When it seems like practically anything will trigger a breakout, the last thing you want to do is add another skincare product to your routine. But wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable for the health of your skin. And despite what anyone tries to tell you, you can find formulas that won’t trigger breakouts—that’s where the best non-comedogenic SPFs come in.
“The term ‘comedogenic’ refers to ingredients that block pores and lead to blackheads or pimples, so a non-comedogenic formula is essentially designed to protect your skin from the sun without causing congestion or acne flare-ups,” says dermatologist Connie Yang, MD. “Non-comedogenic sunscreens are great for anyone with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, since these skin types are already more susceptible to clogged pores and breakouts. That said, I always tell my patients that everyone can benefit from a non-comedogenic formula. It's a smart, skin-friendly choice regardless of your skin type.”
Swipe on these top non-comedogenic SPFs to keep your complexion safe from harmful UV rays and breakouts.
EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable formula
- Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin
Cons
- Doesn't come in a tinted version like the original UV Clear
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral/chemical hybrid |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: Beloved by dermatologists, this sunscreen is frequently recommended for acne-prone skin or anyone prone to clogged pores. It’s been clinically-proven to reduce visible blemishes by 65 percent, excess oil and shine by 61 percent, and pore size by 25 percent, making it a true skin savior. The lightweight mineral/chemical hybrid formula wears well under makeup and feels breathable, too.
Cosmo editor review: “After six weeks of daily use (with no other routine changes), my skin genuinely looks clearer and brighter. I’ve had fewer inflamed breakouts along my jawline, and my post-acne marks from old breakouts have faded, too. The texture is super lightweight and layers well, although I do need a moisturizer underneath since it’s slightly less hydrating than the original. Still, I’ve worn it everywhere—from beach days to workouts—and it consistently keeps my skin calm, protected, and noticeably clearer.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Pros
- Safe for post-procedure
- Anti-aging formula
- Lightweight, lotion-like texture
- 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- A reviewer found the formula sticky
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: If you’ve just had a cosmetic procedure like microneedling or a laser treatment, your skin is in a fragile state, and this lightweight mineral formula that works on all skin tones will be your best friend. It also delivers anti-aging perks thanks to the formula, which contains 3 percent niacinamide, 0.5 percent panthenol, 0.1 percent beta-glucan, and 2 percent cellulose to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Cosmo editor review: “No white cast is usually a BS claim for non-tinted mineral sunscreens, but SkinCeuticals’ newest formula defies the odds. It genuinely rubs in clear—plus, it’s full of soothing and anti-aging ingredients that don’t break me out.” —LB
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Sunscreen Serum SPF 50
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Hydrating
- Won’t sweat off
Cons
- Very mild sunscreen smell
Features At A Glance
| Format | Serum |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: Those who hate the feel of sunscreen will have no excuse with this light-as-a-feather SPF that you can’t feel on skin. The serum texture is completely invisible and has a breathable finish. The nourishing formula includes mineral-rich thermal spring water sourced from the town of La Roche-Posay in France, niacinamide to minimize discoloration, glycerin to lock in hydration, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize.
Cosmo editor review: “As someone with oily skin whose forehead turns into an oil slick in the summer, I can vouch for the fact that this barely-there SPF does no such thing. It stays put in heat and humidity. You won’t even notice you’re wearing it, except for the hydration that it delivers, which is even more impressive considering how thin the formula is.” — CELIA SHATZMAN, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV Protection Sunscreen Antioxidant Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV Protection Sunscreen Antioxidant Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Pros
- Hydrating
- Great texture
- Anti-aging ingredients
Cons
- Pricey for such a small tube
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: If a gel and a lotion sunscreen had a baby, it would be this gem. In addition to protecting skin from UV rays, it also safeguards it from pollution and oxidation. It’s spiked with polyfractioned blue ginger sourced straight from Chanel’s open-sky laboratory in Madagascar to strengthen skin, as well as Tahitian gardenia extract to prevent signs of aging.
Cosmo editor review: “I’ve tried a lot of sunscreens over the years, and this is one of my go-tos for its absolutely perfect texture. It melts into skin and leaves it glowing in the most natural way—not greasy. It’s so hydrating that I can skip moisturizer, even in the colder months.” —SW
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Super sheer
- Also protects from environmental stressors
- 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Some reviewers didn’t like the smell
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: When you want an SPF that doesn’t leave a trace behind, reach for this little guy. The super sheer all-mineral non-nano zinc oxide formula is practically undetectable on skin, boasting a velvety finish. In addition to safeguarding skin from UVA and UVB, it also protects it from HEV (blue) light, infrared light, free radicals, and pollution.
Cosmo editor review: “As someone who burns easily and has super-reactive skin, I need something that gives me top-tier protection without being irritating, and this formula from Colorescience delivers. It goes on silky smooth and leaves behind a nice glow.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Ciele Filter & PROTECT SPF 30+ Finishing and Setting Powder
Ciele Filter & PROTECT SPF 30+ Finishing and Setting Powder
Pros
- Great for touch-ups
- Controls excess shine and oil
- Infused with niacinamide and and vitamin E
- 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Powders don’t provide as much SPF coverage as lotions
Features At A Glance
| Format | Powder |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 30 |
Why we love it: Let’s be real: Reapplying sunscreen is a pain, especially if you’re wearing a full face of makeup. But a powder formula can save the day. This twofer is perfect for locking in and touching up makeup and SPF. The mineral powder zaps excess oil and shine, plus it’s infused with niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores and vitamin E for a dose of antioxidants.
Cosmo editor review: “I love that this doubles as a finishing powder, so I can see and control the amount of product I apply. It’s the smartest last step in any routine for pore-minimizing and all-over UV protection.” —MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR
Kiehl's Since 1851 Better Screen Miner-all UV Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Kiehl's Since 1851 Better Screen Miner-all UV Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Calms and soothes redness
- Lightweight serum formula
- Slightly mattifying
Cons
- Very subtle sunscreen smell
Features At A Glance
| Format | Serum |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: On super-hot days when you don’t want the weight of anything on your skin, you’ll want to reach for this barely-there serum SPF. Despite being an all mineral formula, it blends like a dream sans any white cast, courtesy of its Nano-Array Mineral Filter Technology, plus it strengthens the skin’s barrier in just one hour to help with hydration.
Cosmo editor review: “Embarrassing but true: When I’m out in the sun too long on a hot day, even when I’ve slathered on plenty of SPF, my face starts turning red. We’re talking tomato level red sometimes. Luckily, this serum has Cica Centella to soothe and calm, and it actually works. I also love that the formula is slightly mattifying, and every little bit helps when you have oily skin like me.” — Celia Shatzman, beauty writer
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 60+
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 60+
Pros
- Clear, so works for all skin tones
- Great for on-the-go
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some reviewers said it felt greasy
Features At A Glance
| Format | Stick |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 60 |
Why we love it: Hate to apply sunscreen? This stick makes it a cinch, especially on the go. It can easily be tossed into a gym bag, purse, or carry-on suitcase. It glides right onto skin—even over makeup—and has a clear finish. The brand’s SynchroShield technology makes the formula even stronger when exposed to heat, water, and sweat. The chemical formula is spiked with argan oil to hydrate, plus licorice extract and soy lecithin tackle uneven skin tone.
Cosmo editor review: “This SPF stick is totally clear, so you never have to worry about it creating a white cast on skin. And the texture is super silky, so it seamlessly glides across skin without skipping or tugging.” —LB
Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Pros
- Milky texture
- Anti-aging ingredients
- Strengthens skin barrier
Cons
- Some may not like the added fragrance
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: True to its name, this lotion SPF really is milky. It helps treat past, present, and future damage by addressing and preventing dark spots, redness, and fine lines. Looking to its Japanese heritage, it has Okinawa aloe to soothe sun-stressed skin, plus ectoin and vitamin E to hydrate and boost the skin barrier.
Cosmo editor review: “I’m obsessed with all things J-beauty, and in addition to featuring ingredients sourced from there, it also pays homage to the Japanese concept of Hiyori, a day for doing what you love in the light. The protection this SPF offers lets you do just that, knowing your skin is safe and nourished. The milky texture in a pretty pink hue sinks right into skin and feels like skincare, not suncare.” —CS
FAQ
Which non-comedogenic sunscreen is best?
The one that you’ll actually use! Wearing SPF every day is crucial, so invest in one you’ll enjoy wearing all the time. “Look for lightweight, breathable formulas that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are mineral filters that sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into the pores,” Dr. Yang says. “I'd also recommend scanning for hydrating but non-pore-clogging ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, and avoiding heavy emollients like coconut oil or isopropyl myristate.”
How can you tell if a sunscreen is non-comedogenic?
“This is actually trickier than it sounds, because ‘non-comedogenic’ is not a regulated term, meaning there are no official standards or required testing that a brand must complete before slapping that label on their product,” Dr. Yang says. “Your best bet is to go beyond the marketing claims and actually look at the ingredient list, cross-referencing it with comedogenic ingredient databases, while keeping in mind that even those lists are based on limited research and what clogs pores can vary significantly from person to person. When in doubt, patch testing a new sunscreen on a small area of your face for a week or two before fully committing is always a smart move.”
Are non-comedogenic sunscreens oil-free?
Not necessarily. “Non-comedogenic and oil-free are actually two different things,” Dr. Yang says. “A sunscreen can contain certain oils that don't clog pores, like squalane or rosehip oil, and still be considered non-comedogenic, while some oil-free formulas may still contain other pore-blocking ingredients.”
Can non-comedogenic sunscreen still clog pores?
Unfortunately, yes. “The term ‘non-comedogenic isn't regulated by the FDA, which means brands can use it without rigorous testing to back it up,” Dr. Yang says. “Everyone's skin is unique, so an ingredient that works beautifully for one person may still cause breakouts in another, which is why I always recommend patch-testing any new sunscreen before applying it all over your face.”
Meet the experts:
- Connie Yang, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based journalist who has covered beauty for two decades and considers daily SPF her anti-aging secret.
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
