10 Best Powder Sunscreens for Mattifying, Grease-Free Sun Protection
All the SPF coverage, none of the oil.
We've all heard it a thousand times: You really need to wear sunscreen, and you need to wear it every day. But did you know that you should also reapply throughout the day? That seems pretty easy, but if you have a full face of makeup on, then slathering on a layer of goopy, white sunblock just doesn't seem ideal.
But there’s a way to have your sun protection and keep your makeup intact. Meet your new sun-care BFF: powder sunscreen.
What Is Powder Sunscreen?
Powder sunscreen is a powdered form of sunblock that gives you the same SPF protection as regular liquid and creams, without the greasy residue or streakiness. Plus, it makes it easier to protect one spot you probably didn't know needed sun protection: your scalp.
“Something that most people forget is to apply SPF to your scalp. Powder sunscreens make it much easier and more comfortable to do,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, NYC dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare. “You can swipe the powder onto your roots, leaving you with an SPF-protected scalp, and even cover up some unwanted oil in the hair for a more refreshed look.”
The Best Powder Sunscreens
- Best Overall: Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen
- SPF + Powder Foundation: Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 35
- Best Translucent Powder: Brush On Block Mineral Facial Sunscreen Powder
- Best Drugstore: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
- Best Compact: Avène High Protection Tinted Compact
- Best Vegan Formula: tarte SEA Set & Protect Mineral Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Protects from Blue Light: ISDIN ISDINCEUTICS Mineral Brush Powder
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen
- Subtle Shimmer: Ilia Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20
What to Consider
Skin Type
Powder sunscreens are usually made to absorb oil on your face, so oily skin types will love just about every formula on this list. However, drier complexions may need to opt for a lighter powder formula so your face won't look dry and ghoulish throughout the day. As for sensitive skin types, making sure you find a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic option is crucial to avoid an allergic reaction. And as always, with any new skincare product, make sure you patch test on a small area of unexposed skin to make sure your complexion won't get irritated.
Powder Shade
Just like regular sunscreen, whiter shades of powder can leave an ashy, unflattering finish on deeper skin tones. Thankfully, many brands offer a variety of tinted powder shades to choose from, so you can find your perfect match with ease. Other formulas that don't have extensive shade options usually have a universally tinted shade, which works for a larger range.
Application
Although powder sunscreens are an awesome way to touch up your SPF protection throughout the day, they shouldn't be your only source of sun protection. Start your pre-makeup routine with a conventional liquid sunscreen so you're sure you have a base layer of SPF to actually protect your skin. Then feel free to top off your makeup with one of these powder formulas every two hours — remember, SPF reapplication is key to keeping your skin guarded.
And while these powder sunscreens are tinted, most of them won't act as a full-coverage powder foundation. If you're a complexion product minimalist, then swiping these powders on is a great way to reduce oil without leaving a white cast or ashy finish, but if you need full coverage then stick to your usual foundation and apply your powder sunscreen after your entire makeup routine. But they do act as great setting powders!
SPF Coverage
There's a reason why you're buying a powder sunscreen in the first place: For sun protection, of course. Just as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends, always use an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin (yes, even if you're wearing makeup) and make sure to reapply every 2 hours.
While you technically can use this as your main form of head-to-toe sunscreen, Dr. Marmur recommends using both liquid and powder for an optimal SPF guard. “You can use powder in combination with liquid, but you must make sure that you are spreading the product evenly in order to keep the SPF consistent,” says Dr. Marmur. “I would recommend sticking with liquid for a full application and then touching up with powder throughout the day.”
Ready for some fun in the sun? Then don't forget to pack one of these powder sunscreens — take a look at some of our favorites below.
Looking for more sunscreen? Check out our guides on mineral sunscreen, spray sunscreen, tinted sunscreen, and face sunscreens.
