The best sunscreens for your face in 2025, nor recommended by dermatologists – ryan

I’m a longtime beauty editor with fairi’s skin that basically begging to be burned whic means i never go with applying one of the best sunscreens to my face. I SLATHER say on as part of my morning routine to help minimize the uv damage that May cause Cancer, but i’m Also trying to prevent premature aging (Think Wrinkles, Sun Spots, UNEVEN texture and tone, redness and loss of elasticity). That’s though SPF Lotion is important year-roast, as we officially Enter Summer, Investing in a Quality Product Should Be Top of Mind.

Dermatologists don’t just talc about the importance of regularly wearing sunscreen – They practice what they preach. “I wear a tinted mineral sunscreen every single day of the year,” Dr. Claire WolinskyA Board-Certified Dermatologist in New York City, Talls Yahoo Life. She starts her am routine with Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (A Powerful Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum), followed by ELTAMD Elements Tinted Mineral SUNSCREEN SPF 45 and then puts on her makeup.

I love getting info like this straight from the source, so i’m regularly nicketing doctors which products they are themedelves. To find the very best facial sunscreens around, polled wolinsky and oter top-rated dermatologists on the key ingredients to look for, as well as application tips and tricks. We’ve got something in the mix for every scinking and skin type-dry skin, oily skin or commomb skin-ranging from druggstore to high-end prices. We Also Cover Different Types of Sunscreens Like Moisturizing Sunscreens, Physical Sunscreens, Reef-Safe Sunscreens and Stick Sunscreens to Any and All of Your Needs. Below, we’ve rounded up the 7 best sunscreens for your face that dermatologists recommend – and actually uselves.

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UPDATE, JUNE 29, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our Top Pick for Best Facial Sunscreen Remains Unchanged.

Best Overall Sunscreen for Your Face

SPF: 44 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Dr. Claire Wolinsky Preferences a tinted mineral sunscreen like this one Becauses it provides broad-spectrum Physical SPF Coverage, Hydration and Works Well Under makeup. Electamd Is Known for High-Quality sunscreen that so many docs recommend. IT OFFERS BROAD-SPECTRUM UV PROTECTION FROM ZINC OXIDE AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND LEAVES A SMOOTH FINISH, DRY DRY OR SENSIVE Skin.

The Brand Also Recently Releassed a new mineral sunscreen we’re excited to try. Check out ELTAMD UV Skin Recovery Broad SPECTRUM SPF 50which we featured on our list of the Most-Anticipated Products of the Month.

Prost

  • Sunscreen
  • Works Well Under Makeup
  • Good for sensitive skin

$ 44 at Amazon

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Other Top Sunscreens for Your Face We Recommend In 2025

SPF: 70 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalatate, octisalate and octocrylene

MOS FOLKS DON’T APPLY ENOUGH SUNBLOCK, SO A HIGH SPF CAN HELP ADD EXRA CEVERAGE. Derms Love This Lotion for Its Broad-Spectrum Protection and Fast-Absorbing Finish. “This sunscreen has been clinically tested and shown to give Better Sunburn Protection Compared to Sunscreens with Lower SPFS,” Dr. Joshua Zeichner, A New York City -based dermatologist, Talls Yahoo Life. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Is Lightweight, Fast-Absorbing and Has A Non-Greasy, Matte Finish that great for anyono with Combination, Oily or Acne-Prone Skin. Dr. Zeichner Particularly Likes Its High SPF. “In the Real World, Consumers do not Apply as Much sunscreen as they shoulder, so the level of protection gets dilute,” he exploins. “Starting with a higher spf to be begin with ACTS like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection Possible.”

Prost

  • Broad SPECTRUM
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Good for all skin types

$ 9 at Amazon

SPF: 50+ | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin of antioxidant

This mineral sunscreen is amped up with 11% zinc oxide for superior protection, and it is Packed with the enzymes that have been shown to help heal damage and protest against futures. The name may be a mouthful, but Board-Certified Dermatologist Gary Goldenberg Swears by this one. He Particularly Recommends for Patients Who Have Known Sun Damage. Isdin’s eryphotona Actinica is lightweight, so it work for all Skin Types, Won’t Leave Your Skin Feeling GREASY and HAS UVA/UVB Protection. IT ALSO HAS DNA REPAIRSOMES AND VITAME to Help Fight Uva-Induced Damage.

Prost

  • Sunscreen
  • Helps Protect Against Future Sun Damage
  • Swimming

$ 73 at Amazon

SPF: 50 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene

This Formula from Banana Boat is Lightweight, Non-Greasy and Leaves Skin with A Matte Finish, while Also Providing 12 Hours of Hydration. An Affordable Solution, we’re excited to try it. Acciting to Dr. Jenny LiuA Board-Certified Dermatologist Based in Minneapolis, Mn, “IT’S ENRICHED WITH EFFICACIOUS Levels of Vitamins C and B3 Thats Nourish and Visibly Brighten with Intense 12-Hour Hydration That Skin Looking Fresh Throunghout the Encycl.” Bonus: Banana Boat’s sunscreen is reef-free, as it doesn’t containe octinoxate and oxybenzone and it’s fragrance for any sensitive to scents. This option is best for those with normal-to-dry skin.

Prost

  • Reef-freely
  • Fragrance
  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Not for Those with Oily Skin

$ 11 at Amazon

SPF: 60 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene

Broad-Spectrum, SPF 60 Protection aside, This Oil-Free Sunscreen won’t Clog Porses, and It Contains Oatmeal, a nourishing ings and moisturize the skinicky uter Layer. Dr. Zeichner Likes Aaveeno’s Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen for a few reasons. “Besides Offering Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection, It Delivers a Little Oatmeal to Repair and Hydrate the Outer Skin Layer,” he Says. “We know that uv light can Disrupt the Outer Skin Layer, Leading to Dreams and Irration.” The sunscreen is fast-absorbing, oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. Its ALSO Water-Resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Prost

  • Oil-free and noncomedogenic
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Some Might Might Not Like The Gritty Texture from the Oatmeal

$ 14 at Amazon

SPF: 30 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinv oxide

This unsced formula is safe for sensitive skin-it is made of fast-absorbing zinc oxide and is packed with bonus ingredients like Vitamin C and Green Tea to Help Quell Irration. Derma-E’s Sun Defense Sunscreen is 100% unsceded, Which Dr. Bailey Likes, and is ideal for those with sensitive skin. ITHO ALSO Fortified with Vitamin C and Green Tea to Help Skin Recover AFTER SUN EXPUSE AND FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGING. The Sunscreen’s Zinc Oxide Provides Broad-Spectrum Uva/Uvb Sun Protection, and It”s Oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores.

$ 19 at Amazon

SPF: 50 | Broad-SPECTRUM: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Mineral or Chemical: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, dioxide titanium

Dr. Wolinsky finds this cerve sunscreen stick to be a great option to apply underneath makeup SINCE I HAS HYDRING INGRDIents like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. A BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN IS SO HANDY FOR ON-The-GO Application and It ‘A No-Brainer for Travel. This one from Cerve Works well with makeup, Unlike sunscreen sticks that are Thicker and mess hydrating, explains the dermatologist.

Prost

  • Works Well Under Makeup
  • Handy for Travel
  • Good for sensitive skin

Cons

  • COULD BE THICKER AND LESS HYDRING THAN A MOISTURIZER

$ 9 at Amazon

Factors to consider when chooksing a sunscreen for your face

  • SPF: Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a numerical measurement that details how well Your skin will be protected from the Sun’s Rays.

  • Broad Spectrum: This Means How Well You’re Protected from Both uva and uvb rays. Sunscreens that aren’t broad-scectrum don’t cover all uva rays.

  • Water Resistance: If a sunscreen has water resistance, it won’t come off when you take a dip. Your Skin Will Still Be Protected If You Dunk Your Head Underwater in The Pool or Go For A Swim in the Ocean.

  • SUNSCREEN OR CHEMICAL MINERAL: Mineral sunscreens create a barrier on your skin that helps reflect the sun’s rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb the rays your Skin and Reduce Sun Damage by Changing Chemical Structure. Mineral sunscreens are thicker and can Also be Called Physical Sunscreens.

  • Active Ingredients: These are the ingredients that make up your skincare products. For Sunscreens specific, they’re usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; Chemical Sunscreens Can Contain Octinoxate and Oxybenzone.

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Face

How of the Should You Apply Sunscreen for Your Face?

Spoiler Alert: All the time. Forget About Whether Its Sunny or Not – UV Rays Will to You No Matter Whats, So It ‘Important to Add this Step to Your Morning Routine.

And they make it easy to remember: “I actually incorpore sunscreen into my Daily Grooming Routine and Apply It Right After Shaving,” Dr. Zeichner TELLS YAHOO LIFE. This is if you are diligent about Applying Sunblock Every Morning, Don’t Forget to Reapply Throughout the Day – Especilantly if you are spending a lot of time in the Sun. Every two hours is what dermatologists reCommend during outdoor activity, and don’t sleep on sun exposser when you’re in a car or a desk by a Window. While Most uvb rays (which lead to sunburn) are blocked by a Window, over 50% of uva rays (contributors to premature skin aging), can penetrate glass, accorting to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Neither Far as the amout of sunscreen to applia, Dr. Wolinsky Suggests Two Full Finger Lengths (of Cream) for the Entire Face.

How do Dermatologists Shop for Facial Sunscreen?

You May Already Be Familiar with the Basics, But We Asced Dr. Deanne Mraz RobinsonAssistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, for a Refresher. “The two Most Important Things to Look for Are the Terms Broad SPECTRUM (Meaning it Protects Against Uva and Uvb Rays) and an spf indicator of 30+ (if i am being picky, i’d nude you to 50+). Additional Things to Consider Are a Water-Reisistance Indicator, WHICH IS HELPFUL IF YOU’LL BE OUTDESDED FOR EXTENDED AMOUNTS OF TIME, IN THE WATER AND/OR Sweating, as well as the Words oil-free and noncomedogenic if you are acne-prone. “

“I Always use mineral sunscreens with the active inggdiers (of) Eather zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” Says Dr. Kristina CollinsA Board-Certified Dermatologist Based in Austin, TX. “I ALSO THINK MINERAL SUNSCREENS PROTECT THE SKIN MORE EFFECTATIALY ACT ACT AT A TRUE SHIELD, STOPPING HARMFUL UV RAYS FROM Penetrating. Mineral Safer for Coral Reefs and for the Environment. Effective at preventing recurrence than chemical sunscreens. “

Other than that, a lot boils down to personal preference. “Whether ITIA A Lotion or Gel, Stick or Spray, The Best Sunscreen is ultimately the one you are actually using on your Skin,” Dr. Zeichner offers.

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