The 12 Best Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin + What To Look For

This is ideal for those with acne and anti-aging concerns, thanks to the botanical blend that helps lift skin and tighten pores. There's the Japanese wild rose extract that has potent antioxidant properties, as well as a signature complex of green tea extract, rice, and algae to restore skin health. The mattifying texture will blur enlarged pores and keep your skin soft all day long. 

This brand's signature squalane makes this formula as hydrating as it is effective. Our skin naturally produces the oil, and replenishing it with a plant-derived option can help restore the skin's natural barrier. (Those with acne often have a compromised barrier.) Plus, it contains water lily, which can cool and calm skin—ideal for those with inflamed acne. 

A silicone-free option that absorbs oil, reduces shine, and blurs pores and breakouts—all thanks to the rice starch. This additionally contains yellow passion-fruit seed extract that aids in neutralizing free radical damage that comes from UV and pollution exposure.  

Mineral powders work in three ways: First, they offer physical protection from UV rays. Second, they are tinted and thus can work as a foundation as well (since many with acne-prone skin opt to wear cover-up anyway, why not do both in one product?). Finally, they make for easy reapplication throughout the day, as all you need to do is brush it on.

While we're not of the camp that those with acne shouldn't use oil (oils are great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive and acne-prone skin!), we are sympathetic to the fact that some people simply don't like them. Well, this organic, oil-free formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection—as well as niacinamide, which acts as a brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Plus, it's fragrance-free, so it won't irritate easily reactive skin.

While we love zinc oxide as a sun protectant, one notorious downside is its heavy white cast. Formulas have gone a long way toward alleviating this, but it still tends to be a problem for those with medium to dark skin tones. That's why this option has become so popular—not only is it a sensorially delightful formula, but it blends in more effortlessly.

We love this product for the cocktail of botanicals that not only make the fluid go on with ease but can help restore inflamed, reactive, and breakout-prone skin. There's jojoba oil (a go-to oil for those with acne as it's fast-absorbing and lightweight), green tea (for soothing), pomegranate (for antioxidants and antibacterial properties), and hyaluronic acid (for moisture that won't clog your pores).

A personal favorite brand, there are few formulas from them that I don't fall for. This sunscreen is no exception; it combines several herbs and plants we love for skin health. There's rosehip, which can tend to hyperpigmentation (a common side effect of breakouts); parsley, which is rich in vitamin C; and several hydrating oils. 

We adore the idea of combining an SPF, moisturizer, and primer. (Talk about a do-it-all.) This helps plump and prep the skin while protecting it with sustainably sourced zinc oxide. Then it's layered with sweet iris stem cells to smooth out uneven texture—and sunflower extracts full of fatty acids and beta-carotene.

This new brand founded by Venus Williams has a host of potent, unique, clean products. This sunscreen contains prickly pear that delivers all-day hydration while helping to calm skin. We also love it for the demi-matte finish, which is great for those with oily skin who want to bring down the shine—but just not all the way. 

We love this playful mineral option, which is great for acne-prone teens and young adults just starting to get into skin care. Not only does it protect skin from UV damage, but it has biome-friendly ingredients that can help balance your skin microbiome.

This moisturizer-slash-sunscreen is packed with skin-loving ingredients. Along with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and oat extract to hydrate and calm, the brand’s “R-Rev Complex” contains botanicals and actives known for refining and strengthening the skin. Think: niacinamide to balance oil production, green tea to soothe inflammation, and plum oil to replenish moisture and deliver antioxidants. And even though it’s a 100% mineral formula (it combines zinc and titanium dioxide), there’s zero white cast.