Best Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin – Top 13 Of 2021

The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a dermatologist-recommended product that helps calm, soothe, and protect sensitive skin. This mineral-based sunscreen is silky and lightweight. It contains zinc oxide and offers broad-spectrum coverage against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It does not leave behind any residue.

The active ingredients are 9.0% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxateinactive. Other ingredients are Purified Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, and Butylene Glycol.

Pros

Protects from UVA and UVB rays
Antioxidant protection combats free radicals
Colorless
Odorless
Trusted for 25 years
Oil-free
Contains zinc oxide
Good for sensitive skin
Recommended for acne-prone skin, rosacea, and discoloration
Dermatologist-recommended
Does not leave residue
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation

Cons

Not for people with dry skin
May cause allergic reaction (perform patch test before use)
Expensive for a drugstore brand

2. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen

The Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen is a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer. It is made with Helioplex technology that offers an impressively broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with SPF110, which helps shield six layers of skin from sun damage and aging. The moisturizing ingredients hydrate and replenish the skin with a youthful glow. The sunscreen is PABA-free, doesn’t clog pores, and is dermatologist-tested.

The active ingredients are: Avobenzone 3% (sunscreen), Homosalate 15% (sunscreen), Octisalate 5% (sunscreen), Octocrylene 10% (sunscreen), and Oxybenzone 6% (sunscreen). Other ingredients include water, styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, beeswax, cyclopentasiloxane, ethylhexylglycerin, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, chlorphenesin, triethanolamine, disodium EDTA, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, BHT, methylisothiazolinone, diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate, and fragrance.

Pros

Dermatologist-tested
Non-comedogenic
Broad spectrum SPF of 110
Protects skin from photodamage and aging
Protects from UV-A and UV-B rays
PABA-free
Oil-free
Hydrates the skin
Lightweight

Cons

May cause eye irritation if it gets into your eyes
May cause redness
May leave a white residue

3. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick

The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick is a vegan, reef-friendly, broad spectrum moisturizing roll-on stick sunscreen enriched with vitamin E. It is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-approved, and water-resistant. It is suitable for all skin types. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic. It is paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and octinoxate-free.

Ingredients of this product include Avobenzone 2.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.00%, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Beeswax, BHT, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Fragrance, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Polyester-8, Polyethylene, and Tocopheryl Acetate.

Pros

Vegan
Hypoallergenic
Enriched with vitamin E
Oil-free, non-greasy
Dermatologist-approved
Paraben-free
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
Octinoxate-free
Oxybenzone-free

Cons

Less quantity for the price
Not suitable for tropical climates

4. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen

The Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. It has an SPF of 55. It is stabilized with Helioplex technology and features an active ingredient, avobenzone. This light sunscreen leaves a matte finish. It allows the skin to breathe and keeps skin problems at bay. It is non-comedogenic and non-greasy.

The active ingredients are Avobenzone 2.7% (sunscreen), Homosalate 4% (sunscreen), Octisalate 4.5% (sunscreen), Octocrylene 6% (sunscreen), and Oxybenzone 4.5% (sunscreen). Inactive ingredients are acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, BHT, bisabolol, butylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, capryloyl glycine, caprylyl glycol, cedrus atlantica bark extract, cetyl dimethicone, chlorphenesin, cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract, diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate, dimethicone, disodium EDTA, ethylhexyl stearate, ethylhexylglycerin, mannan, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, phenoxyethanol, polyester-7, portulaca oleracea extract, propylene glycol, sarcosine, silica, sodium polyacrylate, steareth-100, steareth-2, styrene/acrylates copolymer, trideceth-6, xanthan gum, water.

Pros

Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
SPF 55
Dermatologist-approved
Non-greasy
Lightweight
Protects from UVA and UVB rays
Doesn’t clog pores
Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

Cons

Needs a couple of minutes to absorb into the skin
May not be suitable for skin prone to rashes
May cause eye irritation

5. Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen

The Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen is a non-comedogenic, water-resistant, and kid-friendly moisturizing lotion with an SPF of 50. It is lightweight and fast-absorbing. It does not have a typical “sunscreen” smell as some of its key ingredients are extracts of citrus, basil, bois de rose, and sunflower.

The active ingredients are Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate Extract, and Rosemary Leaf Extract. It comes in a travel-friendly small, slim tube.

Pros

Non-comedogenic
Natural key ingredients
Fast absorbing
SPF 50
Travel-friendly packaging
Doesn’t leave a white residue
Odorless
Hydrating
Lightweight

Cons

Expensive
Not oil-free

6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay is a premium and trusted skin care brand. The Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is oil-free and is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology (which makes it specially designed for sensitive skin). It offers broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection. It combines UVA and UVB filters and antioxidants that protect your skin from the sun and free radicals. It has an oil-absorbing property and gives your skin a matte finish. It does not clog pores.

The active ingredients are Avobenzone 3% (sunscreen), Homosalate 15% (sunscreen), Octisalate 5% (sunscreen), and Octocrylene 7% (sunscreen). The inactive ingredients are water, silica, dicaprylyl carbonate, styrene/acrylates copolymer, butyloctyl salicylate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, nylon-12, PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate, perlite, beeswax, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, phenoxyethanol, PEG-8 laurate, behenyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl glutamate, chlorphenesin, p-anisic acid, xanthan gum, tocopherol, disodium EDTA, arachidyl alcohol, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, propylene glycol, cassia alata leaf extract, maltodextrin, stearyl alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Pros

Non-greasy
Formulated with exclusive Cell-OX Shield technology: UVA/UVB filters + Antioxidants
Dermatologist-tested
SPF 60
Tested on sensitive skin
Non-comedogenic
Oxybenzone-free
Octinoxate-free
Allergy tested
Paraben-free
Fragrance-free
Water-resistant (80 minutes)

Cons

Not suitable for dry skin
Expensive
May leave a white residue on your skin

7. Cetaphil Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin With Sunscreen

Cetaphil is a known and trusted drugstore brand. This product from the brand is made for acne-prone, sensitive skin. It doesn’t clog pores. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and is absorbed quickly into the skin. It is formulated with Oleosome technology that causes less irritation and greater hydration. It has also shown to reduce dryness and skin roughness in people undergoing acne treatment.

The active ingredients are: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate (5%), and Octocrylene (7%). The inactive ingredients are water, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sucrose Tristearate, Dimethiconol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 61, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Panthenol, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Zinc Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, and Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine.

Pros

Non-comedogenic
Gentle
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
Oil-free
Clinically tested for tolerability with acne treatment
SPF 30
Controls shine
Hydrates skin
Lightweight and gentle
Absorbs quickly

Cons

Avoid contact with the eyes
May not be very mattifying for oily skin
Not suitable for application under makeup

8. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen

The Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen is a pocket-friendly, broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun-protection moisturizer. It is lightweight and has SPF 30. It is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV sunscreen. The formula is breathable, has a silky finish, and leaves your skin soft and glowing.

The active ingredients are Avobenzone 2.0%, Homosalate 5.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, and Octocrylene 4.0.

Pros

SPF 30
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
Hydrating
Lightweight
Silky texture
Leaves the skin soft and glowing
Water-resistant (80 minutes)

Cons

Not fragrance-free
Not suitable for use in tropical climate

9. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer is a zinc-based sunscreen that hydrates the skin and protects its natural moisture barrier. It provides broad-spectrum protection to the skin to prevent the signs of premature aging caused by harmful sun rays. This fast-absorbing formula blends well into the skin without leaving a white cast. It has organic pomegranate, aloe vera juice. And malic acid that soothes your acne-prone skin and clarifies for a brighter skin tone

The active ingredients are Zinc, Aloe Leaf Juice, Pomegranate, Malic Acid.

Pros

Organic
Paraben-free
Suitable for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types
Non-sticky
Absorbs quickly
Blends easily
Paraben-free
Silicone-free
Chemical-free
Gluten-free
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Synthetic fragrance-free

Cons

Strong smell

10. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

The Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreeen is formulated with pure, gentle ingredients to provide broad spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. It is an anti-aging sunscreen with SPF 35. It is enriched with smoothing silk extract, pore-tightening Japanese wild rose, and antioxidant-rich loquat leaf extract. This lightweight formula blends effortlessly into the skin to give a smooth and natural-looking skin.

The active ingredients are Octisalate 5% and Zinc Oxide 15%. Other ingredients include water, isododecane, cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Glycerine, Dimethycone, Octyldodecyl, Neopentanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Rosa multiflora fruit extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Sericin. Algea Extract, Lecithin, Inositol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Tristearate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Beheneth-20, Disodium EDTA, Methicone,Tin Oxide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Alcohol, Fragrance, and Titanium Dioxide.

Pros

Non-irritating
Non-sensitizing
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-tested
Cruelty-free
Oil-free
No synthetic fragrances
Sulfate-free
Paraben-free
Phthalate-free
Free of urea, DEA, TEA, aminobenzoic acid, homosalate, oxybenzone, and octinoxate

Cons

Expensive
Can have an unpleasant smell
Can be too shiny

11. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non Greasy, Oil Free Sunscreen

The Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non Greasy, Oil Free Face & Body Sunscreen comes with SPF 50 and protects the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. The enriching antioxidants (vitamins A, E, and C), aloe, and kaolin help protect the skin from oxidative damage and give it a youthful glow. The formula is silky and is suitable for all skin types. It goes on smooth and leaves the skin soft and matte.

The active ingredients are Homosalate 10%, Oxybenzone 6%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%, and Octocrylene 2%. Other ingredient are Water, Butylene Glycol (hydration/texture enhancing), PEG-8 (texture enhancing), Polyethylene (texture enhancing), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration), Picea Excelsa Wood Extract (skin-soothing), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A/ antioxidant/skin replenishing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Titanium Dioxide (texture enhancing), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (hydration/skin-soothing), Bentonite (absorbent), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (texture enhancing), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (texture enhancing), Sodium Polyacrylate (texture enhancing), Kaolin (absorbent), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservatives), and Chlorphenesin (preservative).

Pros

Soothes the skin
Absorbs excess oil
Water-resistant
Sweat-resistant
SPF 50
Soft and hydrating
Matte finish
Oil-free
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Non-irritating
Lightweight

Cons

Texture may not be consistent
May not suit oily skin or tropical climates

12. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen

The Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen is a super pocket-friendly and heavy-duty broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA/UVB rays. It provides SPF 30. The formula is non-greasy, sweat- and water-resistant, absorbed quickly, and won’t run into your eyes.

The active ingredients are Avobenzone 3% and Oxybenzone 4% (Sunscreen). The inactive ingredients are water, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Capryl Glycol, Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoley/Dimethylcarbonate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, and Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide Peg.

Pros

Budget-friendly
Protects from UVA and UVB rays
Non-greasy
Sweat-resistant
Water-resistant
Absorbed quickly

Cons

May exaggerate pores
May leave a white residue
Can cause a burning sensation
May sting the eye if it gets in

13. COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Sunscreen

The COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30. It is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and protects the skin from pollution and blue light. The main active ingredients are Zinc Oxide (15%) and plant-derived Full Spectrum 360° complex. These help mitigate skin aggressors. The plant stem cells and niacinamide help leave the skin looking youthful and naturally glowing.

Other ingredients include Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyisobutene, Polyquaternium-80, Propanediol, Schinus Molle Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, and Jasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract.

Pros

Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Vegan
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
Paraben-free
Reef-friendly
Lightweight
SPF 30
Enriched with plant-derived Full Spectrum 360° complex
Gives the skin a youthful glow
Good for application under makeup

Cons

Expensive
May leave the skin feeling dry
May leave a white residue