20 Best Sunscreens for Your Face, Tested and Reviewed

Vichy's face sunscreen is souped up with antioxidants and anti-aging actives like peptides and was a star in GH Beauty Lab testing that proved worth the price. It scored high on almost every front: An impressive 100% of users agreed it was easy to apply, had an appealing texture and didn't cause irritation or breakouts.

The lotion also ranked at the top for making skin feel hydrated, no tacky residue or white cast on a range of skin tones from fair to deep, not interfering with makeup and protecting against sunburn. "I didn't even notice I was wearing sunscreen," a tester marveled. "I would say that makes a perfect product." A second said: "My skin looks and feels more healthy and vibrant after using this." While the majority of users loved the floral scent, some weren't fans of it.

This bargain SPF from Hawaiian Tropic, a GH Beauty Lab test winner, boasts many of the benefits of a high-end face sunscreen at a fraction of the cost. The novel serum formula received top scores nearly across the board — for being simple to apply, its pleasant texture and "tropical" scent, no white residue and not causing breakouts or irritation.

In addition, 100% of testers agreed it absorbed quickly and wasn't greasy or sticky. They were torn on the packaging, though: Some loved the slim pump design, while others noted it took time to prime the pump and the cap didn't stay on well. Testers raved about the product, especially that it "felt light," and several commented that they "loved it." One user called it a "10/10" and another said it's her "new go-to sunscreen."

Good Housekeeping Seal star Mary Kay's SPF lotion is your ultimate morning skincare multitasker. It provides the hydration of a moisturizer; the anti-aging and brightening ingredients of a serum and the skin protection of a face sunscreen in a single step, saving time (and money).

Starting after three weeks of use, testers agreed that it left skin looking more even-toned, moisturized, youthful and radiant. In eight weeks, a clinical study showed that the look of users’ forehead and eye area wrinkles was improved, according to GH Beauty Lab data evaluation. In a study of over 200 consumer testers, users found the oil- and fragrance-free formula lightweight and fast-absorbing, though it is on the smaller side for the price.

No fear of shiny skin or breakouts with this Dr. Jart mineral face SPF: It excelled in GH Beauty Lab testing for addressing oily complexion concerns. It ranked at the top for giving skin a matte finish and not causing breakouts or redness, plus scored well for not feeling greasy, although the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide formula may leave a white residue on skin.

"I love that it left my face looking smooth and matte," a tester remarked. Another said: "My skin can sometimes be temperamental and I had zero problems with this product." Many users also commented that they liked the product's "light" citrus fragrance.

From a brand known for mineral SPFs, this Colorescience liquid shined in GH Beauty Lab testing for its gentle, easy-to-wear formula. It earned the highest marks for applying easily and not stinging skin, not leaving a residue behind and not interfering with makeup (rare for a mineral sunscreen).

Although it has a higher price point, many testers praised the product: "As a woman with dark skin, it was nice to have something that left my skin looking natural instead of pale or cakey," one remarked — it appears white on skin upon initial application, it rubs in sheer. We found that the liquid requires shaking well before use to distribute the ingredients, but still, testers raved, "absolutely loved this sunscreen and will be a customer for life."

This mineral face sunscreen created by famed New York City dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross was a hero for hydrating skin and giving it a dewy finish in GH Beauty Lab testing despite its high level of the active ingredient zinc oxide. Boosted with moisturizing ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid, it rated top among testers, including for making skin feel hydrated, smooth application and not stinging. The formula also won't leave a chalky film on skin.

Multiple testers commented that they didn't need to apply moisturizer after using this, as "it made skin feel very soft." Others said the "silky" lotion "melted" in and "dry skin felt like it was actually moisturized," but the packaging can be tricky as the cap may not stay attached to the tube.

Turn to this innovative Neutrogena sunscreen serum — a top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing — to protect skin daily; in addition to a high level of SPF, it's enhanced with antioxidants like vitamin E. The bargain formula earned the highest score for its "smooth" texture and not irritating skin (though it could burn in contact with eyes) and was an overall tester favorite, leaving behind "a touch of glow."

"It didn't make me look chalky or cause any breakouts, and also didn't interfere with how well my makeup set and lasted," a tester marveled. A second called this "the best face sunscreen I've tried, and I've tried quiet a few."

Drugstore value pick Banana Boat, which ranked highly in GH Beauty Lab testing, is made with an added layer of sun protection thanks to antioxidant vitamins C and B3. Testers gave it the highest marks for being easy to apply and not causing visible redness and irritation or stinging skin.

"I liked this product enough to look for it in stores," a tester reported. "My skin feels great and the sunscreen works very well." A second said: "This is the best face sunscreen I have ever used; I have been encouraging others to try it." It may be best-suited for dry skin types since it can leave an oily sheen behind.

Pamper your skin by smoothing on Dermalogica's luxe face sunscreen infused with nourishing botanical oils and smoothing peptides, a splurge-worthy winner in GH Beauty Lab testing. In evaluations, 100% of testers agreed it applied flawlessly. The liquid lotion also came out on top for a wide range of skin tones thanks to its "silky" texture, not leaving a white cast on skin or interfering with makeup and having strong sun protection ability.

One drawback: Some users didn't love the aroma, with one calling it "medicinal." Otherwise, testers raved, "I love this! It left my face feeling clean and fresh," and "I felt like I wasn't wearing a heavy SPF." Many noted that they would buy the product in spite of its higher price point.

Think of this GH Beauty Award-winning Olay lotion as a sunscreen with extra benefits: It's also infused with age-fighting ingredients (such as peptides and niacinamide) and hydrators (like glycerin). In GH Beauty Lab tests, the formula increased skin moisture levels by 31%, more than any facial SPF 30 previously evaluated. Testers found that SPF firmed skin, reduced the look of lines and brightened, yet was “fast-absorbing” and “not oily," however some reported breakouts.

The brand EltaMD is known for its sun protection products and "is a perennial favorite among dermatologists," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. This sheer tinted lotion "is a great choice for sensitive skin," she explains, thanks to its mineral active ingredients. Take note that some reviewers found it pilled or clumped on their skin upon application.

A double duty formula that works on the face and body, this Rodan + Fields sunscreen won the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. In evaluations, 100% of testers agreed it spread easily on skin, soaked in well, and didn't leave a white residue, feel sticky or oily, or rub onto or stain clothing.

Though most users liked the "subtle" scent, a few weren't fans. Overall, many commented that they would purchase the product and two said they "liked everything about it." One remarked: "It did not leave me with a heavy, sticky feeling like most sunscreens."

Gel-like formulas such as this SPF from Coola are featherweight enough for those susceptible to breakouts. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek reports that this formula doesn't aggravate acne. Although it is a splurge compared to other face sunscreens, "it is super lightweight and absorbs quickly, doesn’t irritate my skin and lays nicely under my makeup," she raves.

A GH Beauty Award winner, this Murad formulation is a sunscreen you won’t believe is sunscreen — it's totally clear! — and that you'll actually want to wear, even under makeup. Testers commented that the translucent makeup primer-like gel was "not oily, heavy or irritating" and "kept makeup in place," "made skin baby-soft," and "softened lines." Because the formula is translucent, it blends invisibly into even dark skin tones, but it is very expensive versus other face SPFs.

Supergoop! has become a cult classic face sunscreen and also scored near the top in GH Beauty Lab testing for its silky, clear gel texture that was mild on skin. It earned a perfect score for not stinging or burning skin, and the highest marks for not being sticky or leaving a white film, as well as sun protection ability.

Some caveats: Testers found it took time to dry and could run into eyes, causing tearing. Though some said it made skin look oily, others praised the glow it gave: "It left my skin looking radiant and healthy." Another commented: "I loved this sunscreen — it had a smooth, beautiful texture that felt great going on."

Julep’s innovative translucent gel SPF formula was a clear winner in GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing for leaving no chalky cast or residue on even deep skin tones. A full 100% of testers gave the water-based formula perfect marks for easy application and not running into or stinging eyes or causing breakouts.

Even though it comes at a higher price for the size, this pick shared the top rating for zero white residue, making it a great SPF for dark skin. It was an overall tester favorite formula, earning raves for its "silky" texture. Several users “absolutely loved” it: “Weightless, like it’s not even there — perfection!,” “the best I’ve tried” and “all I’ve wanted in an SPF.”

Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, fragrance-free CeraVe ranked best with testers that have dry skin in GH Beauty Lab testing. Among testers, 100% found that it went on effortlessly and didn’t cause irritation or breakouts.

It tied for best for its "light" texture, effectively protecting skin from the sun and not leaving a chalky film. Several commented that it left their skin feeling "moisturized" and "hydrated," but some users said it left their skin shinier than they liked. "It felt like a refreshing moisturizer," and "made my skin soft," two more said.

Sun Bum's SPF face lotion with all physical mineral active ingredients was a top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing at a good price. The gentle formula received a near-perfect score for not causing skin irritation or redness. It also worked well with makeup and wasn't tacky or greasy.

Two drawbacks: It could leave a white residue and be drying on skin. Testers praised the texture, which they described as "airy" and "velvety" and said it "felt luxurious on skin".

A worthy splurge, this zinc oxide mineral liquid SPF from Isdin was a GH Beauty Lab test winner. It earned the highest score for effective sun protection and not interfering with makeup. Testers found that the formula was easy to apply, gentle on skin and eyes, didn't feel oily or tacky on skin and provided a shine-free finish. It also scored well at not leaving a white cast, making it a great pick for deeper skin tones.

Note the emulsion formulation needs to be shaken well before each application. "It felt like nothing on my skin," a user raved. Another said: "I am constantly looking for an excellent sunscreen that works, feels good on and does not sting my eyes, and the search stops here — I love this and will continue to purchase it."