You’re Probably Applying Sunscreen Wrong (2024)

It’s summer! As you're likely spending more time outside these day, remember that the best sunscreen for face is the undisputed, expert-recommended step to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Year-round, SPF is the most effective way to shield skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, as well as premature aging, which is the primary cause of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, blotchiness, discoloration, and textural abnormalities. To find the best of the best,we spoke to four esteemed dermatologists and revisited some new and old Vogue editor favorites (all of which have been tested and worn IRL!). Read on to find your best facial sunscreen.

“We are increasingly seeing skin cancer in younger individuals,” cautions dermatologist Julie Karen, MD. “If that doesn’t convince someone to protect themselves, then we can rightfully appeal to their vanity. The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes we see within the skin that are often attributed to aging.”

As if the most common science-backed truths are not enough of an impetus, let this sink in: “Fresh off of winter, our skin has diminished capacity to protect itself from damaging UV rays, which are becoming ever stronger,” explains Karen. Moreover, there are specific skin reactions that can happen during early summer with the first exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as polymorphous light eruption (or PMLE), a reaction of sun sensitivity that happens when our skin is not exposed to the sun for long periods of time. “It can manifest in different ways, but is typically a itchy red rash that appears on sun-exposed areas that have been recently exposed, typically at the beginning of summer,” explains dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “We don’t know why some people are more prone to this, but most people are likely to experience some form of increased sensitivity to sunlight after the wintertime.”

Our Favorite Face Sunscreens

• Best Mineral Sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $42
• Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $16
• Best Dermatologist-Approved: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, $41
• Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, $37
• Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Milk SPF 100, $27
• Best Chemical Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $38
• Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin: Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor SPF 30, $39
• Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+, $60
• Best Sunscreen for Everyday: Chanel UV Essentiel Complete SPF 50, $60

In This Article

• What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen
• What is Broad Spectrum?
• How Much Sunscreen to Use on Your Face
• Mineral vs Chemical
• Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Even Indoors?
• How to Apply (and Reapply) Properly
• How long does sunscreen last?
• Which SPF is Best for Face?
• Meet the Experts

Best Mineral Sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

• Why We Like It: Looking for a featherweight, blends-right-in mineral option? The SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV DefenseSPF50 fluid is just that, with special ingredient artemia salina, a plankton extract that naturally boosts skin’s UV defense and fights against redness brought on by heat.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Murphy-Rose: “It contains a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in an elegant formulation that is very protective and yet feels so light on the skin. This is well-designed for normal to combination skin. It blends easily into skin without looking cakey or leaving a white cast.”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Lightweight Cream
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No, but the brand does offer a tinted alternative.
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Matte
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Zinc oxide 5%, Titanium dioxide 6%)

Best Tinted Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

• Why We Like It: One of the industry's most beloved drugstore mineral suncreens, La Roche-Posay's Anthelios combats broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays through sensitive skin-friendly titanium dixoxide. Antioxidants, silica, vitamin E, and thermal spring water are featured too; plus, iron oxides which deliver a universal tint suitable for most skin types.
• Editor’s Review: Senior shopping editor, Talia Abbas: “The ‘ultra-light’ in La Roche-Posay’s tinted sunscreen is accurate: It has a weightless texture, while still delivering a subtle tint (which doesn’t streak or stain clothes) with SPF50 coverage. It’s also waterproof—on vacation earlier this summer, I would use this one before swimming and it wouldn’t budge. A true fave!”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Lotion
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: Yes
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Matte
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (titanium dioxide 11%)

Best Korean Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++

• Why We Like It: When Vogue contributor Deanna Pai reported on the best Korean sunscreens, she found these formulas to be more appealing than their American counterparts because they are enjoyable to use and feature more advanced sunscreen filters than those found in the U.S. And while there are a handful of excellent K-beauty SPFs to take your pick of, Beauty of Joseon's continues to rise in popularity—for not only its 50+ SPF protection but also its incredible blend of probiotics, niacinamide, and rice extract that improve the look of skin over time.
• Endorsed By: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Chang, MD who has signed off on its soothing, nourishing ingredient complex. She says that Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen “does not leave a white cast and feels moisturizing to the skin, making it great for daily use.”
• Editor’s Review: Beauty shopping writer, Kiana Murden says “This is quickly becoming my go-to everyday sunscreen. Its weightless, almost soufflé-like texture sinks instantly into my skin—revealing a natural glow. Plus, it’s quite hydrating so as the weather heats up, I’ve been using it in place of my usual face moisturizer.”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Lightweight cream
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol)

Best Dermatologist-Approved Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

• Why We Like It: Both all-business in terms of protection and impressively lightweight on the skin, this dermatologist favorite blocks UVA and UVB rays with clear zinc-oxide while gently addressing skin-care needs. Doses of sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide restore hydration, while lactic acid helps to unclog pores and control shine.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Murphy-Rose: “I frequently recommend UV Clear to my acne-prone or oily skin patients for excellent sun protection that won’t promote breakouts. And my patients love it! UV Clear is non-comedogenic and formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide to prevent acne and reduce inflammation.”
• Editor’s Review: Shopping writer Laura Jackson: “Not only does EltaMD’s sunscreen keep my skin safe from the sun, but it also helps prevent any unwanted acne or blemishes. For me, this is a two-in-one staple that really works and forever has a spot in my beauty cabinet.”
• SPF Level: SPF 46
• Texture: Silky lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Both (Zinc oxide 9.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%)

Best for a Glow: Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++

Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++

• Why We Like It: Kosas's DreamBeam SPF was already a hit after its 2023 launch; and now, the beloved formula gets a sunkissed upgrade with the introduction of its new Sunlit shade—which delivers a golden glow perfect for sunny days ahead and deeper skin tones. Tint aside, DreamBeam is clean, non-comedogenic, and silicone-free—utilizing a non-nano zinc oxide for a physical UV barrier. All of this makes it excellent for sensitive skin types.
• SPF Level: SPF 40
• Texture: Lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: No
• Tinted: Yes. Shade Original has a peachy-pink hue, while shade Sunlit offers a golden bronze
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Dewy
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (non-nano zinc 21.7%)

Best Invisible Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

• Why We Like It: Supergoop!’s Unseen goes on crystal clear, which makes it so popular amongst beauty enthusiasts and people of color. The oil-free formula feels almost like a primer—enriched by red algae, frankincense, and a meadowfoam oil complex to soothe, protect, and moisturize.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Murphy-Rose: “While it is not a physical blocker, it does afford great broad spectrum chemical protection in a very popular formulation that does not leave a white cast and blends seamlessly.”
• SPF Level: SPF 40
• Texture: Silky primer.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Matte
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, hom*osalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4%)

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

• Why We Like It: Designed to impart a sheer, non-ashy cast of protection for darker skin tones, Black Girl Sunscreen’s hero formula offers SPF 30 protection while its blend of avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil work to soothe and heal the skin.
• SPF Level: SPF 30
• Texture: Cream
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical ( Avobenzone 3%, hom*osalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.75%)

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50

• Why We Like It: Chanel’s recently reformulated UV Essentiel sunscreen has quickly captured the hearts of Vogue editors. One might expect the milky cream to leave a white cast, but instead, it disappears almost immediately upon application to reveal a weightless glow perfect for daily wear. Not to mention, the formula features blue ginger sourced from Chanel’s laboratory in Madagascar and Tahitian gardenia extract to help fortify the skin barrier.
• Editor's Review: Senior shopping market editor Madeline Fass: “As someone who doesn't wear much makeup, Chanel's SPF 50 is the perfect top layer to my skin care routine. It goes on smoothly like a light to mid-weight moisturizer, and feels like one on the skin too. Plus, I have sensitive skin and eyes, yet this one doesn't irritate my skin or make me tear up!”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Lightweight cream.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, hom*osalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5%)

Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

• Why We Like It: Despite its fluid, satin-matte texture (meaning it will not congest oily skin), Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and an array of antioxidants and soothing plant extracts, such as green tea and oat extract, to treat signs of aging while shielding from rays.
• Editor's Review: Beauty shopping writer, Kiana Murden: “Whenever my skin is feeling particularly oily I reach for this option by Paula's Choice. It has a milky, serum-like texture that sinks into skin instantly, leaving a matte finish.”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Water-like liquid.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Dewy
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 2%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2%)

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

• Why We Like It: This Aveeno formula is just as gentle on baby’s skin as it is sensitive skin. Fragrance-, paraben-, and phthalate-free, the sunscreen is enriched with oat to keep skin calm and nourished.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Murphy-Rose: “[This] packs powerful broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. It contains naturally-sourced zinc oxide and soothing ingredients like oatmeal. It is also tear-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and non-greasy.”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: Yes
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 21.6%)

Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55

• Why We Like It: This drugstore steal is a favorite across the board. It’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, and water-resistant on top of yielding robust SPF 55 coverage and gliding on like a dream to undetectable effect.
• SPF Level: SPF 55
• Texture: Lightweight lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Matte
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, hom*osalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%)

Best Clean Sunscreen: Lesse Every Tone SPF 30

• Why We Like It: Crafted with 100% natural ingredients, Lesse’s recently-launched sunscreen is a thoughtful choice for the clean beauty enthusiast. Alongside mineral sun protection, there are Australian super berries and botanical oils to nourish and calm skin sans irritation (or white cast).
• SPF Level: SPF 30
• Texture: Lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Dewy
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (non-nano uncoated zinc oxide, 17%)

Best for Exercise: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

• Why We Like It: The draw to Shisedo’s sunscreen is not just its effective SPF 50+, but its technology that somehow adds extra protection when activated by heat, sweat, or water.
• SPF Level: SPF 50+
• Texture: Oily lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 2.3%, hom*osalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5%)

Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Daily Mineral SPF 50+

• Why We Like It: Users love the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen because of its derm-approved composition that pairs well with supercharged ingredients like tretinoin and retinol. The 100% mineral formula pairs zinc oxide with a plankton-derived reparative enzyme, and vitamin E to combat signs of aging and protect against future damage.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Murphy-Rose: “[A] great lightweight mineral sunscreen that offers excellent sun protection while also repairing some existing damage with enzymes called DNA Repairsomes.” Plus, Emmy Rossum.
• SPF Level: SPF 50+
• Texture: Lightweight lotion.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 11%)

Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin: Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer

• Why We Like It: Any summertime regimen could be supplemented by a multitasker like Live Tinted’s Hueguard, which boasts 3-in-1 characteristics as a sunscreen meets primer meets moisturizer. Though its nourishing and radiant enough to impart a fresh-faced glow, it feels weightless—making it ideal for combination skin types.
• Endorsed By: “This is a tinted mineral sunscreen formulated for skin of color and does not give that pesky white cast!” says Tomassian.
• SPF Level: SPF 30
• Texture: Priming cream.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: Yes
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Natural
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 18%)

Best Powder Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

• Why We Like It: The brush-on powder formula of this Colorescience sunscreen makes it great for reapplication during the day. With four shades to choose from, just swipe on this sweat- and water-resistant SPF on the go.
• Endorsed By: Dr. Tomassian: “This is a lightweight SPF powder that you brush onto your skin and sits well over makeup. Easy way to reapply!” Plus, Murphy-Rose: “For the moments when you have a full face of makeup but need to reapply sunscreen, this Colorescience product is tried and true.”
• SPF Level: SPF 50
• Texture: Powder.
• Broad Spectrum: Yes
• Tinted: Yes, there are four shades.
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Matte
• Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (titanium dioxide 22.5%, zinc oxide 22.5%)

Best Spray Sunscreen: Habit N°38 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 38

• Why We Like It: Habit’s ultra-fine sunscreen mist is an excellent way to make the reapplication of SPF easier, particularly on a hot summer day. Perhaps the most cooling, refreshing option on this list, this formula is enriched with cucumber fruit extract to hydrate and soothe skin with ease.
• Who's It For:
• SPF Level: SPF 38
• Texture: Mist.
• Broad Spectrum: No
• Tinted: No
• White Cast: No
• Finish: Dewy
• Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 2.9%, hom*osalate 9.8%, octisalate 4.9% octocrylene 9.5%)

What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen

SPF Level: “Picking a sunscreen does not have to be complicated!” Tomassian bids. “Look for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. You want to use at least two finger lengths of sunscreen for the full face, and when you are out in the sun, reapply every two hours to maintain adequate sun protection.” Apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside.

Type: According to Murphy-Rose, physical sunscreens (otherwise known as physical sunscreens, or sunblock) provide a physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays, while chemical sunscreens work by chemicals penetrating the skin and then absorb UV rays to prevent sun damage and skin cancer. “Although both can be incredibly effective, chemical sunscreens can be somewhat more irritating to sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Nazarian. “Physical sunscreens are a bit more stable, but are also a little more occlusive and can trap heat, so it may feel a little heavier than the chemical sunscreens.” Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral sunscreen agents to look out for.