5 Best Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin: Staff Favorites

Last Updated on July 25, 2024 by Prissila Murillo

Summer is here, and we all want that beauty and glowy skin to go with all of our favorite summer fashion! But as much as you may want that perfect tan, you’re probably aware of how important it is to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.

That’s why today we’re going to dive into our top choices for the best sunscreen for acne prone skin!

It’s no secret that UV rays can lead to skin cancer, but there’s also ample evidence that sunscreen can also slow down the aging process caused by extended sun exposure. However, if you have applied many of the goopy sunscreens of years past, you may have recalled the breakouts, especially if you have oilier skin. For our acne-prone girlies, we understand how overwhelming finding sunscreen with non-clogging ingredients can be. That is why we have come up with what in our opinion is the best sunscreen for acne prone skin, so you don’t have to look any further.

First off, remember that there are many critical elements of skincare that go hand-in-hand. For example, one of the major causes of bad skin is a poor diet. Then, hydration (drinking lots of water–8 cups a day is a good yardstick) also plays a super important role in maintaining healthy and youthful skin.

Once you’ve taken care of your diet and overall health, you next need to consider your skincare routine. Do you follow the correct steps and frequency, and do you use the right kinds of products that are best for your kind of skin? Similarly, when we get to sunscreen, which is usually the last thing someone applies before heading out the door, it’s equally important to choose one that works for your skin in particular.

And that’s why we chose to share with you our staff’s own five favorite choices for the best sunscreen for acne prone skin. With that said, keep in mind that most of these products are fantastic for keeping any skin type in excellent shape AND providing superlative UV protection!

Best Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin:

With Niacinamide: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen

Our first pick is a sunscreen that you absolutely shouldn’t miss if you have acne-prone skin. For starters, this brand has been making amazing sunscreen for decades, received multiple awards, and makes products formulated and recommended by physicians themselves. But this product is specifically made for those with acne-prone skin, and let us tell you, few do it better. 

The cream goes on smooth, has a matte finish, disappears, and feels magnificent. Half the battle while wearing sunscreen is not irritating your skin, and that’s where this product shines. Yes, it is on the pricier side of things, but it’s specifically a high-quality, facial sunscreen. This is one sunscreen you can apply and reapply for excellent protection and no regrets.

Best Serum: ZitSticka MegaShade Sunscreen Serum SPF 50

Many doctors recommend ZitSticka MegaShade as a versatile sunscreen serum that can serve as either your primary SPF or an additional layer. It offers comprehensive protection with zinc oxide and gentle chemical compounds, covering the full spectrum.

This hybrid formula applies transparently, absorbs rapidly, preps your skin for makeup, and best of all, does not clog pores because it is non-comedogenic!

It is such a lightweight formula that it makes it perfect for summer and reapplication, this way you don’t feel as if you are wearing loads of layers of products on your skin!

Best For Oily Skin: Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier 

This sunscreen is another favorite for those who have an oily complexion. Murad’s Oil and Pore Control Mattifier contains SPF 45 and claims to be suitable for those who have sensitive skin. This amazing sunscreen also calms redness and irritation, controls oils, and reduces shine. Murad’s sunscreen also serves the purpose of a primer, as it blurs your pores and also prevents any makeup breakup.

For many years, we’ve had a misconception that those who have oily skin should not use hydrating products. But this is far from the truth! This product will give you oil-free hydration that will prevent your face from feeling stripped and dehydrated.

Dry Touch: La Roche Posay Sunscreen

Maybe you’re looking for a drugstore sunscreen that goes on and feels like a more expensive brand? If so, then this “Anthelios Clear Skin” formula by La Roche Posay is your winner! Technically not a mineral sunscreen, it at least doesn’t contain oxybenzone, which is the ingredient most widely suspected of being bad for your skin and overall body. However, as a chemical sunscreen that goes on smoothly, feels great, and disappears, few do it better!

We will say though that this sunscreen stands out above all for its matte finish. It definitely won’t irritate your skin or leave an oily feeling, but it would be a good idea to moisturize before applying it. Given that moisturizing is a part of our skincare routines anyway, this product goes comfortably on top without producing any kind of grease, making it potentially THE best sunscreen for acne-prone skin!

Tinted Sunscreen: Saie Slip Tint SPF 35

The Saie Slip Tint sunscreen is a skin tint/tinted moisturizer with SPF 35. It is a ‘clean’ brand which means it’s free of a wide range of chemicals and potentially irritating ingredients that could be irritating to the skin, it is also a 100%  mineral sunscreen, overall making this perfect if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. It includes hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and leaves a gentle glow on the skin, but doesn’t get oily throughout the day.

Apostrophe

Apostrophe is an online skincare service that connects individuals with board-certified dermatologists. This brand specializes in evidence-based skincare solutions for concerns like acne. They collaborate with compounding pharmacies to create personalized, cutting-edge treatments that have been clinically proven to deliver tangible outcomes.

Their ‘Screen SPF 43 is a fragrance-free cream that effortlessly absorbs into the skin and provides protection against UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide, Octinoxate, and Octisalate. It is specially designed to complement the brand’s skincare system, this moisturizing sunscreen incorporates sodium Hyaluronate, panthenol, and allantoin to hydrate, soothe, and calm problematic skin.

Inc comparison with most clinical brands that offer less oz of product at a higher price, Apostrophe provides a generous 3 oz tube of this protective sunscreen to encourage consistent usage. You can purchase the ‘Screen for $27.

To Sum Up

But which of these products is your favorite? Would you call any of these the best sunscreen for acne prone skin, or did we miss any important ones you like? Care to share any of your personal experiences with them? Let us know in the comments below!

You can also find us on Instagram @offonfriday We’ve busily been getting our summer skincare routines together, but we’d also love to see yours! If you want to show off your good looks (with or without these products), just use #SuccessibleBeauty for a chance to be reposted! Other than that, wishing you all an amazing summer, and please remember to take care of your skin, so you can keep that amazing summer glow!