Best Face Sunscreens of 2025

Coola Classic Sunscreen SPF 50 was our favorite facial sunscreen tested, offering strong sun protection and a high-end skincare feel.

Coola Classic Sunscreen SPF50 applies smoothly, rubs in easily, and leaves no white residue on any skin tones or facial hair. Photo courtesy of Seibot Art.

While there is a very slightly sticky or tacky finish (common to most sunscreens with moisturizing elements), this is minimal, and was only noticed by testers with particular sensitivity to this quality.

We were especially impressed by Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50’s lack of fragrance: while many products claim to be fragrance-free, very few really are. Most products without added fragrances have a chemical smell that can be even more off-putting than fragrance, but this product has one of the most neutral smells we’ve encountered.

We tested Coola Classic SPF 50 as an everyday sunscreen as well as during adventures like hiking, backpacking, and snowboarding. We found it held up well under all these conditions and reapplied without pilling or creating a white cast over time. Even our testers with sensitive skin found this sunscreen to be non-irritating, which many online reviewers mention as well.

As for negatives, we don’t love that the “organic” claim on the bottle doesn’t completely describe the product. Three of the top five inactive ingredients are organic, which is better than most sunscreens and we do appreciate that. However, the 30+ additional ingredients are not, and the sun-protective ingredients are typical sunscreen filters. This slightly misleading marketing rubs us the wrong way, but this is unrelated to the user experience.

Otherwise, the main negative noted in our testing and across online reviews was the slightly tacky finish, which was too oily for some users. It’s also on the expensive side of the products we tested, though it’s nowhere near the price ceiling for facial sunscreens or high-end moisturizers, and we think that the quality of the product is a good value for the price.

Best affordable face sunscreen:
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

CeraVe facial moisturing sunscreen lotion bottle

Broad spectrum SPF: 30
Sunscreen Type: Chemical + mineral (Homosalate 10%, Meradimate 5%, Octinoxate 5%, Octocrylene 2%, Zinc Oxide 6.3%)
Skin Type: Dry skin, combination skin
Cost per oz: $4.99 /oz
What we liked: Moisturizing, non-irritating, includes hyaluronic acid, good value
What we didn’t like: Greasier than higher-end sunscreens (though the best of its price), can leave a white cast, slower to absorb than higher-end sunscreens

The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the best face sunscreen you can get at a drugstore, with a user-friendly price of less than $5 per ounce. CeraVe is a moisturizer and SPF from a brand that many love for its simplicity, effective go-to quality, and particularly its usefulness for dry skin or sensitive skin.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an oil-free facial sunscreen that also contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, chemicals that naturally occur in the body and help keep skin moisturized and elastic. At the top of many best-SPF lists, this is also Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling face moisturizer.

At $4–$5 per ounce for a purely face sunscreen, we can see why it’s a fan favorite. While there are less expensive facial sunscreens out there, most feel greasy, oily, or don’t absorb into the skin well. If your skin is not sensitive, you may be able to wear body sunscreen on your face, which is generally a cheaper option. However, body sunscreen may irritate those with sensitive skin, reactive skin, or those who don’t like the feel of thicker and more fragrant products on their face.

Compare prices of the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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**We tested Cerave face sunscreen for a year in Southern California, including for several days of backpacking the PCT from the Mexico border.**

On the down side, some users found CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to be too greasy, and some noted that it left a white cast on their skin or didn’t absorb completely, likely due to the presence of zinc oxide. While our testers found it non-irritating, some online reviewers found it irritated their skin or caused redness. It also contains meradimate (a chemical sunscreen filter not legal for use in the EU or Japan) and octinoxate (a chemical sunscreen filter which is legal, but being phased out of many products due to early research suggesting potential hormone disruption effects in animals). There is not sufficient evidence to say definitively that either of these chemicals is harmful to human health, but if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing hormonal challenges, you might want to opt for a mineral sunscreen (like the Innbeauty or Thrive products below) anyway.

Overall, though, we appreciate how moisturizing this sunscreen is and how it can easily be integrated into a daily sunscreen routine. At a fraction of the cost of the other sunscreen brands, we think the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is the best budget face sunscreen.

Best gel sunscreen for the face:
Supergoop unseen sunscreen SPF40

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen bottle in 1.7 oz size

Broad spectrum SPF: 40
Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 9%)
Skin Type: Oily skin, sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $22.35/oz
What we liked: Transparent gel, smooth, doesn’t feel like a sunscreen, invisible, light, no white cast, good for all skin tones, not oily, good to wear under makeup
What we didn’t like: Expensive, not available at all stores, not moisturizing

Gel sunscreens are very popular options for face sunscreens at the moment. The most beloved of the gel sunscreens on the market is undoubtedly Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. A smooth, fragrance-free, transparent gel, Unseen Sunscreen feels unlike any other sunscreen we’ve tried (hardly like a sunscreen). That's why we think this gel sunscreen is a great face sunscreen for users with oily or sensitive skin, and those who hate the sticky, tacky, or greasy feel of traditional sunscreens.

The main thing that distinguishes Unseen Sunscreen is its texture, almost like a drier version of aloe vera, which settles into the skin to leave a light, invisible, matte finish. Those who wear makeup note that its texture is similar to a makeup primer (a product applied before makeup to create an even texture and keep any cosmetics looking good longer). In fact, many people use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen in place of products like these.

View the Supergoop unseen sunscreen

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a lightweight transparent gel that doesn’t feel at all like a traditional sunscreen.

The Supergoop Unseen sunscreen rubbed into a tester’s face. The gel structure rubs in easily and doesn’t feel heavy or oily on the skin.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 applies completely clear, leaving no white cast or shiny finish on any skin tones.

If you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or dislike the texture of lotions and creams on your face, this is a great product to try. However, it can feel a bit greasy for a few minutes until it sinks in, and because its texture is so gel-like and oil-free, it may not be ideal for someone with drier skin or those looking for a more moisturizing product. I am actually in the latter category—I like my sunscreen to be a bit moisturizing—but I’ve gotten many people in my life hooked on this product, particularly those who find it difficult to establish a daily sunscreen habit.

Best mineral Face Sunscreen: iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Mineral Sun Glow SPF43+

Broad spectrum SPF: 43+
Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Non-nano Zinc Oxide 14.2%)
Skin Type: All skin types
Cost per oz: $20.6/oz
What we liked: No white cast, lightweight, easy to apply, low fragrance, helpful dispenser, not drying
What we didn’t like: Expensive, finish is slightly shiny, not available in all stores

If you’re looking for an all-mineral face sunscreen (that is, a sunscreen that uses only mineral sun filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), Innbeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow is the only one we’ve ever found that does not leave a white cast. It’s also easy to apply, has almost no fragrance, and feels lightweight on the skin.

When it comes to mineral sunscreens, the white cast has always been a fact of life. Less expensive versions can be thick, hard to rub in, and drying to the skin as well as leaving the inevitable chalky white residue. More expensive versions (like the Dr. Jart Every Sun Day mineral sunscreen that tops many online lists) have a pleasant texture and more moisturizing user experience, but the white cast remains. The only alternative in the past has been a tinted mineral sunscreen, which invariably does not come in enough shades to match all skin tones.

On the other hand, there is Innbeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow SPF43+, which hit the market relatively recently but has won a number of awards and gained a strong following in that time.

We were shocked to find that this sunscreen, although powered entirely by 14.2% non-nano zinc oxide, leaves absolutely no white cast. Although it contains no added fragrance, it does have a very slight smell reminiscent of coconut oil. The product itself has the texture of a thin lotion, which dispenses with an easy-to-use pump and rubs in smoothly. The finish is relatively transparent with a slight shine rather than a chalky white cast. Innbeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow SPF43+ also contains moisturizing elements that prevent the drying qualities of many mineral sunscreens.

Compare prices of the iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Mineral Sun Glow SPF43+

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Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43+ is a lightweight sunscreen with an all-mineral zinc oxide formula that leaves absolutely no white cast on any skin tones.

Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43+ has a light, lotion-like consistency that does not leave a white cast on any skin tones, though it does have a “glowy” finish. This person (hands are covered in climbing chalk, not sunscreen!) is applying the fair/light shade, which contains no bronzing ingredients. Photo courtesy of Out Performance.

InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43+, shown partially rubbed-in at the top of this person’s hand, has a faintly shiny finish. However, we think this is a reasonable trade-off to avoid the significant white cast left by typical mineral formulas (lower on the hand).

Though it’s head and shoulders above other all-mineral formulas we’ve tried, you can’t completely escape the trade-offs inherent in a mineral sunscreen. There is no white cast, but there is, as mentioned above, a light “radiant” or “glowy” finish. While it’s not a tinted sunscreen in the sense that you have to find a shade that matches your skin tone, Innbeauty Project’s Mineral Sun Glow SPF43+ does come in three “flexible” shades: fair/light, medium, and tan/deep. These shades are not intended to match your skin tone exactly; theoretically anyone can wear any shade. However, the darker shades lend a bronzing/tanning effect that looks more seamless on darker skin (the effect is very similar to Supergoop! Glow Screen, which also comes in a few flexible shades).

Best affordable gel sunscreen for face:
Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen

Broad spectrum SPF: 40
Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 12%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 6%)
Skin Type: Oily skin, sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $4.7/oz
What we liked: Very similar user experience to Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen for a fraction of the price, clear and transparent, lightweight
What we didn’t like: Doesn’t absorb as well as Supergoop, slightly greasy on the skin, slightly grainy texture, only available for the original price at Trader Joe’s brick-and-mortar stores

Given the popularity of Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen, it’s unsurprising that a number of brands (including Sun Bum, Black Girl Sunscreen, and others) have created their own versions of gel sunscreen.

All of these have vaguely the same look and feel: lightweight gels that apply smoothly, dry completely clear, and have a texture similar to a “primer” that goes on under makeup. Skincare experts, online reviewers, and our testers overwhelmingly agree that the best affordable alternative to Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40.

View the Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen

The texture of Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen is remarkably similar to that of Supergoop Unseen, and it is similarly completely transparent and non-shiny. The comparison isn’t perfect: Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen doesn’t absorb quite as well, remains greasy on the skin to a greater degree, and has a slightly more grainy texture than Supergoop Unseen. However, it’s better on all counts than other copycat gel sunscreens, and for such a great price, it’s definitely the best affordable option out there.

Best affordable mineral face sunscreen:
Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

Broad spectrum SPF: 50
Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Non-nano Zinc Oxide 23.5%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $5.16/oz
What we liked: Most sheer of comparable mineral sunscreens, applies smoothly & easily, less sticky than competitors, almost no fragrance, reef-safe, among the most affordable mineral sunscreens
What we didn’t like: Only available online, white cast, sticky

The unfortunate truth is that mineral sunscreen tends to be more expensive than chemical sunscreen. About $5/oz is currently the ballpark for the most affordable mineral sunscreens, and most of the products we’ve tried in that range have a significant white cast, have little water/sweat resistance, or both of these drawbacks. The best affordable mineral face sunscreen we’ve found is Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, and it clears both of these common hurdles.

Thrive Bodyshield is at the top of many mineral sunscreen lists, and it has been one of our favorite affordable mineral sunscreens for a while (you’ll find it’s a winner in both our Best Sunscreens for Your Body and our Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens guides). It’s reef-safe, applies easily, has almost no fragrance, and has excellent sweat and water resistance. It also leaves much less of a white cast than most other mineral sunscreens, both at its price point and above.

View the Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 (applied on the left-hand side of this person’s face) costs around $5/oz, and its white cast is essentially the same as that of $23/oz Dr. Jart Every Sun Day (applied on the right-hand side). Once we’ve applied both, we can’t tell the difference.

Thrive Bodyshield Mineral sunscreen comes in a tube large enough to ensure you put on the correct amount.

While Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 is thicker than more high-end sunscreens and takes a bit longer to absorb, it’s hard to tell the difference between this and more expensive products once they’re applied. If you’re shopping for an affordable all-mineral sunscreen for the face (or body), we think Thrive Bodyshield is your best option.

Best Watery Gel Sunscreen: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50

The Isntree Hyaluronic acid watery sun gel in a 50 ml bottle

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF 50+
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: oily skin
Cost per oz: $11.24/oz
What we liked: pleasant to wear, comes with moisturizing ingredients, lightweight, invisible, fragrance-free
What we didn’t like: can only order online

In my opinion – shared by a number of skincare experts and fellow testers – the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is actually one of the best and most pleasant-to-wear face sunscreens out there.

Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid (common moisturizing ingredients), this popular Korean face sunscreen is moisturizing, lightweight, invisible, fragrance-free, and my personal favorite for daily use.

View the Isntree Hyaluronic AcidWatery Sun Gel SPF 50

On the downside, you do have to order it online, and it isn’t on as many “Best Sunscreen” lists (possibly because it’s not available in stores in the US). However, it’s well worth a try if you’re looking for a lightweight, lightly-moisturizing, high-SPF product and you’re willing to wait a few days for it to be delivered.

It goes on completely clear, and while it does leave a very slight shine, it looks and feels more like a dewy glow than a greasy residue.

After writing this article, I now have five or six of the most highly-rated and widely-beloved facial sunscreens in the world on my shelf – but last night, I ordered more Isntree because I ran out. So.

Best Reef Safe Face Sunscreen: Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen

Broad spectrum: Yes, SPF 40
Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Non-nano Zinc oxide 22.5%_)
Skin type: sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin
Cost per ounce: $5.51/oz
What we liked: safest option with only 4 ingredients (and no oxybenzone or HEL List problematic chemical filters), excellent water and sweat resistance, white cast is minimal, rubs in evenly, comes out easily from bottle, widely available, made in USA, company is woman-owned and B-Corp
What we didn’t like: other options are more affordable or more sheer

The Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen is our winner for Best Reef Safe Face Sunscreen. It’s the only widely-available sunscreen that has undergone intensive reef-safe testing by Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (or HEL, the nonprofit research organization that maintains the most well-regarded list of non-reef-safe ingredients, which also provides exhaustive testing for its own reef-safe certification).

The Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen is a top-rated sunscreen across all sources–including our own testing– with excellent water and sweat-resistance.

For a reef safe face sunscreen, it comes easily out of the bottle, rubs in evenly, and its white cast is minimal. It’s worth noting that reef-safe sunscreens generally require more rubbing and have more of a white cast than the other face sunscreens in this article. See our Best Reef Safe Sunscreen guide for more recommendations.

Compare prices of the Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen

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We tested the Badger Sport sunscreen in many place, including the Seychelles, a country in the Indian Ocean famous for snorkeling that has many coral reefs that need protection from chemical ingredients in sunscreen.

To get the reef safe certification, it isn't enough to be an oxybenzone free sunscreen (what is sometimes called “reef-friendly). HEL maintains a list of active and inactive ingredients that do not qualify for reef-safe certification (see our Best Reef Safe Sunscreens guide for more on ingredients that aren’t reef safe).

We like the Badger Reef Safe sunscreen as a face sunblock because it has no added fragrance, which can sometimes trigger allergies or teary eyes or cause some skin to break out. In fact, most testers and reviewers found it to be completely or nearly fragrance-free.

Essentially, the user experience of this sunscreen is about what you can expect from a 100% mineral sunscreen: thicker than chemical sunscreen and with a white cast, but decently easy to rub in, waterproof, and non-irritating.

As a bonus, the company is woman-owned, family-run, made in the USA, and a B-Corp (a highly respected designation for companies that strive to have beneficial impacts on society & the environment).

Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Face SPF 30

Hwaiian Tropic weightless face sunscreen

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF 30
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: oily skin
Cost per oz: $5.86/oz
What we liked: scent, texture is mousse-like, absorbs well, invisible on all skintones
What we didn’t like: feels heavier on the skin

PSA: It’s easier to form healthy habits when the action itself is pleasant and rewarding. This sunscreen smells like a piña colada on a hot day, and the texture is mousse-like, almost fluffy.

It absorbs well, is invisible on all skin tones, and is only slightly more expensive than our CeraVe pick, at around $5/oz. It’s a bit heavier on the skin than a gel sunscreen, but for the price, it’s a vacation in a bottle that we highly recommend.

We loved putting it on every morning, and that’s the real difference between something you’ll use and something you’ll forget on the bathroom counter.

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Other sunscreens we tested

Supergoop PLAY Everyday SPF50

Broad spectrum SPF: 50
Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7.5%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially dry or combination
Cost per oz: $3.78-$10/oz, depending on the size

We’re big fans of Supergoop PLAY Everyday SPF50, and in fact it’s the overall winner for Best Face & Body Sunscreen in our Best Sunscreen for Your Body guide. However, considered purely as a face sunscreen it’s not quite as high-end-feeling as Coola Classic, and the finish is slightly more shiny/tacky. It’s also more expensive (when purchased in anything but the 18 fl oz container) than CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, our affordable pick. For those reasons, it wasn’t a winner in this guide, though it’s definitely still one of our favorites.

View the Supergoop PLAY Everyday SPF50

Because it’s a face and body sunscreen, the Supergoop Play pump bottle is the bring-one-bottle with you option for activities in the outdoor.

The Supergoop Play in the portable 5.5 oz bottle has a light and watery texture that rubs in easily.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

Elta MD skincare UV clear broad spectrum sunscreen bottle

Broad spectrum SPF: 46
Sunscreen Type: Chemical + mineral (Zinc oxide 9%, Octinoxate 7.5%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $20.71/oz

EltaMD UV Clear is an oil-free, fragrance-free, lightweight mineral + chemical lotion sunscreen that is one of the most frequently recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin. While the brand has several similar products – tinted, clear, “sport,” etc – the UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 seems to come up the most in lists by skin professionals and customer reviewers.

We were big fans of EltaMD UV Clear until octinoxate, one of its main ingredients, came under increasing scrutiny for possible hormone-disrupting effects and other potential human health impacts. Though these effects have been primarily observed in animal studies, the EU’s consumer safety body has changed its official opinion on octinoxate to basically say, “We can’t declare this to be safe.” Given these recent developments, plus the fact that Elta MD UV Clear still leaves a bit of a white cast, we’d rather opt for one of the other products on this list (see below for more recommendations on sensitive skin!).

Compare prices of the EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

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The author blending in the Elta MD sunscreen at the pool. — **The author blending in the Elta MD mineral sunscreen at the pool.**

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36

Broad spectrum SPF: 36
Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 7.0%, Octisalate 4.3%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially dry or combination
Cost per oz: $10.65/oz

Innisfree is a popular Korean skincare brand, and its award-winning Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is formulated with US-approved sunscreen filters and so can be sold in stores here (see below for details on why products using filters not approved in the US might be tough to get).

We really like this sunscreen, particularly for its light fragrance, almost completely non-sticky finish, and total lack of white cast. Once it absorbs, the finish is much more matte than Supergoop PLAY and comparable to Coola Classic. It feels thicker at first than we want a facial sunscreen to feel, and it takes a while to absorb when applied over a moisturizer, but that feeling disappears once the product sinks in.

Overall this was a strong contender for best face sunscreen, particularly at the price point, but at the end of the day it just didn’t feel as luxurious as the Coola Classic, being neither as lightweight nor as moisturizing. It also has slightly more fragrance than Coola Classic. Testers with oily skin or in humid climates found that it doesn’t absorb as well when used with a moisturizer. However, it’s definitely the best face sunscreen under $20, with one of the most matte finishes we found. It’s an excellent value for the price and we definitely recommend it.

View the innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60

Broad spectrum SPF: 60
Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%)
Skin Type: Oily skin, combination skin
Cost per oz: $19.41/oz

Our testers did not love this sunscreen. It’s expensive, it made our skin feel dry, and it left a slight white cast on our faces that made us look pale and washed-out. However, it is a fan favorite with a large and loyal following, and we definitely agree that its finish is the driest/most matte of all the sunscreens we’ve tried. For this reason, we find ourselves repeatedly recommending it to people who really, truly hate the feeling of lotion or sunscreen on their face. If this sounds like you, then La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen is worth trying.

Compare prices of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60

Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Broad spectrum SPF: 50+
Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, concentrations not listed)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $23.67/oz

We’ve mentioned Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen several times in this guide because it’s a great product with a very pleasant user experience. It feels very high-end, it doesn’t feel drying, and it has a matte finish with a not-too-significant white cast.

It’s from a very popular Korean skincare brand, and people love it. But man, is it expensive! Plus the concentrations of the active ingredients aren’t listed anywhere, which we don’t like. For the money, we think our Best Mineral and Best Affordable Mineral picks above are a much better bet. However, if you’re looking for a premium-feeling all-mineral sunscreen with a matte, non-sticky finish and you don’t mind a bit of a white cast, we do like how this product feels.

View the Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

Broad spectrum SPF: 30
Sunscreen Type: Chemical + mineral (Homosalate 6%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Zinc oxide 7%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $3.60/oz

CeraVe is a beloved, time-tested drugstore brand known particularly for its sensitive-skin-friendly formulations. This product is essentially a more affordable version of EltaMD UV Clear, a similar chemical/mineral hybrid formula that’s one of the most frequently-recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin.

Since, as mentioned above, EltaMD contains ingredients that could be problematic, CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 is a good alternative, with a liquid-like texture, a relatively non-greasy finish, and moisturizing ingredients to keep skin from drying out. Plus, it’s much more affordable than EltaMD, and it comes in a large enough container (5 oz) that you could use it as a body sunscreen as well if you needed to.

Although there is some white cast, it’s not overly chalky, and it is specifically formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. If you want an affordable sunscreen meant for sensitive skin, this is worth a try.

View the CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

Badger Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

Broad spectrum SPF: 50
Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Non-nano Zinc Oxide 25%)
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $6.25/oz

Badger is one of our favorite sunscreen brands for use in natural bodies of water like the ocean, lakes, tidepools, waterfalls, etc. due to its extreme environmental and skin-friendliness. We love that many of Badger’s products contain only four ingredients, none of which are (or are likely to be found in the future) toxic to either humans or the environment. Plus it’s a woman-owned, US-based B-corp with a sustainable ethos, which we appreciate.

Badger Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 is Treeline’s winner for Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin in our Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen guide. It’s also my personal go-to facial sunscreen when my skin is extra sensitive (i.e., when it’s sunburned, windburned, extremely sweaty, or otherwise reactive). With so few ingredients and with vitamin E and coconut oil to keep me from drying out, I know my skin is in good hands.

However, the white cast is pretty significant and it’s relatively expensive, so it’s not a winner in this guide. We still love it for water adventures, winter adventures, and especially for sensitive skin, so if any of these apply to you we recommend giving it a try!

View the Badger Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-aging Primer

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF50
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Cost per oz: $21.76

La Roche-Posay tops many Best Sunscreen list options, and many people swear by it. It’s actually a liquid, thus the “melt-in milk” part of the name – and it does go on utterly without shine, residue, tackiness, or even the feel of lotion.

While most people did not notice a white cast from this product, one fellow tester and I found that it makes us look washed-out and pale.

It also costs a lot more than our other recommended products – when I ordered online/picked up in-store at Target, I took the teeny bottle out of the bag and was like “Holy tamales! I paid $30 for this???” and the salesperson was like “Yes, that’s how stores work.” So for me, it’s a big no-thank-you, but if you hate the feel of anything like lotion on your face, give this a try.

View the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-aging Primer

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Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50

Biore Aqua Rich sunscreen in blue bottle

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF50
Sunscreen Type: Chemical
Skin Type: Oily skin, combination skin
Cost per oz: $9.60

This is a Japanese gel sunscreen that’s very popular among skincare gurus, especially internationally. Our editor Liz Thomas has been a fan for years.

When other testers tried it, we liked it – it’s lightweight, completely clear, and lightly moisturizing, similar to Isntree. But we found that it stung a bit on sensitive skin and it has a slight chemical smell that didn’t appeal to us.

View the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50

Supergoop Every.Single.Face WATERY LOTION SPF 50

Supergoop Every. Single. Face sunscreen is a watery lotion in a circular bottle

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF 50
Sunscreen Type: watery lotion
Skin Type: sensitive skin, dry skin
Cost per oz: $20/oz

Supergoop’s blog shares that they created this product specifically for the texture, a “watery lotion” (probably based on the popularity of similar Korean & Japanese products, like the Biore & Isntree products above), and it’s gotten great reviews so far.

We tried it and think it’s....fine. While the consistency is indeed similar to the Biore & Isntree products we tested, the user experience just isn’t as nice. It took longer to absorb, had a more chemical-y fragrance, and overall remained a bit oily on our skin. Not a bad product, but it is expensive ($20/oz) – and for that kind of money, there are better options.

Compare prices of the Supergoop Every.Single.Face WATERY LOTION SPF 50

view at Amazon

view at Ulta Beauty

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF30

Broad spectrum SPF: Yes, SPF 30
Type: Chemical Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.75%
Cost per oz: $5.48

While many brands and products are highlighted for leaving absolutely no white cast (including most of the products on this list), a particular fan favorite that comes up frequently is Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion SPF30.

Though formulated by women of color specifically for people with darker skin tones, this is a great product for anyone who wants a more moisturizing sunscreen for the body, and we like to use it as our everyday body sunscreen when the weather is dry or we're visiting the desert.

We found this a bit heavy as a face sunscreen, but many people love it for both body and face and it is a winner for best moisturzing sunscreen in our Best Body Sunscreens guide.

View the Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF30