How To Clear Your Face In One Day
The best sunscreen for your face is the one you'll actually use every day. It's perfectly fine to use the sunscreen that you put on your body on your face as well, though face-specific formulas can be lighter and more moisturizing. To find facial sunscreens to suit a range of different skin types, tones, and sensitivity levels, we considered dozens of options and conducted brand-concealed testing with a panel of 14 testers who have different skin types and complexions. Some of our recommendations are more moisturizing, some contain no chemical UV filters, and others play better on dark skin or under makeup.
Our picks include chemical sunscreens, which contain filters that absorb UV light; physical (or "mineral") sunscreens, which block UV light; and combination sunscreens, which contain some mix of chemical and physical active ingredients. For more on sunscreen ingredients, see our main sunscreen guide.
Chemical sunscreens we like
Chemical sunscreens contain filters that absorb UV light. Those approved by the FDA for sale in the US contain one or more of the following active ingredients (PDF): avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, or sulisobenzone. (The FDA is working with sunscreen makers to further establish the safety and efficacy of these 12 UV filters.) Compared with physical and combination sunscreens, chemical formulas generally rub in easier, blend well with other skin-care and makeup products, and look and feel less noticeable on the skin.
We recommend three options that suit different budgets and preferences.
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Our pick
Who it's for: People who want a lightweight, almost invisible sunscreen that includes an affordable bulk option.
We like the way Play Everyday smells: minty, with a hint of floral. Testers noted that this sunscreen's 2020 reformulation smelled slightly less perfumy than the version we first recommended, in 2018. Right out of the bottle, it binds quickly with the skin and leaves no white cast. Unlike our other picks, this one comes in four sizes. Play Everyday is $10 per ounce in the smallest bottle. But if you buy the 18-ounce jug, it's $3.22 per ounce—which is less per ounce than for any of our other picks. That big pump bottle costs almost $60, though; it may be wise to try a smaller size before you commit to the large jug. "I'm partial to this giant pump format," said one Wirecutter staffer who has relied on this sunscreen for the past five years and finds it nicely moisturizing. "It's great encouragement for making sure you slather on the right amount every day."
For the economy size, "it's affordable enough that I can use it on more than just my face," said another long-term tester, adding possibly the strongest endorsement: "My preschooler tolerates it."
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some testers noted that this sunscreen left them feeling greasy, like a layer of gunk sitting on top of their skin that never completely dries. If you're unsure whether this is the right sunscreen for you, try the smallest size tube (1 ounce) first.
SPF: 50
Type of protection: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7.5%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $10 (smallest tube), $3.20 (large jug)
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Our pick
Who it's for: People who want a more hydrating option that won't leave a white cast.
Why it's great: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 has a nice, full texture to it (one tester compared it to Greek yogurt). It smells faintly of classic sunscreen, the kind you catch a whiff of at the beach as kids breeze by, but it isn't overpowering. Upon application, this sunscreen does not immediately meld into the skin—it takes a little elbow grease to fully blend in the white formula. This sunscreen leaves a dewy finish that most of our testers liked, although some thought it made them look greasy.
We like this sunscreen's light texture, which testers said felt weightless on their skin, and we especially like that it's water-resistant. "It feels nicely hydrating … with a pleasant dewiness," one tester said. Because this sunscreen feels so hydrating, one tester who normally wears a separate moisturizer found that they were able to get away with skipping it.
Despite its name, this sunscreen will appeal to a wide array of people. If your skin is prone to dryness, it may be a good fit for you.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is slow to dry, it can leave what feels like a sticky layer on the skin after application. Though some testers liked that this produced a glossy finish, others thought it made them look too shiny. If you have oily skin, you may not like the sheen of this sunscreen.
SPF: 30
Type of protection: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (2.75%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $5.33
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Our pick
Who it's for: People who are willing to splurge a little for invisible sunscreen that spreads easily and layers well with makeup.
Why it's great: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 allows you to avoid any white cast whatsoever. This water-resistant, chemical sunscreen is unlike any other we've tested in that it's a clear gel. It spreads onto skin much more easily than anything else we tried: One tester said it was "instantly absorbing" and felt sort of like a makeup primer. In fact, this formula shares a main ingredient—dimethicone crosspolymer—with some primers, and thus creates a smooth, if slightly greasy, surface. The formula itself is totally clear, leaving no white cast whatsoever. Writer Hunter Harris proclaimed it's "the only sunscreen that's actually invisible" on her skin.
The Unseen "stays on great under makeup or can be reapplied throughout the day on top of makeup without looking oily or sticky," said a long-term tester. The squeeze bottle is small enough to stash in a bag or purse.
This formula's scent is subtle compared with that of most sunscreens we tested. Testers described it as "butterscotch" and "yeast," and some even said they detected no smell at all.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some testers didn't like that this sunscreen felt greasy, with a texture like watery Vaseline. It comes only in a 1.7-ounce tube and is four times more expensive per ounce than any of our other chemical picks—a whopping $20 per ounce. Since this formula is essentially invisible and doubles as a primer, we think it's worth the money for people who prioritize these qualities in a sunscreen.
SPF: 40
Type of protection: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (8%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (4%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $20
Physical sunscreens we like
Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are meant to scatter UV light that reaches the skin's surface. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the active ingredients that can be found in physical sunscreens that are FDA-approved for sale in the US. Compared with chemical and combination sunscreens, physical formulas tend to have a thicker texture and take more time to absorb. They're also more likely to leave a white cast, particularly on the darkest and fairest of skin tones. In place of—or in addition to—creating a chalky appearance, some physical sunscreens can look overly greasy, even when fully rubbed in.
We recommend a relatively affordable option (that may appear white or greasy) and a splurge-worthy one (that doesn't).
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+
Our pick
Who it's for: People who spend their time sweating in the sun or in the ocean and don't mind a slight white cast.
Why it's great: With a typical yet subtle sunscreen scent, the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+ is a shocking-white cream that blends well, even if it takes a bit longer to rub in. Some testers found it to be moisturizing and light, and they said it didn't leave a cast after they gave it ample time to settle on the skin.
This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, so swimming, sweating, and general mist from ocean waves won't completely wipe out your UV protection. But don't let the water-resistant labelling lull you into a false sense of security—like all sunscreens, this one will still need to be applied at least every two hours (or more frequently, if you're going to be sweating and swimming). A quirky feature of this sunscreen's white bottle is that it turns blue in the sun; this is more fun than functional, but it can be a good reminder to reapply your sunscreen.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some testers noted that this sunscreen felt chalky, especially in facial hair and around the hairline, and it left a white cast on their skin. A couple of testers with darker skin noted that it left a slightly blueish tint long after being rubbed in (as some other ultra-white physical sunscreens are known to do).
Though about half of our testers said this sunscreen looked and felt more noticeable on their skin than they'd prefer, the other half found it perfectly serviceable. It has a "great, creamy feel that left a white cast, but somehow that makes me feel more protected," one tester said. This is a common drawback of physical sunscreens, but if you're willing to make aesthetic compromises, we think this one's a solid choice for the price.
SPF: 30
Type of protection: physical
Active ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (5%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $3
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Our pick
Who it's for: People who don't mind splurging on a physical sunscreen that's non-greasy and tinted—yet nearly translucent once applied.
Why it's great: Murad's City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum 50 is tinted a peachy-orange color, which blended impressively well with almost all of our testers' skin. Testers with varying skin tones and amounts of facial hair rated this as their favorite physical sunscreen overall, most commonly mentioning its smooth texture, inoffensive smell (one tester likened the scent to beeswax, which they didn't mind), and moisturizing feel.
This sunscreen, like most physical sunscreens, is thicker than any of the chemical formulas we recommend. Despite this, we found that Murad's City Skin Age Defense goes on without leaving chunky streaks or feeling too heavy. It also didn't get caught in testers' facial hair or turn into a chalky powder around their hairlines, as some formulas we tried and rejected did. One tester said they liked its "soft dry finish." Another said it sat on top of their skin like an occlusive, which can be a plus or a negative, depending on your skin type.
Flaws and potential dealbreakers: This sunscreen does tend to sit on top of the skin instead of immediately sinking in, which some testers said made their skin look greasy. One tester in our panel also said this formula left a light peach-colored cast on their skin.
Another downside of this sunscreen: the price. A 1.7-ounce bottle cost $68 at the time of writing—nearly 10 times as much as our least-expensive pick, the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30. This cost can really add up if you're using the City Skin Age Defense as directed, reapplying multiple times a day. We found that one bottle usually lasted around a month and a half. If price is not a deciding factor for you, we think this is a physical sunscreen worth the splurge.
Like all tinted sunscreens, this formula can stain certain fabrics. Take care with light-colored clothing and linens.
SPF: 50
Type of protection: physical
Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (2.7%), zinc oxide (10%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $40
Combination sunscreens we like
Combination sunscreens, which contain a mixture of chemical and physical active ingredients, try (and often fail) to be the best of both worlds. Generally, they still have the same drawbacks of both types of sunscreens, most notably leaving a whitish appearance (like mineral sunscreens) or being too oily or greasy (like chemical ones).
We recommend two moisturizer-sunscreens, both of which are easy to find at most drugstores.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30
Our pick
Who it's for: People with sensitive skin who want a moisturizing sunscreen.
Why it's great: If neither all-chemical nor all-physical formulas have been cutting it for you, and your skin needs a little extra moisture throughout the day, try the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30. It rubs in easily and has a light smell. Nearly all of our testers found that it blended well with their skin tones.
This formula is a sunscreen and moisturizing lotion in one that contains niacinamide (which supports the skin's barrier and calms inflammation) plus hyaluronic acid (which helps the skin retain moisture). This formula is ideal for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although our testers found this formula to be moisturizing, they also thought it was a little greasier and harder to rub in than some of our other picks (though less so compared with much of the competition).
"It took more effort to rub it in, and it was fairly white initially. It did absorb, though, and felt good once it did," one tester said. Another tester observed some whiteness that didn't go away when they applied it. Another noted that it dried so fast that they couldn't blend it in quickly enough, which left them with a "streaky, ghostly white cast." It's also not water-resistant.
A long-term tester who'd used this formula for four years—trying others before switching back to it—said they wished the pump would dispense a bit more lotion with each push.
SPF: 30
Type of protection: chemical and physical
Active ingredients: homosalate (10%), meradimate (5%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2%), zinc oxide (6.3%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $4.33
Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
Our pick
Who it's for: People who want a sunscreen that can serve double duty as a moisturizer.
Why it's great: Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 is more moisturizing than most other formulas we've tried, our testers noted. A combination formula, containing both chemical and physical active ingredients, the Olay moisturizer smells only slightly sunscreen-like. The small pump bottle looks simple and elegant, and it dispenses a good amount each time.
This sunscreen-moisturizer feels thicker than the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30, but without being streaky or too heavy. Like the CeraVe, this formula also contains skin-calming niacinamide. We were impressed by how well it spread and how quickly it absorbed into the skin.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: We found that it takes a bit more effort to rub in this sunscreen and that it may leave a white cast on dark skin. Some testers said this formula left an oily feeling that never quite went away throughout the day; it's probably best for those with drier skin.
SPF: 30
Type of protection: chemical and physical
Active ingredients: octinoxate (7.5%), zinc oxide (6%), octisalate (2.5%), octocrylene (2.5%)
Price per ounce (at the time of publication): $5.20
Why you should trust us
We have become intimately familiar with the best practices for sunscreen use—wear a lot, and reapply often. We've read many, many papers on the stuff, and we have slathered lotion from even more bottles on our skin.
For this guide, we combed through dozens of options for facial sunscreens and studied the ingredients lists of body sunscreens to figure out which ones may work well on facial skin.
Who this is for
Everyone could use some sunscreen on their face every day, including people with darker skin tones. It's an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent skin cancer and wrinkles. Even if you live somewhere that's often overcast or you work indoors, your skin still sees UV exposure, according to dermatologists we spoke with. "I put it on every single day," Dr. Rachel Herschenfeld of Dermatology Partners told us. "I will leave the house in smelly workout wear, but I never leave the house without my sunscreen."
The only way to reap the benefits of sunscreen is to ensure that you apply enough, and reapply as directed.
"Most people only apply about a fourth of the right amount of sunscreen," said Dr. Amanda Doyle, a dermatologist with the Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York. She stressed that a quarter-size amount will act as a sufficient shield for the face, neck, and a place many people forget: the ears. Even though it may not feel natural to slather sunscreen on your ears, they're just as vulnerable to the sun as the rest of your body.
To maintain the proper amount of sunscreen throughout the day, it's important to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. If you're going to apply makeup on top of sunscreen, be sure the sunscreen has first fully absorbed (it should feel mostly dry to the touch).
"Think of it as paint: You want to coat your skin in a thick layer, then give it time to properly set before doing anything else," said Nayamka Roberts-Smith, a licensed esthetician based in Los Angeles.
There are plenty of options for on-the-go sunscreen reapplication, usually in the form of SPF powders or sprays. We haven't yet reviewed these sunscreen formats because it's tough to tell how much you need to apply to achieve reliable sun protection. Still, we recognize that these seem to be great options if you're looking to sustain SPF protection throughout the day (and you don't want to have to redo your makeup). Note, however, that you still need to rub spray sunscreens into the skin to achieve the most-possible sun protection. You could also use a cosmetic sponge to dab on your favorite sunscreen lotion in an even layer over your makeup.
How we picked
There's an overwhelming number of FDA-approved sunscreens available to put on your face. In selecting what to test, here's what we looked for:
- The right amount of SPF: SPF 30 shields skin from 97% of the sun's UVB rays, and it's what the American Academy of Dermatology advises as a minimum for daily wear. Higher-SPF formulas can be harder to rub in and can leave more of a white cast, while providing minimal additional protection. For our research and tests, we excluded sunscreens with an SPF lower than 30 but didn't exclude sunscreens higher in SPF.
- Protection against all sun rays: Look for the words "broad spectrum" on the label to confirm that a sunscreen covers the full UV range, providing protection against both UVB and UVA rays. All of the ones we tried do.
- Ingredients that rub in easily and don't smell: By and large, sunscreens that use a blend of chemical UV filters (which absorb rays, but on their own can be smelly) and physical UV blockers (which act as a shield, but on their own can leave a white cast) are neither too smelly nor too hard to rub in. Sunscreens that rely on both types of blockers are known as combination sunscreens. Our main sunscreen guide has more explanation of the differences between chemical, physical, and combination sunscreens, as well as information on ingredient safety and effectiveness.
- A formula marketed specifically for the face: Though sunscreens designated for body use will protect your face just as well, for this guide we stuck mostly with options advertised as facial sunscreens. Facial sunscreens are formulated to be a little less oily, something that was borne out during testing and confirmed by our sources. Plus, the smaller bottles common to facial sunscreens are easier to keep in a bathroom cabinet or toss in a bag.
- Moisturizing: Although we primarily looked for a sunscreen that would protect skin from UV radiation, we considered several options that were advertised as moisturizers with SPF. Our testers tended to find the moisturizers more hydrating (and differed on whether that was a good thing). But there's no hard and fast difference between a sunscreen and a moisturizer with added sun protection. For example, glycerin is a common ingredient in moisturizers that we also identified in a couple of plain old sunscreens.
- Water resistance: Again, this is often less critical in a facial sunscreen (we recommend using our main sunscreen pick if you're going to be outside playing sports or swimming), but it can help if you do wind up sweating or caught in the rain.
Most of the facial sunscreens available fit these criteria, so we further winnowed our list by favoring those with positive reviews and wide availability. We also threw in a few staff favorites that met our criteria.
How we tested
We spent a little over a week testing our initial list of prospective sunscreens, eliminating any that felt too oily, smelled bad, irritated our eyes, or left a white cast.
Then we sent the most promising candidates to a test panel that included 14 people with different skin tones and skin types, as well as varying amounts of facial hair; the panel included people who wear sunscreen under makeup and those who wear it alone. Each panelist used the brand-concealed sunscreen samples as they normally would, evaluating how easily each formula rubbed in and how well it blended into their skin.
The competition
European and Asian regulatory agencies have approved more chemical UV filters than the FDA has. And some sunscreens approved for sale abroad are extremely popular, particularly among skin-care enthusiasts. Biore's UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++, available in Japan, is the subject of countless discussions on Reddit, for example. However, for this guide, we focused only on face-specific formulas available for purchase in the US.
Chemical sunscreens
Fenty Skin's Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer checked all of the boxes save for one: fragrance. Right out of its refillable pump bottle, this SPF 30 moisturizer comes out in a pink cream that spreads easily and leaves a slight sheen. It's moisturizing and absorbs quickly, but its strong floral scent may not appeal to people with sensitive noses or skin.
A compelling post on Reddit in praise of Kroger's Invisible Gel SPF 40 (currently unavailable) convinced us to try this more-affordable version of Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. In comparison with the Unseen, which has a thick, lotion-like texture, the Invisible Gel squeezed out of the bottle in white chunks swimming in a light, watery liquid. While both are equally transparent, we thought that Kroger's Invisible Gel was much greasier, did not absorb well into the skin, and smelled overly synthetic. We wouldn't call it an Unseen dupe.
Though Neutrogena's Hydro Boost SPF 50 is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and blends well into the skin, we thought it was too wet out of the bottle, and it dried with a grainy finish.
Physical sunscreens
We previously recommended Drunk Elephant Umbra Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. However, this formula did not score well in our 2021 testing compared with our physical sunscreen picks. Testers found the Umbra Physical Daily Defense patchy, chalky around the hairline and in facial hair, and drying. The texture was also a point of contention, with one tester even describing it as "slightly separated, slightly clotted." Most others just settled for "grainy." Many noted that it was hard to rub in, never fully absorbed into their skin, and left a white cast.
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted SPF 41 is a physical formula tinted a light brown that we found to be too thick, hard to rub in, and, ultimately, drying. It left a white cast on testers with darker skin tones.
Combination sunscreens
Kiss My Face's Face Factor Sunscreen SPF 30, a chemical-physical combination sunscreen that appears nearly colorless when fully rubbed in, scored mixed reviews among our testers. "It feels sticky on—tacky. It eventually dried down, but I found the stickiness off-putting," one noted. Testers generally preferred this formula to the Face Factor Sunscreen SPF 50 they also tried.
Shannon Palus contributed reporting to this guide.
Sources
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Amanda Doyle, dermatologist with the Russak Dermatology Clinic, Zoom interview , April 16, 2021
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, licensed esthetician, Zoom interview , April 20, 2021
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Rachel Herschenfeld, dermatologist at Dermatology Partners
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Lisa Quale, health educator at the University of Arizona Cancer Center
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Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics
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Perry Romanowski, cosmetic chemist and publisher of Chemists Corner
About your guide
Caira Blackwell is an associate staff writer at Wirecutter covering sleep and mattresses. Her work has previously been published in Okayplayer, The Knockturnal, and Nylon magazine, and her book A Lullaby for the End of the World is available on Amazon.
How To Clear Your Face In One Day
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-face-sunscreens/
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