Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
No white cast or irritation here.
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
TL;DR
Our best overall pick is theDr.
Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30.
The antioxidant-rich formula goes on completely sheer and doesn’t pill under makeup while helping your skin repair itself.
Byrdie/Jhett Thompson
For a more affordable option, consider theNeutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
When it comes tosunscreen, the absolute most important factor is that youre using one.
Find a sunscreen you like and willactuallyuse thats proven effective.
PHOTO: Amazon
We then paired those insights with recommendations from board-certified dermatologistDr.
Marisa Garshick, M.D., to bring you a well-rounded list ofSPFoptions.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
The first step should be deciding between a mineral or achemical sunscreen.
PHOTO: Amazon
Mineral sunscreens are physical blockers that deflect the rays away from the skin.
Plus, this iteration is believed to be slightly less effective than mineral options.
While testing them for weeks, we paid attention to the following factors.
PHOTO: Amazon
It containszinc oxidea go-to ingredient for creating a barrier between harmful UV rays and your skin.
(And weve used a lot of them.)
Even better, it uses a special dry-touch technology that ensures you wont be left feeling greasy after app.
PHOTO: EltaMD
The fact that its noncomedogenicmeaning it wont clog your poresonly adds to the appeal.
We love how the formula goes on totally clearso theres no white castand it dries almost immediately.
We also like it as an option for acne-prone skin since its oil-free and contains anti-inflammatoryniacinamideand gently exfoliatinglactic acid.
It has an oily texture, but it’s oil-free, which makes it safe for my acne-prone skin.
It blends out seamlessly and really feels like you’re wearing nothing."
You just have to check that to apply the powder for at least 60 seconds foradequate protection.
PHOTO: Amazon
Just keep in mind that its a powder, so it can cling to dry patches.
Be sure to layer on a good moisturizer before software if you have especially dry skin.
Its also a favorite of Dr. Garshick’s.
PHOTO: InStyle / Tamara Staples
This ultralight zinc sunscreen absorbs so well its often hard to believe it contains zinc, she says.
We also appreciated that it sat perfectly under makeup without pilling or leaving the skin greasy.
Some reviewers online shared that they werent fans of the tropical scent, but we didnt mind it.
Best for Oily Skin
Supergoop!
Thats what makes this ultralight SPF such a great pick.
We really hope the brand creates a few more iterations so that anyone and everyone can use it.
It’s not greasy or too oily, super lightweight and silky."
Its chock-full of skincare benefits, as its formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, andallantoin.
Wed love to see more options so that everyone can find a more suitable match.
It feels super lightweightas though you’re wearing nothing at allwhich is perfect for everyday wear.
The formula delivers a radiant finish without excessive shine.
I appreciated that it didn’t cause my foundation or concealer to cake.
As I kept using it, I started noticing some real improvements in my skin.
I had a more even tone and my skin felt notably softer."
It’s formulated withturmericto soothe irritated skin and plant-based probiotic technology to strengthen theskin barrier.
The lotion-like consistency is quick to blend out, super fast-absorbing, and doesn’t pill.
It feels weightless on the skin and leaves the face feeling balancedneither dried out nor greasy.
This product didn’t seem to settle into the lines or pores on my face."
PHOTO: Amazon
Oftentimes, glowy products can be greasy on the skin, but this one isn’t.
We also appreciate that its water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and dries upon contact with the skin.
This one isnt formulated for the face, so we recommend keeping system limited to the body.
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Read into its ingredient list.
All sunscreensmineral includedwill eventually expire.
Caitlyn Martynis an associate editor at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style.
PHOTO: Amazon
She is obsessed with sunscreen and hasnt gone a day without her Supergoop!
Mattescreen in over two years.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Shedding More Light on Sunscreen Absorption.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
2017;7(3):56. doi: 10.3390/nano7030056
Kowalska K. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaeaL.
)Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Effects-A Review.Int J Mol Sci.
2021;22(10):5126.
2016;73(1):14-18. doi: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:11965
Gehring W.Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin.J Cosmet Dermatol.
The impact of airborne pollution on skin.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.
2019 Aug;33(8):1496-1505. doi: 10.1111/jdv.15583.
Epub 2019 Apr 26.
PMID: 30897234; PMCID: PMC6766865.
2019;12:617-624. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S220741
Addor FAS.Antioxidants in dermatology.An Bras Dermatol.
PHOTO: Amazon
Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn
PHOTO: Amazon
Byrdie/Jhett Thompson
Karla Ayala / Byrdie
Karla Ayala / Byrdie
Byrdie/Jhett Thompson
Byrdie/Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Ulta
PHOTO: Amazon
