Sunscreen is a must all year round. We tend to gravitate towards it more during Summer. Guilty as charged! But, it’s important to include sunscreen as part of your regular daily skincare routine (year round) to prevent sun damage and premature aging. This damage can happen even on cloudy or overcast days, all days of the year!
So, today I’m sharing my favourite Top 10 Sunscreens for Face. Some of them provide moisture, work well with makeup, are good for skin sensitivities, or don’t sting your eyes like other sunscreens can.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It takes into consideration the protection against ultraviolet B rays i.e. UVB rays. Both UVA & UVB rays are responsible for premature aging of the skin, burning, redness, among other skin issues. It’s recommended to also take UVA and UVB protection into account.
There are 2 Types of Sunscreen, which are as follows
Physical Sunscreen – These sunscreens reflect the harmful rays. Popularly known as Sun Blockers or Mineral Sunscreen, they contain ingredients such as zinc oxide.
Chemical Sunscreen – Chemical sunscreen absorbs the harmful rays, instead of reflecting them. Prior to that, it’s absorbed into the skin. The active ingredient here is oxybenzone.
I have compiled the list of Best Sunscreen for face available in the market for 2020. Let’s begin!
1. Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion
This Holy Grail sunscreen by Supergoop can be used as face & body lotion. It has SPF 50, which is suitable for sensitive skin. Play Everyday is water and sweat resistant. A must try for my red head babes out there! It has a pleasant fragrance which doesn’t feel irritating. Doesn’t make your skin oily looking, also no shine. So oily skin, nice pick for you. Did I mention it’s non-greasy too? A hydrating product, I must say, great for everyday usage. It has a liquid consistency, which seeps in effortlessly. Also, it didn’t cause any break out! Just be sure to apply it well before 30 minutes or so, for complete benefit. If you’ve not tried it yet, don’t sleep on this one here.
2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Are you someone who doesn’t like to wear sunscreen because of how it ‘feels’? If you’re nodding, this Biore sunscreen could be your ideal pick. It has a gel like texture which feels comfortable. A lightweight and hydrating sunscreen with SPF 50+ is the Biore UV Aqua Rich. It also offers PA++++. I love the fact that it’s waterproof, and doesn’t feel tacky. You can wear this sunscreen under makeup due to its lightweight formula. It acts as a primer, creating a smooth base for the foundation to glide upon. Moreover, the presence of hyaluronic acid makes it immensely moisturizing.
3. Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen and Antioxidants SPF 35
Ideal for sensitive & oily skin, this SPF 35 sunscreen also moisturizes and has added shine control. It has a light texture and can be a good makeup base. Doesn’t leave a white cast & settles down to satin finish. Helps to control shine too! If you go out a lot or have to face the sun more than usual, this is a partner worth investing for. It has a light smell to it, which is pleasant and won’t bother many. A light textured primer & sunscreen combo, suitable for summer, better grab one!
4. Clinique Superdefense City Block SPF 50
This facial sunscreen, SPF 50, is free of parabens, sulfates & phthalates. It is also Oil-free, making it great for regular usage. It works as a great primer and controls shine too. Works wonder for oily skin. You’ll get me, if you’ve oily skin or T-Zone specifically! Plus, it’s non-greasy and doesn’t cast a white layer. Not to forget, it’s fragrance free as well. Superdefense City Block protects against UVA/UVB rays. Hypoallergenic, provides a smooth finish, which looks great!
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen
This is a day cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen, Oil-Free, Alcohol-Free, and provides immense hydration leaving you with healthy looking skin. Alongside, it’s oil free and non-comedogenic. You can use it beneath your makeup. Hydro Boost gel doesn’t leave white residue as it’s translucent. An affordable purchase which protects your skin from sun, keeping it moisturized.
6. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Another one from Supergoop because it’s that good! Their original sunscreen which comes with SPF 40. One of the most sold sunscreen out there, loved by many beauty lovers. It’s so light, almost weightless. It provides a velvety finish, and is a scentless sunscreen. This formula is reef-safe, meaning octinoxate-free. The texture is pretty amazing, and doesn’t feel heavy. Works for sensitive skin, without leaving any white cast. Absorbs well and nicely into the skin, settles to matte finish. So oily skin people will like it.
7. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face-Moisturizing Sunscreen
Comes in SPF 30, 50, and 70, Aveeno sunscreen is sweat and water resistant. It has a nice aroma which is not strong, so won’t bother sensitive nose. Blends nicely without leaving any white residue. No ashy ghostly look! Non greasy which is amazing for oily skin. This does not feel sticky after applying. It’s also oil-free & lightweight. Aveeno facial sunscreen does an excellent job of protecting against sun exposure, and can be worn alongside makeup. It is a Holy Grail for many and they refer to it as ‘miracle sunscreen’. Prefer this if you’re red head aka bit more white than the rest. Aveeno surely has an impressive range of sunscreen, you must check out!
8. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Lotion
Holy Grail for many, this Sun Bum facial sunscreen needs no introduction. It is water resistant & gluten free. Although it comes with SPF 50, reapplication every 2 hour is still recommended. If you’ve a sensitive nose, it is also fragrance-free! Additionally, there’s no white cast on my face after application. It is moisturizing and gentle on my skin. Wait! Did I tell you it’s vegan as well? Yeah! More reason to stock up. 😉
9. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
If you’re looking for something useful for your acne-prone skin, then this dermatologist recommended sunscreen can be ‘it’. With SPF 46, it provides UVA/UVB protection. Oil-free and non sticky formula, this EltaMD sunscreen is quite good. Also, it gets absorbed into skin easily. It contains 9% zinc oxide which provides long lasting protection.
10. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen
You’ll love it as it feels quite light on the face. It also has SPF 60. The sunscreen is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. The consistency is light. You can wear it under your makeup as it gets into skin quickly and doesn’t feel bothersome. Easy to apply and move on with your day. Keep in mind, you gotta apply 15 minutes before going out. And it requires reapplication every 2 hours or so. Anthelios is an amazing sunscreen for face. It works for dark spots as well. This sunscreen is also recommended by dermatologists. A little goes a long way, and can be worn everyday.