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Sep 20, 2023

The 18 Best Sunscreens for Face in 2023

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

From moisturizers with SPF to full-on sunblock.

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."

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

According to Hartman, you should ideally reapply sunscreen every two hours if you're outdoors or sitting next to a window. And for those who are swimming or sweating, he suggests re-applying immediately after you dry off.

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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