These Editor-Approved Powder Sunscreens Are a Game-Changer for Keeping Your Skin Protected

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No matter the weather, there’s one skincare product you should never skip: SPF. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to keep your complexion protected with the best powder sunscreens.

Meet the Experts: Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare; Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City; and Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours—but that can prove difficult when you’re on the go, wearing makeup, or simply don’t want to make a mess. That’s where powder sunscreens come in. They are great for applying over cosmetics, mattifying oily skin, and for quick and easy reapplication.

But, there is a bit of a catch. “Powder SPF should not be your primary form of sunscreen and is best used for touch-ups during day-to-day sun exposure,” notes Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City. It can be difficult to use an adequate amount needed to fully protect your skin but may be a convenient option when combined with your other sunscreen products.

Ahead, find the best powder sunscreens that are editor-approved and recommended by dermatologists.

Additional reporting by Pia Velasco and Alisa Hrustic

Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Brush

This is my go-to powder sunscreen. I used to find reapplying sunscreen such a struggle, but this powder version makes it so easy. I was nervous it would make my skin feel dry or look too matte, but it actually provides a really beautiful, natural finish that feels weightless. The packaging also makes it super easy to throw in your bag and apply on the go.

Plus, the award-winning formula comes recommended by dermatologists like Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare, who appreciates that it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes and comes in four different shades (fair to deep). “It is not too messy to use and easy to carry in your purse and apply before driving,” adds Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.

• SFP Level: 50
  

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush
  

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 22.5%, zinc oxide 22.5%

Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder

This SPF-infused powder is another favorite of mine and one that I love to use for setting makeup on extra-sunny days. The portable compact (with an included brush) is also great for throwing in my bag when I’m on the go and works really well for mattifying the appearance of my skin. I use the translucent shade but there are two pigmented formulas available for those with light to medium skin looking for more coverage.

It’s also suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, thanks to a formula that’s free of fragrance, parabens, and talc, a common mineral used in cosmetics that has been linked to ovarian cancer, according to Dr. Ciraldo.

• SFP Level: 30

• Type: Compact

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 15%, zinc oxide 10%

100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder SPF 35

Supergoop! is known for its transparent sunscreen formulas, and its (Re)setting Powder is just as good. With added ceramides and olive glycerides for moisture, this sunscreen—which also helps set makeup—offers additional hydration without making your skin look oily (or, as many powders do, cakey). And because it’s free of parabens, oxybenzone, and synthetic fragrances, it’s also a great option if your skin is easily irritated by sunscreen.

“This powder applies beautifully over my Supergoop! Glowscreen and my makeup whenever I need touch-ups,” says Prevention Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon. “I especially like the smooth, matte finish and that it also has an open-close feature to prevent accidental messy spills.”

• SFP Level: 35

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 24.7%, ceramides and olive glycerides

Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder

A great drugstore pick, this mineral sunscreen from Hawaiian Tropic is formulated to be completely transparent, easy to apply, and offer top-notch protection for all skin types. Simply dust on the fine powder with the self-dispensing brush to combat oil, even out skin tone, and smooth texture.

“I love how this powder goes on super lightweight and smooth onto my skin, and leaves it with a translucent matte finish. It smells amazing, too!” says Jeon. Reviewers love it, too. “A sunscreen that I can actually use on my face. I have very sensitive skin and I don’t react to this product. Thank you,” wrote a satisfied Amazon shopper.

• SFP Level: 30

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 24.5%

Mineral Brush Facial Powder SPF 50

Not only is this powder sunscreen recommended by Dr. Marchbein, it’s also editor-approved. “When I first tried this, I was shocked by how transparent this powder sunscreen really is. To this day, when I swipe it on, the only indicator that anything has come out is a slight powdery residue on my (admittedly) dry skin. I love how lightweight it is, and that it can double as a face powder when it comes time to finish my makeup,” says Emily Goldman, deputy editor at Prevention. “With a strong SPF 50, I can be sure that I’m getting some nice extra coverage. And it can double as a scalp sunscreen, too, without adding any greasiness to my strands. I just dab some along my part!”

In addition to providing SPF 50, the formula’s UV filters protect the skin from blue light, infrared radiation, and free radical pollution damage. Did we mention the formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and talc-free?

• SFP Level: 50

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, iron oxides

Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this powder sunscreen from Jane Iredale has a convenient refillable design for easy use—it comes with two refills in the package, in fact. The chemical-free formula is water resistant for up to 40 minutes, feels light as air, and is available in four different shades. The easy-to-use brush helps control the amount of powder dispensed, making for a mess-free application from head to toe.

“This sunscreen is really nice! It’s light and doesn’t feel like I have powder on and it is actually translucent,” said one reviewer. “I’ve used it over makeup and without makeup and it looks good both ways...I’ve used different brands of powder sunscreen and it left a white cast over my face and this one didn’t at all.”

• SFP Level: 30

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 17%

Mineral Veil Set + Protect Talc-Free Setting Powder Mineral SPF 25

This setting powder from BareMinerals also offers sun protection with SPF 25 and comes with a retractable brush for easy application. The ultra-fine, talc-free powder absorbs excess oil and blurs pores and imperfections, while setting makeup for longer-lasting wear.

“I’m a mom and constantly on the go and don’t have tons of time to touch up my makeup. This is perfect since it fits in my purse, has SPF, and has powder and a brush all in one!” wrote one shopper. “I love that you can refill it if you choose to. The brush is dense yet fluffy. I totally recommend this!”

• SFP Level: 25

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 14%, zinc oxide 11%

Mineral Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This powder SPF 30 comes in convenient packaging that allows for refills. It’s available in a universal translucent shade as well as a “touch of tan” shade for medium to dark complexions. The top-rated formula is also reef-safe, paraben-free, and vegan.

And it’s a favorite of April Franzino, beauty director for Prevention, Woman’s Day, and Good Housekeeping. “This powder SPF went on transparent and blends well with my medium skin tone,” she explained. “It gives a matte finish and has a handy open/close mechanism to dispense the product so you don’t have to wonder if it's coming out.”

• SFP Level: 30

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 8%, zinc oxide 14%

Brush-On Sun Defense SPF 30

Amazon customers love this SPF powder for its lightweight feel and transparency, plus its added benefit of antioxidant protection thanks to sea kelp. It’s also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free—a winner for those who have sensitive skin. “I’ve tried three to four of the powder sunscreen brands (including the $70 one) and had trouble getting product out through the brush every. single. time,” shared one shopper. “This one works. It comes out. Now I can reapply my sunscreen throughout the day as recommended by the dermatologist.”

• SFP Level: 30

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 17.3%, zinc oxide 20%

Skincare UV Clear SPF 50 Powder Brush

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for a formula with minimal, gentle, and non-irritating ingredients. This one from AziMD has only four ingredients and is formulated for even the most sensitive skin types, while still offering a high SPF 50 level of protection against harmful UVA/UVB radiation.

“I keep this in my purse all the time so I can reapply my sunscreen throughout the day. It’s so gentle on my sensitive skin yet its saved me from getting burnt,” shared one Amazon reviewer.

• SFP Level: 50

• Type: Loaded kabuki brush

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 25%

How to choose the best powder sunscreen

✔️ Kick up the SPF: Look for a broad spectrum powder that’s SPF 30 or higher, and opt for mineral formulas (meaning they contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) as they tend to be less irritating if you have a sensitive complexion.

✔️ Mind your skin type: Because powder sunscreens sit on top of the skin, they’ll be your best friend if you’re oily or acne-prone. If you’re on the dry side, look for finer powders that contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, to avoid a heavier-looking application. If you have sensitive skin, “look for formulas with soothing or all-natural ingredients such as green tea, chamomile, and red algae,” suggests Dr. Marmur, since they have anti-inflammatory effects.

✔️ Don’t forget to reapply: Like any other sunscreen, it’s important to reapply your SPF every two hours. Powder sunscreens make this process much easier since you can simply touch up your makeup and don’t have to get your hands messy. Still, it’s important to note that most powder sunscreens aren’t water-resistant for long periods, so be sure to read the label if you plan on spending time in the water.

Does powder sunscreen work?

In short, yes—but only when used properly. Powder sunscreens are typically mineral SPFs, which means they create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. That makes them great for reapplying SPF throughout the day and layering sun protection, especially over makeup.

However, Dr. Marchbein says they should not replace your primary liquid sunscreen. That’s because liquid, when thoroughly applied, rubbed in, and layered, ultimately has more coverage and water/sweat resistance than powder, which is usually applied lightly over the face and doesn’t always last well on its own.

How often to apply powder sunscreen

Reapplying your sunscreen is essential to ensure you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays at all times. “It is best to reapply all SPF products, including SPF powders (when outdoors) every two hours,” says Dr. Ciraldo. Thankfully, powder sunscreens make it much easier to quickly touch up and reapply your SPF. But keep in mind that since they’re a powder, they may not provide as much coverage as lotions—and may need a more generous application to be as effective.

How we chose the best powder sunscreens

We consulted Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare; Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City; and Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, and sifted through countless online reviews to find the best powder sunscreens available.

We also tested a number of powder sunscreens ourselves, including the Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Brush, the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder, the Isdin Mineral Brush Facial Powder SPF 50, and the Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

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