19 Best Sunscreens for Your Face, According to Experts

Vichy's face sunscreen souped up with antioxidants and anti-aging actives like peptides came out on top in GH Beauty Lab testing. It scored high on almost every front: ease of application, making skin feel hydrated, appealing texture, not causing breakouts or irritation, no tacky residue or white cast and protecting against sunburn.

"My skin looks and feels more healthy and vibrant after using this," a tester said. Another called it "a perfect product." While the majority of users loved the floral scent, some weren't fans of it.

A winning drugstore face sunscreen in GH Beauty Lab testing, Hawaiian Tropic leaves skin with a shine-free matte finish. Lab evaluations found the formula doesn't irritate skin, run into eyes or leave a white cast. (Some users found it was runny or could be tacky, though.) True to its tropical name, testers loved the pleasant "not chemical" coconut scent. "It works much better than anything I have used," one reported.

You'll look forward to using this GH Beauty Lab test-winning Banana Boat face SPF formula daily, thanks to a formula so weightless and an aroma so appealing. The lotion tallied top marks for its "light, tropical" fragrance, not running into eyes or causing them to tear, and no tacky film left on skin (though some did mention a faint sheen). The bargain-priced formula "smells so nice" and "gave me a happy feeling," testers noted.

The brand EltaMD is known for their sun protection products and "is a perennial favorite among dermatologists," says Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

This sheer tinted lotion "is a great choice for sensitive skin," she explains, thanks to its mineral active ingredients. Take note that some reviewers found it pilled or clumped on their skin upon application.

From the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand La Roche-Posay, this fragrance-free light lotion was a GH Beauty Lab test winner for not leaving a white residue on dark skin despite its high SPF level, among many other attributes.

The formula, which works on both face and body, earned the best score among testers with darker skin tones for creating no chalky cast or film and for making skin feel hydrated yet not tacky. It also ranked perfectly for not causing stinging or interfering with makeup, though it could leave a sheen on the face. "It absorbed very well into the skin, was weightless and even on the go I forgot that I was wearing a SPF 100 sunscreen," a fan enthused.

Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, fragrance-free CeraVe rated best among testers with dry skin in the GH Beauty Lab’s test.

One hundred percent of users found that it went on effortlessly and didn’t cause irritation or breakouts. It tied for best at effectively protecting skin from the sun and not leaving a white cast, but some users said it left their skin shinier than they liked. Many testers said it “absorbed quickly” and didn’t irritate even “super sensitive” skin. “It feels very moisturizing.”

Gel-like formulas such as this SPF from Coola are featherweight enough for those susceptible to breakouts and GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek reports that this formula doesn't aggravate acne. Although it is a splurge compared to other face sunscreens, "it is super lightweight and absorbs quickly, doesn’t irritate my skin and lays nicely under my makeup," she praises.

Sun Bum's SPF face lotion with all physical mineral active ingredients was a top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing. The gentle, non-greasy formula earned a near-perfect score for not causing skin irritation or redness. It also worked well with makeup and wasn't tacky. Two caveats: It could leave a white residue and be drying on skin. "This product feels silky on my skin and looks so natural," a tester remarked.

Julep’s innovative translucent gel SPF formula was a clear winner in GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing for leaving no chalky cast or residue on skin. The water-based formula scored 100 for easy application and not running into or stinging eyes or causing breakouts.

Although it comes at a higher price for the size, this pick shared the top mark for zero white residue, even on dark skin. Several testers said they “absolutely loved” it: “Weightless, like it’s not even there — perfection!,” “the best I’ve tried” and “all I’ve wanted in an SPF.”

This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen received the highest performance score from GH Beauty Lab testers with combination skin. User gave it top scores for providing sufficient moisture yet a velvet-matte finish with no film, white residue or greasy, tacky feel. “I liked how it make my skin feel moisturized but not overly greasy," one commented. Some users said they preferred sunscreens without scent, but this one's fragrance dissipated quickly.

This unique mineral gel lotion from Bare Republic was a star in GH Beauty Lab testing for keeping oily skin grease-free. It received high marks in tester evaluations for not leaving skin oily or shiny, won't cause breakouts, doesn't run into or sting eyes, and stays put during exercise. "It was very mattifying and controlled my oil," a user revealed. It leaves a white residue behind, however, so it may not be the best choice for deeper skin tones.

A GH Beauty Award winner, this Murad formulation is a sunscreen you won’t believe is sunscreen — it's totally clear! — and that you'll actually want to wear, even under makeup. Testers commented that the translucent makeup primer-like gel was "not oily, heavy or irritating" and "kept makeup in place," "made skin baby-soft," and "softened lines." It is a splurge compared to other face SPFs, though.

Supergoop! has become a cult classic face sunscreen and also scored near the top in GH Beauty Lab testing for its silky, clear gel texture that was mild on skin. It earned a perfect score for not stinging or burning skin, and the highest marks for not being sticky or leaving a white film and sun protection ability.

Some caveats: Testers found it may leave skin slightly oily, take time to dry and run into eyes, causing tearing. "I loved this sunscreen — it had a smooth, beautiful texture that felt great going on," one commented.

A worthy splurge, this zinc oxide mineral liquid SPF from Isdin was a GH Beauty Lab test winner. It earned the highest score for effective sun protection and not interfering with makeup. Testers found that the formula was easy to apply, gentle on skin and eyes, didn't feel oily or tacky on skin, and provided a shine-free finish.

"It felt like nothing on my skin," a user raved. Another said: "I am constantly looking for an excellent sunscreen that works, feels good on and does not sting my eyes, and the search stops here — I love this and will continue to purchase it." Note: It’s an emulsion formula, so it needs to be shaken well before each application.

A more affordable mineral titanium dioxide and zinc oxide option, the milky Bare Republic SPF aced the GH Beauty Lab’s test for not inflaming skin. The fragrance-free sunscreen scored perfectly for being gentle and non-irritating. The “velvety,” “satiny” liquid went on like a “light,” “dry oil,” testers said. “No stinging or bumps.” Good to know: The tube has to be shaken before application so the formula won’t separate when dispensed.

A top-ranked mineral SPF in GH Beauty Lab testing, SkinMedica’s cream didn’t leave a film or a greasy feel on skin, a rare feat for a titanium dioxide and zinc oxide formula. It earned high scores for not feeling or looking oily, interfering with makeup or having a sticky residue. “This went on so much smoother than zinc products I’ve used before and wasn’t heavy,” one tester enthused; several said they wanted to purchase it. (A caveat: Some users said it was a little difficult to spread.)

If you like your sunscreen in easy swipe-on solid stick form, look no further than this high SPF Shiseido formula, a next-generation clear gel that works on both face and body. It may be on the pricier side for a small size, but "this is totally translucent, so it doesn't leave a visible cast on any skin tone," one GH beauty editor says. "The no-mess form is perfect for travel or touch-ups on the go."

A double duty formula that works on the face and body, this Rodan + Fields sunscreen won the GH Beauty Lab's most recent body sunscreen test. In evaluations, 100% of testers agreed it spread easily on skin, soaked in well, and didn't leave a white residue, feel sticky or oily, or rub off onto or stain clothing.

It is on the pricier side; however, it comes in a larger size than face-only sunscreens. Many users commented that they would purchase the product. "It did not leave me with a heavy, sticky feeling like most sunscreens," one remarked.

Infused with plant extracts (green tea, pomegranate and cranberry), this MDSolarSciences natural mineral zinc oxide- and titanium dioxide-based face sunscreen is ranked at the top in GH Beauty Lab testing. It earned a perfect score among testers with sensitive skin for not irritating. Users appreciated its delicate scent and fast absorption, though it could impart a white cast initially. "I loved the matte finish and the silky feel of the product," a tester reported.