Pros
2024 Cosmo Acne Award Winner
Doubles as a primer
Cons
The scent takes some getting used to
This multitasking SPF didn’t snag a spot in our 2024 Acne Awards for nothing. It protects skin with SPF 45 and it’s loaded with niacinamide to help calm inflammation and regulate oil production along with hyaluronic acid to provide lightweight hydration. And if you prefer your sunscreen to have a nice blurring effect, this comes in a sheer tinted version too.
- 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
Beth Gillette for CosmopolitanBeauty editor Beth Gillette loves DRMTLGY’s acne-friendly formula for everyday wear.
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Pros
Delivers a soft-focus finish that evens out skin tone
Lightweight formula melts into skin for effortless blending
Cons
Packaging is prone to leaking
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Ultra Violette literally makes some of the best face sunscreens on the market right now. You can read our full review of the line here, but if you have acne-prone skin, don’t sleep on Future Screen. The fluid-like texture is ultra-lightweight and has a dewy finish that makes skin glow without clogging pores.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: “Only one SPF is coming in my carry-on: Future Screen. I used it 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
Lauren Balsamo for CosmopolitanThis is beauty director Lauren Balsamo’s go-to acne-safe SPF for beach days.
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Pros
Even though it has a matte finish, it’s still great for all skin types
Has tons of skincare benefits in addition to SPF
Cons
White cast takes some time to fully disappear
Only has SPF 28
All of Face Reality’s products are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, so you don’t have to stress about triggering breakouts when you use their daily SPF. In fact, this gentle mineral sunscreen has ingredients (like allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe) that help treat pimples and soothe redness and inflammation.
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Allantoin, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “Anyone who knows me knows I legit swear by Face Reality products to combat my acne. The brand’s heavy-duty sunscreen is no exception to the fab line of skin-loving formulas.” —Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
Jasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanFace Reality’s SPF formula is hydrating yet protective.
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Pros
Derm-loved formula
Smooths out dark circles, blemishes, etc.
Cons
Only comes in two shades, but they adapt pretty well to your skin
This tinted sunscreen is loved by dermatologists and editors (it’s also a past Cosmo Acne Award winner!). The lotion-like formula blends into the skin seamlessly and comes in two flexible shades that provide sheer coverage to help even out your skin tone and camouflage any breakouts. I personally love using it as a base under my foundation.
- Protection level: SPF 46
- Sunscreen type: Mineral and chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamde
One Cosmo editor says: “When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
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Pros
Helps even out your skin tone thanks to vitamin C
Even though it’s a chemical SPF, the gentle formula doesn't sting eyes or sting
Doesn’t leave a white cast
Cons
A lot comes out of the bottle at once, so be careful when squeezing the tube
More often than not, derms recommend mineral sunscreens for those with sensitive and/or acne-prone skin. That said, if you want to try out a chemical option, this is the one to grab. The silky consistency feels like a refreshing glass of water for your skin and really works to revive your complexion. This is made possible thanks to super hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and vitamin C that targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it has a subtle smoothing effect that creates a makeup-optional base.
- Protection level: SPF 40
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
One Cosmo editor says: “I didn’t think Shiseido could improve on its iconic fluid sunscreen formulation—but *boom* they did! This iteration is giving protection from the sun as well as environmental pollution. And the addition of vitamin C keeps my complexion bright and clear.” —JW
Julee Wilson for CosmopolitanBeauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson loves the smoothing glow.
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Pros
Has tons of moisturizing properties
Also comes in a tinted version
Cons
On the pricier side
If you’re looking for as much hydration as possible in your sunscreen, lemme put you onto Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench SPF. It’s packed with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides for some serious moisturizing benefits that’ll give your skin a juicy glow. Given all the hydrating effects, this an excellent pick for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin that doesn’t want to use a formula full of heavy, pore-clogging ingredients.
- Protection level: SPF 46
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
One Cosmo editor says: “My acne-prone, sensitive, and ultra-dry skin is obsessed with this sunscreen. Whether I’m wearing it in the dry winter or on a beach when my face is getting super crusty and thirsty, it replenishes and protects my skin with ease.” —JH
Jasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanIt makes my dry skin look glowy as heck.
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Pros
Finish is basically invisible
Can multitask as a primer
Cons
Might not be best for super dry skin
This gel formula is ideal for oily skin because it locks in hydration and supports the skin barrier without exacerbating oil production. It's filled with fruit extracts to even the skin tone and address hyperpigmentation, and probiotics to improve overall skin health. This does-it-all formula is lightweight and basically invisible once applied.
- Protection level: SPF 46
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Pineapple and papaya extract, ectoin
One Cosmo editor says: “With a blend of probiotics and fruit extracts, this guards against both UVA and UVB rays, while helping to smooth skin to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It manages to do all this, protect against environmental pollutants, and still feels super silky on my skin too.” —Mary Honkus, contributing editor
Pros
SPF 70 (!!!)
Super lightweight
Cons
Takes a bit of extra blending to get rid of the white cast
The first time I tested this sunscreen, I had to double check the bottle just to make sure it was actually sunscreen—I’ve never come across such a high mineral SPF that felt like *nothing* on the skin. The super-silky formula works like magic to gently hydrate while boosting radiance with a mix of glycerin and antioxidants. It doesn’t supply any sort of coverage, but it does give the confidence to go fresh-faced on any given day.
- Protection level: SPF 70
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, antioxidants
One Cosmo editor says: “In extremely hot weather, I like a mega-high SPF, and this one feels so great on my skin. Actually, it doesn’t really feel like I have anything on my skin.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor
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Beth Gillette for CosmopolitanBeauty editor Beth Gillette put this formula to the test all weekend in the Coachella desert.
Pros
Collagen peptides can help fight fine lines and wrinkles
Lightweight formula goes on completely clear
Cons
I wished it came with more product for the price
You can stop worrying about white cast (for good!) when you have this clear, serum-like sunscreen in your stash. I’m happy to report that this goes on completely invisible and leaves nothing but a dewy radiance behind. Beyond the finish, I love that it has peptides to help improve my skin texture over time.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Collagen peptides, glycerin
One Cosmo editor says: “This SPF is a staple in my morning routine. It blends in flawlessly while leaving no white cast, and I swear it’s helped lighten my most stubborn dark spots in the year that I’ve been using it. I worship this little orange bottle.” —Annabel Iwegbue, associate editor
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Annabel Iwegbue for CosmopolitanI mean, look at that smooth and glowy base.
Pros
Layers well with makeup
Packed with antioxidants for overall skin health
Cons
Tinted version comes in limited shades
This mineral sunscreen is so weightless, it feels more like skincare than SPF. It’s a dream for acne-prone skin—nongreasy, massages into a glowy base, and is infused with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin and vitamin C. And it’s great for all over the body like your back or shoulders where you might also be prone to breakouts.
- 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
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Jasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanI trust this formula with my life, aka while on a sunny beach.
Pros
Green tint helps disguise redness
I love how lightweight it feels on my skin
Cons
Can take a minute to fully blend in
If your acne prone skin is also v sensitive (like prone rosacea or redness) this skin-smoothing face SPF will be your suncare go-to. It boasts a color-correcting green tint that blends out to neutralize redness. It does require a bit of effort to fully blend in, but the extra elbow grease is def worth it for calm, even, protected skin.
- Protection level: SPF 45
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cica
One Cosmo editor says: “It doesn’t matter if I’ve spent too much time out in the sun or just completed a super tough workout—my skin’s normal state of being is…red, or at least, pink. To neutralize that redness, I slather on this green-tinted mineral SPF. Along with evening out my skin tone (which some foundations can’t even do), this keeps my complexion hydrated and calm with eight different types of hyaluronic acid and soothing cica.” —BG

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.

Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.
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