Here’s how much sunscreen to put on your face, according to derms (2024)

Applying sunscreen on your face daily is an easy and low-maintenance way to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. If you skip this step regularly, however, you run the risk of both short- and long-term damage. And though you may be tempted to only apply face sunscreen when you’re outdoors, you should still wear it inside if you’re sitting near a window or using smart devices that emit blue light, according to our dermatologists.

“Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “I recommend to all my patients that they should be using antioxidants, retinol and sunscreen every day as part of what I call the ‘Holy Trinity’ of skin care.”

To help you find the right sunscreen for your face, I spoke to nine dermatologists about what to consider when shopping for a sunscreen that’s right for your skin type. I also compiled their favorite face sunscreens to consider, as well as ones tested by NBC Select editors.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best face sunscreens | Best sunscreens for your face | What is SPF and why is it important? | How to shop for face sunscreen | Why trust NBC Select?

I spoke to dermatologists about the formulations, ingredients, minimum SPF and other factors to consider when choosing a facial sunscreen. They recommend keeping in mind the following:

• Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical blockers, contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (sometimes both) and sit on top of the skin to block rays from penetrating the surface — this makes them less likely to cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens, which rely on chemical filters like avobenzone and octinoxate, are absorbed into the skin and don’t leave a white cast. (More on the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens below.)
• SPF protection: Dermatologists agreed you should look for a minimum SPF 30 rating, with SPF 50 or higher as the ideal amount of sun protection.
• Ingredients: Scan the ingredients list for ones that may cause irritation, like fragrances and botanical extracts. Also, consider ingredients that target certain concerns, like hyaluronic acid or dimethicone for dry skin, and niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten your complexion and soothe redness or irritation, says Dr. Zakia Rahman, board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care.
• Consistency and formulation: Consider your skin type when choosing a face sunscreen. Lotions and gels may be best suited for sensitive skin since they’re easier to spread and rub into the skin, which reduces the likelihood of a friction reaction, says Hartman. Powder sunscreens are lightweight and may help reduce shine associated with oily skin (and are usually easier to reapply throughout the day), while thicker creams can have hydrating ingredients, like emollients and humectants, for those with dry skin, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

To narrow down the best sunscreens for your face, I rounded up expert-recommended options and NBC Select staff favorites that work for a variety of skin types and concerns.

Best sunscreen overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face SPF 46 Sunscreen

The EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is a favorite among our experts and NBC Select staff because it’s lightweight and has niacinamide, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. I’ve tried multiple sunscreens in the past, and this is the only one that doesn’t cause my rosacea to flare up. NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg also uses this sunscreen on her sensitive, rosacea-prone skin every day following her dermatologist’s advice. “I love the texture, and it never burns my eyes if I sweat,” she says. It’s also a favorite of Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, because it “dries quickly, so you can slather it on your face, neck and chest before getting dressed all year-round,” she says.

Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 46 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Water-resistant: No

Best overall runner-up: Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45

This tinted lotion from Cay Skin is an NBC Select Wellness Award winner for face sunscreen. It has niacinamide to soothe and brighten the skin, and plant-based nectar to keep it from drying out, according to the brand. The tinted sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast on darker skin or cause any issues with pilling under makeup as many sunscreens do, says NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri. “I was able to apply it in seconds with barely any blending, and it also gave my face a healthy glow,” she says.

The formula is noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. But keep in mind this is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone and other chemical filters, which might irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, experts say.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 45 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: No

Best budget-friendly sunscreen: Coppertone Face Sunscreen SPF 30

If you’re looking for a more affordable face sunscreen, this option from Coppertone has an oil- and fragrance-free formula. “I love this sunscreen for my dry skin because it’s not greasy, doesn’t sting or cause breakouts and it feels lightweight when I put it on,” says NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Tinelli, who keeps a small tube of this sunscreen in her purse at all times to prevent sunburns.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen for sensitive skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

This Isdin sunscreen comes recommended by multiple dermatologists, who use it in their own daily skin care routines. Hartman recommends this sunscreen to his patients with sensitive skin because it’s both hydrating and mineral-based, he says. It has a lightweight, non-greasy formula, which makes it great for all skin types, and it’s easy to apply under makeup because it doesn’t leave a white cast, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50+ | Consistency: Emulsion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)

Best sunscreen for oily skin: Eucerin Oil Control Sunscreen SPF 50

This option from Eucerin is great for those with oily skin because it has oil-absorbing minerals that leave a matte finish, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, this sunscreen is formulated with a proprietary antioxidant blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to help brighten your skin tone, according to the brand.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen for dry skin: RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

This sunscreen-and-moisturizer combo from RoC comes recommended by Zeichner for those with dry, sensitive skin. It has hyaluronic acid, which can help deliver moisture for up to 72 hours, and a transparent water-gel formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast, according to the brand. “It provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays in an ultralight formula that can be layered under makeup,” says Zeichner.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: Gel cream | Active ingredients: Octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, hom*osalate, avobenzone | Water-resistant: No

Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

One of our favorite sunscreens for acne-prone skin, this lotion is specifically formulated for those who are prone to breakouts, according to Zeichner. It’s oil- and fragrance-free, lightweight and noncomedogenic, so you won’t have to worry about clogged pores that might worsen your acne, he says.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen for combination skin: Starface Clear As Day SPF 46

Starface’s Clear As Day sunscreen is another favorite of Daruvuri, who has combination skin and tried multiple sunscreens for the NBC Select Wellness Awards. “It goes on perfectly clear, and it doesn’t leave any sort of white cast. It’s also super lightweight, doesn’t look greasy and it has a nice, silky feeling,” says Daruvuri, adding that the sunscreen doesn’t cause any irritation and never appears cakey when she applies it on top of breakouts. The gel sunscreen has a matte finish, is noncomedogenic and has hydrating ingredients like glycerin.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 46 | Consistency: Gel | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen lotion: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz started using this SPF from expert-favorite brand Cerave after doctors and friends recommended he use sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. “I’ve used it every morning on my face for over a year now. I like how light the formula is, and that it comes in a travel-friendly pump bottle that dispenses just the right amount for my face,” he says. This oil-free, noncomedogenic lotion contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, ceramides to help restore the skin’s barrier and niacinamide to help calm skin irritation and redness, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: hom*osalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No

Best sunscreen gel: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen comes recommended by Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, because of its lightweight formula, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and infrared protection and blue light filter. It provides a natural finish on the skin and doubles as a makeup primer, according to the brand. If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen option, NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider loves the Supergoop Glowscreen Sunscreen, which also has SPF 40 and doesn’t feel heavy or tacky on the skin. “The tint makes me look more put together on days where I don’t want to wear makeup — it gives you a nice healthy glow versus a ghostly white cast,” says Schneider.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Consistency: Gel | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)

Best powder sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

This expert-recommended brush-on powder sunscreen is a convenient way to reapply your sunscreen over makeup throughout the day. In fact, Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City, says she keeps this sunscreen in her purse at all times. The tinted sunscreen is available in four shades: deep, tan, medium and fair. It’s also fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and formulated with iron oxide to provide blue light protection and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Powder | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen stick: Vertra Invisible Face Stick SPF 45

“I hate getting sunscreen all over my hands because it makes them greasy — this sunscreen stick solves that problem,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. “It glides onto my skin smoothly and doesn’t leave a white cast behind, so it’s great for wearing under makeup.” Malin also loves that she can throw it in her bag when she’s spending the day outside or on the go: “I don’t have to worry about a bottle exploding in my bag,” she says.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 45 | Consistency: Stick | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sweat-resistant sunscreen: Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+

This sunscreen provides the highest SPF protection on this list, making it great for outdoor spots and activities. Rabinowitz reaches for this option when he’s running or cycling outdoors in the summer. “Getting sweat-infused sunscreen streaking in my face during a run is terrible. This sunscreen stays put through sweat and water more than others I’ve tried,” he says. The 2.5-ounce version is also very travel-friendly, which makes it easy to throw in your bag or backpack before heading outside, says Rabinowitz.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 70+ | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best tinted sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50

This tinted mineral sunscreen is a favorite of Farber’s because it’s lightweight and has a matte finish. It’s also oil-free, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it a great option for sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with antioxidants and soothing thermal spring water to protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV rays, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)

Best tinted sunscreen with more coverage: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

If you want more coverage than a typical tinted sunscreen, this Tower 28 option acts more like a foundation, according to our editors. I use this tinted sunscreen daily in place of a heavier foundation because it seamlessly covers up any dark spots and redness, while still feeling lightweight and breathable on my skin. NBC Select reporter Bianca Alvarez, who has struggled with eczema for most of her life, also uses this tinted sunscreen every day and likes that it doesn’t cause or accentuate any dry patches on her skin. The sunscreen also has aloe vera to help soothe, calm and soften skin, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)

Best sunscreen serum: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30

This mineral sunscreen has a serum-like consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a soft, natural finish. It’s NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris’ favorite because it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like squalane, plus it does not leave a white cast or any greasiness on her skin, she says. The mineral formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Consistency: Serum | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No

Best for no white cast: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion

This chemical sunscreen is popular among our NBC Select staff because it’s sheer, blends easily into the skin and prevents any white cast, especially on darker skin tones, says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. The flat shape of the bottle also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag while traveling, he says. It’s also a favorite of Rabinowitz, who has used this sunscreen for over five years after a friend recommended it. “It doesn’t feel too oily, doesn’t leave streaks and doesn’t cost a fortune,” says Rabinowitz.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 70 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen compact: Avene Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50

This Avene mineral sunscreen compact has a tinted, cream-to-powder formula that is a staple in board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Gabriela Soza’s makeup bag. “I suffer from melasma, and it contains more than 3% iron oxide, which offers protection against blue light and can prevent melasma and dark spots from getting worse,” she told us in our guide to dermatologist-recommended skin care routines. It is also great for sensitive skin due to its mineral-based formula, won’t clog pores and includes vitamin E to soothe any skin irritation, according to the brand. The compact includes a sponge to help you apply it on your face.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Cream-to-powder | Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes)

Best sunscreen and moisturizer combo: Supergoop Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that hydrates your skin like a moisturizer, the Supergoop Superscreen is a NBC Select staff-favorite option. “It combines two steps of my skin care routine and the texture is literally like a fluffy cloud,” says Malin. “It dries quickly so I can add a little concealer on top, too.” The moisturizer is smooth, lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, says Malin. It also filters blue light, which are harmful rays that come from digital screens on devices like smartphones and laptops, according to the brand.

Type: Chemical | SPF: 40 | Consistency: Cream | Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate | Water-resistant: No

Best lightweight sunscreen: Seaweed Bath Co. Everyday Mineral Lotion SPF 40

Alvarez is a fan of this mineral sunscreen due to its lightweight formula easily blends into her skin. “It’s like a lotion turned serum/face oil, which is nice for days when my skin feels super dry,” she says. Alvarez, however, doesn’t recommend it for people with oily skin since it leaves a shiny, dewy finish on the skin. It also has a sea salt and bergamot scent.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 40 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best reef-safe sunscreen: Project Reef Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

This option from Project Reef is a reef-safe mineral sunscreen, meaning it isn’t formulated with chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate that have a negative impact on coral reefs. And with every purchase, Project Reef removes 1 pound of plastic from the world’s oceans and helps support reef restoration initiatives in Hawaii.

This is the sunscreen former NBC Select associate commerce editor Nishka Dhawan packed for her trip to Punta Cana. “I used a generic sunscreen on the first day of our trip and got sunburnt — this one prevented that [for the rest of the trip] and left us with a great tan instead,” she says. Dhawan likes that it rubs easily into her skin and doesn’t feel sticky or oily. “It’s also water-resistant, so I didn’t have to reapply it as often even on the sunniest days,” she says.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best sunscreen for running: Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35

The Kinfield Daily Dew face sunscreen is a favorite of Malin’s, who wears it while running. “I can go on an hour-long run and not worry about reapplying it,” she says. Formulated with glycerin, sea kelp and aloe vera, the sunscreen leaves a dewy finish and is designed to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, according to the brand. Malin says it also doesn’t irritate her skin or cause breakouts in the summer while she sweats.

Type: Mineral | SPF: 35 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes)

Best splurge sunscreen: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Sunscreen

NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara loves this SkinMedica sunscreen for her oily skin. “It feels like a moisturizer and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily like many other sunscreens I’ve used,” she says. It also creates a good base for her makeup, so it goes on smoothly, says Uyehara. The sunscreen has antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin and niacinamide, according to the brand.

Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 34 | Consistency: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate | Water-resistant: No

Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should wear sunscreen to help protect their skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and prevent long-term damage, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and the dermatologists I spoke to. People who have higher UV exposure over time are at increased risk of all forms of skin cancer, including keratinocyte cancers and melanoma, says Dr. Amy McMichael, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

You should wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 rating because it can block up to 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, according to our experts, as well as the AAD. (UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancer.) You can even go higher, around SPF 50. However, keep in mind that no sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays, experts say.

“Additionally, look for a sunscreen that is labeled as broad-spectrum, which means that it protects against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin,” says Hartman. “Many sunscreens today also offer blue light protection, which is an added bonus if you sit in front of a computer screen all day.”

Sunscreens that you apply directly onto the skin, typically in the form of lotions, sticks, creams and gels, tend to be most effective at providing an adequate amount of sun protection because it’s easier to regulate how much you’re getting onto your skin, according to our experts. Spray sunscreens, on the other hand, are less likely to apply evenly, she says.

There are many sunscreen options for your face, including sunblocks made for various skin types, including acne-prone, oily and dry. They also come in multiple formulas like lotions, creams and powders. When shopping for a face sunscreen, our experts recommend keeping in mind factors like broad-spectrum sun protection, ingredients and formulation.

Your specific skin type will likely determine which sunscreen is best for you. Though the active ingredients are what protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays (and determine whether you purchase a chemical or physical sunscreen), it is the inactive ingredients that can determine how your skin will react to the product. Below, our experts break down how to determine the best sunscreen for your skin type:

• Dry: Consider sunscreens formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and emollients like coconut, jojoba and mineral oils to help hydrate the skin. You can also look for occlusives like glycerin and dimethicone, which sit on top of the skin and help seal in moisture.
• Oily: Look for sunscreens labeled oil-free and opt for oil-absorbing ingredients like silica gel. “Consider sunscreens that have sport formulations, like gels and lotions, or have matte finishes, which contain silica gel and can absorb oil,” says Gmyrek.
• Sensitive: “When it comes to sensitive skin, the simpler the formula, the less likely it will cause irritation,” says Zeichner. You should avoid possible irritants, like fragrances, botanical extracts and essential oils, and stick to mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause a reaction.
• Acne-prone: Look for sunscreens that are fragrance-free and labeled noncomedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores or worsen breakouts, according to our experts (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are popular noncomedogenic ingredients). Consider lightweight formulas like lotions, gels and powders since they won’t feel heavy on top of your skin compared to thicker creams, says Farber.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Dr. Zakia Rahman is a board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care.
• Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
• Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. He specializes in cosmeceuticals, skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
• Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
• Dr. Michele Farber is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. She specializes in skin cancer treatments, as well as general, cosmetic and procedural dermatology.
• Dr. Gabriela Soza is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City,
• Dr. Amy McMichael is a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a wide range of skin care topics, including cystic acne treatments, sunscreens for kids and rosacea treatments. For this article, Godio spoke to nine dermatologists to narrow down the best sunscreens for oily skin, and highlighted their recommendations for the best ingredients and products to consider.

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