Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

$40 at Amazon$40 at Ulta$40 at Dermstore

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Size: 7.2 oz 

Leave it to the French to create a gentle, milky, high-protection sunscreen that doesn’t aggravate the skin or cause flare-ups. Free from irritating fragrances and parabens, it’s a great choice for all skin types, given its natural finish and lightweight texture (which isn’t easy for a 50+ zinc-based product), although we wish it came in more than one shade.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “This sunscreen is as light as water, and I love how it blurs imperfections without leaving my skin greasy.”

Best Budget

Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen

$11

$11 at Amazon$13 at Ulta$15 at Target

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz 

On a budget? Blue Lizard is an excellent choice. Formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin, this sunscreen is not only fragrance-free but also contains soothing ingredients, such as green tea extract, which has calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Note that it takes some effort to rub it into the skin.

Best for Redness

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

$20

$14 at Amazon$20 at Ulta$20 at Dermstore

Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz

This weightless, breathable sunscreen from Hero Cosmetics was explicitly formulated for acne-prone skin (not surprising given the brand’s super popular acne patches). It’s made with sun-blocking zinc oxide, which is noncomedogenic and nonirritating. Since it has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily, it won’t sit on top of the skin or leave a cast. It only took two pumps to cover the entire face, and its subtle green tint neutralizes redness. It absorbs completely into the skin, without irritation, dryness, or shine. Instead, it imparts a subtle glow. It’s not water-resistant, though, so be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating.

Best Mineral

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

$73

$47 at Amazon$73 at Sephora$73 at Dermstore

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50+ | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 3.4 oz 

A mineral formula that has no white cast, absorbs easily, and doesn’t leave the skin greasy can be hard to come by, but this sunscreen from Isdin fits the bill. This is one of the more popular mineral options out there—it protects the skin without being difficult to apply or leaving a chalky residue. Formulated with photolyase, a DNA enzyme that helps repair prior sun damage, the sunscreen will heals the skin while protecting it from UV rays. We love its lightweight, watery texture that seamlessly sinks into skin, imparting a silky smooth finish that doesn’t pill under makeup or skincare. The finish is somewhat glowy, and it has a slight fragrance, though neither is too overpowering.

Stacey, tester with very dry skin: “This sunscreen spread like melted butter, and I loved how seamlessly it applied to the skin.”

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$15

$14 at Amazon$16 at Dermstore$14 at Target

Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Size: 2.5 oz

Made using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this SPF 50 is a protection powerhouse. It’s bolstered by niacinamide and ceramides to firm the skin barrier, prevent irritation, and hydrate during wear. We found it slightly thick, but it leaves the skin soft and velvety once absorbed. And the price can’t be beat.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Face Reality Mineral Matte SPF28

View on Facerealityskincare.com

Type: Mineral | SPF: 28 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Size: 2 oz

Aesthetician Claudia Flynn often recommends this noncomedogenic formula to her clients, as it’s designed specifically for folks with acne- and rosacea-prone skin. Formerly known as Ultimate Protection, this formula is everything of the sort. It contains mineral sun-blocking ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as skin-soothing ingredients like honeysuckle flower extract and allantoin. Those with oily skin will also appreciate its matte finish. Our only complaint is that it leaves a subtle white cast.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin, Runner-Up

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$45

$43 at AmazonView on Dermstore$45 at Target

Type: Mineral and chemical hybrid | SPF: 46 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Size: 1.7 oz

Derms and celebs alike are fans of this SPF from Elta MD, probably because it’s designed specifically for pigmented, oily, and acne-prone skin types (aka most of us). It’s a hybrid formula that features both mineral and chemical blockers, containing skin-clearing niacinamide, lactic acid to prevent congestion, and hyaluronic acid for a dose of moisture. Just be sure to apply as much as you need, but no more; excessive application can leave a slight residue on the skin.

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Black Girl Sunscreen

$30

$29 at Amazon$16 at TargetView on Publiclands.com

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate | Size: 3 oz

As the name suggests, Black Girl Sunscreen was formulated specifically for those with dark skin, so it dries completely clear and won’t leave a chalky finish. Our first impression of the sunscreen was that it has a creamy, almost mousse-like texture that blends effortlessly without streaks—providing a healthy, natural-looking glow. It doesn’t leave a cakey finish. Instead, it absorbs like your standard moisturizer. It earns bonus points from us for being both super hydrating and water-resistant for 80 minutes. The only downside is that it can leave an excessive sheen on oily skin. 

Shannon Stubbs, writer: “It’s easy to apply, leaves a clear but glowy finish, and adds hydration without feeling heavy. I loved the lightweight, creamy texture, and it didn’t take too long to rub into the skin.”

Best for Mature Skin

Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear SPF 50

$42 at TargetView on Murad.com

Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene | Size: 1.7 oz

For mature skin, we recommend pretty much all of Murad’s products, but especially this one. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF protection, the brand’s Multi-Vitamin Clear Gel SPF 50 is packed with antioxidants to safeguard your skin from multiple causes of damage and photoaging, including UVA, UVB, and environmental stressors, which can be detrimental to your skin and cause premature aging. It also goes on completely clear and boosts skin resilience over time. 

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “I was shocked when I saw this product’s texture. It’s completely clear and it looks and feels a lot like the gel-based primers I love.”

Best Tinted

Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50

$44 at Sephora$44 at NordstromView on Supergoop.com

Type: Mineral and chemical hybrid | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalate, octisalate | Size: 1.18 oz

If you prefer a bit of coverage, we recommend the Supergoop! Protec(tint). Offering a glowy, natural wash of coverage, this skin tint-slash-SPF lets you skip foundation and concealer while protecting your skin from the sun. It features a second-skin finish that helps offset the appearance of redness, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. Plus, it comes in 14 blendable and flexible shades that deliver effective SPF protection without a white cast. We recommend it for no-makeup days to neutralize rosacea and breakouts without sacrificing skin health. 

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “I’ve never once gotten sunburned while wearing this SPF, and I’ve been using it for over a year. I’ve also gotten so many compliments on my skin—even on less than perfect skin days—because of how well this formula blends in with my skin and makes it glow.”

Best Clear

SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50

$54 at DermstoreView on Skinceuticals.comView on Lovelyskin.com

Type: Mineral and chemical hybrid | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalate, octocrylene | Size: 1.01 oz

Designed specifically for individuals with acne- and redness-prone skin, this unique mineral and chemical hybrid SPF protects against UV rays, reduces redness, and hydrates the skin throughout wear. It’s noncomedogenic (so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores) and, thanks to the hybrid formulation, offers even distribution of actives for a light, nongreasy feel on the skin. It goes on clear and feels almost like a moisturizer, so rest assured that it’ll pair nicely with whatever you place under or on top of it. 

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “My sister, a nurse works in a dermatologist office, recently recommended this to me. She, like me, has rosacea, and noticed a drastic difference in redness after using this daily. It’s your one-way ticket to calm, well-protected skin.”