The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin have come a long way from the greasy, pore-clogging formulas you tried years ago. Current options in the sun protection aisle are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and completely residue-free. That’s right, no more fear of irritation and breakouts from greasy picks of the past.
Glamour editors and contributors spent over a year testing dozens of the most widely recommended formulas for face and body, with input from leading dermatologists on exactly what to look for. After testing dozens of formulas, our top pick was the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 because it’s lightweight, doesn’t leave behind a white cast or residue, and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause new pimples, redness or other irritation. Plus, you can wear it under makeup or other skin-care products without even noticing it’s there.
But we tested other standout formulas, including tinted SPFs to help cover active pimples and ultra-sheer consistencies that you’ll forget are even there. Our top sunscreens for acne-prone skin Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen (SPF 50), $40 Best Tinted: Supergoop Protec(tint) Daily Tint Sunscreen (SPF 50), $44 $38 Best for Oily Skin: Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen (SPF 50), $18 Best for Redness: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen (SPF 30), $21 $13 Best for Inflammation: Sofie Pavitt Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30, $38 Best for Reapplication: Medicube PDRN Silky Sun Stick, $22 Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen (SPF 50) What we love: What could improve: Lightweight The formula is very runny so it’s easy to use too much Soft and silky formula Dries down to a soft matte finish Dermatologists love recommending La Roche-Posay sunscreens because their sensitive-skin friendly, won’t break you out and often contain soothing ingredients like niacinamide to decrease inflammation from pimples. This formula from the brand is our new top pick for acne-prone skin types because it’s more weightless than any other formula we’ve tried.
It features a brand-new FDA-approved filter called bemotrizinol (BEMT), which offers SPF protection in a lightweight, barely-there formula (seriously, blink twice or you’ll miss it—the consistency disappears into skin like nothing we’ve tried before). The texture dries down to a soft, matte finish that doesn’t leave behind that telltale greasy feel that oil skin babes know all too well , and it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t break you out, cause extra irritation or redness. It leaves skin even-textured and smooth, perfect for layering on foundation over top.
Best Tinted: Supergoop Protec(tint) Daily Tint Sunscreen (SPF 50) What we love: What could improve: Absorbs seamlessly Pricey for a small bottle Covers pimples and hides discoloration Pills if you apply too muc A tinted sunscreen for oily skin is especially useful if you want to cover redness, blemishes, or the texture of pimples. This medium-coverage tint does just that and is so good, it can even replace a tinted moisturizer or foundation in your makeup routine. It also contains hyaluronic-acid-infused clay that hydrates skin and absorbs excess oil, for a soft, matte finish that doesn’t look flat.
You only need about one to two pumps to cover your face, and it plays well with other makeup products. Something of note: The formula itself is not oil-free, and while that usually raises some red flags for acne-prone skin types, the pigmentation and coverage of this pick outweighs this. Best for Oily Skin: Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen (SPF 50) What we love: What could improve: No white cast A little thick Matte finish and nongreasy Leaves a cast if you don't fully rub it in This lightweight Korean sunscreen is both oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a strong pick for oily, acne-prone skin.
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