You know the deal: We’re supposed to wear sunscreen every single day (and reapply it multiple times). So if you’re using a greasy, breakout-inducing sunscreen that leaves an obvious white tint on your skin, it’s time to raise the bar and get a product that genuinely works with your skin type.
Stop trying to force a sunscreen to work and aim for one that feels made for your skin type and tone. It might sound like an SPF holy grail, but such sunscreens do exist. There are nourishing formulas for dry skin, sunscreens that won’t clog pores and lead to zits and there are even ones with active ingredients to keep aging skin looking its best. Ahead, shop the best sunscreens for your skin type.
[ Next: 13 A-Plus Sunscreens for the Face — That Don’t Smell Like Sunscreen ]
Best Sunscreens by Skin Type 2019
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Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $42 at Sephora
This is a sunscreen, anti-aging product and hydrator in one sleek bottle. The oil-free formula manages to feel weightless, but ceramides provide plenty of moisture and a cocktail of vitamins and aloe keeps skin healthy. SPF 30 protection guards faces from UVA and UVB rays.
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Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50, $90 at Space.NK
It might not be necessary to use moisturizer with this deeply nourishing sun product. The antioxidant-rich moisturizing cream hydrates and promotes new collagen growth for a more luminous, softer complexion. It doesn't slack on sun protection with six scientifically proven sunscreens to fight UVA and UVB damage.
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Best Sunscreen for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $36 at Amazon
Those with acne-prone skin can apply this sunscreen without fear of exacerbating pimples or grease. Plus, the lightweight formula is dermatologist-approved.
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Best Sunscreen for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60, $19.99 at DermStore
Shine, grease, pimples? This oil-free, noncomedogenic sunscreen has everything under control. The formula dries down to a flattering matte finish devoid of the typical oily sunscreen feel. Silica and perlite can absorb up to 250 percent of their weight in sweat and oil. The water-resistant formula is designed for daily use and it's still effective on scorching summer days.
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Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, $34 at Drunk Elephant
This gentle sunscreen is something people will genuinely want to use every day thanks to the sheer finish and creamy texture. The physical sunscreen is packed with antioxidants to fight free radical damage. Its smooth consistency is courtesy of raspberry seed and marula oils, which provide just the right amount of hydration. The product leaves skin glowing, not greasy.
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Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35, $25 at Glossier
The cult beauty brand wasn't messing around when it named this "Invisible Shield." The water-gel formula goes on clear and stays clear. The secret? It has active microcapsules that absorb into skin without a trace of white tinge or a greasy feel. The alcohol-free formula won't dry out faces and actually lets skin breathe thanks to fermented yeast and vegetal extract.
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Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+, $14.99 at Target
The Aussies know good sun protection as evidenced by this mineral sunscreen made for the most sensitive of complexions. It's purely a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with no chemical active ingredients, fragrances or parabens. The nonsticky, nongreasy formula has smart bottle technology where the bottle turns blue in the presence of UV light to remind users to apply their SPF.
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Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion With SPF 60+, $8.97 at Walmart
There are no misconceptions with this sunscreen. The packaging makes it clear it's suitable for sensitive skin thanks to the fragrance-free formula made with 100 percent naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients. It's gentle yet still effective at protecting from sun damage. The nongreasy product is water-resistant and offers UVA and UVB SPF 60 protection.
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Best Sunscreen for Aging Skin
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++, $65 at Sephora
It took Tatcha three years and over a 100 formulations to come up with this sunscreen. The weightless anti-aging mineral sunscreen is dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free. It contains the antioxidant loquat leaf extract to calm skin and Japanese wild rose to minimize the appearance of pores. There's no need for primer since it creates a smooth base.
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Best Sunscreen for Aging Skin
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield, $68 at Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden reports that 80 percent of all signs of skin aging are due to environment aggressors like pollution and UV rays. So the brand developed this award-winning sunscreen to protect faces from both. It strengthens skin as it shields thanks to a DNA Enzyme Complex. Additionally, it provides hydration to aging skin and has a sheer adaptable tint to counteract a ghostly finish.
