Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin 2020

shop top 10 sunscreen for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Today I am sharing sunscreen for sensitive acne-prone skin. My skin burns easily in the sun. No matter what the weather forecast predicts for the next day, you’ll find me standing in front of the bathroom mirror slathering on lightweight sunscreen. Blame my genetics and my dermatologist for ensuring that I always apply a generous amount of sunscreen before I leave the house.

Physical sunscreens are ideal because they’re often more sensitive skin-friendly.

Read my past sunscreen blog posts where I discuss some of my ultimate pale skin products. Better yet, check out my top 10 Sephora beauty products I recently suggested for the VIB sale this past April. One of the Sephora beauty products I ended up recommended made my list here in the number one spot!

1. Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 40, $36

Supergoop! sunscreen products live underneath my bathroom sink all throughout the summer season.

I use the mousse on my legs, the spray on my back, and of course, their signature facial “Unseen Sunscreen” on my delicate face prior to applying makeup. The non-greasy and scent-free sunscreen formulation found within Supergoop! products are listed as two of the top reasons why Supergoop! thrives as a sunscreen brand.

Their newest product release called “GLOWSCREEN” has blue-light blocking technology which helps fight daily blue-light damage that happens when we use our phones and computers.

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY Weightless Liquid Mineral SPF 30, $34

Once I placed my order for the yearly Sephora Skin Safety makeup bag for the VIB sale back in April, I chose to test out this new First Aid Beauty facial sunscreen during the following week. I added this specific product to the list as a contender as sunscreen for sensitive acne-prone because it’s oil-free and ultra-light with no fragrance.

The list of important and main ingredients are:

– Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate: Helps protect skin against exposure to the elements and helps soothe, and retain moisture in skin.
– Vitamin E: A vitamin-rich in antioxidants that helps condition and soothe skin and stave off environmental aggressors.
– Zinc Oxide: A nano-free physical sunscreen that helps filter harmful UV rays without irritating skin.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face Sunscreen SPF 60, $29.99

Looking for a drugstore sunscreen? La Roche-Posay has the best option in the drugstore market. I’ve been restocking on the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face Sunscreen for a couple of years now. I even keep some inside my car when I drive for long periods of time and want more protection on my arms. Yes, it’s a $30 DRUGSTORE facial product, but I promise it’s worthy of its higher than normal price point.

Not only do you get expert sun protection from this sunscreen, but you also receive a product with UVA/UVB filters for advanced protection + antioxidants to defend against free radicals.

I’d compare this sunscreen formula to the Kiehl’s Super Fluid. Both sunscreens have an ultra-light liquid that comes out fast and smoothes over the skin in seconds. There’s nothing better than watching your sunscreen sink into your skin in the morning so you can move on to the rest of your makeup!

4. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 Sunscreen, $35

An ultra-light, oil-free sunscreen lotion for the face that controls excess sebum and gives skin a matte appearance while guarding against daily environmental aggressors.

Out of ALL of the sunscreens I mention in this post, the texture of the Shiseido sunscreen feels the most feather-light and almost runny.

It seriously and magically blends straight into the skin for a seamless look and feel. If you have oily skin, I’d recommend grabbing the sunscreen from Shiseido because it contains special ingredients to protect against harmful UV rays, oxidation, and over-production of sebum.

5. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, $34

I’ve raved about Drunk Elephant cleansers and moisturizers before, but never one of their top-selling sun defense products! The Umbra Sheer daily defense sunscreen smells and feels the most like a typical sunscreen would. This sunscreen feels thicker in consistency than the other ones mentioned in the post, but that doesn’t take away from its awesome sun damage fighting powers.

Consider investing in this sunscreen from Drunk Elephant if you’re looking for a product to moisturize and protect the skin. It also contains potent antioxidants like astaxanthin, grape juice, and sunflower shoot extracts to minimize the appearance of photoaging for a more youthful-looking complexion. Umbra™ is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and totally free of fragrance and essential oils, suitable for all skin tones and types.

top 10 sunscreen for sensitive acne-prone skin

6. Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense 50 Sunscreen, $31.20

The Lancome sunscreen contains both an oil-free face primer and moisturizer with a high level of SPF 50 that gives lasting hydration and helps protect skin from external aggressors such as sun damage. This ideal 3-in-1 product from Lancome transforms into a silky water-like lotion for optimal sun protection.

The formula also has antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Moringa, and Edelweiss without a white residue or sticky finish. A true weightless sunscreen that features a unique cooling sensation after applying it to the face. I am a fan of the light and airy texture for sure as I continue to reach for this Lancome product when I seek a primer + SPF + moisturizer three-in-one before putting on the rest of my makeup in the morning.

7. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $54

The Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen has a mushroom complex that calms irritated skin and reduces UV-induced redness and dryness. The formula includes Zinc Oxide to defend against UVA/UVB/blue light. Even the most sensitive skin types can use this Dermalogica sunscreen prior to heading outside.

Personally, I apply a generous amount of this sunscreen after cleansing my face in the morning. Using sweeping motions I’ll apply the lightweight sunscreen from the middle of the face moving outwards for the best all-over protection. This impressive invisible and weightless sunscreen blends easily on the skin.

8. Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense, $42

I’m a fan of a multi-purpose product that can not only protect the face from harmful UVA/UVB rays but will also diminish the appearance of dark spots. A sunscreen with a high SPF 50 prevents skin damage during the day.

After using it over the past few weeks, I am starting to notice my hyperpigmentation continues to slowly fade. The Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense contains a Melatonin Defense Complex (Antioxidants, Melatonin, three forms of Vitamin C, and Vitamin E) that protects against environmental pollution and free radicals that lead to skin damage and hyperpigmentation. With regular use, you can notice a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and aging around the face.

9. Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50, $12.99

One of the main reasons everyone loves Sun Bum products is the signature scent. Their face sunscreen feels non-greasy and dries down matte. It’s another sunscreen that lives in my bathroom drawer and I pull it out during hot summer days outside. It’s also great if you plan on wearing makeup.

10. Kiehl’s Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+, $38

Kiehl’s non-comedogenic sunscreen is formulated with effective UVA/UVB technology to deliver the visible anti-aging benefits. This sunscreen has a lightweight texture and it glides onto the face beautifully. It can be used alone or underneath makeup.

I typically bring my Kiehl’s sunscreen to the beach with me to re-apply onto my arms and chest for extra sun protection. It’s specially made for sensitive and oily skin types, too. The fast-absorbing nature of this sunscreen sinks quickly and dries down matte.