Which sunscreen is best for daily use?

In general, pick a sunscreen with benefits based on your skin concerns and one that is lightweight and non-greasy.

What sunscreen do dermatologists recommend?

While each derm has their own personal preference as far as individual products go, in general, the recommendation is that everyone should wear at least SPF 30 every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association . Broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant is also recommended.

How do I keep sunscreen from clogging my pores?

If your skin is oily and acne-prone, you should pick an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen. You could also apply a thin layer of a toner, like one containing witch hazel, before applying sunscreen to help treat the skin and absorb oil. We like our Best Pick for Oily Skin, Murad's Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45 because it reduces shine and is meant to reduce the appearance of large pores. In general, look for a lightweight sunscreen that doesn't feel greasy or heavy on the skin.

The 12 Best Sunscreens of 2023

Sunscreen Test — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

We've all heard time and time again that wearing sunscreen is essential—it helps protect your skin against sun damage which can cause skin cancer, as well as signs of premature aging like wrinkles or brown spots. When choosing a formula, “you want to make sure the sunscreen you pick is at least SPF 30,” says board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD. He also encourages choosing a broad-spectrum formula, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Byrdie Tested & Approved

Our best overall pick is Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, which has a creamy texture that blends well into the skin, is water and transfer-resistant, and does not leave a white cast behind. This product, which earned perfect ratings from our testers, has a silky smooth finish.

After consulting dermatologists for their top picks, we spent hours in The Lab testing sunscreens. Our product testers had a range of skin tones, sensitivities, and concerns, and evaluated each product on its feel, transfer, opacity, and water resistance

Ahead, find the results of our tests and our picks for the best sunscreens to wear every day.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Banana Boat Face Sunscreen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tinted:

Live Tinted Hueguard Broad Spectrum Primer at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smelling:

Bare Republic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Brightening:

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Cetaphil Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

COOLA Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 70

Jump to Review

Best For Face:

EltaMD Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Water-Based Formula:

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How We Researched & Tested
Other Options We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Creamy texture
Water-resistant
Stays put
No white cast
Makes skin glow

What We Don’t Like

Sunscreen comes out easily

An editor favorite for a reason, this formula scored perfect ratings across the board with our tester. We love the consistency, made richer by the inclusion of botanic oils in the formula, but the way this product practically melts into the skin is what makes it stand out. Our tester noted that she loved how well it stayed put—even when exposed to water, and that it left her skin looking “refreshed.” In other words, no white cast at all.

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers Say

“This sunscreen did not leave a white undertone or make my skin look dull. It added glow and radiance to my skin and it looks very refreshed.” —Chantia Murphy, Product Tester

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS

What We Like

Lightweight formula doesn’t clog pores
Water-resistant
Very easy to blend

What We Don’t Like

Contains fragrance

Made without oxybenzone or octinoxate and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this classic formula will give you all the nostalgic feels—once you catch a whiff of the banana fragrance. Our testers loved its nearly weightless skin feel and noted it was a breeze to blend for comprehensive coverage.

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Key Features

“Water beaded on top of the product and it did not run or transfer.” —Sara Bautista-Ramos, Product Tester

4.5

Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer

Ulta

View On Ulta View On Credo Beauty View On Sokoglam.com

What We Like

Lightweight formula
Stays put
Does not leave white cast

What We Don’t Like

Tint came out orange and needed extra blending

This ultra-lightweight tinted primer uses nano-technology to deliver protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as from blue light (so it’s perfect for when you’re working indoors, as well). Our tester, who has an olive complexion, loved the coverage and noted that the orange undertone did diminish to a subtle glow as she blended but it might not work as well on other skin tones.

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

View On Amazon

What We Like

Uses antioxidants and fruit botanicals
Reef safe
Water resistant

What We Don’t Like

Chemical formula may be off-putting

Our tester loved the lightweight formula of this spray, she said she “couldn’t tell she was wearing sunscreen at all.” The chemical formula is oxybenzone free, though it does contain avobenzone and octocrylene. The addition of antioxidant botanicals gives the spray additional softening qualities, and our tester said she enjoyed the scent, but that it wasn’t overwhelming.

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

4.2

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Riteaid.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Water resistant
Pleasant smell
Reef safe

What We Don’t Like

Some transfer occurred

We love this clean and reef-safe mineral formula for its creamy, lightweight texture that sinks into the skin. Our tester noted that it blends well but did transfer onto her t-shirt, especially when the product was exposed to water. Overall, however, the formula left no white cast but did leave an enticing vanilla aroma with subtle notes of coconut that our tester enjoyed.

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50, Vanilla Coco — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

A Review of Bolden's SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer To Hydrate Skin

What We Like

Brightens dark spots
Adds radiant glow
Water resistant
Stays put
Gentle, pleasant fragrance

What We Don’t Like

Chemical formula might be off-putting

This non-greasy formula is packed with vitamin C to help the skin achieve a brightening effect. Our tester noted that it blended in easily and stayed put without any transfer. She also loved how quickly it absorbed into her skin. Because of the extra brightening ingredients, our tester noted she’d feel more comfortable using it on her face, neck, and decolletage as opposed to all over.

4.8

Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin

Walgreens

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Walgreens

What We Like

Lightweight
Water resistant
Easy to blend
Great for travel

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

Our tester loved how this drugstore and a derm-recommended classic was completely non-greasy for an easy finish. It stayed put with no transfer and did not leave a white cast behind. She was also impressed with the fragrance-free formula, easy applicator, on-the-go size, and with the fact that a little goes a long way.

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Formula melts into skin
Water resistant
Airy texture

What We Don’t Like

Chemical formula might be off-putting

When it comes to lightweight, no one does it quite like this brand. The formula has an airy texture that blends incredibly well, although our tester noted it did leave a slightly greasy feeling behind. Still, we think the consistency is amazing and leaves the skin with a silky feel.

COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 70 — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers Say

“Blended extremely well into my skin.” —Jeanie Voltsinis, Product Tester

Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart

Reviewed: EltaMD's UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Is a Lightweight Dream

Derms love this formula for its powerful blend of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soothe skin. It’s also oil-free and won’t clog pores. Our tester noted how well it blended into her skin and stayed put throughout the day, included after exposure to water.

What Our Testers Say

"This is easily the most non-irritating, absorbent, and low-maintenance facial sunscreen I’ve come across; it’s essentially a nice mid-range moisturizer that happens to have SPF 46." —Kelsey Clark, Product Tester

4.8

Glossier

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Easily blendable
Water resistant
Pleasant scent

What We Don’t Like

Almost too watery

If you’re looking for a water-based formula that feels more like a serum than sunscreen, this is a great choice. Our tester noted how well it blended into her skin, while still staying put, even after exposure to water. She loved the pleasant citrus scent without being overpowering.

4.3

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Water resistant
Hydrating to skin

What We Don’t Like

Slight transfer

We love that this formula for oily skin isn’t over-drying. In fact, our tester noted that the formula felt dewy on her skin, while also staying put and resisting water. It blended easily after a couple of gentle rubs into the skin and did not feel greasy as the day went on.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45 — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

Reviewed: Supergoop's Glow Screen Is the SPF of My Dreams

What We Like

Absorbs easily
Makes skin glow
Water resistant
Nourishes skin

What We Don’t Like

Small size

Is there anyone who doesn’t love this sunscreen? It’s a cult fave for a reason: its texture is divine, and this formula in particular really sinks into the skin leaving you with a glowy, radiant finish. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps nourish the skin, leaving it soft and touchable. We only wish the tube included more product.

Supergoop! Glow Screen Sunscreen SPF 40 — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers Say

"From my very first time using Supergoop's Glow Screen I noticed how nicely it absorbed into my skin and created an instant glow." —Nicole Kliest, Product Tester

“This blended well with my skin. I'm usually worried about trying new sunscreens as a darker-skinned person because there always a white ghost-like look left but this highlighted my skin rather than making it look dull.” —Chantia Murphy, Product Tester

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, which not only leaves no white cast behind, it imparts a radiant glow. The water and transfer-resistant formula is packed with nourishing ingredients and it sinks easily into your skin. For a more affordable pick, consider Banana Boat Light As Air Faces, a drugstore classic updated with an ultra-lightweight formula specifically for facial skin.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours testing the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, texture, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and makeup artists. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Other Options We Tested

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen is a popular drugstore pick that has a formula people know and derms trust. While our tester loved how well this product blended, for a formula touted as “non-greasy,” she actually felt it had a slightly slick feeling after applying, and also it gave a slight transfer.

Glo Skin Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30+

Editors love this brand, and for good reason—they’ve got the clinicals to back up the results. Our tester did note there were some opacity issues, but it’s quite possible she was using the wrong shade. It comes in 10 shades to accommodate most skin tones.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 +

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 + has probably popped up in your social feed, as its watery texture is unlike anything else on the market. Out tester remarked that it “blended with my skin so well. It felt translucent.” However, after checking out more third-party reviews, we found a couple of complaints about the product burning people’s skin.

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin

The popular drugstore pick CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin is a great choice for a sunscreen that doesn’t budge. But our testers noted that the formula was seriously chalky and that it’s probably best suited for a day outdoors hiking, as opposed to at the beach or for everyday use.

Meet the Expert

Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and director of The Dermatology and Laser Group.
Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS Dermatology in New York; she is also an assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell—New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

What to Look For in a Sunscreen

Adequate SPF Protection

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, the first thing to look for in a sunscreen is that it provides adequate SPF protection. “In general, I recommend SPF 30 or higher,” she says. Of course, reapplying your SPF is just as important as applying it in the first place. “I recommend reapplying every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating,” she says.

Broad-Spectrum Coverage

Dr. Garshick also says it’s key to make sure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage, which means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, she says that some tinted sunscreens also contain iron oxide, which may also help protect against blue light.

Chemical vs. Mineral Formulas

“Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, it’s important to know the key ingredients in your sunscreen,” says Dr. Garshick. “Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are commonly recommended for those with sensitive skin and children. I often recommend my pregnant patients opt for mineral sunscreens as well.” If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you can generally get away with using either type of formula.

FAQ

Which sunscreen is best for daily use?

In general, pick a sunscreen with benefits based on your skin concerns and one that is lightweight and non-greasy.
What sunscreen do dermatologists recommend?

While each derm has their own personal preference as far as individual products go, in general, the recommendation is that everyone should wear at least SPF 30 every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant is also recommended.
How do I keep sunscreen from clogging my pores?

If your skin is oily and acne-prone, you should pick an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen. You could also apply a thin layer of a toner, like one containing witch hazel, before applying sunscreen to help treat the skin and absorb oil. We like our Best Pick for Oily Skin, Murad's Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45 because it reduces shine and is meant to reduce the appearance of large pores. In general, look for a lightweight sunscreen that doesn't feel greasy or heavy on the skin.

Why Trust Byrdie

Jill Di Donato is a Senior Commerce Editor for Byrdie and has over a decade of experience as a beauty editor, writing for some of the best magazines out there. She’s a sunscreen fanatic, and carries several bottles with her wherever she goes. Her all time favorite formulas from this roundup include Supergoop!, Elta, and COOLA.

The 18 Best Face Sunscreens of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Skotarczak K, Osmola-Mańkowska A, Lodyga M, Polańska A, Mazur M, Adamski Z. Photoprotection: facts and controversies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Jan;19(1):98-112. PMID: 25635982.
Dale Wilson B, Moon S, Armstrong F. Comprehensive review of ultraviolet radiation and the current status on sunscreens. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(9):18-23.

Best Overall

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

Best Drugstore

Banana Boat Light As Air Faces

Best Tinted

Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer

Best Spray

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Best Smelling

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50

Best Brightening

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

Best for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin

Best Lightweight

COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 70

Best For Face

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Water-Based Formula

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35

Best For Oily Skin

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45

Best for On-The-Go

Supergoop! Glow Screen Sunscreen SPF 40

Related Stories

We Tested 51 Sunscreens and These Are the Best 12

Best Overall

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

Best Drugstore

Banana Boat Light As Air Faces

Best Tinted

Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer

Best Spray

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Best Smelling

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50

Best Brightening

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

Best for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin

Best Lightweight

COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 70

Best For Face

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Water-Based Formula

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35

Best For Oily Skin

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45

Best for On-The-Go

Supergoop! Glow Screen Sunscreen SPF 40

Final Verdict

How We Researched & Tested

Other Options We Tested

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen

Glo Skin Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30+

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 +

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin

What to Look For in a Sunscreen

Adequate SPF Protection

Broad-Spectrum Coverage

Chemical vs. Mineral Formulas

Why Trust Byrdie

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