Everyone should always wear sunscreen to protect our skin from sun damage, which can cause skin cancer and other signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and brown spots. The use of sunscreen is not a closely guarded secret. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and with hundreds of different options available, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.
Regardless, there are a few things you should keep in mind at all times when weighing your options. If you have oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, or simply want a sunscreen that layers well under makeup, we’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives, ranging from chemical to mineral, and included it below.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
This French pharmacy staple, one of our 2019 beauty picks at Byrdie HQ, protects and replenishes your skin with Cell-Ox Shield technology—broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection and antioxidants. It’s also paraben- and oil-free, and it’s available in most drugstores around the world.
It seems that there must be a reason for this sunscreen’s popularity. This sunscreen was created specifically for people of color, and it is completely sheer, so there will be no chalky residue. Avocado and jojoba oil are both beneficial to people with all skin tones and can be worn under makeup without causing any issues.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
Mineral sunscreen from MDSolarSciences is your best bet for all-over sun protection. This product contains antioxidants, ceramides, and humectants to keep your skin hydrated, and its broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection shields you from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. When it comes to protecting your skin from sun spots and more serious skin disorders such as skin cancer, you can rely on a formula recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
The Invisible Shield by Glossier is a transparent sunscreen that applies more like a serum than a thick lotion. This water-gel mixture contains vitamin E, vitamin P, broccoli, and aloe leaf extract to combat free radicals. It will not clog your pores and contains no comedogenic or paraben ingredients. It is completely transparent, leaving no white residue on your face, and it has a light but pleasant aroma (thanks to the delicious orange peel oil).
