12 Best Face Sunscreens for Every Skin Type and Tone (2025)

Wouldn't it be incredible if there were a way to prevent dark spots, wrinkles—even skin cancer? There is! A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above helps protect your skin from damaging UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer and signs of aging (dark spots, dryness, dullness, sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles). Of course, to reap these benefits, you have to actually apply the sunscreen daily (and then reapply it after two hours outdoors or after swimming or sweating).

Since this is something you're going to put on your skin every single day (yes, even on gray days—UVA rays, which cause skin aging, can penetrate windows and clouds, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation), you need to find a formula you absolutely love. The good news is that sunscreens come in an array of formulas, protection levels, tints, and application methods, and the newest wave of options is redefining what you once associated with the category. The only requirement when picking a sunscreen is finding a formula that contains SPF 30 or above.

As beauty editors, part of our job is to test, research, and discover the best SPF formulas. After stress-testing, daily application, and reapplication, we narrowed down our favorites. They are moisturizing, lightweight, easy to blend, and downright luxurious, with options available for all skin tones and skin types. We also included dermatologist-approved face sunscreens. They're so good, you'll never forget to apply SPF again.

The experts:

• Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
• Lian Mack, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
• Shari Sperling, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey

If you love a sunscreen that serves double duty, this tinted formula works to protect and even out your skin tone with light to medium coverage. It's available in 14 shades, from fair to deep. The formula is very moisturizing, thanks to hyaluronic acid-infused clay, which also helps control excess oil production. Ecotin adds an extra layer of defense against blue light, radiation, and pollution. "I love how easily it blends, its dewy finish, and coverage, offering for one less step in my routine," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas.

Sunscreens that filter UV rays using zinc oxide or titanium oxide tend to be thick and leave a white cast, especially on darker complexions, but this zinc oxide formula is tinted and combines chemical ingredients to help blend easily into multiple skin colors. The formula is also loaded with antioxidants to protect against pollution and fade dark spots, peptides to support collagen production, and Indian ginseng to help protect against blue light.

This fragrance-free pick makes it suitable for all skin types; it contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, niacinamide to help even out skin tone, and peptides to promote a firmer complexion. You can find it at your local drugstore for a budget-friendly price. Not to mention, the lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin, and it wears great under makeup. It's also free of common allergens like dyes, parabens, and mineral oil.

Ask just about any dermatologist for their list of SPF superstars, and chances are, EltaMD is on it. Ibrahim loves this one in particular because it's broad-spectrum (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays), lightweight, and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it easy to layer makeup on top. It's a great choice for dry and combination skin types because it's adequately hydrating without feeling sticky or greasy.

Perfect for reapplying SPF throughout the day, this translucent SPF 50 brushes right over makeup to help protect against the sun's rays, blur imperfections, and even rehydrate skin, thanks to its emollients. It's a must-have travel companion.

It doesn't get better than this SPF meets daily moisturizer. The formula contains chemical UV filters along with hyaluronic acid and coconut water to deliver a refreshing boost of hydration that leaves your skin radiant and plump. A great choice for all skin types, it blends like a dream and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. "It's so hydrating and leaves a glowing finish that's so good, my skin looks like glass," says Rivas.

This SPF 40 doubles as a dewy tinted primer. Pick from four shades (from pink pearl to a deep bronze) to wear under makeup for a lit-from-within radiance or on bare skin for a beautifully glowy complexion. Whether you experience dullness, dryness, or want a radiant boost, this formula completely transforms your complexion. It's also moisturizing and nourishing, thanks to hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and antioxidants. "The glow it gives is unbelievable," says Rivas. "It's the perfect base for makeup."

Those with oily or combination skin will appreciate the mattifying properties of this lightweight and fast-absorbing fluid, which contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It also blurs imperfections, like large pores and fine lines, to create a smooth and even base. The small and compact design makes it great for travel, and it's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes—Perfect for long, summer days! It's also suitable for sensitive skin types.

Perfect for layering under your makeup, this broad-spectrum SPF contains antioxidants that help neutralize damaging free radicals generated by UV light, says Ibrahim. It also contains caffeine, which is a powerful antioxidant, oat bran extract, and bisabolol, an ingredient found in chamomile, which helps to calm the skin while retaining moisture. The soothing formula is a great choice for those with sensitive skin or those who experience redness.

This ultralight, fast-absorbing formula offers mineral, broad-spectrum sun protection as well as DNA repairsomes, which are Plankton-derived photolyase enzymes that help repair existing sun damage, such as discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and more, says Mack. If you're looking for a corrective formula that will leave your skin smooth, even, and protected, you'll love this option. It melts into the skin and

This popular sunscreen is lightweight, has a smooth texture, and absorbs easily. It also features the brand's "SynchroShield technology," meaning that the water-resistant formula works even better when it's exposed to heat and water. It's the perfect option for active, outdoorsy days or for those who prefer a lighter sunscreen. Not to mention, it includes licorice root extract to help soothe breakout-prone skin.

This formula is great for acne-prone skin because it's ultra-lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. It contains soothing skincare ingredients like chamomile, green tea, and oat bran extract to reduce the redness from angry, inflamed pimples. It also leaves behind a matte finish to help combat excess oiliness, which is a common concern for blemish-prone skin. If you have large pores, you'll also appreciate its ability to smooth and even out your complexion.

Dermatologists say the only requirement when picking a sunscreen is finding a formula that contains SPF 30 or above. Then, find a formula that suits your skin type. If you're dry, search for hydrating ingredients. On the other hand, oily skin may prefer an oil-free option. There are also sunscreens that give a dewy or matte finish based on your preference.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with dermatologists to learn about what to look for in a sunscreen and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.