From simple to multitasking, organic to super hydrating, we did our research to find you the best sunscreens for your face to use right now to protect your skin from aging.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click and buy, we get a small percentage of the sale. We promise to put it back into finding more effective products for you and will only spend a marginal amount on margaritas. 🥴
What’s the best way to keep your skin youthful and healthy? Um, wear sunscreen. Every day. Period. That’s it. That’s the secret. As we round the corner on Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to take stock of what you’re using and consider an upgrade. Sunscreens for your face have come a long way and yes, there is one for everyone under the sun. Beyond the drugstore brands, these protective gems contain the highest quality ingredients and the most bang for your hard-earned buck. We broke them down by category so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle and skincare concerns.
Happy shopping and trust us, just wear the sunscreen (remember the sunscreen song?)!
Multitasking Tinted Sunscreens
Supergoop! CC Screen SPF 50+ CC Cream
This has been my personal go-to for a while. The tinted formula goes on smooth and provides just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without feeling heavy. The cream is 100% mineral UV protection and is enhanced with essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 to neutralize hyperpigmentation and minimize inflammation. An added luminosity kick comes from brightening apple extract and light-reflecting mica minerals. Comes in 13 shades at amazon.com.
Suntegrity 5 In 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen – Tinted, Broad Spectrum SPF 30
If you like a dewy natural look, Suntegrity’s all-in-one, “UV chemical-free” tinted sunscreen delivers. It’s packed with nutrients including hyaluronic acid, red algae and certified organic aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber and green tea. Non-nano zinc-oxide protects the skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays while reducing redness. Comes in four shades. Read our review of Suntregity here. Get it at suntegrityskincare.com and amazon.com.
Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care Cream SPF 30
Formulated with micro color-correcting pigments and powerful anti-aging ingredients, this CC Cream provides the benefits of an anti-aging treatment, moisturizer, foundation and SPF — all in one affordable product. Buy it amazon.com.
TIP: Look for sunscreens providing both UVA (think “aging”) and UVB (think “burning”) sun protection. The sun emits both and while UVA rays were once thought to be relatively harmless, both are now linked to skin cancer and premature aging. And don’t wear sunscreen only on days you’ll be outside. Standard glass windows only partially block UV rays. While we know UV rays are emitted from tanning beds and sun lamps, controversy still abounds about how much skin damage can be attributed to indoor lighting. Why chance it? Get more info at the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Powder Sunscreens
ILIA Moondance Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20
Moondance is a softly translucent finishing powder packaged in a refillable brush applicator. A blend of organic powder, oils, minerals and vitamins help keep skin looking soft and supple. Ingredients like passion fruit and rosemary oil give skin a dose of calm while the natural sun protection has a hint of luminosity to enhance radiance. Available at amazon.com.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50
This award-winning, all-mineral powder is powered by EnviroScreen Technology and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a convenient, on-the-go application. Wear it alone or over makeup. Up to 80-minutes of water resistance. Comes in four shades at colorescience.com and amazon.com.
Tip: Get yourself a clear or translucent tube of powder to use along your hairline and part. Sunscreen powder not only protects your scalp but helps absorb oils and add volume like a dry shampoo.
Moisturizing/Anti-aging Sunscreens
Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Use this daily moisturizing complex to protect and nourish your skin daily. Free of fragrance and parabens, the science-backed formulation targets wrinkles with a unique complex of anti-aging peptides and skin-recovering ingredients to transform dry skin as it protects from aging sun damage. Get it at amazon.com.
Bioelements SPF 50 FaceScreen
A rich, emollient broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, this sunscreen provides SPF 50 maximum protection. The formulation features antioxidant vitamins to discourage free radical damage, skin-calming chamomile and Bioelements’ unique blend of rejuvenating Asian herbs. $56.50 at beautystoredepot.com
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30
Formulated with zinc oxide for clear, mineral-based UVA and UVB protection, this hydrating cream also contains red algae extract, kukui and macadamia nut oils to restore moisture balance and reduce visible lines. Vegan and cruelty free, you won’t find parabens, petroleum, or artificial fragrances and colors in this. Get it at amazon.com.
Tip: For the best deal, visit the main product site for first-time visitor discounts and incentives. We’ve also provided the amazon.com product link where possible if you prefer to shop there.
Stick Sunscreens
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Swipe this fragrance-free and non-greasy sunscreen stick on face, lips, nose and ears. Providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, the hypoallergenic formula blends zinc with rich, skin-soothing certified organic oils. Safe and effective for the kiddos too! Free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, parabens, synthetic fragrances and dyes. Buy it at babobotanicals.com or amazon.com.
All Good Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick SPF 50
When you need something for both you and your mini sidekick, this non-nano zinc only shield provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a soothing, easy-to-apply stick. Smooth and creamy organic coconut oil base moisturizes while creating strong sun and wind barrier. Find it at amazon.com.
Clear Gel Sunscreens
Sonrei Sea Clearly Sunscreen SPF 30
Okay, if you’re counting, you’ll notice our list actually goes to 11. We did that to make sure you’re paying attention 😉 AND really, because we just stumbled across this incredibly brilliant new gel sunscreen and had to add it. Sonrei Sea Clearly Sunscreen is an environmentally-conscious sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for all skin types and pigments in the form of a translucent gel. Available in SPF 30 and SPF 50, Sonrei provides water resistant sun protection via a proprietary organogel formulated with vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid—all powerful antioxidants. Sonrei’s gentle, spreadable gel melts into your skin leaving a velvety matte finish and won’t run. See? Brilliant! $25 at sonreiskin.com.
Final word—just wear the sunscreen. It’s the best thing you can do for your skin.
Got a favorite sunscreen? Let us know in the comments below.
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