.7% zinc oxide, if you were wondering) boosts radiance and helps prevent future pigmentation—thanks to a team of antioxidant-rich jojoba, squalane, and tomato—while defending your complexion against harmful UV rays.
Editor Tip: The dropper application also makes it easier to control and dispense the ideal amount of the watery serum, and the formula dries down to an invisible finish on all skin tones.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (17%), beetroot extract, jojoba seed oil
Best Sunscreen Stick: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Why It's Worth It: Whether you like to travel light or prefer an easy, mess-free application experience, try the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50. This portable sunscreen stick has a transparent, quick-drying formula that leaves skin feeling velvet-level smooth. Its water-resistant, 100% mineral-based formula is gentle on sensitive skin, so feel free to swipe away as you please.
Editor Tip: This ultra-light mineral sunscreen also contains the brand's proprietary skin-brightening antioxidant complex called Lipochroman.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (13.5%). jojoba esters, squalane
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Mariwalla also puts her support behind Isdin's Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, which contains photolyase enzymes. They "improve DNA damage after exposure to UV light," she tells us, adding that it's an excellent choice for everyone, but especially those who are treating substantially sun-damaged skin. This lightweight mineral formula also boasts vitamin E for antioxidant-powered protection and barrier strengthening.
Editor Tip: It works overtime to both repair existing signs of sun damage and protect against future harm.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (11%), vitamin E, photolyase
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Why It's Worth It: Odds are, you've seen a few mentions of EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 over the years. Ideal for acne-prone skin, this lightweight, fragrance-free and oil-free formula has been touted by a plethora of board-certified dermatologists for its pore-unclogging (by way of lactic acid), shine-minimizing, and of course, UV-guarding properties.
Editor Tip: All skin types benefit from hydration, including oily skin types, so you'll be glad to know that this mattifying moisturizer and SPF is spiked with just the right amount of quick-absorbing sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid).
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate (7.5%), sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid
Best for Oily Skin: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42
Why It's Worth It: The last thing you need to worry about when it comes to wearing (and reapplying) sunscreen is the possibility of fresh breakouts forming. Consider an oil-absorbing formula like the Best of Beauty-winning Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42. This all-physical SPF doubles as a face primer, minimizes shine, and even delivers moisture. For that, hyaluronic acid and spirulina lend a radiant, soft-matte, but never greasy finish to your skin.
Editor Tip: If you prefer chemical sunscreen, consider Shiseido's Urban Environment Vita-Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen, an ultra-light formula that leaves a dewy finish and touts vitamin C to tackle hyperpigmentation. Bonus: It's a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner. "My complexion looked diffused—as if I had a soft, blurring filter on my skin—and glowy when the sun hit it," senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor said of the velvety, gel-to-liquid formula.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (4.9%), Zinc oxide (13.6%), glycerin, camellia leaf extract, turmeric
Best for Dry Skin: KraveBeauty Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: After two years of intensive research and independent testing, KraveBeauty's Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40 is finally back and better than ever—and a newly minted 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. This ever-moisturizing, ever-soothing formula stars vitamin C-rich beet root extract for added radiance and protection against free radicals, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to boost hydration levels and maintain a healthy barrier.
Editor Tip: This is one of Han's favorite sunscreen launches of the year—and possibly, ever. "The silky cream applies like a dream, disappears without a trace, and leaves my skin looking just the right amount of dewy—and not greasy," Han attests.
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), octocrylene (3%), octisalate (5%), homosalate (10%), beetroot extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Best for Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte
Why It's Worth It: Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends Make It Matte, the latest iteration of Black Girl Sunscreen's best-selling, original Black Girl Sunscreen. She points to the formula's infusion of moisturizing ingredients such as aloe, squalane, shea butter, and coconut oil—which makes it glide onto skin like silk. Former associate news editor Gabi Thorne also gives the gel-like formula a raving review, noting that the barely-there formula "feels glorious on the skin, like spreading the creamiest butter on a warm slice of toast."
Editor Tip: It's no wonder this matte-finish formula won a 2021 Best of Beauty Award.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (5%), aloe, squalane, shea butter, coconut oil
Best Transparent: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Why It's Worth It: Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 has a gel-like formula that dries down matte and completely clear—and therefore pairs perfectly with all complexions (as any sunscreen should). The weightless, oil-free formula is also filled with skin-nourishing ingredients like hydrating meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter, so you won't even mind reapplying every few hours.
Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, previously recommended this broad-spectrum SPF. While she called out its rich, winter-friendly texture, the glycerin- and aloe-spiked sunscreen lotion works well in warmer weather, too, as it's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Editor Tip: It's picked up not only one Best of Beauty Award but two Readers' Choice Awards in its lifetime—the most recent being 2021.
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (8%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (4%), red algae, meadowfoam seed oil, frankincense
Best with Antioxidants: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum SPF 34
Why It's Worth It: $70 might seem like a lot to shell out for sunscreen, but when Mona Gohara, MD, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, says it's one of her favorites, we reconsider. SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 is brimming with antioxidants vitamins C and E, and guards skin against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays. Adding to the robust list of skin-nourishing ingredients are squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide to boost radiance and strengthen the barrier.
Editor Tip: The formula offers enough antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients that it can replace your A.M. skin-care routine in a pinch.
Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), octisalate (3%), zinc oxide (8%), squalane, glycerin, vitamin C
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sunscreen work?
As beauty journalists, at least one person on our staff chats with a dermatologist on a near-daily basis, and nearly every single one praises the importance of wearing a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of, at the very least, 30. Wearing one daily (and reapplying every two hours) protects your skin from harmful, damage-causing UVA and UVB rays. As a refresher, too much exposure to the sun's rays can result in long-lasting damage, leading to concerns like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and so on. (UVA rays, for good measure, penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and can potentially lead to more aggressive skin cancers including melanomas.)
As a reminder in regards to efficacy, let's talk SPF, short for sun protection factor. SPF 30 guards against 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 is about 98%, and so forth. (SPF 15 only protects against 93%, which is why most dermatologists—and the Allure team—recommend at least 30.) The evidence is crystal-clear, so do yourself a favor, slather up, and consistently reapply facial sunscreen every few hours to minimize the effects of sun exposure—which, at its worst, can culminate in a skin cancer diagnosis.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
Sure, there are thousands of SPF products to sift through, but finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be tricky. Like any other skin-care product, personal preferences run the gamut. Those with sensitive skin may prefer mineral or physical sunscreens, which are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and "reflect ultraviolet rays off of them before the rays penetrate skin cells," as Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained.
On the other hand, those who prefer their SPF to feel more like a lightweight serum or moisturizer (that's also more likely to induce zero white or gray cast) will turn to chemical sunscreens, which "use chemicals that absorb damaging UV rays and convert them to non-damaging heat," says Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Heads up: Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and ensulizole. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two other chemical filters that are banned in Hawaii, and therefore many companies have followed suit to keep them out of their ingredient lists.
Meet the experts
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
- Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist
- Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Find more Allure editor-approved sunscreens:
- Soak Up the Sun (Not UV Rays) With These Body SPFs
- The Best Korean Sunscreens for a Radiant, Glassy Finish
- Our Editors Love These Tinted Sunscreens
- These Lip Balms Also Act as Sunscreen
Now, watch pop star Tyla's glam routine for the 2024 Met Gala:
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