The 9 Best Sunscreens for Face of 2024, According to Byrdie Editors

If you haven’t heard it enough, you should apply sunscreen every single morning. Not only does it protect against sun damage, but it’s the most effective product for keeping your skin looking healthy and clear. “If you want to maintain the youthful firmness of your skin, sunscreen is a necessity,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung. “Exposure to UV rays will break down your collagen and elastin, leading to broken blood vessels and sunspots.”

Finding one you’ll want to apply daily is even more challenging, especially since many options available can feel chalky, heavy, or leave a dreaded white cast on the skin. So, I set out to test top-rated formulas to find the ones worth buying. I rated each sunscreen based on its consistency, finish and feel on the skin, and additional skincare benefits.

Our Top Picks

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 4.3% | SPF: 36 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

After testing over a dozen sunscreens for a month, I’m happy to say that the best sunscreen is the one I’ve been using for over a year now: the Innisfree Daily UV Defense. This is my favorite formula of all time, winning against the ones that I’ve used in previous years. The formula consists of chemical filters alongside green tea and cica, which are able to soothe and hydrate the skin.

It has a creamy formula that makes my skin feel soft and hydrated, and it leaves a healthy, glowy finish that never becomes greasy. It has a consistency similar to a lightweight moisturizer, and it absorbs easily and quickly—no harsh rubbing needed. I have pretty dry skin that feels super tight after cleansing, and applying this after makes my skin feel nourished even if I don’t apply a serum or moisturizer underneath. Ever since I started wearing this, I get comments on how good my skin looks or people ask if I’m wearing makeup (when I only have this on). It also creates a smooth base for my concealer or foundation, and I end up applying less of my base makeup because of how clear and even my skin looks with this sunscreen. The best part is that it’s under $20, so I can apply as liberally as I want knowing it won’t break the bank to get another one.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 2.75% | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another affordable option that ranked on top, this sunscreen checks all my boxes—it’s easy to apply, leaves a clear but glowy finish, and adds hydration without feeling heavy. I loved using Black Girl Sunscreen because it had a lightweight, creamy texture, and it didn’t take too long to rub into the skin. After applying, I had a luminous glow that didn’t become too oily as the day went on, and it felt very comfortable on my complexion. I personally love that it has natural ingredients like avocado and jojoba oils to nourish the skin, but it might be potentially irritating to those with acne-prone skin.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients:  Titanium dioxide 22.5%, zinc oxide 22.5% | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.2 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s easy enough to remember to apply sunscreen every day, but remembering to reapply every two hours is another story—especially if you already have makeup on. I would usually forgo sunscreen reapplication when I had a full face on—until I tried this SPF powder brush from Colorescience. While it’s a little tricky to “activate” so that the product is ready to apply (though there are thorough instructions on the brand page), I was impressed with how simple it was to use. The brush and powder come in the same tube, making it easy to throw into your bag or keep in your makeup pouch. I assumed that it would be a little messy since loose powder comes through the brush, but the powder doesn’t fall out while applying—only giving a very even application with the brush across the skin. It works similarly to a setting powder as well, so it was able to tamp down some of the shine of my base makeup. I also loved that it had gentle, soft bristles that didn’t feel rough on the skin. According to the brand, you should apply liberally for at least 60 seconds for optimal protection.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4% | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you find it difficult to slather on sunscreen every day, I recommend this pick from Supergoop! As the name suggests, it’s completely translucent on the skin (and straight from the bottle), and has a smooth, gel consistency that blends seamlessly—making it a dream to apply. My favorite thing about this sunscreen is that it’s virtually weightless—especially because a lot of sunscreens on the market have a reputation for feeling chalky on the skin. You won’t have that problem with this one, as it was pretty much undetectable. The sunscreen did have a bit of a waxy feel for a few minutes after initial application, but that disappeared as soon as it settled into my skin.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 9.4% | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: n/a | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You don’t often hear “mineral sunscreen” and “lightweight” in the same sentence, so I was skeptical when it was time to try this formula from Summer Fridays. It uses zinc oxide to protect the skin from the sun—an ingredient that usually leaves a white finish, especially on dark skin tones. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the thin, milky texture was easy to spread around my face and absorbed easily and cast-free. It has a fluid consistency that leaves a matte (but not drying) finish, and it doesn’t make my skin shinier throughout the day like many sunscreens tend to on me. Because of that, I think this formula makes a great pick for oily skin types who find that sunscreens make their complexion more greasy than necessary. A tip for those with deeper skin tones: Make sure to completely rub out the formula when you get closer to the hairline, as it can leave a residue if not. But, I have to give it praise for drying completely clear otherwise.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.9%, octisalate 4.9%, octocrylene 9.5% | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.2 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This face mist from Vacation is the perfect option to throw in your beach bag and apply on the go. It has a super fine mist that sprays evenly and settles into the skin without rubbing it in with your fingers, so it’s easy to apply without a mirror. It leaves a satin-y finish that doesn’t feel sticky, and it has a lovely coconut smell that isn’t too overwhelming (the perfect scent for a sunny vacation). I wouldn’t say it’s particularly hydrating, but the formula doesn’t budge once applied—making it a great choice for applying over makeup as well. The only downside is that it can make your eyes sting when sprayed directly to the face, but you should be good as long as you shut them tightly before applying.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10% | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.7 oz | Water-Resistant: 80 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No

Sunscreen formulas often have a thick consistency that can take a minute to rub in—which isn’t very appealing if you always forget to apply sunscreen in the first place. This stick formula from Shiseido is the solution, as you can slide it straight on and it has a completely clear finish on the skin. Because of the deodorant-like packaging, it’s actually fun to use, and it’s simple to apply liberally since it doesn’t feel heavy. The product feels weightless all day—like you don’t have anything on at all. I also love that it gave my skin a juicy, hydrated finish without becoming greasy as the day went on. During testing, this pick was great for reapplying over any other sunscreen that I had used earlier, and it didn’t feel like I had multiple layers of sunscreen on at all. Since it’s hard to tell how much product is going on your skin (and you can’t do the two-finger method with this), I would just recommend applying a little bit more than you think you need.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 14.2% | SPF: 43 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/a | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A tinted sunscreen is a great replacement for your usual base makeup in the summer, and this one from InnBeauty uses zinc oxide to protect while providing glowy coverage. I loved that it blended evenly when I applied with my fingers, but it also can be applied with a brush if you prefer. The formula is packed with antioxidant ingredients to shield the skin from environmental damage, such as vitamin C and rice extract, and also has peptides for anti-aging benefits. It has a creamy texture that feels very hydrating, but it didn’t make me super shiny or leave a heavy residue on the skin. At the end of the day, it was easy to remove with micellar water. Because it has medium coverage, I was hesitant to apply as much as I usually do with a standard sunscreen formula—so I mostly recommend applying it over your initial layer of sunscreen to provide an extra layer of protection and a wash of color.

Type: Chemical/mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5% | SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 oz | Water-Resistant: N/a | Cruelty-Free: No

Zinc oxide is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin types—it can protect against UVA/UVB rays while soothing irritation. It’s the main ingredient in this sunscreen from EltaMD, which was specifically formulated for those who deal with acne and rosacea. The finish felt calming on my skin, and it didn’t cause any irritation or redness. I also liked that it didn’t make my skin feel tight or leave a sticky cast behind, which sometimes happens when I use formulas with zinc oxide. While it applies white on the skin, it dries completely clear after rubbing it in for a few seconds and feels unnoticeable on the skin a few minutes after applying. Many sunscreens leave the complexion slightly dewy, but I like that this one left a satin finish on the face with no glow—it felt very comfortable. Another plus for acneic skin—it has niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate to soothe and hydrate, and it’s also fragrance-free.

What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen

• Broad-spectrum protection: The SPF level listed on the label indicates how well it can protect your skin from UVB rays—which cause burning of the skin. SPF 30 will block 97% of UVB rays while SPF 100 will block 99%, which is why finding a broad-spectrum option is even more important, according to Dr. Cheung. When a sunscreen is labeled as broad spectrum, it protects against UVB as well as UVA—the rays that can cause premature skin aging. If you want to prevent a sunburn while maintaining a youthful complexion, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.
• Consistency: “The best facial sunscreen is one that you will apply daily, so look for one that looks, smells, and feels good on your skin,” says Dr. Cheung. If you want to make sunscreen application a skin care habit that lasts, you need to pick a formula that you enjoy applying every morning. It can be tempting to find the most effective option on the market since there are so many to choose from, but the one that feels best on your complexion and works well with your skin type will always be the best choice to keep your skin protected year-round.
• Formula: Sunscreen is skincare too, and many formulas are packed with ingredients to improve your skin condition. If you’re acne-prone, consider using a mineral sunscreen that contains blemish-fighting ingredients like zinc or niacinamide, and if you lean dry, find a creamier pick that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid or squalane. Choosing a sunscreen with beneficial ingredients aside from the SPF blockers is a great way to reach your skincare goals faster (and with fewer products).

How We Tested

To find the best face sunscreens, I tested about a dozen of the highest-rated formulas. Throughout the testing period of a month, I wore each pick multiple times—taking note of their consistency, finish, SPF level, ingredients, and price. I also paid attention to ease of application and how well each formula wore throughout the day. To finalize my picks, I consulted customer reviews and dermatologists to gain more insight on each sunscreen. I also tapped senior commerce editor Lauren Pardee for additional testing to see how they fared on a different complexion.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is an experienced beauty writer and editor. To write this article, she tested out dozens of formulas, and the ones that appear on this list are the picks that she felt she was most eager to reach for every morning—since you absolutely have to apply sunscreen every single morning. She received a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and now has years of experience writing about skincare and other beauty categories. She has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022. To write this article, she consulted the following expert: 

• Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist with offices in NYC and Chicago. She’s been practicing for over 15 years and has expertise in anti-aging, cosmetics, and more.