Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

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

Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
By Alexandra Engler
mbg Beauty Director
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
Young fashionable woman
Image by SERGEY FILIMONOV / Stocksy
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

If you have acne-prone skin, I can wager you are precious with what you put on your face. Not only do you want to use ingredients and products to help ease your breakouts, but it's imperative you don't use products that will further trigger inflammation and clog pores.

It's a delicate balance, and one many struggle with. But of course, dealing with acne isn't the only thing you should be mindful of: While breakouts may be top of mind, you also need to help your skin long term by protecting it from UV damage. 

This naturally brings us to the concern at hand: So many people complain that SPF causes them to break out and look more oily and causes irritation.

And while some formulas likely still have these issues, so many of the new facial sunscreens are light-as-air, silky smooth, and noncomedogenic. Not to mention, several incorporate anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can help with breakouts too. Here, our favorites:  

How we picked

Mineral formulas

We believe mineral sunscreens are the better option for skin and the planet. Plus, zinc oxide may be beneficial for acne-prone skin as it is an anti-inflammatory. 

Hydrating ingredients

As you may know, dehydrated skin can lead to even more breakouts down the road, and a dry, cakey sunscreen is pretty unenjoyable to apply. You can be sure these picks include hydrators to send the skin a splash of moisture and make the texture spreadable and creamy. 

Minimal white cast

While zinc oxide is nearly impossible to go on completely clear (at least without any tints), we made sure to choose formulas that do not leave a strong white cast. 

Testing & testimonials

Every product on this list comes recommended by skin care experts, real users, or editors. 

mbg's picks for the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin

Best overall: Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

Pros

  • Mattifies & minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Pricey

Considerations:

Cruelty-freeMineral formula

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. 

Best for dry & acne-prone skin: Biossance Squalane Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Pros

  • Nourishes dry patches

Cons

  • Not the best for oily skin

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-freeMineral formula

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. 

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Best for oily skin: Ren Clean Skincare Mattifying Face Sunscreen

Pros

  • Rice starch mattifies & absorbs excess oil

Cons

  • Can be difficult to spread

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeMineral formula

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.  

Best to reapply: ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Protection

Pros

  • Easy to reapply
  • Great for scalp protection

Cons

  • Difficult to know if you’re applying enough
  • Pricey

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeMineral formula

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.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Best for sensitive skin: Coola Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk

Pros

  • Contains 70%+ certified organic ingredients

Cons

  • Slight white cast

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-freeMineral formula

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.

Best blendable formula: UnSun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face SunScreen

Pros

  • Functions as a sunscreen, primer & color corrector
  • No white cast

Cons

  • Thick

Considerations:

Cruelty-freeMineral formula

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.

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Best for inflamed skin: Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen

Pros

  • Provides coverage & sun protection

Cons

  • Pricey for a small bottle

Considerations:

Cruelty-freeFragrance-freeMineral formula

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).

Best for dark spots: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen

Pros

  • Melts easily into an oil

Cons

  • Greasy

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeMineral formula

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. 

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Best before makeup: Kypris Heliotropic SPF Primer

Pros

  • Essential oil-free

Cons

  • Dipping your fingers in the jar can introduce bacteria
  • Pricey

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeMineral formula

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.

Best sunscreen serum: EleVen Unrivaled Sun Serum

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to layer under makeup

Cons

  • Formula can build up in the dropper, which makes it difficult to get product out

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-freeMineral formula

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. 

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Best for teens: Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen

Pros

  • Smells like vanilla
  • Nourishes the skin microbiome

Cons

  • Small bottle

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeMineral formula

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.

Best sunscreen moisturizer: Relevant One & Done Everyday Cream

Pros

  • Creamy formula that applies like a moisturizer

Cons

  • Small bottle

Considerations:

VeganCruelty-freeFragrance-freeMineral formula

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. 

What to look for in sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

Want to know how we got to the above list? Here's a peek at what we look for in sunscreens—especially those formulated for acne-prone skin:

  • Mineral activities. Here at mindbodygreen, we believe that mineral sunscreens are the better option for skin and the planet. The two mineral options available in the U.S. and approved by the FDA for sun protection are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Be sure you find a formula that has the latter ingredient, as it protects against both UVA and UVB rays; titanium dioxide only shields against UVB.
  • Anti-inflammatory actives. Since acne is an inflammatory condition by nature, it's important to find formulas that help ease and calm the skin. Look for soothing botanicals and antioxidants.
  • Lightweight hydrators. Some SPFs do run a touch thick (which is great for people with dry skin), but for those whose pores clog easily, find silky formulas. A few good hydrators to keep an eye out for include squalane, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and glycerin. 

mbg review process.

At mbg, high standards are earned—and there are no shortcuts. Our beauty editors stay up to date on the latest ingredient research and innovation. It's a dynamic, continuously evolving space, and it's important we look into the science so we can make informed choices about which formulas earn our stamp of approval (figuratively speaking).

Our high standards also come from testing products—many, many products. Our editors and writers rigorously test and research the products featured in our roundups to offer you the best, most informed recommendations. When we write reviews, you can trust we spend quality time with the formulas: We don't simply rave about products we've slathered on the back of our hand. We endorse products we've tried and loved. 

Learn more about our testing process and clean beauty standards here

The takeaway. 

Don't be afraid of sunscreen if you have acne-prone skin: While past goopy formulas may have clogged pores and increased shine, the new batch of clean, physical SPFs are a delight to wear. 

Meet The Experts

Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.