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The 19 Best Facial Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear Every Day

From moisturizers with SPF to full-on sunblock.

By Tiffany Dodson

Experts and editors agree: If you're planning to leave the house (and sometimes, even if you aren't), you should apply a few swipes of sunscreen first. As ultraviolet light is omnipresent, even on overcast days, it’s important to consistently protect your skin with one of the best sunscreens for face.

"Ninety percent of aging skin is due to exposure to UV and visible light, so sun protection is essential—and that means broad spectrum protection," Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, tells BAZAAR.com. "Broad-spectrum means that the product protects against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can lead to accelerated skin aging and potentially skin cancer."

Shop the Best Facial Sunscreens

  • Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

    Best Brightening Sunscreen

    Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

    $38 at shiseido.com
    Read more
  • UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    Best All-Around Sunscreen

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    Read more
  • Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid

    Best Fragrance-Free Sunscreen

    Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid

    Read more
  • Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

    Best Oil-Free Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

    Read more
  • Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

    Most Viral Sunscreen

    Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

    Read more


When considering which products can provide you with adequate sun protection, professionals recommend choosing a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, though you can go higher for your face, neck, and décolletage. And for days when you don't go outdoors as frequently, many sunscreen formulas even contain filters to protect against blue light.

Here, we've rounded up some of the very best facial sunscreens worth adding to your collection, from beloved brands like EltaMD, Glow Recipe, and more. And while you're searching for a new favorite sunscreen, check out our top K-Beauty and oil-free options, along with picks that won't leave a white cast behind.


Best Brightening Sunscreen

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
Best Brightening Sunscreen

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

$38 at shiseido.com
Pros
  • Clear gel formula
  • Helps retain moisture
Cons

    Shiseido–known for its cult-favorite SPFs–put a bright spin on their Urban Environment Sunscreen, which now includes skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The formula goes on clear, improves tone, and boosts hydration (think of it like a glass of orange juice for your skin) with an SPF of 42.

    Key ingredients:Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Hypotaurine
    Best All-Around Sunscreen

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
    Best All-Around Sunscreen

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

    Credit: Bluemercury
    Pros
    • Great for acne-prone skin
    Cons

      EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen is one of my holy-grail SPFs. As a person of color, I love that it never leaves my face with a white cast, and as a person with acne-prone skin, I love never having to worry about breakouts.

      One satisfied customer writes:

      "A dermatologist recommended this product to me, when I went to her seeking treatment for rosacea. I’ve used it daily ever since. My partner does a lot of sailing, and this is the only product that doesn’t drip into his eyes on a hot sunny day. We also use the sport sunscreen in the tube. Not sticky or heavy. Great for water sports or merely daily life in NYC during the humid summers. Wonderful products." —KiKi

      Key ingredients:Niacinamide, zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
      Best Fragrance-Free Sunscreen

      Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid

      Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid
      Best Fragrance-Free Sunscreen

      Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid

      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Great for sensitive skin
      Cons

        Avène's featherweight Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid harnesses the same skin soothing properties that are found in its coveted thermal water. Plus, it not only shields against UVA and UVB rays, but blue light as well.

        One satisfied customer writes:

        "I use this while walking, gardening and golfing. Not greasy. Have bought several and given as gifts." —Sheryl

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        Best Oil-Free Sunscreen

        La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

        Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
        Best Oil-Free Sunscreen

        La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

        Credit: Amazon
        Pros
        • Fragrance-free
        • Top-rated on Amazon
        Cons

          Hartman is a fan of La Roche-Posay's Anthelios sunscreen range, since this oil-free version doesn’t leave the skin looking overly shiny, but also won't make you look like a ghost after it's applied.

          One satisfied customer writes:

          "I've been using this sunscreen daily for a few months now. A little goes a long way, so you get your money's worth. It goes on evenly and doesn't leave a chalky look. And it doesn't leave my oily skin feeling greasy! I have been especially impressed by that." —Courtney J.

          Key ingredients:Perlite and silica complex
          Most Viral Sunscreen

          Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

          Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
          Most Viral Sunscreen

          Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

          Credit: Ulta
          Pros
          • Vegan
          Cons

            Over 3,500 Ulta shoppers are raving about Supergoop's culty Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which absorbs quickly and is practically invisible on the skin. Plus, its grippy formula makes it perfect to use as a makeup primer.

            Key ingredients:Meadowfoam seed, red algae, frankincense, avobenzone (3%,), homosalate (8%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (4%)
            Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

            Versed Guards Up

            Guards Up
            Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

            Versed Guards Up

            Now 12% Off
            Credit: Versed
            Pros
            • Vegan
            • Features eco-friendly packaging
            Cons

              A little goes a long way when it comes to this mineral sunscreen from Versed. Its peach-colored formula neutralizes the possibility of a white cast, and baked in antioxidants shield skin against blue light, UVA, and UVB rays.

              One satisfied customer writes:

              "Never had a mineral sunscreen that absorbed so well and quickly! Is a joy to remember my SPF these days!" —Kelsey35

              Key ingredients:Sea fennel extract, moringa seed extract, non-nano zinc oxide
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              Best Refillable Sunscreen

              Humanrace Ozone Face Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

              Ozone Face Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
              Best Refillable Sunscreen

              Humanrace Ozone Face Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

              Credit: Selfridges
              Pros
              • Vegan
              Cons

                This SPF 30 moisturizer from Humanrace takes earth-conscious to a new level: not only does it feature recyclable packaging, but this mineral sunscreen also happens to be refillable.

                Key ingredients:Squalane, jojoba seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, spinosa fruit extract, sunflower sprout extract, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, snow mushroom extract
                Best Sunscreen Serum

                Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

                Sun Drops Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
                Best Sunscreen Serum

                Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

                Credit: Dermstore
                Pros
                • Lightweight
                Cons

                  Any serum devotee can appreciate the formula behind Dr. Barbara Sturm's SPF 50 Sun Drops, which have a similar, barely-there consistency. To guard against harmful rays, these drops combine vitamin E and beta glucan with four different sunscreen formulas for potent protection.

                  One satisfied customer writes:

                  "I use this product with my daily moisturizer and it really works as per the directions. Have been protecting my face from unwanted freckles." —Mero L.

                  Key ingredients:Cassia extract, vitamin E, beta glucan
                  Best K-Beauty Sunscreen

                  Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Face Sunscreen SPF 50+

                  Every Sun Day Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
                  Best K-Beauty Sunscreen

                  Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Face Sunscreen SPF 50+

                  Credit: Sephora
                  Pros
                  • Cooling
                  Cons

                    You can't talk about K-Beauty best-sellers mentioning this sunscreen from Dr. Jart: It features a cooling sensation to counteract the sun's heat (which is perfect for summer months), and uses vitamin E to help skin retain its moisture.

                    One satisfied customer writes:

                    "Love this! Perfect for dry skin and works well with sensitive skin. No white cast that I have noticed. Doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily. Worth the money in my opinion." —Ginnig

                    Key ingredients:Lavender oil, silica, water, broad-spectrum SPF 50
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                    Best Sunscreen with Niacinamide

                    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

                    Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
                    Best Sunscreen with Niacinamide

                    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

                    Credit: Glow Recipe
                    Pros
                    • Skin plumping
                    • Vegan
                    Cons

                      Glow Recipe's hybrid Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 combines mineral and chemical SPF filters for ultimate sun protection. It's also an especially great choice if you're already a fan of other staples from the brand's Watermelon Glow collection.

                      One satisfied customer writes:

                      "This is my everyday sunscreen. It feels so Nice and lightweight on the skin plus it smells amazing." —Edith

                      Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, watermelon
                      Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen

                      Lesse Women's Every Tone SPF 30

                      Women's Every Tone SPF 30
                      Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen

                      Lesse Women's Every Tone SPF 30

                      Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue
                      Pros
                      • Won't leave behind a white cast
                      Cons

                        This SPF 30 mineral cream is is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores), and is even clinically tested for sensitive skin. The cream is also formulated with Australian super berries to brighten discoloration as it protects.

                        Key ingredients:Carrot seed oil, Pepperberry fruit extract, zinc oxide, Australian super berries
                        Editors' Pick

                        Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Defense SPF 40

                        Universal Glow Defense SPF 40
                        Editors' Pick

                        Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Defense SPF 40

                        Credit: Violet Grey
                        Pros
                        • Fast-absorbing
                        Cons
                        • Not ideal for those looking for a matte finish

                        This 2023 BAZAAR Skincare Award-winning sunscreen is ideal for a subtle glow, and uses an antioxidant complex to treat fine lines, and dark spots while preventing new ones from occurring.

                        Key ingredients:Frankincense, gotu kola, white birch bark, and knotweed, zinc
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                        Best Moisturizer with SPF

                        Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

                        Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
                        Best Moisturizer with SPF

                        Keys Soulcare Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

                        Credit: Ulta
                        Pros
                        • Great for Oily Skin
                        Cons

                          Keys Soulcare's SPF 30 earned its spot as one of our editors' top skincare products of the year for oily types. It uses niacinamide to regulate oil and reduce redness, along with squalane to hydrate without clogging pores.

                          One satisfied customer writes:

                          "Great SPF 30 moisturizer! Easy to dispense! This SPF absorbs quickly into the skin and has a lightweight feel, yet it's very hydrating! No white cast and has an amazing, clean scent!" —annac445

                          Key ingredients:Squalane, niacinamide
                          Best Sunscreen for Blue Light Protection

                          Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++

                          City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++
                          Best Sunscreen for Blue Light Protection

                          Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++

                          Credit: Murad
                          Pros
                          • Safe for sensitive skin
                          Cons

                            This mineral sunscreen expertly guards against UVA and UVB rays, along with environmental pollution. It's also a great option for anyone who sits in front of their laptops all day, since it protects against damage from blue light, too.

                            One satisfied customer writes:

                            "This is seriously the best sunscreen ever. I recently decided it was time I started applying sunscreen every morning and had this one laying around that I had only used once or twice. I swear this is literally the secret to good looking skin. I have combo skin that leans more oily with pretty big pores, and I swear this blurs everything. A must buy!" —Jana J.

                            Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxides, lutein, polymer matrix
                            Best Lightweight Mineral Sunscreen

                            SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50

                            Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
                            Best Lightweight Mineral Sunscreen

                            SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50

                            Credit: Dermstore
                            Pros
                            • Mattifying
                            • Paraben-free
                            Cons

                              Here's a physical sunscreen that combines titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters without leaving behind a white cast. The sheer consistency also dries down to a matte finish, which is perfect if you frequently deal with an oily T-zone.

                              One satisfied customer writes:

                              "This sunscreen is very light and goes really well under makeup. Perfect for everyday use." —Keira

                              Key ingredients:Algae extract, antioxidants, dimethicone, salicylic acid, titanium dioxide, vitamin E, zinc oxide
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                              Best Priming Sunscreen

                              Kinship Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32

                              Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32
                              Best Priming Sunscreen

                              Kinship Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32

                              Credit: Credo Beauty
                              Pros
                              • Reef-safe
                              • Eco-friendly packaging
                              Cons

                                This light-reflecting, zinc oxide sunscreen can be worn alone for a blurred, dewy skin finish, or to prime your foundation and concealer. As an added bonus for those who are acne-prone, the sunscreen also contains the brand's Kinbiome to strengthen the skin's barrier and prevent future breakouts.

                                One satisfied customer writes:

                                "This sunscreen is so light and moisturizing that I rarely even use my regular moisturizer in the morning. Just a serum and this underneath my makeup. It's not at all greasy and provides a really nice glow. I have very breakout prone skin, and this sunscreen has been very gentle and non-irritating." —Sam W.

                                Key ingredients:Tumeric, jojoba esters, non-nano zinc oxide
                                Best Matte Sunscreen

                                Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45

                                Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45
                                Best Matte Sunscreen

                                Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45

                                Credit: Ulta
                                Pros
                                • Reef-friendly
                                Cons

                                  If you have oily or combination skin, consider this matte finish SPF 45 formula from Black Girl Sunscreen. In addition to featuring a blend of hydrating ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil, it's also reef-safe, and wears well under makeup.

                                  One satisfied customer writes:

                                  "Perfect matte finish. Goes well as a primer before makeup or the perfect matte natural skin. Love this product!!!" —Tia J.

                                  Key ingredients:Shea butter, coconut oil
                                  Best Tinted Sunscreen

                                  Kinlò Golden Rays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 Active Mineral Sunscreen

                                  On Sale
                                  Golden Rays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 Active Mineral Sunscreen
                                  Best Tinted Sunscreen

                                  Kinlò Golden Rays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 Active Mineral Sunscreen

                                  Now 58% Off
                                  Credit: Walmart
                                  Pros
                                  • Won't leave a white cast
                                  Cons

                                    Ideal for athletes and melanin-rich skin, Kinlò's Golden Rays Tinted Sunscreen is SPF 50, and also happens to be sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. And since its formula is available in three versatile shade options, you may not even need to reach for your go-to skin tint.

                                    One satisfied customer writes:

                                    "Love this product!! Reef-safe and organic with SPF 50 and I don't need any makeup when I wear it!! A tiny bit provides excellent coverage! I love that its lightweight and doesn't look or feel like greasy sunscreen!!" —mlharris

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                                    Expert Pick

                                    Isdin Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

                                    Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
                                    Expert Pick

                                    Isdin Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

                                    Credit: Isdin
                                    Pros
                                    • Fast-absorbing
                                    Cons

                                      When it comes to his physical sunscreen of choice, Hartman opts for Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. "It's a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy," he notes.

                                      Key ingredients:Zinc oxide, vitamin E, photolyase

                                      Meet the Experts

                                      best sunscreen for face 2023
                                      • Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist, and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
                                      Lettermark
                                      Tiffany Dodson
                                      Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

                                      Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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