The 10 Best Facial Sunscreens to Keep Sunburns at Bay

Given its light lotion feel, high rating, quality of ingredients, and positive sentiments among shoppers and our former beauty editor, Supergoop earned the best overall face sunscreen distinction.

Everyday sunscreen is multifunctional, and it caters to the needs of both the face and body. The Clean at Sephora-approved sunblock provides broad-spectrum coverage, moisturizing plant-based ingredients, and has a light botanical scent.

“It’s rich in antioxidants and enhanced with a trademarked Cellular Response Technology to protect against UVA/UVB and IRA rays, all while simultaneously keeping hydration levels on the up and up,” says Jennifer Hussein, our former beauty editor.

It's not just editor-approved — consumers can't get enough of this award-winning face sunscreen. One Sephora reviewer praised this sunblock because it does not leave behind an ashy white or gray tint on her melanin-rich complexion. In contrast, another shopper jokingly referred to themself as a vampire and highlights Everyday Sunscreen protects their fair sunburn-prone skin.

More: Sunscreen Lotions to Keep Your Body From Burning

Cheap sunscreens don't typically contain extra ingredients like antioxidants, but they're not necessary to get the full SPF listed on the bottle, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D. “The most important thing about sunscreen is consistency. So finding one with an SPF of 30 or higher that you love and will be comfortable using on a daily basis takes priority above all else,” she says.

For those prone to breakouts, Neutrogena's facial sunscreen won't result in acne. The formula is light, oil-free, and 100% waterproof, and it's made with Neutrogena's own Helioplex technology to guarantee maximum UVA/UVB protection.

It also contains avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, all active ingredients that Shah recommends in a sunscreen.

This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is Shah-approved. “It’s lightweight, water-resistant, comes in a mineral-only version, and contains antioxidants,” she says — and we love it for all the same reasons.

Amazon reviewers say the flattering tint is like a face primer for their foundation and note it blends into the skin easily with zero streaks.

To be worn under makeup or solo, the Anthelios tinted sunscreen was designed with a Cell-Ox Shield technology that ultimately creates a veil of antioxidants against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Boasting an impressive SPF 50, the product also creates a stunning glow, so not only will you be burn-free, but you’ll look good doing so.

Finding an effective, non-ashy sunscreen is especially hard for anyone with a melanin-rich complexion. Unseen was by far the most-loved sunblock in our guide to the best sunscreens for darker skin tones.

“The Unseen sunscreen goes on clear and smooth, leaving your skin looking supple — not at all ashy like other products might,” says Refinery29 writer Ineye Komonibo.

It combines physical blockers with moisturizing meadowfoam soothing frankincense to mattify your face and blur your imperfections, similar to a pore minimizer.

Stick sunscreens easily adhere to your face because they are thicker than cream and liquid sunscreens, notes Marcus. “Stick sunscreen is also useful for squirmy children — it’s often easier to swipe the sunscreen stick over faces than get kids to sit still for application by hand,” she says.

Sun Bum’s teeny, tiny sunscreen stick is designed to combat sun exposure to the face. And given its unique push pop-inspired design, you won’t have to worry about sunblock accidentally leaking out in your backpack or tote bag while traveling. Simply twist the stick up like a deodorant stick and apply it directly to the skin.

Your face will soak up vitamin E while the active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate offer broad-spectrum sun protection and water-resistant coverage for 80 minutes.

COOLA's freshly fragrant sunscreen is like a spa treatment for your face, but with even more health benefits. Infused with rosehip oil, vitamin C, evening primrose, and flaxseed oil, it's rich in omega-3 and plankton extract to protect skin cells against environmental stressors, as well as rebalance your complexion. We love these SPF drops from COOLA, too!

At $22, you're paying a slight premium for an Olay product, however, you are getting extra bells and whistles in your face sunscreen. We think it's worth a few extra bucks because it combines soothing ingredients with highly-regarded antioxidants.

This one is packed with vitamin E, B-3, B-5, and aloe to nourish your skin as you protect it from the sun. It's specifically formulated without fragrance or oil to ensure it's safe for even the most sensitive skin and will not cause irritation.

It's also the only 2-pack on our list, which we find incredibly practical since each bottle is only 2.5 ounces, and you'll likely finish them quickly.

Powder sunscreens are not a full replacement for liquid and cream sunblocks because they don’t stick to your skin as readily, says Marcus. Instead, she suggests using powder sunscreens as a supplement to touch up your face throughout the day.

Colorescience’s sunblock earned the distinction of best powder sunscreen because it is available in multiple pigments, allowing you to conceal imperfections as you hide from the sun's rays.

This award-winning sunblock is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, meaning it’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.

Speaking of a gentle formula, Sunforgettable uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect you from sun damage while hyaluronic acid powder and botanical extracts hydrate your face.

Thanks to its innovative brush, this portable, and easy-to-apply sunscreen offers powerful protection with a sheer, natural-looking finish.

Does your skin feel a little dry and flaky? Then this sunscreen will do just the trick. Not only does it help guard your skin against dehydrating UV rays, but it also contains hyaluronic acid to plump and add a burst of hydration.

Plus, it's fragrance- and paraben-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great addition to any sensitive skin type's sun care routine.

If you'd rather opt for a mineral sunscreen — as in, a sunscreen that uses physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for protection — then give this pick from Dermalogica a whirl. Its sheer, lightweight formula protects your skin from UV rays, pollution, and blue light rays that emit from your tech gadgets.