While there’s always a time and place for an arsenal of beloved products and go-to cosmetic procedures, nothing holds quite as much weight in your skin-care routine as a bottle of sunscreen. Applying a broad-spectrum formula (with an SPF of at least 30) daily is the absolute best thing you can do to ward off both signs of aging and skin cancer. It’s as simple as that. What’s not quite as simple? Finding a formula that you’ll love enough to actually apply day in and day out.
It’s not earth-shattering news that sunscreens have come a long way as of late, and that holds especially true when it comes to options for your face. Chemical vs. mineral sunscreen, tinted vs. untinted, lotion vs. mist—whichever your preference, the latest formulas are more cosmetically elegant than ever. Here, nine of the best face sunscreens on the market right now.
Best for dry skin: BYOMA Gel Face Moisturizer SPF 30 ($22)
Why we love it: Moisturizer-sunscreen combos have historically fallen short in one category or the other; they’re either not moisturizing enough or don’t deliver an adequate amount of sun protection. Not this newbie. Hyaluronic acid and beta glucan do the hydrating duties, while a ceramide complex bolsters the skin barrier to lock in that hydration. On the sunscreen side of things, it has the requisite SPF 30 via a blend of chemical sunscreen filters.
Best for sensitive skin: Rose Inc. Solar Power Luminous SPF 30 Brightening Serum ($46)
Why we love it: There’s no longer any need to stress about sunscreen-induced irritation. This pick relies solely on zinc oxide, a mineral that sits on the surface of the skin to deflect damaging rays—and is incredibly unlikely to trigger any sort of allergy or reaction. It’s also fragrance-free (a must for sensitive skin) and deeply moisturizing. (Despite the fact that it’s called a serum, we find the texture to be closer to that of a lotion.) It also works well when mixed with foundation.
Best for antioxidant protection: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 ($60)
Why we love it: Sure, you could layer an antioxidant serum under your sunscreen for an added layer of protection … or you could use a sunscreen that has antioxidants already mixed in, like this one. It relies on a proprietary ingredient known as Lipochroman, alongside ectoin and a blend of botanical extracts, for additional protection from skin-damaging and aging free radicals. The featherweight texture blends seamlessly into skin; the slight apricot hue imparts a touch of brightness and counteracts any would-be white residue from the zinc oxide in the formula (and works on all skin tones).
Best for beach days: EverEden SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion ($29)
Why we love it: Incredibly sheer and silky, this is truly unlike any sunscreen we’ve ever used, especially given the fact that it’s zinc based; the ingredient is notorious for being goopy and chalky. That’s not the case in this undetectable pick. With an SPF of 50 and 40 minutes of water- and sweat-resistance, it’s ideal for beach or pool days (it’s even got a handy clip-on ring that’s perfect for attaching to your tote). And if you hate the traditional coconut “sunscreen” smell, you’re in luck. This has a subtle citrus scent that’s light and refreshing, not in the least bit cloying or artificial.
Best for touch-ups: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up ($30)
Why we love it: In case you haven’t yet heard, you’re technically supposed to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. That’s a lofty goal, but one that’s much easier to achieve with this spritz. It won’t mess up your makeup in the slightest; in fact, it’s made to actually help set it in place while also hydrating your skin with hyaluronic acid, delivering antioxidant-rich vitamin C, and, of course, re-upping your sun protection.
Best for under makeup: Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($40)
Why we love it: This mineral formula has peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin—to plump, smooth, hydrate, and soothe, respectively, and leave the overall impression that you’ve just applied a silky serum primer rather than a sunscreen. The peachy tone offsets the white cast zinc oxide can sometimes leave and gives skin a filter-style glow that comes through under foundation.
Best tinted sunscreen: MMSkincare Sasha Suncare Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($42)
Why we love it: Tinted sunscreens are a dime a dozen, but none offers as much coverage and as much of a makeup-like finish as this one; it can easily double as a foundation and is especially good at covering redness. There’s skin-brightening caffeine in the mix too, as well as vitamin B to help increase moisture. And as an added bonus, 100% of profits go to Beyond Suncare, an organization working to help prevent skin cancer and promote the social inclusion of people with albinism in Africa.
Best for dark spots: Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 ($155)
Why we love it: If you’re dealing with dark spots and discoloration, wearing sunscreen daily is a must in order to prevent even more discoloration. This formula will do exactly that, but it also pulls double duty, helping to cover and treat existing hyperpigmentation in one fell swoop. It boasts a vitamin C–based skin-brightening complex and has a tint and a thicker consistency that makes this almost akin to a foundation.
Best for dull skin: Hero Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30 ($20)
Why we love it: Zinc oxide is notorious for leaving behind an unsightly white, chalky finish, particularly on dark skin tones. But that’s not the case here. Rather, this leaves skin looking bright and glowy, thanks to a combo of pearl and apricot pigments that make for a light-diffusing finish. The 100% mineral formula is light and silky, and it blends in beautifully, sans streaks.
Best for lips: MDSolar Sciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 ($23)
Why we love it: Don’t forget that your lips need protection too. (If you’ve ever experienced a sunburn on your lips, you can vouch for how painful it is.) This multitasking lippie does it all. Its creamy base made with shea butter and avocado oil adds tons of hydration, and it packs your daily dose of SPF 30. Our favorite part? The subtle wash of buildable color this delivers; it comes in six pretty hues as well as a clear option.
