10 BEST SUNSCREENS FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN THAT PROTECT WITHOUT CAUSING BREAKOUTS
You’ve probably heard it a million times before but we should all be wearing sunscreen daily. Not only can it help guard skin against harmful UV rays, pollution and skin cancer, but it’s also a proven anti-ageing product.
If you have acne-prone skin, however, sunscreen can be a minefield. You may find the formulas too thick, too oily, too matte or not matte enough. While you should still be using a broad-spectrum sunscreen 365 days a year, finding the right product that won’t cause breakouts may require some trial and error.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Anastasia Therianou says: “Some products may clog the pores more, which, in turn, will aggravate the inflammatory response that causes spots. The easiest choice is an oil-free formula, which is usually non-comedogenic, meaning non-pore-blocking.”
In terms of UV filters, some say mineral options (with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) may be better for acne-prone and sensitive skin, versus chemical options, but, ultimately, it’s down to the formula. Generally, though, zinc is a great ingredient for promoting healthy skin.
Also look out for sunscreens with added anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as niacinamide and azelaic acid, says aesthetic doctor David Jack. If your skin is on the dry side, the addition of hyaluronic acid or other hydrating ingredients may be helpful, too. “Beyond ingredients, consider the formulation (gel, lotion or fluid) that works best with your skin type,” Dr Jack says.
Remember, sunscreen acts as a film on the skin, to provide adequate protection, so “cleansing is important, even if you aren’t wearing make-up”, Dr Therianou explains.
With all this in mind, we tested a range of sunscreens, to find out which ones worked best for our dry, acne-prone skin.
How we tested the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin
We tried and tested a selection of sunscreens, with different consistencies, over a few weeks. The texture of the sunscreens was considered, along with how well they worked for our acne-prone skin.
Following the advice of the doctors we spoke to, the first step was to perform a patch test in an area prone to breakouts, to see whether or not the formula would aggravate our acne. For each sunscreen, we patch tested around the chin area for a few days, before proceeding to apply the sunscreen across the whole face. We took a break of one or two days in between using each product and kept an eye out for any breakouts. While everyone has different skin types and various levels of being prone to acne, these are the products that performed best for us.
The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin 2024 are:
- Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin overall – La Roche Posay UVMUNE anthelios 400 invisible fluid, SPF 50+: £16, Lookfantastic.com
- Best budget sunscreen for acne-prone skin – Garnier, BHA + niacinamide daily UV fluid, SPF 50: £12, Amazon.co.uk
- Best mineral sunscreen for acne-prone skin – Naked Sundays SPF 50+ collagen glow: £28, Sephora.co.uk
- Best illuminating formula for acne-prone skin – Ultra Violette queen screen, SPF 50+: £38, Ultraviolette.co.uk
- Best for hydrating ingredients – Supergoop! mineral sheerscreen sunscreen, SPF 30: £29.94, Amazon.co.uk
La Roche Posay UVMUNE anthelios 400 invisible fluid, SPF 50+
We’ve been in love with this sunscreen for a long time – in fact, it was still called ‘shaka fluid’ when we first started using it. Since then, this product has only gotten better, with the addition of new UV filters to protect against photo ageing (when the sun prematurely ages skin).
Neither too oily nor too matte, the formula is very lightweight as well as being easy to apply – it’s incredibly fluid and simply disappears on the skin. It’s a great all-rounder, and topping up during the day couldn’t be easier.
Buy now £16.00, Lookfantastic.com
Garnier BHA + niacinamide daily UV fluid, SPF 50
Garnier sunscreens have always been great budget-friendly options but, this year, there are a few new versions to try, including this BHA and niacinamide option. On paper, this is perfect for acne-prone skin. It treats while protecting the skin, so it’s a good hybrid product – not all sunscreens boast such amazing acne-fighting ingredients.
The texture is very fluid, making it easy to apply and blend in, and it dries quickly. The finish is on the matte side, so, this would be great if your skin is oily. However, if you have dry skin, this may feel a bit drying and a little too matte for daily use.
Buy now £12.00, Amazon.co.uk
Vichy capital soleil UV-age daily SPF 50+
This is one of the most fluid and easy-to-blend-in products we tested. This product is on the dewy side and feels a little bit oily on the skin, which is something to keep in mind if you prefer a matte finish. However, it also comes in a matte version.
The fluid texture means topping up during the day will be very easy, too, even over make-up. We love the luminous finish, which works well on dry skin – it looks great on the skin on its own or under make-up.
Buy now £18.00, Lookfantastic.com
Ultra Violette queen screen SPF 50+
When this product arrived in the UK, our reviewer screamed with joy at being able to finally try such a cult, Aussie favourite. Australia has very strict sunscreen rules, so, you know you will be properly protected when purchasing a product approved for use there.
This formula works well under make-up, and it’s ideal for those who prefer a velvet-to-dewy finish (the brand has quite a few different formulas to pick from, depending on the finish you’d like).
The fluid serum formula comes with a pipette, for easier application – we apply one pipette at a time, to ensure proper blending. Keep in mind this formula is scented, which won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Buy now £38.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Naked Sundays SPF 50+ collagen glow
This product has many positive reviews online, so, we were curious to see how the 100 per cent mineral formula would fare, as this style of sunscreen can often be chalky on the skin and tricky to blend in.
We needn’t have worried, however – in fact, we were surprised by just how easy it is to apply this product. It doesn’t feel chalky, there is no white cast and the finish is normal to luminous.
The formula is quite moisturising, with a finish that’s on the glowy side at first but looks more matte as the day goes on. It doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin, either, considering it’s a 100 per cent mineral formula.
Buy now £28.00, Sephora.co.uk
Supergoop! mineral sheerscreen sunscreen, SPF 30
The whole Supergoop! range is very popular, and rightfully so. We found this product doesn’t feel chalky like some mineral formulas do. It feels quite hydrating on the skin and the finish is slightly luminous.
It blends in smoothly but this may take a little longer than some other formulas – you have to let it sit for five minutes after applying, as, at first, there is a slight white cast before it becomes one with the skin.
Buy now £29.94, Amazon.co.uk
Skin+Me daily defence oil-free sunscreen
One of the first non-prescription products developed by Skin+Me, this sunscreen was created for everyone. It has a lightweight formula and boasts a variety of skin-loving and antioxidant ingredients, while also being fragrance and oil-free.
It has a nice, creamy texture that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It feels moisturising, dries clear and will work well year-round. The finish is natural – not too matte, not too dewy.
Buy now £19.99, Skinandme.com
Evy Technology daily defence face mousse, SPF 50
With a unique technology formulated as a mouse texture, Evy is the first brand we have seen to create such a product. This daily sunscreen offers a lot of hydration and nourishment – if you have oily skin, you could even skip your moisturiser on warm days.
To apply, shake the bottle well and dispense a golf-ball-sized amount. It takes a while to get the hang of the application and blending process but the finish is non-sticky and luminous. It’s slightly matte, but not too much so, and is said to be suitable for all skin types. The formula is available in a few different versions, so pick the one most suitable to your concerns.
Buy now £27.00, Amazon.co.uk
RMS supernatural radiance tinted serum, SPF 30
It’s great to have a make-up/skincare hybrid on hand for those days you don’t feel like applying make-up. The finish of this leans towards the matte side but there are reflective particles that provide some shine and luminosity to the skin.
The formula includes skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, quinoa seed extract and more, to nourish the skin while protecting it from the sun. Despite the variety of oils included in the formula, the product doesn’t feel oily on the skin, which is probably thanks to its mineral formula. This particular shade (medium aura) was too warm for our reviewer but the product comes in a lighter and darker shade, too.
Buy now £51.00, Spacenk.com
Alpha-H dawn to dusk SPF 50+ serum
We love Alpha-H, as it has great formulas and ingredients. It’s an Australian brand, so, we expect nothing less than very high UVA/UVB protection and SPF 50+, which this serum delivers.
The formula is quite fluid and comes with a pipette applicator. It’s easy to apply to the skin, and we were able to blend in the appropriate amount in less than two minutes. The finish is on the luminous side, while the sunscreen feels moisturising on the skin. It may not be suitable for very oily skin types, however, depending on how dewy you like your sunscreens.
This type of product also provides a great base for make-up – just leave time for your sunscreen to dry properly before applying anything else on top.
Buy now £36.99, Lookfantastic.com
Sunscreens for acne-prone skin FAQs
What should acne-sufferers look out for when picking a sunscreen?
When selecting a sunscreen (chemical or mineral) suitable for acne-prone skin, some ingredients should be avoided, as they are highly comedogenic, such as coconut oil, palm oil and mineral oil. You may also want to pick a fragrance-free product, to avoid any skin sensitivity. “Benzoyl alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin,” says Dr Jack, so should also be avoided. Meanwhile, “silicones, while not necessarily bad for acne-prone skin, can trap debris in the pores if not thoroughly washed off, so, removal is key”, adds Dr Jack.
“Labels like ‘non-comedogenic’, ‘oil-free’, and ‘suits acne-prone skin’ are not fail-safe ways of checking if [products] are good but may indicate a product has been designed for acne sufferers,” Dr Jack concludes.
The verdict: Sunscreens for acne-prone skin
Finding a sunscreen to suit your skin is now easier than ever – we are really spoiled for choice, across budget and high-end options. How dewy or matte you like the formula to be is a personal preference and will often depend on how oily or dry your skin is. If you want a great all-rounder, pick the fragrance-free La Roche Posay anthelios 400 invisible fluid or the Vichy capital soleil UV-age daily, if you’re fine with fragrance.
For the best acne-prone ingredients with a matte finish and a great price tag, check out the Garnier BHA + niacinamide daily UV fluid. If you want something more illuminating, pick up the Ultra Violette queen screen. Finally, if you are a fan of mineral formulas, Naked Sundays collagen glow is the one to know.
Make sure your SPF picks are planet-friendly, with our list of the best eco-friendly sunscreens
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2024-05-03T16:09:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd