These 14 Facial Sunscreens Will Prevent Sunburns and Start at Just $11 on Amazon
Dry to oily and even acne-prone skin types will love these expert-approved picks.
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Beauty PSA alert: Everyone 6 months and up should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 coverage from head to toe, regardless of skin type or complexion. Not wearing and reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours while exposed to the sun's ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays can lead to signs of aging, burns, and potentially cancer.
While some might say using facial sunscreen isn't necessary, especially if they already own a regular body-safe sunscreen, that's not true. The doctors I consulted say sunscreen for the face is more cosmetically elegant because it caters to different skin types and layers nicely under makeup.
As the SPF-obsessed beauty editor of Best Products, I asked several board-certified dermatologists about all things facial sunscreen. The pros get real about how to shop for sunscreen and their favorite product recommendations. I also opened my medicine cabinet and found a few solid sunscreens for the face worth knowing about.
Best Facial Sunscreens
Why Use Facial Sunscreen
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., argues using a separate facial sunscreen has many benefits. "This is similar to the difference between face lotions and body lotions. Products designed for the face tend to be lighter weight because there are more oil glands on the face. Sunscreens for the face tend to be the same," she explains.
The New York-based doctor notes that from a sun protection factor (SPF) standpoint, sunscreen developed for the face or the body is interchangeable. She adds, "Using sunscreen designed for the face may reduce the risk of a breakout from the product, and they often feel better on the delicate skin of the face."
What to Consider
Broad-Spectrum SPF Level
Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and Skincare Foundation say we need a minimum of SPF 30 outdoors, and our experts agree. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., says SPF 30 provides about 97% sun protection, while SPF 50 offers 98% coverage. Not that massive of a difference when users actively reapply sunblock aka at least every 2 hours and immediately after sweating or swimming.
Murphy-Rose adds actively using one will prevent burns and skin cancer. "It will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and worsening skin conditions like melasma and rosacea," she says.
Sweat- and Water-Resistance
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christina Lee Chung, M.D., FAAD, argues that some sunscreens are better suited for the elements if you spend the day at the beach vs. attending a garden party. For those with an active lifestyle, opt for a sport sunscreen that's typically sweat- and water-resistant.
"Water-resistant sunscreen is a must for swimming and sports, and water-resistant sunscreens generally don’t burn when your sweat gets in your eyes," says Chung. She adds that the sunscreen's label will indicate how often users should reapply, typically every 40 or 80 minutes.
Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., advises those with sensitive skin to use a fragrance-free sunscreen. However, she says choosing a facial sunscreen that uses chemical or physical blockers is more important.
Dermatologists tend to favor mineral sunscreens because they offer immediate broad-spectrum sun protection, meaning users won't have to worry about signs of aging, sunburns, and skin cancer. They're gentle enough for children and sensitive skin, and last longer in direct sunlight than chemical sunscreens. Plus, they sit on the face rather than soak into your skin like chemical sunblocks.
The bottom line: Mineral and chemical sunscreens are worth using since using any SPF while exposed to solar rays is better than forgoing sun protection altogether. However, consumers should opt for the mineral formula if they crave peace of mind when using facial sunscreen.
Here is a quick at-a-glance look at some common active ingredients people will likely encounter while online shopping for a facial sunscreen:
- Chemical sunscreen ingredients: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate
- Mineral, aka physical blockers: Zinc and titanium dioxide
Application
Selecting the right sunscreen for someone's needs is essential, but it’s even more crucial to use it correctly. Continually reapply about 2 oz. or a shot glass worth of sunscreen from head to toe throughout the day.
Murphy-Rose says for the face, a good amount of sunscreen is about 2 finger lengths of product. She notes, "If you squeeze your sunscreen along your pointer and middle fingers from the fingertips to where the finger meets the palm, for most [people] this should be a sufficient amount."
Other spots that need sunscreen TLC are over the brows, ears, and around the lips. Use an SPF lip balm for sun protection on the pout. "These are areas where I very often see actinic keratoses or pre-cancers, and I believe that’s partly due to less sunscreen use in these areas," she adds.
How We Chose
As mentioned earlier, some of these sunscreens earned snaps from dermatologists or myself. As for the others, I carefully evaluated their benefits and limitations, including ingredients and water- and sweat-resistance levels. I also considered the frequency of application, overall brand reputation, and read through thousands of online reviews to ensure they live up to their promises.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
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