We'll be the first people to admit that the sunscreen market has a lot of making up to do. Those greasy, sticky, ultra-goopy formulas of the past are responsible for turning so many people off of sunscreen - despite its proven health and cosmetic benefits. What this has proven to brands is that the application experience and feel of a product are just as important as what the product is actually intended to protect you from (in this case, skin cancer and sun damage). And this rings especially true if you're someone with acne-prone skin.
Those prone to breakouts want to protect themselves from UV rays but, understandably, not at the expense of contributing to further breakouts or ending up with a thick, oily mess on their hands. Thankfully, many of the sunscreen formulas of today don't have to be simply tolerated - they actually blend in seamlessly with other products in your skin-care routine, wear beautifully throughout the day, and, most importantly, won't lead to breakouts.
So, how are you to choose your perfect match? Mineral sunscreens, also referred to as physical sunscreens, stay on the surface of the skin and deflect the sun's harmful UV rays, says Elaine F. Kung, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide you'll find in such sunscreens are noncomedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a fantastic choice for someone with acne-prone skin.
That being said, Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, says you should use what feels good on your skin, even if that means you reach for a chemical sunscreen. "With sunscreen, there is a lot of trial and error to see what feels nice on your skin and what doesn't make you break out," Dr. Saedi tells Allure. "I tell patients that the right sunscreen is out there - just have the patience to find it."
Below, we've done all the dirty work for you in finding the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that'll protect your skin without aggravating existing blemishes or causing future breakouts.
$41.00, Amazon
$43.00, Amazon
The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 has been a longtime dermatologist-recommended product, specifically for those with acne-prone skin types. Why? It goes on clear, boasts a light-as-a-feather feel, and won't trigger breakouts, thanks to lactic acid, which clears pores and reduces shine caused by excess oil. Plus, Christopher O'Connell, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, previously told Allure that the formula "contains niacinamide to help give the skin a glow" - making it great for those who are acne-prone and dry.
Apply for the quick-absorbing consistency, and stay for the matte finish. Dr. Kung touts the Tizo2 Facial Primer SPF 40 for its impressively comfortable feel - specifically noting that it won't be "too thick or greasy for people with acne or oily skin." The formula is also free of fragrances and essential oils, which Dr. Kung says can potentially clog your pores.
$35.00, Sephora
$40.00, Ulta Beauty
Allow us to introduce you to a fan favorite in K-beauty: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50. Dr. Kung recommends this chemical-mineral hybrid, noting that it contains zinc gluconate to help prevent acne as well as skin soothing-ingredients such as aloe and copper gluconate to keep pimple-related inflammation at bay. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and hyperpigmentation-brightening niacinamide make the formula ideal for those looking for a sunscreen that'll do more than just protect.
From the makers of your favorite pimple patches comes Zitsticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum, which is made specifically for those who are prone to blemishes. The formula targets all stages of acne: It has colloidal oatmeal to calm redness from existing breakouts, kakadu plum to brighten dark spots your acne may have left behind, and clarifying tea tree to help prevent future breakouts. And of course, it's also noncomedogenic.
$40.00, SkinCeuticals
$10.00, Amazon
Is that a unicorn? Nope, it's just SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 doing it all - and then some. This fragrance-free formula acts as a makeup primer, mattifier, and sunscreen all in one. It applies like a tinted mousse but dries down to a matte finish (your natural oils won't stand a chance of wrecking your base makeup). It also has a powder-like feel, meaning it'll also smooth out the looks of uneven texture and enlarged pores. Use it with makeup or on its own to give your skin an instant boost.
Alba Botanica's Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is the product you're most likely to share with others while you're at the beach. The zinc oxide-powered formula is gentle on all skin types (sensitive included), non-sticky, and immediately absorbs into the skin upon application without leaving behind a gnarly white cast. Another thing we love? It's infused with vitamin E and squalane to keep skin well-conditioned.
$10.00, Amazon
$20.00, Amazon
The words "oil-free" and "noncomedogenic" are allies when it comes to SPF for pimple-prone folks, which is precisely why Neutrogena's Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 55 made the cut. (Plus, few can beat the drugstore pricing.) This formula is made with the brand's Helioplex technology, which promises stable, broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays and free radicals. If you're oily, you'll also appreciate its matte finish.
Going snorkeling? Sunscreen brand Stream2Sea is as much about protecting you as it is about protecting our oceans and marine life. This means that all of the formulas in the line, including the SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, have passed their rigorous reef safety tests in terms of biodegradability, aquatic toxicity, and effects on fish. It also helps that this particular sunscreen is water-resistant, easy to work into the skin, and antioxidant-rich with aloe and green tea to boot.
$28.00, Ulta Beauty
$36.00, Sephora
"I love applying sunscreen!" said no one ever - that is until they try Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32. Aside from its pretty reflective hue, this mineral sunscreen blends out into a sheer finish, so you know it's great for all skin tones. What we really love about this formula is that it's made with a slew of botanical ingredients that also happen to be chef's kiss for acneic skin types: aloe, turmeric, and licorice root extract. (Psst: It's also available in a convenient travel size for those summer beach vacays.)
Farmacy's Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a no-frills sunscreen for those seeking a reliable everyday option. It won't pill, feel heavy, or leave you feeling tacky. Instead, it layers nicely with makeup and other skin-care products, and it's virtually weightless after blending. We like the addition of moringa extracts - they help protect skin against air pollution, especially great for those living in busy cities.
$55.00, Dermalogica
$15.00, Target
If you can't find us, we'll be reveling in the ultra-smooth skin that awaits once Dermalogica's Porescreen SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen is applied. The blurring facial sunscreen features niacinamide, which helps calm down inflammation due to acne or rosacea, says Dr. Saedi, along with a medley of skin-softening ingredients like vitamin E and squalane.
Dr. Saedi says that most acne-prone patients shy away from face sunscreens that are too thick and occlusive. Not the case with Sun Bum's Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick, which features a super thin consistency and an even lighter feel. That's all because it comes in practical twist-up packaging that makes it oh-so-easy to swipe on.
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