The Best Face Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin
Wearing an SPF year-round is the best way to treat your skin and keep it safe from sun exposure.
There are many SPF face creams on the market, and they vary in ingredients, purpose, level of protection, and price range.
However, sun protection factor can trigger breakouts at sensitive and skin with acne, so finding the right cream can be challenging.
Therefore, we created a list of top 10 face sunscreen for skin with acne.
Highest Rated Face Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Coppertone Oil Free Lotion for Faces SPF 30 Sunscreen 3 oz/
- 2Majestic Pure SPF 30+ Sunscreen
- 34MRx Skincare Men’s Protection SPF 30 Spray
- 4Elta MD Shield SPF 45, 3 oz
- 5Neutrogena clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion SPF 55 3 oz
- 6Moisturizer UV Shield SPF 45
- 7Nourisse Natural 100% Pure Mineral Foundation Water Resistant Sunscreen Powder
- 8EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45, 7.0 oz/
- 9Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, 3 oz
- 10Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55, 3 oz
1
Coppertone Oil Free Lotion for Faces SPF 30 Sunscreen 3 oz/
This Coppertone lotion is oil-free so it won’t clog pores, and it is lightweight on the skin.
It has the SPF of 30 which is suitable for many skin tones, except very fair skin.
The lotion comes in convenient packaging, and it can be used under makeup as well.
The lotion spreads easily across the face and provides moisture throughout the day.
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Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- Protect and moisturize
- Works well with make up
Cons
- Not suitable for very fair skin complexion
Jake's TakeIf you have medium to warm skin tone, this Coppertone lotion will be a useful step in your skincare routine.
You can also wear it under the make up, and it won’t break your foundation, because it doesn’t contain oils.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Majestic Pure SPF 30+ Sunscreen
This Majestic skin lotion features natural formula and extensive protection of sun rays.
It has an SPF of 30.
The formula is water-resistant and suitable for use on all skin types.
The Majestic sunscreen doesn’t leave a white film on the skin, and the skin easily absorbs it.
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Pros
- Water-resistant
- Quick absorption
- Neutral smell
Cons
- Thicker texture
Jake's TakeDon’t let the ticker texture keep you away from this product.
It is intense and protective cream, and your skin will absorb it quickly.
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3
4MRx Skincare Men’s Protection SPF 30 Spray
This product from 4MRx comes in a spray for easier application.
The formula is moisturizing and refreshing, as well as protective.
The spray has an SPF of 30 and it is designed for men, but women can also get plenty of benefits from using it.
It is a lightweight, and non-greasy product with a natural scent.
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Pros
- Easy application
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Fragrance, parabens, and sulfates free
Cons
- Pricier
Jake's TakeThis sunscreen spray is on a higher-end side, but it is a high-quality product suitable for all skin types.
The application is quick and easy, and it doesn’t leave your skin greasy.
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4
Elta MD Shield SPF 45, 3 oz
The Elta sunscreen with an SPF of 45 contains zinc oxide to protect the acne-prone skin.
The formula is silky and smooths out the skin, but can also be used on the entire body.
The cream doesn’t include oils and suitable for oily to normal skin type.
The Elta sunscreen is non-comedogenic, parabens, sulfates, fragrance and sensitivity-free.
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Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- SPF of 45
- Zinc-oxide based sunscreen
Cons
- Not water-resistant
Jake's TakeThe Elta skincare products are recommended by dermatologists from all over the world.
It also helps to prevent aging and provides broad sun rays protection.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Neutrogena clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion SPF 55 3 oz
This Neutrogena sunscreen has an SPF of 55 and provides broad-spectrum protection.
The formula is light and allows the skin to breathe.
The cream smoothes the skin and evens out the complexion.
It won’t cause breakouts and irritation.
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Pros
- Water-resistant
- Non-comedogenic
- Silky formula
Cons
- Can sting a little after first application
Jake's TakeNeutrogena makes some high-quality products, and this is one of them.
It has a high SPF, but the formula is silky, so it doesn’t leave the white film.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Moisturizer UV Shield SPF 45
This moisturizing sunscreen lotion from Beauty facial extreme comes with an SPF of 45 and broad protection.
The formula provides shied against discoloration, premature aging, sunburns, and other issues caused by extensive sun exposure.
The lotion has other benefits for the skin, including improving elasticity, calms the skin, and evens the complexion out.
This formula provides deep hydration and contains vitamins B3, A, zinc oxide, and hyaluronic acid, all known for its skin advantages.
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Pros
- Suitable for oily skin
- Provides hydration
- Contains hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Has a strong smell
Jake's TakeIf you need an all-in-one product for improving your skin condition and sun protection, make sure to check this product from Beauty facial extreme
It features all ingredients that can help your skin be better and prevents premature aging.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Nourisse Natural 100% Pure Mineral Foundation Water Resistant Sunscreen Powder
This mineral powder provides coverage for skin with acne and has an SPF of 50 factor in it.
The powder is finely mild and lightweight on the skin, so it won’t cause cake effect.
The formula is water-resistant, so you can use it on the beach as well.
The formula features natural ingredients.
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Pros
- Provides coverage on the skin with acne
- High protection factor
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Can be hard to choose the right shade
Jake's TakeIf you cannot imagine a day without makeup, and you still want to protect your skin, check this powder with an SPF of 50.
It is long-lasting and provides light to medium coverage.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45, 7.0 oz/
This Elta MD skincare product features a lightweight, oil-free formula reinforced with the zinc-oxide.
The lotion has an SPF of 45 and has a cooling effect on the skin.
This Elta lotion smooths the skin out and leaves it soft and silky.
The packaging is convenient, and the application is effortless.
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Pros
- High level of protection
- Oil-free formula
- Long-lasting protection and non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- High price
Jake's TakeThose who are ready to invest in some high-end sunscreen will get a lot of benefits from the Elta sunscreen products.
Dermatologists recommend Elta MD sunscreen line to people with sensitivity and skin with acne.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, 3 oz
This Neutrogena sunscreen with an SPF of 30 leaves a matte finish, especially suitable for the people with oily skin.
The price is affordable, and the texture is light and silky.
The formula will not cause breakouts nor will it irritate the sensitive skin.
It is a water-resistant, and fragrance-free sunscreen.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Silky formula with a matte finish
Cons
- Not suitable for people with fair skin
Jake's TakeThe Neutrogena sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is the right choice for everyday use by people with medium to dark skin complexion.
The formula is easy to absorb, and the protection is broad.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55, 3 oz
The Neutrogena Clear face sunscreen with an SPF 55 is designed to provide maximum skin protection for all skin types and all skin tones.
The formula is suitable for people with very fair skin tones as well.
It doesn’t leave the thick, white film on the skin and can be used daily all year round.
The sunscreen won’t cause any breakouts because it is free of breakouts-triggering ingredients.
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Pros
- Maximum sun protection
- Suitable for very fair skin tones
- Water-resistant and oil-free
Cons
- Cannot be used with all liquid foundations
Jake's TakeIf you don’t know which sunscreen to buy for your skin with acne, go with the Neutrogena and you won’t regret it.
This sunscreen with the highest protection is formulated specifically for skin with acne.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Face Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin Buying Guide
Taking appropriate care of your skin includes choosing the right products, but also wearing SPF year-round.
The sun is reason number one for skin damage, aging and can cause severe health issues such as melanoma, so do your best to protect the skin from sun rays.
If you have oily skin, the last thing you probably want is to apply heavy, greasy sunscreen on your face.
Indeed, some sunscreens are not suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin and can aggravate your skin condition, while protecting you from the sun.
At the same time, dermatologists recommend that you should apply a new layer of sunscreen every two hours.
The thick texture can clog pores or cause breakouts.
Still, you should apply some protective creams.
So, we are here to go through things to consider before buying a sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
Before we Start
First of all, always use face sunscreen on your face, and avoid body lotions.
In general, body products come with a thicker texture, and face product formula is suitable for the face.
Keywords on your Sunscreen
First of all, you are not the only one with the issue of SPF and acne-prone skin.
Experts created sunscreen, especially following the needs of skin with acne.
Non-comedogenic and Oil-free Creams
The term non-comedogenic refers to the products that contain ingredients that don’t clog pores, cause impurities, and pimples.
So, they are safe to use for an acne-prone screen.
Most of the products with the label non-comedogenic have been third-party tested to prove the non-comedogenic claim.
When it comes to the texture, you should pick an oil-free product.
The oil-free cream is lightweight on the skin and doesn’t sit on it, causing it to produce more sebum.
Your skin absorbs it well, and it allows the skin to breathe.
The oil-free sunscreen is also suitable for use under makeup because oil can break the foundation more quickly.
Maximum Protection
If your skin has scars and spots from the acne, you should go for a sunscreen with maximum protective factors.
Other than acne, your skin probably has little dark spots and breakout, which are at higher risk of getting damaged than healthy skin.
Choose the sunscreen with the SPF of 30 and higher.
If you have fair skin complexion, get a suncream with the factor 50 to provide you 50x higher protection than your skin can.
Also, look for a “broad protection” label on the cream.
Broad protection ensures that the cream protects your skin from both UVA and UVB sun rays.
UVB sun rays can burn the skin, causing her to tan, and some products only protect you from this type of rays.
On the other hand, UVA rays cause damage to the skin and age her, so you want to make sure that the product you apply on your face keeps you safe from all rays.
Also, use sunscreen every day, even when it rains, or it is cloudy.
Which Type of Product is Suitable for Acne-prone Skin?
Sun protection products come in several forms, starting with cream, gel, and spray.
While people with dry skin may benefit from the cream, people with oily skin should avoid it, if it’s possible.
The spray is convenient to use and provides a lightweight, delicate texture that won’t be heavy on the skin.
However, if you choose it, make sure not to use it sparingly.
Try to cover every inch of the skin with the product, including neck and ears.
Another type to try is gel products.
Most of the gel products are aqueous, and the skin quickly and easily absorbs it.
For men with the beard and mustaches, the gel is a suitable choice because it is easier to rub into the skin with hair.
Also, some people can get sunburns on their scalp, so gel texture is appropriate.
It won’t smear your hair, but you can always wear a hat.
Mineral-based Sunscreens
People with sensitive and acne-prone skin should look for a sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium.
These minerals absorb the oil from the skin and can help to treat the acne.
Often you can find them in other skincare products, such as spot treatments or cleansers.
In general, mineral sunscreens are safer for your health, and it is a lower risk of skin irritations.
What to Avoid in the Sunscreen?
When you get into the habit of reading labels and declarations, you will know what you are buying exactly.
There are some ingredients to always avoid in your products, for example, parabens and fragrances, synthetic preservatives having mercury or sulfates.
When it comes to sunscreen for acne-prone skin, if you notice Oxybenzone and PABA on the label, stay away from the product.
Oxybenzone is an organic element, and it can absorb the UVA rays, but also can irritate sensitive skin.
PABA is Para-Aminobenzoic acid, and most of the sunscreen had it in the previous few decades.
PABA works when mixed with alcohol, so it can lead to allergic dermatitis.
It absorbs the rays that cause sunburns.
However, for acne-prone skin, it is always a better choice to go with mineral products.
Also, avoid paraben, retinyl palmitate, retinol, or vitamin A.
Instead, look for 3 percent avobenzone or Mexoryl SX which protects from sun rays.
Pro-Tip
People with appropriate skincare routine never skip on moisturizer.
Therefore, if you pick a moisturizer with an SPF, you will have one step less.
However, if you are spending a day on the beach, make sure that sunscreen is water-resistant and that you put it on every two hours.
Powder Sunscreen
The cosmetic industry develops new products all the time.
The latest invention is powder sunscreen.
It is an excellent choice for people who use makeup daily and who want coverage and slight tint in their products.
The powder sunscreen products work perfectly with the face makeup and come in several shades.
Some people even prefer to use powder sunscreen over traditional liquid foundations in the summertime.
Always Keep in Mind
People with acne-prone skin are often more sensitive to the sun rays and should pay extra attention to the protection.
Always pick a sunscreen with high SPF, which is oil-free and free of PABA and Oxybenzone.
Conclusion
Taking care of your health includes the daily routine of wearing sunscreen year-round.
People with sensitive or acne-prone skin should pick their products based on their skin requirements.
If you have dry skin, you can pick lotions or creams, but people with oily skin will have better results with sprays and gels.
When it comes to sunscreen for people with sensitive skin, there are few things to avoid and aim to mineral sunscreens.
They are less irritating and can improve your skin condition while protecting it from the UVA and UVB rays.
What's your take on Face Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
