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For daily wear and extra sunny days, we researched the best face sunscreens for every skin punch in.
Credit:Southern Living / David Hattan
Anyone with particularly tricky skin types should be looking for sunscreens that offer more than just sunscreen, saysDr.
And be ready to try a few different products to find the right fit for you and your skin.
Hybrid sunscreen combines both methods.
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Our top picks were chosen based on SPF levels, skincare benefits, consistency, and water resistance.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Supergoop!
checks off all the boxes and proves to be a winner for a variety of reasons.
Credit: Amazon
That gel consistency also goes on smoothly and doubles as a makeup primer.
Its super lightweight, and although its not reef-friendly, it is cruelty-free and vegan.
People with sensitive skin will love the fact that its oil-free and allergy tested, too.
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Use it in the morning after applying other creams and serums and before applying makeup.
If youre using it at the beach, remember to reapply often, as it is not water resistant.
Its also oil-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
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Warm it in between your fingers before applying it onto your face for a smooth, protective sunscreen layer.
Just be aware, though, that its pretty pricey and is not water resistant.
The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and fast absorbing.
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This sunscreen is made for all skin types, and works well with makeup.
This option from Geologie is a hybrid sunscreen, which means it uses both chemical and mineral ingredients.
Its also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is higher than most sunscreens on our list.
Credit: Coola
This sunscreen has a rich consistency that may be too heavy for acne-prone or oily skin.
The SPF 30 formula is made from zinc oxide in a cream-gel formula that hydrates without feeling greasy.
Its lightweight and breathable, and can even double as a light primer before makeup.
Credit: Ulta
This sunscreen is reef-friendly, silicone-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.
Just note that its not water resistant, so reapply it often if youre swimming or sweating.
It also contains perlite and silica, which help absorb excess oil and reduce shiny or greasy skin.
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The sunscreen is oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
It leaves a matte finish rather than a shiny one, and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Its non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free.
Credit: La Roche-Posay
The formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
The invisible mist wont ruin your makeup, and it dries fast for quick and easy reapplication.
We love it because its lightweight, but also easy to use and travel-friendly.
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Plus, the light mist feels refreshing on a hot day.
(Just be sure toreallyblend it in!)
It provides protection against UV rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
Credit: Ulta
It also contains ingredients that help calm and nourish your skin, making it a very versatile product.
Mineral formulas typically contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Mineral sunscreens are usually thicker as well, while chemical sunscreens are lighter and easier to apply.
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So, practically, using both is the best way to get both instant and long-lasting protection.
Fortunately, these days most manufacturers strive to create SPF 30 products that offer broad spectrum protection.
UVB rays are the culprit if youhave a bad sunburn, and typically affect the outermost layer of skin.
While you might think a higher SPF equals stronger protection, this actually isnt true.
No matter what SPF you have, you shouldalways reapply often.
Questions and Answers
What SPF level is best for the face?
What is the difference between face and body sunscreen?
Technically, there are no differences, says Dr. Xu.
FDA-approved ingredients for SPF don’t distinguish between body and face.
Sunscreens designed for the face are typically lighter in weight and contain extra skincare ingredients for maximum benefits.
There are also tinted face sunscreens that can be used as replacements for foundations.
Do you’re gonna wanna wear sunscreen every day?
Yes, every single day without a doubt.
Just remember to incorporate it as the final step in your skincare routinesoon enough itll become second nature.
Why Trust Southern Living?
Amanda Ogleis a writer and editor with seven years of experience covering general lifestyle topics.
For expert insight, Amanda consulted withDr.
