The 16 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Dermatologists

For those with both sensitive and acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens are the best choice as they’re less likely to cause irritation. However, not all mineral formulas are created equal: Some can feel heavy and greasy, which is a no-go for acne-prone types. Enter Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion, a fluid sunscreen with a featherweight feel on the skin. The watery texture is rare to find in a physical blocker; this quality allows it to melt onto your complexion for even coverage without too much rubbing needed.

Editor testing and review notes: “This Isdin sunscreen has long been a go-to for me during summer months or beach trips — its SPF 50 is higher than the SPF 30 I wear the rest of the year, but delivers the protection I know I need when I’m out in strong rays. The liquid consistency immediately absorbs without stinging or shine, and it dries down to a demi-matte finish that blurs skin without making it look dull or too dry.”

Breathability: 4.9/5 rating | Longevity: 4.8/5 rating | Value: 4.9/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $63

A great option for everyday protection, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen will keep your skin shine-free all day long. The oil-free formula contains both silica and perlite to absorb excess oil and reduce shine long-term. In fact, a clinical study performed by the brand found that this pick reduced shine and oil by 46 percent, even in extreme heat and humidity. And if you’re extra active during the day (or simply live in a hot climate), you can rest assured you won’t sweat this formula off — it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re about to give up on sunscreens due to consistent breakouts — don’t! Instead, give this lightweight lotion a try. I swear by it because it can stand in as a daytime moisturizer with SPF for acne-prone skin types, which allows your skin to breathe more than layering on both moisturizer and sunscreen. It dries down quickly with a matte finish that keeps greasiness at bay throughout the day.”

Breathability: 4.8/5 rating | Longevity: 4.8/5 rating | Value: 4.8/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99

This sunscreen for acne-prone skin is a triple threat: It brightens, conceals, and protects your skin. It has similar coverage to a tinted moisturizer with SPF, helping to even out any active breakouts so they appear less noticeable whether you’re applying makeup on top or not. The universal tint may require some extra blending for very fair or very deep skin tones; however the latter will appreciate that the shade prevents white cast. With a powerful combination of phytoene and phytofluene — two antioxidants — it also helps to even and brighten skin in the long run.

Editor testing and review notes: “Whenever I’m dealing with breakouts and need to even out my skin without applying full-coverage foundation, I always start with Alastin’s SPF. I love how it softens the look of any pimples (or discoloration left in the wake of previous breakouts) — and that it gives my skin a lit-from-within glow. I’ll often wear it in place of a makeup primer, as it grips onto any concealer or foundation I dab on top.”

Breathability: 4.7/5 rating | Longevity: 4.8/5 rating | Value: 4.9/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $70

This drugstore sunscreen for acne-prone skin is both the number one face sunscreen on Amazon and a TikTok sensation: The product has over 42 million views on the app. Not only is the Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion oil-free to keep breakouts at bay, but it also contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep the skin moisturized without appearing greasy or sticky. These ingredients also help to balance out the skin barrier, which is easily compromised by washing your face too much or using harsh exfoliating acids (two things that acne-prone skin types may be tempted to do).

Editor testing and review notes: “This Cerave sunscreen holds a candle to formulas that go for triple the price: It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave skin greasy, and doubles as a great daytime face cream for oily skin. I find that one pump is plenty to cover my entire face and neck, and it never pills with other acne serums I apply underneath it nor makeup I dab on top.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.61

Dr. Waldorf recommends that those with acne-prone skin try the Eltamd UV Clear Facial Sunscreen. “This is a perennial favorite for acne-prone skin,” she says. “Designed for people with acne and rosacea, this oil-free formula rubs in quickly, feels light, and contains niacinamide which is an anti-inflammatory that may even reduce sebum production.” What makes this formula extra special is its inclusion of lactic acid to reduce shine and clear pores, making it feel like more of a skin treatment than a sun protectant (it can be both!). EltaMd also offers this option as a tinted moisturizer with SPF, for those who like a little coverage.

Editor testing and review notes: “This Eltamd sunscreen is a foolproof option for my combination skin. It dries down to a demi-matte finish that blots away shine without causing dry patches. It feels like nothing on your skin — which is ultra-rare for a sunscreen — and it wears beautifully under makeup. I love that it can stand in as a moisturizer and SPF during summer months when my skin needs less hydration.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $40.85

Supergoop! is known for creating sunscreens that feel — and look — so good on your skin that you’ll be itching to reapply. The Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen is the brand’s best sunscreen for acne-prone skin due to its mattifying properties and mineral composition that doesn’t clog pores. To minimize the potential for a white cast from UV-fighting titanium oxide and zinc oxide, this formula boasts a sheer, neutral tint that complements most skin tones. It also contains wild butterfly ginger extract to protect against blue light, as well as bamboo extract to fend off free radical damage. 

Editor testing and review notes: “After testing out this sunscreen for acne-prone skin, I’m almost convinced that it’s my most effective pore-filling primer in addition to being a skin-saving SPF. The formula has makeup-gripping abilities that keeps my favorite foundation in place, no matter how long I’m wearing it or what the forecast is.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t feel like one? Go with Bask’s Daily Invisible Gel, which disappears on your skin within seconds of applying it. Bask spent over three years perfecting this non-comedogenic formulation to feel like nothing on your skin, and they’ve aced it with this gel. It dries down to a matte finish that prohibits shine from emerging throughout the day, though its squalane works undercover to ensure your skin doesn’t feel overly dry (a common side effect to many acne treatments). More to love: It’s water- and sweat-resistant for the hottest, most humid days.

Editor testing and review notes: “Bask’s Daily Invisible Gel sunscreen is truly invisible — no white cast, no scent, and no pesky greasy patches in my T-zone. You’ll notice it has a slight oily feel on your fingertips, but that dries down to a matte, non-shiny finish on your skin right after you massage it on. Although it’s not tacky, there’s something about the texture that locks down any makeup you apply over it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

TikTok’s beauty community is obsessed with Colorescience’s Total Protection Face Shield Sunscreen — scroll through the top-watched videos and you’ll see shoppers laud it as “sorcery” and “magic.” That’s because this formula adjusts to your skin tone, transforming from white to the exact tone of your skin as you massage it on. Beyond a self-adjusting tint that camouflages any breakouts, this water-resistant sunscreen for acne-prone skin also contains ingredients that help balance out your complexion. Bisabolol soothes redness, while niacinamide brightens and lightly hydrates skin for long-term improvements in your tone and texture.

Editor testing and review notes: “Most tinted sunscreens come in limited shades, which can make it hard for me to find an option that blends into my fair skin without streaks or lines of demarcation. This one’s self-adjusting tint takes out all the guesswork, creating a shade match that’s so good, it looks like it’s been plucked by a professional to match my tone. It also stays put better than similar formulas I’ve tried, making it an excellent pick for long, hot summer days.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $46.55

$13.20

$10 $13.20 24% off

The Dew the Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is so good, it was recommended by two of the dermatologists we interviewed for this article. “This is the best sheer moisturizer with SPF 30, which has no mineral oil and contains a type of willow bark extract that I find helpful for those with acne,” says Dr. Nazarian. “It is an ultra light formula that rubs into the skin without leaving you feeling sticky or greasy,” confirms Dr. Zeichner, adding that the product also delivers antioxidant effects with vitamin E and niacinamide to calm, soothe, and brighten the skin. 

What testers say: “I have been using this sunscreen for about a year now. It’s relatively on the cheaper side for sunscreen which is a plus. It is very hydrating and leaves a great glow throughout the day. I have oily skin and it does not cause me to break out either. It is a great product. Buy it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $10

$11.49 $17.99 36% off

$12.59 $17.99 30% off

One of Dr. Nazarian’s favorite sunscreens is the Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout Free Liquid Lotion. “It’s a good choice because it’s oil-free, but it’s also non-comedogenic and incredibly lightweight, so it won’t trap heat,” she explains. The liquid-lotion consistency leaves a matte finish on the skin so you won’t appear greasy post-application, and the formula is water-resistant for a full 80 minutes. It’s also fragrance-free, so sensitive skin types can rest assured they won’t experience any irritation.

What testers say: “I wear the 30 SPF Clear Pore and it works better than any other SPF product I’ve tried (and I’ve tried them all including more natural products). The other ones always caused the occasional huge cystic acne and clogged pores, especially in my t-zone. This products seems to dry up a potential cystic acne and contain it to a minor blackhead that comes right out.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $11.49

Kosas purveys some of the most popular beauty products on TikTok (the brand’s concealer has over 232 million views alone). The DreamBeam SPF 40 Comfy Smooth Sunscreen is a newcomer that’s already selling out at Sephora. Acne-prone skin types will love how this sunscreen repairs a damaged skin barrier over time — if your complexion is crumbling from all the acne treatments you’ve been using, this SPF’s ceramides and peptides will help restore your skin to homeostasis.

Editor testing and review notes: “Kosas DreamBeam is a formula I love to apply. The silky liquid dries down to a natural finish; it doesn’t add too much shine but imparts some radiance that allows my best foundations to blend seamlessly on top without pilling. I also love that this formula doesn’t have the typical scent you associate with mineral sunscreens. Although it looks like a fully tinted sunscreen, the color payoff is so sheer that it doesn’t leave a line of demarcation on your jaw and by your ears. My makeup looks better when I wear this underneath.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

$14.20 $25 43% off

$17.50 $25 30% off

“Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 is an all mineral sunscreen with a universal tint to offer cosmetic coverage of any acne marks,” says Dr. Zeichner of this tinted sunscreen. “The gentle formula provides broad-spectrum UV protection and is loaded with antioxidants to help neutralize free radical damage.” To be specific, this pick houses a blend of antioxidants like blueberry, açaí, and green tea extracts, along with rosa canina fruit oil, which can help control excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.

What testers say: “This is the best sunscreen ever! I’ll be honest, I never was very fond of wearing sunscreen – especially on my face. It just made my skin feel so greasy and oily. Plus it usually smelled bad and left a very noticeable white cast behind. Yuck! But this sunscreen is so very different from any other sunscreens I’ve tried. Never once has it left my skin feeling the least bit greasy or oily. In fact, it leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft and supple.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.20

For acne-prone skin types, Dr. Zeichner recommends sunscreen formulas with oil-absorbing ingredients like clay. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 delivers that and more: This lotion also includes aloe (a helpful redness reliever), plus a trio of vitamins that support collagen production, defend against environmental aggressors, and soften your skin. Best of all, this sunscreen has a whopping 5 ounces of formula, making it one of the best budget-friendly options on our list.

What testers say: “I struggle with acne prone skin, and most sunscreens break me out badly. Summer is here and I was looking for something I could use while swimming and I found this. It’s such a great sunscreen, it leaves my skin looking so glossy and hydrated and it doesn’t break me out. Favorite sunscreen!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $23

FYI, just because you have acne-prone skin, doesn’t mean you should skimp on hydration — especially those who are on Accutane. “A patient on Accutane or isotretinoin may have baseline oily skin, but while on it they will need a more moisturizing formula and not a drying one,” Dr. Waldorf explains. This Mario Badescu Mineral Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum sun protection while moisturizing the skin with proven hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. 

Editor testing and review notes: “Here’s the thing about mineral sunscreens — many of them leave a greasy finish and a strong scent in their wake, and those two factors only intensify when you step outside on a humid day. Mario Badescu’s is a feat because it doesn’t. Rather, you’ll get a lightly moisturizing lotion that requires only 15 seconds or so to fully rub in. I never notice a white cast — even in images taken with my flash on — and even when my skin is feeling extra oily, I don’t break out.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

$11.19 $15.99 30% off

$11.19 $15.99 30% off

Differin is one of the most trusted skin care brands for acne, primarily known for its breakout-busting retinol product. So suffice to say that they know a thing or two about creating great products for hormonal acne and everyday pimples. This sunscreen ticks all the boxes for a great SPF for acne-prone skin: It’s oil-free, unscented, non-comedogenic, and dries down to a matte finish. Better yet, this sunscreen packs micropearl technology to absorb excess oil on the surface of your skin while you’re wearing it, so you don’t have to keep blotting papers around on hot, humid days.

What testers say: “Pretty much every sunscreen I’ve used has had a noticeable white cast and doesn’t sit well under makeup. This one absorbs quickly and goes on clear. It doesn’t look or feel greasy for sunscreen. It’s a good price as well, I certainly recommend it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $11.19

Skinceuticals is a dermatologist-favorite skin care brand. After all, their products tend to deliver on results time and time again — and the Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 is no different. This all-mineral SPF protects and decreases shine on the skin with every use. In fact, the aerated silica technology is able to absorb up to 15 times its weight in oil, providing you with a matte finish, even in the most hot and humid climates. The translucent color spheres also even out your skin tone and and blur the look of any texture once you apply it. 

What testers say: “It’s what I have always been looking for. I live in a very hot (and sometimes humid) climate and this product is weightless, clean and doesn’t cause white residue sweat. It’s an interesting consistency I have never seen before, but it’s smooth and silky.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $40