These Best Face Sunscreens Work for Even Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

An important note on sunscreen safety: The FDA is proposing changes to sunscreen regulations, as some active ingredients can enter the bloodstream. Until it can reach a more robust conclusion on safety, the FDA — and the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab — urges Americans to continue using mineral and chemical sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

Dermatologists and skincare experts agree that wearing sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and youthful long-term. And not only does SPF help prevent signs of aging, but another study from Johnson & Johnson found that applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to your face daily improves crow’s feet and skin tone even if you don’t use other anti-aging treatments.

But not all sunscreens are created equal, which is why the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists rigorously test all types of sunscreens according to current regulations, including sunscreens for kids and babies, natural and mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide sunscreens, body sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin, and more. In the Beauty Lab’s most recent test, 5,540 data points were calculated to find the best face sunscreen formulas on the market.

How? First, the GH beauty team scans the market for the newest face sunscreen formulations across price points, from drugstore buys to high-end. Beauty Lab scientists then distribute them to hundreds of testers across the country with labels masked to eliminate bias. Testers use them as part of their skincare routine and evaluate them on attributes like ease of application, texture, scent, look and feel on skin, and sun protection ability. Our pros tabulate all the data to find the best of the best.

Here, the best face sunscreens you can buy as tested by GH Beauty Lab scientists and recommended by dermatologists, including mineral and chemical formulas for any skin tone and type, from acne-prone skin and oily skin to combination, dry skin, sensitive skin, and more: