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7 Amazing Face Sunscreens That You'll Actually Want to Wear Every Day
Think: lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to apply.
Hands down the most important product in your skincare routine? Sunscreen! Apply and reapply it every single day (yes, even when it's cloudy/cold/winter) to help protect your skin from cancer and prevent signs of aging, like wrinkles, rough texture, and dark spots.
When it comes it face sunscreens, though, make sure the one you choose has at least SPF 45 (because most people don't apply enough—a lower number won't cut it) and offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, says dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD. These 7 options check both boxes AND feel amazing on skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Got acne? Listen up! EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46 will zero percent make you breakout....but it will def make your skin look more clear, as the name suggests. It's ultra lightweight, non-comedogenic (aka non-pore clogging), and contains niacinamide—an ingredient known to calm inflammation, reduce breakouts, and help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks and scars that linger long after your pimple heals).
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This all-mineral (meaning it contains physical blockers zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) lotion not only prevents sun damage, but contains vitamins A, C and E to nourish skin too. Bonus: the sheer, universally-flattering tint helps blur out any imperfections too.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
Not only does this zinc-based sunscreen protect your skin from UV damage, it uses iron oxides to provide a shield against sneaky skin ager HEV light (the blue light that's emitted from most smart devices) too. It also has a sheer, peachy-y tint that helps brighten your complexion.
Certain sunscreens can leave a chalky or white residue on skin, but not this oil version. It goes on completely clear and leaves skin feeling super dewy and moisturized. Plus, the twist-up packaging makes it easy to apply on the go and ensures it'll never spill or leak in your bag.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen Lotion for Face
If words like acne, rosacea, or eczema hit close to home, this ultra gentle (it's free-from parabens, dyes, and fragrance) sunscreen is for you. Its mild formula is infused with calming oats and zinc oxide to keep you protected without irritating any already-existing skin issues.
This water-resistant SPF from Skinmedica protects from UVA and UVB rays, as well as infrared rays (IR, which we feel as heat) as thanks to a blend of antioxidants. The problem with IR? It can create free radical damage and contribute to early signs of aging, like lines and dark spots.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
If you gravitate toward water gel moisturizers, this is going to be your new favorite sunscreen. It has the same lightweight, refreshing feel but with the added bonus of broad spectrum SPF 50 protection. Warning: If you don't love scented products for your face, you might not be into this one. That said, if you love clean, refreshing scents for your products, you'll love it.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
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