A broad spectrum sunscreen should be our first line of daily defense against early signs of aging like dark spots, skin sagging and wrinkles, yet so many people still haven’t found a facial SPF that they love.
UPDATE: Best Drugstore Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin 2023
One of the most common excuses for skipping sunscreen is that it causes breakouts. Yes, sunscreens have historically gotten a bad rap for being thick, pore-clogging and greasy, but thankfully today’s formulas are better than ever!
SPF has come a long way, and in fact some next-level sunscreens even offer additional benefits like boosting hydration, controlling excess oil and creating a matte finish for your makeup. That’s definitely the best of both worlds for those with acne-prone skin like me (and leaves us with no excuse to skip our daily dose of SPF!)
Little known fact: The absolute minimum level of SPF you need to use is SPF 30—anything lower simply isn’t that effective. Surprisingly, anything higher than SPF 60 doesn’t actually provide much better protection.
If you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts and dislike how most sunscreens feel (heavy or greasy), you need to try one of the best drugstore sunscreens for acne prone skin listed below, most of them are under $15. You can wear these alone or under makeup, just make sure you slather one on every morning!
1. Differin Oil Control Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30 ($10.44)
This oil-free moisturizer with SPF is the perfect sun protection solution for those with oily, acne-prone skin! It has an ultra-lightweight fluid lotion texture that feels lightly hydrating without being greasy or sticky.
Not only is the formula non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) but it actually absorbs excess oil. It dries down to a natural matte finish without any white cast or unwanted shine.
2. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 30 ($14)
Formulated specially for combination to oily skin, this lotion is truly lightweight and won’t turn you into a greaseball by lunchtime.It gives your skin room to breathe (no clogged pores) and won’t cause or make breakouts worse. Infused with Ceramides, it moisturizes with a matte finish and blends seamlessly with no white cast.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($20)
La Roche Posay totally nailed it with this ultra-light and non-greasy sunscreen that is proven non-comedogenic and specifically designed for those who always have a “good excuse” for skipping sunscreen!
Even better, it also absorbs pore-clogging oil. The lightweight, oil-absorbing formula dries down instantly for a mattifying effect and keeps greasy shine under control even in heat and humidity. This oil-free sunscreen is also water resistant (80 minutes).
4. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 ($7.99)
For serious sun protection with a weightless finish, you can’t go wrong with this formula that’s truly sheer and super light. It really does have a dry finish for a clean, invisible matte feel on the skin which is especially great for oily to very oily skin types.
Fast-absorbing and waterproof, the broad-spectrum formula is also enriched with antioxidants to help skin fight the harm caused by environmental damage.
5. Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30 ($14)
Specially formulated for oily skin, this multi-tasking moisturizer helps absorb oil, reduce shine, hydrate and provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It has an ultra-lightweight, oil-free formula with a long-lasting matte finish that’s perfect for those struggling with acne and clogged pores. Also, it wears well under makeup.
6. Coppertone Defend & Care Oil Free Sunscreen Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($6.97)
This oil-free sunscreen has a delightfully lightweight texture that doesn’t feel thick or greasy, so you can slather away without worrying about breakouts! The fragrance-free formula delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection without clogging your pores and is also water resistant (80 minutes).
7. Banana Boat Dry Balance Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($6.40)
This sunscreen lets you have fun in the sun without feeling greasy or sticky! Formulated to absorb excess moisture, the lightweight lotion dries with a soft matte finish and keeps your skin protected from the sun with a fresh, dry and comfortable feel. Also water-resistant (up to 80 minutes).
8. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($8.49)
Perfect for anyone who shies away from high-SPF sunscreens due to their thick texture or tacky finish, this silky suncreen will have you covered from everyday to vacay! Its elegantly lightweight texture absorbs instantly with a shine-free finish that works beautifully alone or under makeup and moisturizers.
Beyond the powerful protection from sun damage, the oil-free formula also includes antioxidants to help protect skin from harmful free radicals.
9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Ultra-Light Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($33.50)
Dealing with breakouts and sensitive skin can feel like a double whammy, but this tinted sunscreen ticks all the right boxes for temperamental skin: 100% mineral SPF protection, lightweight and fast absorbing fluid texture, matte finish and fragrance-free. Perfect for when you want strong sun protection without looking (or feeling) like a greasy mess!
It’s also infused with a powerful antioxidant complex to help protect skin from free radicals that can cause premature skin aging. Even better, it also provides sheer coverage to even out your skin tone on makeup-free days.
10. Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Sunscreen SPF 55 ($6.89)
True to its name, this oil-free sunscreen for acne-prone skin doesn’t cause or exacerbate breakouts. The non-comedogenic formula has a water-light, silky texture with a weightless matte finish that lets your skin breathe.
It’s formulated with Helioplex Technology that provides reliable broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while being water resistant (80 minutes).
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Now a lot of sun protection products and it is difficult to choose the best.