This Is the Face Sunscreen I Wear Every Single Day for Glowy Skin
Even when the winter sun sets in the late afternoon, dermatologists say the best sunscreens for your face are a non-negotiable—and studies further reinforce this advice. We know, we know. You might not want to add that extra sunscreen to your routine. But, according to the American Academy of Dermatology it not only helps prevent skin cancer but can also ward against premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots, caused by UV exposure.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how important a good sunscreen is—and that’s precisely why I’ve spent years researching and testing them. From sunscreen for sensitive skin to mineral SPF and sticks, I’ve tried close to 100 products from top-rated brands. Tell me your skin concern and I can instantly rattle off the right formula for you—and if not, I have all the dermatologists I’ve tapped while testing on speed dial. My favorite face sunscreen, EltaMD’s UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, is one that’s widely praised by dermatologists and more than a half-dozen Glamour testers. Its mineral formula absorbs readily, is lightweight enough to wear under makeup, doesn’t leave a white cast, and offers powerful UVA and UVB sun protection. But if you want to browse some other great picks, this list has dermatologist-approved face sunscreens for every skin type and concern, all backed by our reviewers.
The best sunscreens for face, at a glance
Your sunscreen questions, answered
What SPF do dermatologists recommend for the face?
Is SPF 100 too much for the face?
High SPF isn’t necessarily better. While SPF 100 does offer more protection against the sun’s UV rays, the extra protection is marginal, explains Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts. The big problem: SPF 100 tends to lend a false sense of security, so the average person may reapply less frequently. “There is a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun, when in reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen for every hour or two you are out in the sun, depending on your activity level and activity type,” explains Dr. Frieling.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
You may know that there are two types of sunscreen: physical (a.k.a. mineral) and chemical. Dermatologists tend to recommend mineral sunscreen because it’s gentler on sensitive skin. The active ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it. But there’s a big downside to mineral SPFs: The active ingredients, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, tend to leave a white cast—particularly on those with a darker complexion. Chemical sunscreens—powered by active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate—are easier to rub in and work like a sponge to absorb the sun’s rays rather than deflect them.
No matter which direction you go, though, dermatologists say the most important thing is to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistance is also key, especially if you have plans to swim or exercise in the summer (though reapplication is crucial—derms suggest a frequency of every two hours or after swimming or sweating).
To bring you the ultimate guide to face sunscreen, we asked dermatologists and Glamour editors to test both tried-and-true broad-spectrum sunscreens and the newest, most promising launches of 2025.
We evaluated based on the type of sunscreen (mineral or chemical) and method of application (stick, spray, lotion, powder, and more). We checked the consistency and how the formula felt on the skin, how well it absorbs in, and whether it leaves any white cast on various skin tones, the finish (is it dewy or mattifying?), and—of course—overall efficacy. Below are the best of the best, tested by beauty editors and experts who wear them daily.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Try this sunscreen and you may never buy anything else ever again. “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a dermatologist—and there’ve been dozens upon dozens—who didn’t recommend this sunscreen,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey.
Despite the high 46 SPF, the lightweight formula is powered by a combination of transparent zinc oxide and octinoxate that won’t leave a white cast, even on darker skin tones. We love that it contains niacinamide too—a skin-care ingredient that helps calm any redness and prevent irritation on sensitive skin. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Ibrahim. “It’s also perfect for layering under makeup.”
Our testers back up what dermatologists have told us about EltaMD formulas, including this one. “It’s a little pricey, but every time I try anything else, I go right back to this one,” says one tester. “I have very sensitive skin, and it doesn’t cause any of the usual redness I experience. It doesn’t sting my eyes, either—another huge problem for me with most sunscreens.”
- What we love: Lightweight; non greasy
- What could improve: Not water-resistant
Best Drugstore: Sun Bum Daily Face 50
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
When you think Sun Bum, you may think of your standard drugstore sunscreen, but this one rivals more luxe brands. It doesn’t have the brand’s signature tropical scent, but is instead mostly scent-free—a welcome change for those who are sensitive to fragrance. Plus, it has a silky, lightweight texture that blends into skin seamlessly and is ideal for layering with makeup.
“After application, I noticed a slight glow and my dry skin felt adequately hydrated. It’s all thanks to the added vitamin E and antioxidants in the formula. I didn’t notice any sticky, tacky, or greasy residue on my fingers or face after application. And, even though the tube is on the smaller side (easy to slip into your purse or for on-the-go application), a little bit goes a long way. I only needed one to two pumps to cover my entire face. The high SPF is a plus, not to mention the fact that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.
- What we love: A little goes a long way; lightweight and hydrating; water resistant for up to 80 minutes; high SPF
- What could improve: Pump can be finicky
Best Mineral Sunscreen: InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43
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Original photo from Glamour executive assistant Monique Wilson testing InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43
While dermatologists regularly recommend mineral-based formulas, there’s few that are actually enjoyable to apply. Many feel gloopy, heavy, and leave behind an annoying white cast. InnBeauty Project set out to reimagine mineral sunscreens, and the result is a formula that leaves behind a radiant glow. One tester says she ditches foundation completely thanks to this mineral SPF.
Available in three sheer tints—fair medium, medium, and medium-deep—this skincare-powered sunscreen melts into skin on contact and feels like air. The SPF 43 protection goes beyond fending off UVA and UVB rays. It also protects against blue light and oxidative stress, too.
- What we love: Doesn’t leave any sort of cast; weightless; absorbs in seconds; can double as a skin tint
- What could improve: We wish there were more shade options
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
Original photo by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle testing Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
Original photo by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle testing Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF
If you’re shopping for zinc-oxide-based sunscreen, look for at least 10% of the active ingredient, says Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. At 12%, this lightweight formula delivers. And it’s also recommended by Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, who says it also contains iron oxide, antioxidants, and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against pretty much everything: UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. It boasts an antioxidant-rich ingredient list that makes it a great hydrating pick for anyone with dry, combination skin. And if you’re looking for some coverage, you’ve come to the right place. This sunscreen has a buildable matte finish, available in four shades. Hear that, oily-skin peeps? This one’s for you too.
Glamour contributor Hanna Lustig uses the formula every day. “The formula is hydrating enough to glide over dry patches and problem areas, but within minutes it dries down to a semi-matte finish with surprisingly substantial coverage.” Hear that, oily-skin girlies? This one is for you too.
- What we love: Universal tint; lightweight; water- and sweat-resistant
- What could improve: Some testers say it transfers easily
Best for Dry Skin: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
Original photo from Mary Honkus testing Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
You might be skeptical to influencer-founded brands, but Summer Fridays has proved time and time again that their skin care formulations really work. Everything from the packaging—the precise nozzle makes application a breeze—to the milky texture, ingredient list, dewy finish and comfortability make this SPF shine. Rather than a thick lotion or cream, this sunscreen has a liquid texture, which allows it to melt right into the skin without having to use much effort to rub it in.
“My skin leans dry, so I’m always looking for SPF that will add a touch of hydration. Squalane and vitamin E work in tandem to soften skin without feeling heavy. I appreciate that the bottle is compact enough to easily throw in my bag for reapplications throughout the day, too. As someone who has tried everything from the brand, I can attest that the sunscreen deserves boundless praise,” says Glamour contributor Mary Honkus.
- What we love: Deeply hydrates without feeling heavy; reef-safe; provides a glowy finish
- What could improve: Though it’s great for dry skin, it’s not ideal for those with eczema
Best for Oily Skin: Herbivore Star Seed
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Herbivore Star Seed may be one of the newest picks on this list (it just launched last year), but it’s quickly gaining attention, thanks to, well, everything about it. The mineral sunscreen has a light tint that complements a range of skin tones, blending to an even and flawless finish. It skews more matte, which is a welcome change from similar options that leave skin a little too dewy and sticky. But it’s still plenty hydrating for my very dry skin. In fact, it seems to leave my skin hydrated and velvety smooth for hours.
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg counts it as one of her new favorites, too, noting it helps even out skin tone if you want to go makeup-free but also works beautifully under foundation, if you prefer. The icing on the cake? The ingredient list is packed with elements that nourish the skin, including brightening vitamin C and prebiotics that strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- What we love: Hydrating and brightening; lightly tinted to suit many skin tones
- What could improve: Not water-resistant
Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle testing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Original photo by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle testing Jenifer Calle testing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Original photo by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle testing Jenifer Calle testing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
“La Roche-Posay is a great sunscreen brand for hydration and sun protection for all skin types and ages,” says Deborah Longwill, DO, FAOCD, and founder of the Miami Center for Dermatology. The derms we spoke to said men gravitate toward it as much as women do because it’s clear, lightweight, and oil-free. And you don’t have to hunt to find it—the drugstore brand is widely available.
We love the way it applies too. The sunscreen absorbs almost instantly and has a formulation that will leave your skin feeling good, never greasy or sticky. “It absorbs effortlessly, so you can easily apply makeup on top for daily wear,” says one tester. You’ll also get some antiaging benefits, thanks to a dose of antioxidants in the ingredient list. We love that it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes too. You’ll also get some anti-aging benefits, thanks to a dose of antioxidants in the ingredient list. We love that it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes too.
