9 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens

The smooth non-greasy formulas last all day and protect your skin from sun damage.

Reviewed by Sarah Tucker, Esthetician Sarah Tucker Sarah TuckerEsthetician facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years
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Choosing the best non-comedogenic sunscreen for your skin can be difficult. But don’t worry, since we’re here to help! Whether you have deep skin tone or fair skin, sunscreen is an essential component of any skin care regimen. Unlike chemical sunscreens, these sunscreens shield your skin from the sun’s hazardous rays and potential damage such as sagging, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and melanoma.

However, most formulations are thick, greasy, and waxy, which can block pores and cause breakouts. Don’t be concerned! This page includes a list of dermatologist-recommended non-comedogenic sunscreens. Check them out by scrolling down!

Top Picks
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Best Sensitive Skin:CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Oil-Free:EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Water-Resistant:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Dermatologically Tested:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
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Best Hypoallergenic:Differin Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Price on Amazon
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Best For Sensitive Skin:Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
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Best Hydrating:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart

9 Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens

1. Best Sensitive Skin:CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen

4.4
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Image: Cerave

This Facial Moisturizing Lotion from CeraVe is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection. It contains micro-fine zinc oxide to keep you safe from the sun. The oil-free formula also features hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and niacinamide to calm the skin.

This non-comedogenic sunscreen is powered by MVE technology to keep the face hydrated throughout the day. It is also infused with three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that restore and maintain the skin barrier. This gentle sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is suitable for dry, sensitive, and oily or acne-prone skin types. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this reviewer’s experience who is a skincare enthusiast.

Product Dimensions: 2.31 x 1.13 x 6 inches | Weight: 4.32 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • Spreads easily
  • Absorbed well
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Leaves a white residue.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Reapply this sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are engaging in water-based activities.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 4,413 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Oil-Free:EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen

The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen has a dermatologically tested, oil-free formula to protect discolored, rosacea-prone skin from harmful sun rays. It is also suitable for both sensitive and acne-prone skin. The mineral-infused, zinc-based formula offers a silky and sheer finish while shielding the skin from UV rays with broad-spectrum SPF 46. It contains a nourishing blend of ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid to promote healthy-looking skin. This non-sticky sunscreen is available in tinted and untinted variants. Check out this video on YouTube to know more about the benefits of using this sunscreen.

Item Weight: 1.58 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 1.63 x 1.63 x 1.5 inches

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Leaves no residue
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Contains octinoxate
  • Can trigger allergies.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Never overuse your sunscreen. Use only four ounces or about 1/4th of a tablespoon (approximately 2 mg/cm2) of sunscreen on your face on a daily basis to avoid skin issues.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 6,387 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

3. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen

4.5
Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen With SPF 55 Image: Neutrogena

The Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen from Neutrogena is a complete face and body sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 55. It features Helioplex Technology offers superior protection from UVA/UVB rays. The lightweight sunscreen provides a matte finish while letting your skin breathe. It offers resistance to moisture and sweat for up to 80 minutes. The broad-spectrum protection works flawlessly to prevent sunburns without causing or aggravating acne or breakouts. You can also check this review, which is a tester’s experience, to understand more about the final results after using this sunscreen from Neutrogena.

Product Dimensions: 5.13 x 2.38 x 1.38 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Clinically-tested
  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Matte finish
  • Easy to spread
  • Fragrance-free
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use the “two-finger rule” to apply sunscreen. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of the product on both your index and middle fingers, from the tips of your fingertips to the base of the fingers, and apply it on your face, ears, and neck in circular motions.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,427 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen
Best Sensitive Skin
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
Best Oil-Free
Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen
Best Lightweight
Dimensions 2.31 x 1.13 x 6 inches 1.63 x 1.63 x 1.5 inches 5.13 x 2.38 x 1.38 inches
Weight 4.32 Ounces- 3 Ounces
Weight- 1.58 Ounces -
Rating
Reviews4,4136,3872,427
Price$11.93$41$23.74

4. Best Water-Resistant:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

The Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion comes with SPF 30 and is suitable for daily use. The dermatologically approved formula delivers optimum UVA and UVB protection and is infused with vitamin E for added nourishment. This sunscreen is water-resistant and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Product Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 2 inches | Weight: 8.36 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Dermatologically approved
  • Water-resistant
  • Quick-absorbing
  • Oil-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Oil-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Leaves a chalky residue.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use the “dip-dot-smear” method to apply this sunscreen. Pour the sunscreen on your palm. Take your fingertip and dip in the poured amount. Apply the sunscreen onto your cheeks, forehead, and chin with tiny dots. Rub them, and let your skin absorb the ingredients.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 23,289 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

5. Best Dermatologically Tested:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

4.3

This sunscreen from La Roche-Posay offers broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection from the harsh and damaging UVA/UVB rays. The oil-free, water-resistant formula provides advanced protection from heat and humidity. It is clinically-proven to reduce shine and oily appearance. It is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield Technology that combats free radicals and offers optimum UV protection. This performance-packed sunscreen also reduces the risk of skin cancer and early signs of aging due to sun exposure.

Item Weight: 50 Milligrams

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone and Coconut oil

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Allergy-tested
  • Fragrance-free
  • Water-resistant
  • Paraben-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Octisalate-free
  • Octinoxate-free

Cons

  • Leaves a white cast.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 2,137 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

6. Best Hypoallergenic:Differin Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The Differin Moisturizer With Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection to the skin. It is formulated with Oleosome Technology that provides a low concentration of sunscreen filters that are gentle on the skin and offer maximum hydration. The Micro Pearl Technology absorbs excess oil to give a matte finish to the skin. The lightweight, oil-free formula does not clog pores or leave greasy residues and is recommended by dermatologists.

Number of Items: 1 | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 5.9 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Glycerin and Silica

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-greasy
  • Fragrance-free
  • Lightweight
  • Pore-friendly
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Matte finish

Cons

  • Causes irritation
  • Takes time to absorb.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 19,490 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen

The Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects the delicate facial skin from harsh UVA/UVB rays. This mineral sunscreen contains naturally sourced zinc oxide, vitamin E, feverfew, and oats to gently nourish and protect the skin from the sun. The lightweight, quick-absorbing formula is water-resistant and dries with a sheer matte finish.

Item Weight: 0.21 Grams | Product Dimensions: 1.56 x 1.88 x 5.19 inches

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Oat kernel flour, Feverfew flower, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Quick-absorbing
  • Water/sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes
  • For daily use
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • Stains clothes
  • Thick texture

My Personal Experience

"I like this mineral sunscreen for its non-irritating formula. It holds against moisture without a greasy feel, even if you're sweating heavily. It's good for daily use if you can work it into your skin properly for that sheer, matte finish."


8. Best Hydrating:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

4.6
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Image: Bluelizardsunscreen

This sunscreen from Blue Lizard offers SPF 30+ protection to shield your skin from 97% harsh UV rays. The lightweight, non-greasy gel formula is suitable for daily use as it effectively shields the skin without leading to clogging pores. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, green tea, caffeine, and vitamin E that hydrate and nourish the skin. This physical sunscreen combines chemical UV protectors and minerals to offer optimum sun protection. It is dermatologically tested and contains mineral-active zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection.

Item Weight: 0.22 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 6.75 x 1.5 x 2.75 inches

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Green tea, Caffeine, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • For daily use
  • Irritation free
  • Toxic chemical-free
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Greasy formula
  • Leaves a white cast.

My Personal Experience

"I like this sunscreen for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that works well without leaving much of a white cast. It's creamy and blends seamlessly into the skin. Caffeine and green tea extract in the formula is a boon for antioxidant protection. Overall, a good choice for outdoor sun protection."


9. Best Vegan:TULA Skin Care Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel

This Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel from TULA Skin Care has SPF 30 to protect the skin from harsh sun rays and pollutants. It contains skin-benefiting ingredients to retain moisture and strengthen the skin. Pineapple and papaya help promote an even tone, while wild berry and ginger root protect the skin from blue light. This non-comedogenic sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and imparts a glowy finish. Sarah Tucker, an esthetician with over 27 years of experience, says, “In addition to UVA and UVB protection, it also protects skin from blue light and pollution.”

Item Weight: 1.7 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 4.72 x 2.36 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Pineapple, Papaya, and Probiotic extracts

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • No residue
  • Natural fragrance
  • Dewy finish
  • Reef-safe
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • Stings a bit
  • May cause breakouts.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 1,833 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Sunscreens are the best protection for the skin against sun exposure and other environmental aggressors. However, there are various factors to consider before buying suitable dermatologist-recommended, non-comedogenic sunscreens. So, here is a brief buying guide for your help in choosing the best one for your skin.

How To Pick The Best Dermatologist-Recommended Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens

  • Ingredients

Checking the ingredients is the first step toward picking the best non-comedogenic sunscreen. Avoid using sunscreen with heavy-duty oils. Instead, look for dermatologist-approved ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin E, and probiotics for a healthy glow. Also, choose non-greasy, fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, residue-free, gluten-free, oxybenzone-free, cruelty-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free formulas. It is highly recommended to perform a patch test before using sunscreens as some people may experience allergic reactions to the formulas. Also, try choosing professional-grade sunscreens for effective results.

  • SPF

SPF is another crucial factor to look for while purchasing a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Go with sunscreen that has around an SPF of 30 to 50. Avoid using SPF 100 as it may feel heavy on the skin due to the higher protection factor.

  • Skin Type

If you have oily skin, you must be careful when picking sunscreen. Opt for gel or water-based formulas which won’t clog your pores. Look for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to control oil production. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, opt for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, and glycerin. These ingredients will nourish the skin without causing clogged pore problems. Finally, avoid using sunscreens with aphelia ingredients if you have sensitive skin and opt for a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen. Additionally, keep in mind your skin concerns, like dark spots, discoloration, acne, and blemish-prone skin issues, and buy a sunscreen that treats such issues.

  • Formula

The sunscreen formulation plays an essential factor when looking for a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Look for sunscreen lotions with lightweight consistency and water-based formulas. They are easily available. Opt for buildable coverage sunscreens to match your complexion. You can also opt for spray and serum-based sunscreens as they are extremely light on the skin.

Infographic: Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens: Application Tips & Benefits

Sunscreen is an essential part of a skin care regimen. The one step you should never skip before heading out for the day is applying a good dermatologist-recommended sunscreen. To gain the optimum benefits from sunscreen, you must know how to apply it correctly. Check out the infographic below to learn these application tips.

Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen: Application Tips & Benefits (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

No matter the forecast, a good, dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is the one step you should never skip before stepping out for the day. The sunscreens listed in this post will not only shield your skin from the harmful rays of the sun but also prevent potential damage like sagging, hyperpigmentation, and melanoma. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin types, while the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is another excellent sunscreen to try that helps hydrate and protect the skin. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is a great option if you are looking for an oil-free product. The. With these non-comedogenic products, you can protect your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging your pores, irritating the skin, or causing allergies and breakouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a non-comedogenic sunscreen?

A non-comedogenic sunscreen does not clog your pores and offers great sun protection. It keeps your skin from breaking out and prevents various skin-related issues, including hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma.

Which sunscreen is non-comedogenic?

You can understand whether a sunscreen is non-comedogenic or not by looking at its ingredients. The two most common ingredients found in non-comedogenic sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Before purchasing, take a closer look at the active and inactive ingredients in the sunscreen.

Which sunscreen does not cause breakouts?

A non-comedogenic sunscreen devoid of oily ingredients does not cause breakouts. You opt for the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen that comes with an oil-free formula. This sunscreen is ideal for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

Can SPF be comedogenic?

Yes. Certain sunscreens are filled with active ingredients that clog pores and cause immense acne breakouts. Hence, SPF with active ingredients, such as acetylated lanolin, algae extract, avocado oil, butter, and argan oil can be comedogenic.

How do I keep sunscreen from clogging my pores?

You should purchase a dermatologist-recommended non-comedogenic sunscreen to keep your pores from being clogged.

How do you apply sunscreen to acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, apply a sunscreen that is lightweight and non-greasy. Sunscreens with water-based formulas are most effective for oily and acne-prone skin.

What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreens for acne-prone skin?

To avoid unwanted breakouts, people with acne-prone skin should avoid sunscreens with active ingredients, such as acetylated lanolin, algae extract, avocado oil, butter, and argan oil.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this post, is a certified skin care coach. She understands the skin’s needs and comes up with the top picks for the readers, making their choice easy. This list of best non-comedogenic sunscreens is curated after reading many customers’ reviews from various trusted platforms and extensive research. These sunscreens are the best fit if you have breakouts or acne-prone skin. In addition, these are non-greasy and suitable for daily use.

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