These Are the Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type, According to a Dermatologist

From sensitive to oily complexions, all skin types have one thing in common: They need protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen every day is vital, especially in the summer months when we’re all spending more time outdoors. Finding the best sunscreen for your skin isn’t always easy–the wrong formula can cause breakouts or leave icky residue. Fear not, though: Help is on the way!

Applying (and reapplying) sunscreen to your face and body is one of the most important things you can do to ensure skin health and prevent sun damage. It’s also one of the easiest things you can do to protect your skin from skin cancer and signs of aging, aka wrinkles.

Since no two skin types are exactly the same, so it’s important to find the right sunscreen for yours to ensure proper coverage and prevent irritations. I chatted with Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell, to get her recommendations. Check out her safe-sunning picks for a variety of skin types below!

Best Overall Sunscreen

If you’re looking for an overall favorite for all skin types, try Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, which is an oil-free formula. “It has a matte finish and absorbs easily, leaving a clear, natural finish,” says Dr. Garschick. “It not only offers protection against UVA/UVB rays but also contains red algae that may offer protection against blue light.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

If you have skin that gets easily irritated, try Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen. “This sunscreen is free of chemical active ingredients and is both paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Garshick.

Not only is this pick good for sensitive skin due to its clean ingredients, it’s a great option for summer days as it is also water-resistant. “This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum coverage by blocking UV rays from getting to the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Bonus: The bottle changes color in UV light so you always know when to reapply.

Best for Darker Skin Tones

If you have a darker skin tone, you want to look for a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin. Dr. Garshick recommends Black Girl Sunscreen because it doesn’t leave any white residue behind, which you can find with a lot of popular sunscreens.

“This ultra-sheer sunscreen is a great option as it can be used on the face and body. In addition to sun protection, it also contains natural ingredients such as avocado and jojoba to help moisturize and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Garshick.

Best for Dry Skin

For dry skin, Dr. Garschick suggests CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50. “This is a great option for those with dry skin. In addition to containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum coverage, it also contains hyaluronic acid to help provide moisture, ceramides to help support the skin’s natural barrier, as well as niacinamide which can soothe the skin,” she says.

Also, if you have sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen is fragrance- and paragon-free, which are major bonuses in preventing irritation and breakouts.

Best for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you might be hesitant to apply sunscreen–especially to your face, since a lot of formulas leave a shiny or greasy finish. The key is to look for a sunscreen with a matte finish; Dr. Garshick recommends First Aid Beauty Weightless Mineral Sunscreen.

“This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and has all the benefits of a mineral sunscreen to provide protection, but absorbs easily into the skin leaving a non-greasy clear finish, which makes it a great option for those with oily skin,” suggests Dr. Garshick. If you already have issues with clogged pores, you are safe with this sunscreen. “Importantly, it is non-comedogenic and oil-free so it won’t clog the pores, which is especially important for those with oily skin,” she says.  Bonus: The sheer tint makes it easy to wear alone or under makeup.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

For acne-prone skin, it’s important to look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. If breakouts and acne are something you struggle with you may, understandably, be hesitant to incorporate anything new into your skincare routine, but Dr. Garshick recommends using Elta MD UV Clear.

Dr. Garshick explains that in addition to offering broad-spectrum coverage, this formula also contains niacinamide, which calms and soothes the skin, reducing inflammation and redness that may be associated with acne flares. “It also contains lactic acid which may help to unclog the pores as well as hyaluronic acid which helps to moisturize the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. When you’re dealing with acne-prone skin you might be already using products that might cause dryness, so finding a sunscreen that also moisturizes is a huge plus.

Best for Combination Skin

If you struggle with combination skin (oily in some spots and dry in others), Dr. Garshick recommends trying La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, which is easily found in drugstores. “This ultralight sunscreen is mineral-based, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which is great for those with sensitive skin,” says Garshick. “It offers a fast-absorbing, lightweight texture that leaves behind a matte finish, making it a great option for those with combination skin,” she says. Bonus: In addition to providing broad-spectrum SPF coverage, this easy-to-apply sunscreen also offers antioxidant protection through the Cell-Ox Shield Technology.

Found your go-to sunscreen? Great! Shop our Summer Essentials to show off that healthy glow in style!

This post was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated with new content.