11 Best Face Sunscreens of 2025, Tested and Approved by Cosmo Editors
Not only do these formulas work, but they feel amazing on the skin too.
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Welcome to Cosmo's first-ever SPF week, a space dedicated to two very important things: 1. reminding you that sunscreen is the most essential step in any skincare routine and 2. sharing the best sunscreen recs to shop right now, according to four very picky beauty editors.
When it comes to skincare non-negotiables, face sunscreen tops the list—but finding the right one can feel like a full-time job. Luckily for you, testing beauty products *is* our job. So whether you're looking for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog pores, a dewy skin tint, or a lightweight moisturizer with protection that you can easily layer under your makeup, Cosmo editors have a perfect formula for you. And don't worry, today’s SPFs are a far cry from the chalky, greasy ones that sparked fights as your mom insisted you massage them into your face all day at the beach (core memory, or just me?), so you can rest assured that all of our face sunscreen recs don't only work—they feel amazing on the skin too.
Our top picks for best face sunscreens of 2025:
Ready to dive in? Behold the best sunscreens for your face in 2025, according to some picky AF beauty editors.
Pros
- Provides a blurring effect that makes skin look more even-toned sans makeup
- Fluid-like texture is lightweight and easy to blend into skin
Cons
- Packaging can get a bit messy/is prone to leaking
It's pretty rare for the Cosmo beauty team to all be obsessed with one sunscreen—we have different skin types, different skin tones, and different skincare routines. That said, we are collectively obsessed with Ultra Violette's Future Screen. It provides SPF 50 but genuinely feels like nothing on your face. And thanks to the ultra-sheer tint, the all-mineral formula doesn't leave a chalky or white cast on the skin. Truly, no notes.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: "I used this the entire time on a recent trip to Fort Lauderdale (where the UV index was an 8 TYVM) and I didn’t get an ounce of color on my face thanks to the SPF 50 made of 20 percent zinc. Plus, the texture is so nice and silky that I didn’t mind applying and reapplying it all day long—and the sheer tint helped blur my breakouts so my skin looked more even without makeup."—Lauren Balsamo, beauty director
Ultra Violette's Future Dew never leaves beauty director Lauren Balsamo's beach bag.
Pros
- Loved by virtually every dermatologist we've ever spoken to
- Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Comes in two tinted versions as well
Cons
- May pill with some moisturizers
There are very few sunscreens I can apply to my acne-prone skin and know for certain they won't make me break out. At the top of that short list is EltaMD's iconic UV Clear. I've used it for years and never had an issue with the formula clogging more pores or making my skin bumpy—plus the lotion-like texture smooths onto my face and chest easily with no white cast.
Nearly every dermatologist I've spoken to recommends the formula for those with oily and/or acne-prone skin since it's oil-free, non-comedogenic, and feels lightweight too. Also great? The presence of niacinamide, an ingredient that's great for regulating excess oil production, reducing inflammation, and refining the look of pores.
- Protection level: SPF 46
- Sunscreen type: Chemical and mineral
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide
One Cosmo editor says: "My sensitive skin hates 99 percent of the sunscreens I've tried, but EltaMD's is perf for my dry and acne-prone skin. It layers nicely on top of my usual moisturizer, and isn't a total nightmare with makeup as long as you allow it to fully absorb before applying anything on top."—Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
Elta MD's UV Clear is my go-to hydrating sunscreen for any level of glam.
Pros
- Solid shade range for a tinted sunscreen
- Moisturizing yet surprsingly non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic and good for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Shades lean a bit warm
This tinted sunscreen comes in 14 flexible shades and has the coverage and smoothing power to replace your beloved foundation. The best part? The hydrating formula is non-comedogenic so you can trust that it won't anger acne-prone skin—instead it just seamlessly hides breakouts.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Chemical and mineral
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ectoin
One Cosmo editor says: "This tinted sunscreen makes my life so much easier. I can slather it on in the morning and head out the door with my skin looking nice and even and protected with SPF 50 too." —LB
The shades are hydrating, flexible, and dewy af.
Pros
- Has a neutral tint to minimize any white cast
- Creates an ideal base for smooth, long-wearing makeup
Cons
- Some testers said it made their skin feel dry
We love makeup that does more, and this face primer from Ciele has all the hydration and protection benefits we could ask for in a multitasking formula. You can wear it on its own for smoothing effect, or wear the makeup-gripping primer under your fave complexion products for extended wear and ample sun protection.
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Green tea oil, vitamin E
One Cosmo editor says: "I'm obsessed with the entire Ciele range (all of their makeup products contain mineral SPF)—especially this SPF 30 primer. It goes on so easily (no white cast) and makes whatever face makeup I apply on top look super smooth and glowy." —LB
I mean, why wouldn't you use a nearly invisible primer with built-in SPF?
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin types
- Comes in a sheer tinted version as well
Cons
- White cast may not fully disappear on deeper skin tones
I mean, this bb is a Cosmo Holy Grail Award Winner for a reason. Its mineral formula is water resistant (to get you through the extra sweaty days), super lightweight, and boasts SPF 50. Plus, it's a physical sunscreen that doesn't leave behind a greasy or chalky cast, which we deeply appreciate.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E
One Cosmo editor says: “If you grimace at ‘sunscreen smell,’ this formula is your friend—maybe even your best friend. My dermatologist actually recommended this to me for my über-sensitive skin, and it’s done wonders as a nongreasy protector also packed with moisturizing vitamin E.”—Alexandra Whittaker, executive site director
This heavy duty face sunscreen provides ample sun protection.
Pros
- 2024 Cosmo Acne Award Winner
- Layers well with makeup and other skincare steps
- Also comes in a tinted version
Cons
- Some reviewers complained of the scent
This non-comedogenic formula won a Cosmo Acne Award for best face sunscreen for a reason. It's not only free of pore-cloggers, but it also is filled with niacinamide to soothe the skin and hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated asf. Because tbh, there's nothing worse than a drying and chalky sunscreen.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral and chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
One Cosmo editor says: “This glorious SPF leaves no white cast, doesn’t burn my eyes, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated (but not shiny or sticky). The lightweight formula doesn’t break me out at all. TYSM, DRMTLGY.” —Kara Miller, designer
Beauty editor Beth Gillette loves DRMTLGY as her daily SPF on her acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Absorbs excess oil for a mattifying effect
- Water resistant (so good for beach and pool days)
Cons
- Might pill on dry skin types
When you have oily skin, the last thing you want is a sunscreen that's gonna make your face feel extra greasy. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Clear Skin SPF is a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It dries down to a matte finish and helps absorb excess sebum throughout the day.
- Protection level: SPF 60
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Antioxidants
One Cosmo editor says: "When my skin is hella oily and covered in zits, this SPF feels extremely lightweight while offering up adequate sun protection. I love that the formula is completely oil-free to help avoid any potential breakouts."—Beth Gillette, beauty editor
Pros
- Comes in both a tinted and non-tinted version
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- If you use it as a body sunscreen, the 3 oz bottle runs out fairly quickly
This mineral sunscreen is so lightweight it basically feels like an extension of my skincare routine. It’s great for acne-prone skin, it's non-greasy, and blends in clear—no white cast to be found. With ceramides and niacinamide, this formula simultaneously protects and nourishes your precious face.
- Protection level: SPF 46
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin C
One Cosmo editor says: "My aesthetician recommended this sunscreen, and I couldn't believe I've lived my whole life without it. It layers so well with my skincare routine—no pilling whatsoever—and doesn't leave a greasy film on my face. You could also use it on your body which I appreciate when I don't have a huge bag to lug around a bunch of body products."—JH
I wore TIZO everyday and trusted it with my life while on a beach vacation.
Pros
- Great for rosacea or sensitive skin
- Soothes while it protects
Cons
- Might get a bit too chalky to wear with makeup
Whether your face is a lil inflamed from acne or you got too much sun and are suffering from a burn, this formula balances redness with soothing ingredients and a green tint that blends seamlessly into the skin. It's loaded with antioxidants like green tea extracts and vitamin E to nourish the skin, and zinc oxide calms while shielding from UV damage.
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, vitamin E
One Cosmo editor says: "One of my favorite sunscreens of all time, this green-tinted formula helps bring down redness associated with inflamed acne. My skin really loves how soothing this is too."—BG
Pros
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Derm-loved formula
Cons
- The stick is pretty small
Okay yes another EltaMD product because the derm-loved brand deserves it. I live and breathe by a "swipe and go" kinda product that lets me live my life without fuss, which is why I'm a firm believer in this sunscreen stick from EltaMD. It glides on my face and shoulders so easily straight from the tube, but still feels really gentle and lightweight on my skin. Because it's a mineral formula with zinc oxide, it can leave a bit of a white cast, but after a bit of blending my face feels fully covered and even hydrated.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E
One Cosmo editor says: "I love a stick SPF when I need something I can keep re-applying for those extra sunny days, and EltaMD is that girl. I love the formula for its hydrating properties and non-comedogenic ingredients which are extra great for my sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin. You will always find this in my beach bag, and I've put it through a lot (as pictured below)."—JH
I definitely put it to the test while in the strong Cabo sun, and it delivered.
Pros
- Comes in five flexible shades
- Absorbs oil for a soft, matte finish
Cons
- Might not be best for v dry skin
I mean, we don't give out Holy Grail Awards to just anyone, so the badge means that this powder sunscreen truly impressed us. The weightless formula delivers on-the-go protection without messing up your base makeup. It practically disappears onto your skin for a filter-esque finish.
- Protection level: SPF 40
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Glycerin
One Cosmo editor says: "Powder sunscreen usually looks cakey on my combination skin, but this one is the exception! I couldn’t believe how beautifully it blended, providing a nice, matte finish and *just* enough coverage to give me that no-makeup makeup look." —Corinne Sullivan, senior editor
What type of sunscreen is best for face?
The best type of sunscreen for your face is one that you will use every single day—no ifs, ands, or buts. The most important thing to remember is that you should always choose an SPF of 30 or higher (anything below that won't protect much) and make sure the formula protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ones that are responsible for sunburn, as well as causing skin cancer. UVA, on the other hand, penetrates deeper into your skin, which can cause photo-aging (aka fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin—no, thank you). FYI: There are way more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB, so it's important to protect yourself against both.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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