If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that sun protection is one of the most important steps in any good skincare routine. It’s the secret to healthy and youthful skin. According to research, regular sunscreen use slows down aging in both men and women.
Also, we don’t need to tell you that UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn, dark spots, saggy skin, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So, wearing sunscreen is not exactly an option — it’s an absolute necessity. At the same time, it’s also important that you use quality products.
But things can get a little tricky when you have acne-prone skin. You see, some of the sunscreens are comedogenic, meaning they can clog your pores. And using such formulas can do a number on your skin.
Lucky for you, we scoured the web to find you the best non-comedogenic sunscreens available on the market. These formulas are designed to provide broad-spectrum sun protection without clogging your pores and irritating your skin.
Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens Reviewed
1. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Sunscreen
This non-comedogenic sunscreen from EltaMD is one of the most popular products, and it’s recommended by dermatologists all around the world. It features a broad-spectrum SPF of 46 to protect you from harmful UV rays.
The formula is lightweight and feels almost invisible on the skin, so it’s a great option for your face. And it’s oil- and fragrance-free, so your skin won’t break out.
When it comes to acne-prone skin, this is by far the best money can buy. The reason it’s so effective? Well, for starters, it’s loaded with some of the most powerful and skin-loving ingredients. It contains niacinamide that soothes irritation and cancels out redness.
Hyaluronic acid boosts the hydration levels in your skin. There’s also lactic acid that clears your pores. Niacinamide and lactic acid also help in lightening dark spots, which is great for someone with melasma or hyperpigmentation.
Overall, it’s a complete package. But hey, don’t take our word for it. Check out what Amazon shoppers have to say about this holy grail product.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Sunscreen
Too much oil can lead to clogged pores and eventually acne breakouts. So, it’s in our best interest to avoid sunscreens that exacerbate oily skin. Luckily, La Roche-Posay has developed a unique formula for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
Thanks to SPF 60, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum sun protection without clogging your pores. In addition, it also absorbs pore-clogging oil and prevents acne breakouts.
You’ll love that this formula works well even in the intense heat and humidity. And it goes on like a dream and doesn’t leave a greasy film behind.
What’s more, it’s fortified with antioxidants to fight free radicals. And it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. For those with sensitive skin, it’s a great choice for you! The formula is clinically-tested and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
Your skin is gonna love this product. Just be sure to apply it every 2 hours for maximum protection.
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
Looking for an affordable drugstore pick? Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen. Not only is it non-comedogenic, but it’s also free of parabens, fragrance, and oxybenzone.
The formula incorporates dry-touch technology to give you a matte, oil-free look. It’s very lightweight, so it won’t feel heavy on your skin. You can use it on both the face and body.
Since it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can jump into the pool or indulge in your favorite aquatic activities without any worries. And it absorbs really quickly without leaving a white cast.
Rest assured that it won’t cause acne breakouts. More importantly, you don’t have to shell out big bucks for this sunscreen, so it’s easy on your wallet as well.
4. COOLA Mineral Face Matte Tint Sunscreen
If you’re all about clean beauty and skincare, this is the sunscreen you should contemplate adding to your skincare routine. It’s made with natural rosehip oil that moisturizes and brightens your skin.
Rosehip oil also contains nourishing fatty acids in abundance to keep your skin healthier overall. Primrose and flaxseed oils improve the skin’s elasticity and boost moisture retention.
Shea moisture hydrates and calms your skin. What’s even more, the formula is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. And it’s also reef-safe.
The best part? It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily, sensitive, combination, and of course, acne-prone skin. It’s also unscented.
This non-comedogenic sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast or residue. You’ll be left with a true matte finish.
5. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defence
If you’re struggling with an uneven skin tone, this tinted sunscreen from SkinCeuticals is your answer. It’s a 100% physical sunscreen that provides a broad spectrum of sun protection against UV rays of the sun.
There are no toxic ingredients, so it’s safe for everyone. This formula will also add a healthy glow to your skin. Thanks to its SPF level of 50, the sun rays won’t be able to do a number on your skin.
The formula is extremely lightweight, so it absorbs quickly into the skin. Another notable quality? It’s highly moisturizing. So, if you have dry skin, you’re gonna be raving about this product soon.
Sure, it has all those qualities, but it’s really expensive. And that’s one thing we didn’t quite like about this product.
6. Image Skincare Prevention+ SPF 50 Moisturizer
This is another amazing sunscreen that comes loaded with SPF 50 to keep you safe while you enjoy outdoor activities. It boasts an impressive star rating of 4.8, so you know it’s very well received.
The zinc oxide-based formula protects your skin without causing any damage. It’s non-irritating and your skin will love it. Those acne breakouts don’t stand a chance against this non-comedogenic sunscreen.
The highlight of this sunscreen is the inclusion of apple stem cells that fights signs of aging and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, there are powerful plant extracts that fight and repair sun damage.
Then there’s Digital Aging Defense that not only protects you from environmental stressors, but it also protects you from blue light.
What’s more, it goes on smoothly and you won’t feel oily or greasy. It’s suitable for oily skin as well. You’ll also love that it has a lovely smell. It doesn’t have that unpleasant sunscreen smell.
7. Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Moisturizer
With skin-loving ingredients such as green tea polyphenols, caffeine, and squalene, this is one of the best sunscreens available on the market.
Green tea polyphenols possess anti-inflammatory properties. What’s more, they may also be effective against skin cancer and aging. Caffeine, on the other hand, brightens and tightens the skin. And squalene increases hydration and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier.
When there are so many hero skincare ingredients packed in a product, the results are guaranteed. You’ll never have to worry about clogged pores as it doesn’t contain any pore-clogging ingredients.
Coming to sun protection, it has an SPF level of 50, so your skin is safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The formula is fast-absorbing and also functions as an excellent makeup primer. The best part? It’s actually a moisturizer with broad-spectrum sun protection. So, you don’t really need a separate moisturizer. And we all love products that save us time.
The problem? It’s very expensive.
8. CeraVe Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Looking for a product that’s both effective and affordable? Meet this face moisturizer from Cerave that comes with SPF of 30. You will love it for a number of reasons.
First off, it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic. Meaning clogged pores will be history now. Secondly, it’s formulated with one of the most hydrating ingredients — hyaluronic acid. So not only it protects you from the sun, but it also keeps you moisturized.
Of course, you won’t be needing a moisturizer so long as you have this product in your arsenal. It also contains ceramides to keep your skin safe from pollution, dirt, irritants, and other environmental aggressors.
To top it off, it’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Seriously, it has everything you could ever ask for in a sunscreen.
9. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen
Powerful yet lightweight, this sunscreen from Paula’s Choice is a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It delivers a smooth matte finish, and it won’t feel heavy or greasy on your face.
The formula is water- and sweat-resistant, so you can always enjoy your favorite outdoor sports without any problems. It goes on smooth and dries really quickly.
What’s more, it contains tons of antioxidants and vitamins to not only protect your skin from environmental damage but to also keep it nourished.
The formula also contains kaolin, which is known for its oil-absorbing properties. Oh, and did we mention that it’s non-comedogenic? Yes, it won’t cause your skin to break out. And it’s made with the safest ingredients you could find in a sunscreen.
There are no parabens, sulfates, or fragrances. Time to bid farewell to that acne-prone skin!
10. Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Fortified with an SPF of 70, Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion is a dermatologist-approved non-comedogenic sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
If you buy products based on customer reviews, you’ll be happy to know that it has a near-perfect star rating on Amazon. There are so many happy customers all around the world, which is a testament to its efficacy.
It’s packed with vitamin E, so it will lighten and brighten your skin. Additionally, vitamin E is also helpful in reducing inflammation and keeping your skin moisturized.
The formula is gluten-free and hypoallergenic, so it’s suitable for those with sensitive complexions. Furthermore, it doesn’t leave a white cast, which is always a win.
For the best results, make sure to apply this sunscreen every 2 hours. Trust us, you’re gonna love this product and your skin’s gonna love it too.
11. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
This 100% mineral-based sunscreen is an excellent choice for those who don’t like putting harmful chemicals on their skin. It has a lightweight texture that feels almost invisible on your skin.
The formula contains a boatload of antioxidants and DNA-repairing enzymes. Meaning in addition to sun protection, it will also repair your skin. The cherry on top? It doesn’t leave a white cast or greasy residue.
This product uses zinc oxide to block those harmful UV rays, and it feels lovely on the skin. The formula is, of course, non-comedogenic. So, the folks with sensitive and acne-prone skin need not worry.
Also, ISDIN is an established brand that started over 45 years ago. They’ve been around a really long time, so you can actually count on their products to deliver.
12. Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder
This sunscreen contains a powerful duo of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to work its magic. It offers broad-spectrum sun protection, so you’re safe from UVA, UVB, and Infrared rays.
The formula is natural, non-irritating, and lightweight. You can wear it under or above your makeup. And there will be no greasy residue. Isn’t that great?
What’s more, it’s also reef-safe. It’s also portable. You can carry it anywhere you like with ease. The self-dispensing brush makes the application so much easier.
It’s vegan-friendly and doesn’t contain parabens or sulfates. You’ll also love that it’s suitable for sensitive skin types. The not-so-good part about this sunscreen is its price. It’s priced very high, so keep that in mind if you’re on a budget.
Should You Wear Sunscreen If You Have Acne-Prone Skin?
So, do you really need sunscreen if you have acne-prone skin? You bet! You see, sun exposure can cause inflammation and irritation. It can also cause flaky skin, which further leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
And it can disrupt the acne healing process as well. Not to mention, there’s also the risk of acne scarring.
Furthermore, if you don’t wear sunscreen, you’re always at risk of premature aging, melasma, cancer, and whatnot. So, you should never skip sunscreen.
But the catch is that some sunscreens can clog pores. And it would be the worst nightmare for someone with acne-prone skin. That’s where a non-comedogenic sunscreen comes in.
They’re made specifically to unclog pores and prevent breakouts while offering sun protection. As long as you have a non-comedogenic sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about sun damage or acne breakouts.
How to Choose a Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin?
Okay, so we now know that sunscreen is important for everyone regardless of their skin type. But when selecting a sunscreen for acne-prone skin, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Oil-Free
The first thing to keep in mind is to look for oil-free formulas. Products that contain oil tend to make your skin oily. Therefore, you should avoid that.
And as you already know, it’s important to look for the label “non-comedogenic.” This ensures that the product is free of pore-clogging ingredients.
Lightweight Formulas
If you have normal or dry skin, then you can go with sunscreen lotions or creamy formulas. However, if your complexion is on the oilier side, your best bet would be sheer lotions or sunscreen gel.
It’s important to choose lightweight formulas so that your skin doesn’t feel like an oil slick.
Oxybenzone- and PABA-Free
When you’ve sensitive skin that breaks out easily, your best bet is a formula that doesn’t contain oxybenzone and PABA. They have the tendency to freak out your skin. So, you should steer clear of such formulas.
Conclusion
Whether you should wear sunscreen or not isn’t something that’s up for debate. The truth is that you can’t have a flawless complexion if you’re out there in the sun without sun protection.
And when you have acne-prone skin, leaving your skin unprotected can exacerbate the condition. Therefore, you should never forget to put on sun protection.
Hopefully, this guide helped you find the best non-comedogenic sunscreen that fits your needs. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.
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