If you're prone to acne, you'll quickly realize many face sunscreens [1] may feel overly thick and heavy on your skin. Some can even irritate it and break you out further. We don't blame you if you're hesitant to use sunscreen in the first place. However, it's one of the most important parts of your skin-care routine, especially for maintaining skin health. Luckily, there are several sunscreens on the market formulated specifically for people who experience breakouts.
There are lightweight options in all-physical, chemical, and hybrid blends, including sunscreens from the drugstore [2]. Some of these options are water resistant [3] and leave no white cast, and we even found a few that are tinted to give you a "my skin but better" look. These picks are great for everyday use with elegant formulations that hydrate the skin without feeling sticky or overly greasy. If you prefer something oil-free or with a matte finish, we found a few of those options as well. Keep your skin protected every day, and shop our top sunscreen picks for acne-prone skin types ahead.
— Additional reporting by Angela Elias and Krista Jones
Tinted Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid Tinted SPF50 50ml [5] (£20)
This is a broad-spectrum 100-percent mineral sunscreen that is lightweight, absorbs easily, and provides a natural finish and glow. It's great for all skin types, especially oily skin since it has a matte finish. The sunscreen also has a tint, which makes it easier to blend into dark skin tones without a white cast. It's sensitive-skin friendly as well — no wonder it's a bestselling sunscreen.
Sunscreen With Niacinamide
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 [6] (£32)
This is a hydrating and lightweight sunscreen that's suitable for all skin types. It contains niacinamide that will help balance out the skin and curb breakouts. It forms the perfect base for makeup as well.
Sunscreen With No White Cast
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer [7] (£40)
This sunscreen contains 18 percent non-nano zinc oxide to keep your complexion protected from UVA and UVB rays. It's best to use around three to four pumps of this on your face and neck. The product has an orange tint to it that blends out into a transparent, glowy finish. The lightweight and blendable sunscreen can be used alone or under makeup. It's an editor favourite; read the in-depth Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer review [8] for more details.
Sunscreen For Redness
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 [9] (£15)
This sunscreen has a lightweight, breathable texture that just feels like a hydrating moisturiser. It has a slight green tint to help counteract the appearance of redness. The sunscreen is created by the brand behind the Mighty Patch, the popular hydrocolloid acne treatment, and it's noncomedogenic. The sunscreen has a natural finish with no white cast and won't make you look excessively shiny either.
Sunscreen For Dry Skin
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 30 [10] (£30)
This sunscreen has a moisturising formula containing prebiotic oats, perfect for those with dry skin types prone to breakouts. It is oil-free and has a non-greasy feel. It has a chemical-based sunscreen formula with up to 80 minutes of water resistance. It's a great option for those with sensitive skin as well.
Sunscreen With a Matte Finish
Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ [11] (£30)
This sunscreen has a shine-free finish that absorbs excess oil and visibly calms redness caused by breakouts. It's a fast-absorbing formula that doesn't clog pores yet minimises the appearance of them. It's a sheer, weightless formula that hydrates the skin as well.
Sunscreen Recommended by Dermatologists
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen [12] (£12)
This sunscreen is often recommended by dermatologists as a fragrance-free formula that is nonreactive for sensitive skin types. It contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, plus lactic acid to help gently refine the skin, clear pores, and reduce shine. It also has niacinamide to help keep the skin balanced. It's specifically formulated for those with acne-prone skin types and rosacea.
Lightweight Sunscreen
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defence Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 30 [13] (£42)
If you're looking for something anti-aging and lightweight that won't break you out, this suncreen has a serum-like consistency that absorbs into the skin without a white cast. The sunscreen, which contains non-nano zinc oxide, is oil-free and rich in antioxidants. It is reapplication friendly and plays well with other products. It's an editor favourite as well; read the in-depth review here [14].
Serum-Based Sunscreen
ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof Face Serum SPF 50 [15] (£35)
If you have acne-prone skin, this sunscreen was made just for your needs. It's got a chemical-mineral hybrid formula that has an ultra-lightweight serum-like texture. You can easily blend this into your skin, and it leaves a dewy, glowy finish that works well under makeup. It's great for those with sensitive skin.
Sunscreen With a Gel-Like Consistency
Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen [16] (£20)
If you're looking for a gel-like consistency that doesn't feel too heavy on the skin, then this sunscreen is a great choice. It feels like just another serum you apply in the morning and offers breathable protection all day long.
A Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen [17] (£34)
This is a noncomedogenic chemical sunscreen that is lightweight and goes on smoothly. It has a silky texture that is clear and leaves no white cast. It's water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 [18] (£34)
The name says it all! This clear and scentless formula leaves no thick residues and makes for the perfect daily primer that goes on under your makeup.