This Is the Face Sunscreen I Wear Every Single Day (2024)

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Try this physical sunscreen, and you may never buy anything else ever again. “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a dermatologist—and there’ve been dozens upon dozens—who didn’t recommend this sunscreen,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey.

Despite the high 50 SPF, the lightweight formula is powered by a transparent zinc oxide that won’t leave a white cast, even on darker skin tones. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Ibrahim. “It’s also perfect for layering under makeup.” It’s made with the most active individuals in mind too. The UVA/UVB-blocking formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Our testers back up what dermatologists have told us about EltaMD formulas, including this one. “It’s a little pricey, but every time I try anything else, I go right back to this one,” says one tester. “I have very sensitive skin, and it doesn’t cause any of the usual redness I experience. It doesn’t sting my eyes, either—another huge problem for me with most sunscreen.”

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes / Size: 3 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; nongreasy
• What could improve: On the more expensive side

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Dermstore promo codes.

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Neutrogena’s sunscreen is one of the best options you can find at the drugstore, and is a favorite among Glamour editors and dermatologists alike. “It has a high SPF to allow for a margin of error if you don’t apply enough or as often as you should,” says dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert Kenneth Mark, MD. If you’ve tried this before and had your doubts, note that Dr. Mark is a fan of the new and improved formula, which no longer has oxybenzone. It rubs into the skin effortlessly and has a nongreasy texture that won’t clog pores.

One of our testers, Jennifer Lucci, runs every single day, and this is the SPF she swears by. “I’m postpartum and my hormones are still regulating, so I’ve got pretty bad acne and most sunscreens tend to break me out if I sweat while wearing them,” she says. “I’ve been wearing this on my daily runs, and even during a particularly humid day of playing pickleball, I didn’t get one spot after!”

Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 70 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes / Size: 3 oz.

• What we love: Water-resistant; sheer; nongreasy; good for acne-prone skin
• What could improve: May irritate eyes

It may not look like anything fancy, but Shari Sperling, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, says this chemical- and paraben-free lotion is one of the best face sunscreens for sensitive skin. Families take note: Derms say it’s also a great pick for kids and babies, so you can stock one formula for the whole family.

The broad-spectrum formula also contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps things moisturized and helps tame irritated skin. Plus, the packaging has a unique feature she says can help if you’re not sure how strong the sun is: The cap or bottle changes color when exposed to the sun, signifying it’s time to slather on some lotion. Our testers also appreciated that this hardworking formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Gentle; hydrating; color-changing cap or bottle
• What could improve: May leave a white cast

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Target promo codes.

“My skin type (combination and prone to breakouts) and skin tone (olive) have made it hard for me to find a good sunscreen,” says Glamour contributor Deanna Pai. “Most tend to feel cloying or prove hard to blend out invisibly.” Not this lightweight SPF, though, she says. It blends in seamlessly without feeling heavy and doesn’t leave skin shiny—even if you skew oily and acne-prone.

Don’t be put off by the unique green color, either. The formula is specifically designed this way to help cancel out any redness associated with irritated or acne-prone skin. Also nice for inflamed skin? The gel-cream formula feels nice and cool as it settles into the skin, lending a soothing effect.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1.69 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; easy to layer
• What could improve: Pump can get clogged

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Ulta promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle}

“I didn’t expect to fall in love with Tower 28’s tinted sunscreen foundation, mainly because most tinted sunscreens soak right into my skin and offer no real coverage,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. But this Glamour Beauty Award winner gets the job done. “My skin looks airbrushed and smooth, making it easier to apply bronzer and blush, and it lasts all day.” It comes in a whopping 17 different tones too.

And you’ll get more than UV coverage out of this editor favorite. The matte pick has extracts of prickly pear and white sage to help protect skin from blue light and free radicals. The icing on the cake: The formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and nongreasy, and never leaves a white cast.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight but still offers coverage; primes skin for bronzer and blush
• What could improve: Might not be suitable for combo or oily skin

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Sephora promo codes.

Last summer, buzzy brand Bubble launched two sunscreen products, including this mineral option, to rave reviews. The brand promises this sunscreen will disappear under makeup, making it the ideal everyday option. Our testers couldn’t agree more. “The lightweight formula blended effortlessly, without any white cast whatsoever,” one tester said. “The airless pump really does make it easier to get the product out of the tube, too,” they told us, noting you get the perfect amount of product for the face every time.

Though suitable for all skin types, the product is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Even one tester with papulopustular rosacea, a condition where the T-zone flares up, reported no problems with the formula—in spite of some sweaty hikes.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Blends easily; suitable for all skin types
• What could improve: Testers complained about the smell

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

“La Roche-Posay is a great sunscreen brand for hydration and sun protection for all skin types and ages,” says Deborah Longwill, DO, FAOCD, and founder of the Miami Center for Dermatology. And you don't have to hunt to find it—the drugstore brand is widely available.

We love the way it applies, too. The sunscreen absorbs almost instantly and has a formulation that will leave your skin feeling good, never greasy or sticky. “It absorbs effortlessly, so you can easily apply makeup on top for daily wear,” says one tester. You’ll also get some antiaging benefits, thanks to a dose of antioxidants in the ingredient list. We love that it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes too.

Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Hydrating; lightweight; easy to layer
• What could improve: May leave a slight white cast

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Ulta promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz}

After five weeks of testing through various temperatures, climates, and environments, associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay gives this face sunscreen her seal of approval, calling it a “dream for oily skin.”

It truly is one of the best examples of skin care meets SPF. The lightweight product plumps, hydrates, and smooths skin like a face serum, and even has a subtle peachy-pink hue that corrects discoloration and redness. The tint is subtle, but perfect for days when you want a little coverage without putting on a full face of makeup—also key for days when it’s just too hot for all of that layering. The result is a dewy finish “without triggering my very oily yet sensitive skin,” Glamour’s Sinay says.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: Yes, time not listed / Size: 1.3 oz.

• What we love: Hydrating; lightly tinted; smoothing
• What could improve: Slightly tacky formula

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Sephora promo codes.

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

This daily face sunscreen offers broad-spectrum mineral sun protection and is fast-absorbing and ultralight for convenience and comfort. For those who tend to skip sunscreen because they don’t like the feel, you now have no excuse. That includes athletes, since users say the water-resistant formula doesn’t sting or burn eyes as a result of sweating. Men tend to like this SPF too. “This acne-friendly sunscreen is the closest thing to wearing nothing at all—it’s watery and easy-absorbing,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Smith. "Oh, and it leaves zero white cast on my skin.”

As if we needed another reason to love this product, the hardworking SPF has an important claim to fame beyond preventing sun damage, says Lian Mack, MD, a board-certified dermatologist: DNA Repairsomes. It’s a patented ingredient that’s clinically proven to repair existing sun damage.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes / Size: 3.4 oz.

• What we love: Prevents and repairs; light; fast-absorbing
• What could improve: Expensive

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Dermstore promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle}

If you’re shopping for zinc-oxide-based sunscreen, look for at least 10% of the active ingredient, says Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. At 12%, this lightweight formula delivers. And it’s also recommended by Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, who says it also contains iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against pretty much everything: UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation.

It also boasts an antioxidant-rich ingredient list that makes it a great hydrating pick for anyone with dry skin. And if you’re looking for some coverage, you’ve come to the right place. This sunscreen has a buildable matte finish, available in four shades.

Glamour staff writer Hanna Lustig uses the formula every day. “The formula is hydrating enough to glide over dry patches and problem areas, but within minutes it dries down to a semi-matte finish with surprisingly substantial coverage.” Hear that, oily-skin girlies? This one is for you, too.

Active ingredients: Antioxidants, iron oxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes / Size: 1.8 oz.

• What we love: Universal tint; lightweight; water- and sweat-resistant
• What could improve: Expensive

Save when you shop the best face sunscreens with these Dermstore promo codes.

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

“I’ve been using this brand’s products for close to five years now, but this one is definitely my favorite,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “All of Evereden’s products are gentle enough for sensitive skin, so everyone in the family can safely use the same product. I particularly like that this one feels more luxe than your average option. It’s lightweight and silky smooth on skin, and since it has a slight tint, it doesn’t leave any hint of white behind.” It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, which helps minimize reapplications for the more active set.

The smart packaging is also worth a mention. The palm-size bottle has a little clip—akin to a carabiner—that allows you to hook the formula on to your bag. And even though the bottle is small, a little bit goes a long way, adding to the overall value of the product.

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 40 minutes / Size: 2 oz.

• What we love: Leaves skin silky soft; includes clip to attach to a bag
• What could improve: Bottle is very small

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

It only launched earlier this year, but Herbivore’s Star Seed is quickly gaining attention, thanks to, well, everything about it. The mineral sunscreen has a light tint that complements a range of skin tones, blending to an even and flawless finish. “The finish skews more matte than other similar options that leave skin a little too dewy and sticky,” says Earley. “But it’s still plenty hydrating for my very dry skin. In fact, it seems to leave my skin hydrated and velvety smooth for hours. The finish is top grade and it even has a totally irresistible light floral scent.”

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg counts it as one of her new favorites, too, noting it helps even out skin tone if you want to go makeup-free, but also sets the foundation for a full face of makeup, if you prefer. The icing on the cake? The ingredient list is packed with elements that nourish the skin, including brightening vitamin C and prebiotics that strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Hydrating and brightening; lightly tinted to suit many skin tones
• What could improve: Not water-resistant

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

This tried-and-true sunscreen gets its stellar reputation largely due to it being as effective as it is affordable. Available in both tinted and sheer options, the broad-spectrum SPF 30 is suitable for all skin types and also packs skin-boosting ingredients that dermatologists stand behind. “This broad-spectrum SPF 30 sheer face tint uses mineral blockers to provide coverage against UVA and UVB,” says Dr. Garshick, noting it contains a blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin’s barrier.

“The consistency is thick, but after some rubbing it settles in nicely and leaves a dewy glow,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. She particularly liked the tinted formula for those no-makeup makeup days at the pool or the beach.

Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide 5.5%, zinc oxide 10% / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

• What we love: Blends well; hydrating; suitable for darker skin tones
• What could improve: Not water-resistant

It’s a common misconception that those with darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen, but that’s unequivocally false—everyone needs sunscreen, regardless of tone. The problem: Traditional formulas, particularly mineral sunscreens, can leave a chalky white cast on darker skin. Not this moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid, though, which was made by a woman of color to address this issue head-on. In addition to the recommended SPF 30, the ingredient list also boasts moisturizing jojoba, cacao, and avocado.

Our testers said this sunscreen lives up to the hype. Actually, they raved about it. “Life-changing would be an understatement,” contributor Brionna Jimerson told Glamour when she first tried it. “It’s not ashy, greasy, or sticky. And, most important, it’s completely invisible.”

Active ingredients: Avobenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: Yes, up to 80 minutes / Size: 3 oz.

• What we love: No white cast; hydrating; completely invisible; water-resistant for 80 minutes
• What could improve: May not be ideal for sensitive skin

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore}

We’re big fans of SPF that doubles as skin care, and that’s exactly what ILIA’s tinted moisturizer delivers. But it’s not just our editors who like this formula; celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson, and Miranda Kerr have all raved about it. For starters, it comes in a very extensive range of 30 shades. It also goes on as smoothly as you’d hope a serum would. “It takes about two seconds to apply with my fingers,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore.

Derms approve, too. “This lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Garshick, who notes it’s also gluten-free, oil-free, and free of silicones, fragrance, and chemical sunscreen filters. Perfect for more sensitive skin.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide 12% / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; hydrating; radiant finish
• What could improve: Not for oily skin