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Let this serve as your daily remember that the best sunscreen for face is the undisputed, expert-recommended step to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Year-round, SPF is the most effective way to shield skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, as well as premature aging, which is the primary cause of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, blotchiness, discoloration, and textural abnormalities.
Vogue s Favorite Facial Sunscreens
- Best Sunscreen for Everyday: Chanel UV Essentiel Complete SPF 50, $60
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $42
- Best Dermatologist-Approved: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, $41
- Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Milk SPF 100, $27
- Best Chemical Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $38
- Best for a Glow: Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++, $40
- Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+, $60
“We are increasingly seeing skin cancer in younger individuals,” cautions dermatologist Julie Karen, MD. “If that doesn’t convince someone to protect themselves, then we can rightfully appeal to their vanity. The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes we see within the skin that are often attributed to aging.” And while understanding the importance of protecting skin against UV rays is of utmost importance in any regimen, finding one you’ll actually choose to wear each day is a common barrier—which is where we come in. Upon testing dozens of sunscreens—from the classics to each new bottle that hits our desk—along with speaking to esteemed dermatologists and estheticians, we evaluated them all to bring you this edit of the best of the best (each of which have been tested and worn IRL!). A look at all of the best facial sunscreens, below.
In This Story
- What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen
- What is Broad Spectrum?
- How Much Sunscreen to Use on Your Face
- Mineral vs Chemical
- What sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists?
- Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Even Indoors?
- How to Apply (and Reapply) Properly
- How long does sunscreen last?
- Which SPF is Best for Face?
- Meet the Experts
Best Mineral Sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
- Why We Like It: Looking for a featherweight, blends-right-in mineral option? The SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 fluid is just that, with special ingredient artemia salina, a plankton extract that naturally boosts skin’s UV defense and fights against redness brought on by heat. “It contains a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in an elegant formulation that is very protective and yet feels so light on the skin," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "This is well-designed for normal to combination skin. It blends easily into skin without looking cakey or leaving a white cast.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Zinc oxide 5%, Titanium dioxide 6%)
- Key Ingredients: Artemia salina
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Serum
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No, but the brand does offer a tinted alternative.
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Lightweight texture sinks into skin | Can feel greasy on oily skin types |
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
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- Why We Like It: One of the industry s most beloved drugstore mineral suncreens, La Roche-Posay s Anthelios combats broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays through sensitive skin-friendly titanium dixoxide. Antioxidants, silica, vitamin E, and thermal spring water are featured too; plus, iron oxides which deliver a universal tint suitable for most skin types. “The ‘ultra-light’ in La Roche-Posay’s tinted sunscreen is accurate: It has a weightless texture, while still delivering a subtle tint (which doesn’t streak or stain clothes) with SPF 50 coverage," Vogue s senior shopping editor Talia Abbas tells. "It’s also waterproof—on vacation last summer summer, I would use this one before swimming and it wouldn’t budge. A true fave!”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (the Tinted uses titanium dioxide 11%, while the other shades use titanium dioxide 17% and zinc oxide 8%)
- Key Ingredients: Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, iron oxides, vitamin E
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lotion
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: Yes, four shades
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 1.7 oz / 50 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
| Lightweight yet hydrating texture is great for most skin types | Shade range can be limiting for deeper skin tones |
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Why We Like It: Chanel’s UV Essentiel sunscreen has quickly captured the hearts of Vogue editors. “As someone who doesn t wear much makeup, Chanel’s SPF 50 is the perfect top layer to my skin care routine,” senior shopping market editor Madeline Fass tells. “It goes on smoothly like a light to mid-weight moisturizer, and feels like one on the skin too. Plus, I have sensitive skin and eyes, and this one doesn’t irritate my skin or make me tear up!” Senior shopping editor Talia Abbas is also a fan of the formula. “My sunscreen application needs work (oops), but when I do decide to wear it—it’s always this one. I appreciate the soft fragrance it leaves behind!” Abbas says. One might expect the milky cream to leave a white cast, but instead, it disappears almost immediately upon application to reveal a weightless glow perfect for daily wear. Not to mention, the formula features a “skin-strengthening complex,” per Dr. Camp, of blue ginger sourced from Chanel’s laboratory in Madagascar and Tahitian gardenia extract to help fortify the skin barrier. “If you’re someone to combine skincare and glamour, this one is for you,” says Gunn.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5%)
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, moringa oil, jojoba esters, squalane, ginger root extract, licorice root extract, shea butter extract
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Creamy, nourishing formula is excellent for dry skin types | Features a light fragrance so may not be best for sensitivities |
Best Korean Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
- Why We Like It: When Vogue contributor Deanna Pai reported on the best Korean sunscreens, she found these formulas to be more appealing than their American counterparts because they are enjoyable to use and feature more advanced sunscreen filters than those found in the U.S. And while there are a handful of excellent K-beauty SPFs to take your pick of, Beauty of Joseon s continues to rise in popularity—for not only its 50+ SPF protection but also its incredible blend of probiotics, niacinamide, and rice extract that improve the look of skin over time. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Chang, MD has signed off on its soothing, nourishing ingredient complex. She says that Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen “does not leave a white cast and feels moisturizing to the skin, making it great for daily use.” Not to mention, it s a personal favorite. Its weightless, almost soufflé-like texture sinks instantly—revealing a natural glow.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol)
- Key Ingredients: Rice extract 30%, grain-derived probiotics
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 50 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
| Creamy and lightweight formula is excellent for all skin types |
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Why We Like It: Both all-business in terms of protection and impressively lightweight on the skin, this dermatologist favorite blocks UVA and UVB rays with clear zinc oxide while gently addressing skin-care needs. “I frequently recommend UV Clear to my acne-prone or oily skin patients for excellent sun protection that won’t promote breakouts," Dr. Murphy-Rose details. "And my patients love it! [This] is non-comedogenic and formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide to prevent acne and reduce inflammation.” Doses of sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide restore hydration, while lactic acid helps to unclog pores and control shine. Plus, it s our pick for top sunscreen for sensitive skin.
- Chemical or Mineral: Both (Zinc oxide 9.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%)
- Key Ingredients: 5% Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- SPF Level: SPF 46
- Texture: Silky lotion
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Potent, yet gentle formula oft-recommended by dermatologists | Lotion texture can feel thick on combination to oily skin types |
Best Feel: Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Sunscreen
- Why We Like It: “This is one of my favorite mineral sunscreens because it delivers effective SPF protection with an incredibly lightweight, silky texture,” celebrity esthetician Kristin Gunn says. “It blends into the skin with no white cast, making it ideal for a wide range of skin tones. Plus, since it also contains squalane and antioxidants, it feels more like a skin-care step than just sun protection.” We couldn t agree more with her sentiments. Vogue s social media manager Taylor Lashley shared it as her go-to sunscreen for its “lightweight, serum-like consistency” that leaves my skin feeling extremely hydrated without weighing it down. And unlike many mineral sunscreens, this blends into skin seamlessly—with zero white cast, of course.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Zinc oxide 9.4%)
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, Vitamin E, bisabolol
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Serum
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz / 50 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
| Weightless, serum-y texture is pleasant to apply | Can pill if layered with too many products |
Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Daily Mineral SPF 50+
- Why We Like It: Users love the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen because of its derm-approved composition that pairs well with supercharged ingredients like tretinoin and retinol. Dr. Murphy-Rose describes it as “[a] great lightweight mineral sunscreen that offers excellent sun protection while also repairing some existing damage with enzymes called DNA Repairsomes”—pairing zinc oxide with a plankton-derived reparative enzyme and vitamin E to combat signs of aging and protect against future damage.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Zinc oxide 11%)
- Key Ingredients: DNA Repairsomes, vitamin E
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 3.4 fl. oz / 100 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
| Exceptionally gentle, even on gentle skin types | Formula can feel greasy on combination to oily skin types |
Best for a Glow: Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++
- Why We Like It: Kosas s DreamBeam SPF was already a hit after its 2023 launch; and last year, the beloved formula received a sunkissed upgrade with the introduction of its new Sunlit shade—which delivers a golden glow perfect for sunny days ahead and deeper skin tones. Tint aside, DreamBeam is clean, non-comedogenic, and silicone-free—utilizing a non-nano zinc oxide for a physical UV barrier. All of this makes it excellent for sensitive skin types—all qualities that make Gunn eager to recommend it. “They use a blend of mineral protection and skin-smoothing peptides,” she says. “This one works beautifully under makeup without feeling heavy or chalky.” Not to mention, it’s packed with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin to keep your complexion fresh, nourished, and calm.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (non-nano zinc 21.7%)
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
- SPF Level: SPF 40
- Texture: Lotion
- Broad Spectrum: No
- Tinted: Yes, Two—shade Original has a peachy-pink hue, while shade Sunlit offers a golden bronze
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Dewy
- Size: 1.3 oz / 40 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
| Radiant finish lends itself well under makeup | Can pill if layered with too many products |
Best for Combination Skin: Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50
- Why We Like It: Australian cosmetics label Ultra Violette has finally launched stateside—meaning Americans can finally get the Aussie sunscreen treatment with silky smooth formulas designed to ward of damaging UV rays with ease. In its lineup, Future Screen rises is an editor favorite. Boasting a lightweight, serum-like texture, this imparts a natural finish—offering hydration and calming properties via squalane and hyaluronic acid. “Made with a technologically advanced mineral UVA UVB filter,” per board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, this yields mineral SPF 50 protection by way of Japanese zinc oxide—gentle, and white cast-free suited for sensitive and normal-to-oily skin types.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Zinc oxide 20%)
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Serum
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: Yes, but it s very minimal and delivers no white cast
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Nourishing formula that s great for all skin types | Slightly tinted that can be too warm for very pale skin tones |
Best Invisible Sunscreen: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
- Why We Like It: Supergoop!’s Unseen goes on crystal clear, which makes it so popular amongst beauty enthusiasts and people of color. “While it is not a physical blocker, it does afford great broad spectrum chemical protection in a very popular formulation that does not leave a white cast and blends seamlessly,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. The oil-free formula feels almost like a primer—enriched by red algae, frankincense, and a meadowfoam oil complex to soothe, protect, and moisturize.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 9%)
- Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, chamomile-derived bisabolol, licorice root, skin-gripping polymers
- SPF Level: SPF 40
- Texture: Silky primer
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Goes on completely clear so no need to fear a white cast | Silky, primer-like texture not best for those used to a traditional cream |
Best for Oily Skin: Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum
- Why We Like It: I’m a big proponent of the water-gel moisturizer so this Coola sunscreen was truly love at first try. Those equally as invested in the texture of their formulas, or those with dry and oily-skewing skin, should add this to cart to experience its refreshing qualities IRL. With the feel of a hydrating face cream, this sinks well into skin—as a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe, and coconut water seep in to replenish moisture levels. Per Dr. Camp, this also features “marine-derived alaria esculenta extract, an ingredient extracted from brown seaweed rich in amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants” for added benefits. Gunn would recommend it too: “This one is great for hydration and sun protection in one, making it perfect for those with dehydrated skin who want a refreshing, weightless SPF option,” she says.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 3.0%, homosalate 6.0%, octisalate 5.0%, octocrylene 7.0%)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, organic aloe, organic coconut water, BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress Technology
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Water-gel
- Broad Spectrum: No
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| Water-gel formula is refreshing to apply | Bottle and pump can be fragile |
Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55
- Why We Like It: This drugstore steal is a favorite across the board. “This chemical (organic) lightweight sunscreen offers SPF 55 protection in a formula that is non-greasy, oxybenzone free, Hawaii Act 104 compliant, enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, and provides a non-shiny finish,” Camp says of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer—all qualities that make Gunn call it “perfect to throw in your bag for the beach, hiking, et cetera.” It’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, and water-resistant on top of yielding robust chemical UV coverage and gliding on like a dream to undetectable effect.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed jojoba esters
- SPF Level: SPF 55
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: No
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 3 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
| SPF level and water-resistant qualities make it excellent for active days | Lotion texture can feel thick to apply |
Best Powder Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
- Why We Like It: The brush-on powder formula of this Colorescience sunscreen makes it great for reapplication during the day. With four shades to choose from, just swipe on this sweat- and water-resistant SPF on the go. “This is a lightweight SPF powder that you brush onto your skin and sits well over makeup," says Dr. Tomassian. "Easy way to reapply!” Murphy-Rose is a fan of it too “for the moments when you have a full face of makeup but need to reapply sunscreen, this Colorescience product is tried and true.”
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Titanium dioxide 22.5%, zinc oxide 22.5%)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, grape seed extract, green tea leaf extract
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Powder
- Broad Spectrum: Yes
- Tinted: Yes, there are four shades.
- White Cast: No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.21 oz. / 6 g
| Love It | Leave It |
| Mattifies without cakiness | Shade range is limited |
What to Look for in a Face Sunscreen
SPF Level: “Picking a sunscreen does not have to be complicated!” Tomassian bids. “Look for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. You want to use at least two finger lengths of sunscreen for the full face, and when you are out in the sun, reapply every two hours to maintain adequate sun protection.” Apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside.
Type: According to Murphy-Rose, physical sunscreens (otherwise known as physical sunscreens, or sunblock) provide a physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays, while chemical sunscreens work by chemicals penetrating the skin and then absorb UV rays to prevent sun damage and skin cancer. “Although both can be incredibly effective, chemical sunscreens can be somewhat more irritating to sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Nazarian. “Physical sunscreens are a bit more stable, but are also a little more occlusive and can trap heat, so it may feel a little heavier than the chemical sunscreens.” Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral sunscreen agents to look out for.
Texture: How the sunscreen sits on the skin can make all the difference in your wear. Those looking for something under makeup might appreciate a lightweight formula or something with a primer-like texture. Conversely, someone with dry skin might consider a richer, emollient formula similar to a face cream. That being said, keep your routine (and skin type) in mind when selecting your SPF this year.
White Cast: A white cast is that white, almost-purple hue left behind after applying some sunscreens. This often happens with mineral formulas that utilize zinc oxide to provide a physical barrier between the skin and sun rays. Fortunately, most sunscreens these days—even mineral options—do not leave a white cast.
Broad Spectrum: The term broad spectrum means that your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If a sunscreen is not labeled “broad-spectrum” it only protects against UVB rays, meaning you are more susceptible to damage from UVA rays.
Editors’ Review: Trust that our editorial team has tested each sunscreen on this list (and more, that were not featured!) to ensure we can speak to texture and sensitivity concerns. That being said, if our editors feel strongly about any given formula, you’ll see the endorsement noted in each product caption, alongside those of our dermatologist experts. TL;DR: The Chanel UV Essentiel Complete UV SPF 50, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, and SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 are our favorites by far.
What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
“Broad spectrum describes the quality of providing sun protection against a wide range of ultraviolet wavelengths,” explains dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. “Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.”
How Much Sunscreen to Use on Your Face
Murphy-Rose recommends applying two finger lengths of product to the face each application. “One of the most common mistakes un sunscreen application is not applying enough product,” she continues. “Always remember to apply to your whole face including over the brows, ears and around the lips. These are areas where I very often see pre-cancerous skin growths, and I believe that’s partly due to less sunscreen use on these areas." She also recommends using an SPF lip balm.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
There a an ongoing debate on mineral versus chemical sunscreen. In fact, you might be wondering what those terms even mean, and which you should actually be using in your routine. Here s what you need to know:
- Mineral Sunscreen: “Mineral (or physical) sunscreen contains the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide,” explains Murphy-Rose. “It protects the skin by providing a physical shield or a barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays, blocking the rays from reaching the skin. It sits on top of the skin to work.” Plus, these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, meaning they re generally recommended for those with skin sensitivities. Not to mention, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are said to be safer for the environment. “Coral reef destruction is a major environmental concern, so it is important to choose a sun protectant that contains reef-safe active ingredients. The best sunscreens to choose contain non-nano mineral particles. ”
- Chemical Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens use chemical filters (“like avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate,octinoxate, and oxybenzone, among many others") to protect skin. “[They] work to prevent sun damage and skin cancer by absorbing UV rays and converting them to the less harmful form of energy, heat,” Murphy-Rose notes. “Sunscreen must be applied 15 minutes before exposure to sunlight because it must penetrate the skin to become functional.” That said, “if you apply a chemical sunscreen and jump in the water right away, it may wash off and not work at all.”
What sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists?
In our reporting, dermatologists often recommended broad-spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or more by EltaMD, SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, and Supergoop!. For more insight on their picks, check out the “endorsed by” section of each product, which highlights what some of our favorite dermatologists have to say about the best sunscreens of 2024.
Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Even Indoors?
According to Murphy-Rose, you should absolutely wear sunscreen everyday as the detrimental effects of cumulative sun damage—around medical and cosmetic concerns—are well-documented. “By applying sun protection daily, your risk of developing skin cancer will be greatly reduced and your skin will appear more youthful for longer,” she says. “We are also becoming more aware of the negative effects of blue light on our skin. Indoors, we are exposed to this form of visible light via LED light and electronics like cell phones and computers. For these reasons, wearing sunscreen indoors has skin-protective benefits.”
How to Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen Properly
Now that you know what to look for in a sunscreen, it’s important to apply it with care. “It is a common issue that consumers are not applying it correctly, whether applying a product that is substandard, applying an insufficient amount, or neglecting to reapply appropriately,” dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains. “A good guideline for sufficient coverage is about a shot glass worth of product for one application for the whole body or the equivalent of 2 finger lengths for the face.”
If you re in direct sunlight, you must reapply every two hours, or anytime you get wet or perspire. This means reapplying just as you did upon first application (read: two finger rule!), or use a sunscreen spray or powder according to their directions to ensure you receive adequate UV protection. According to Dr. Chris Tomassian, another misconception is that makeup with SPF is sufficient for your daily sunscreen: your SPF-laced makeup must be layered on top of a layer of sunscreen. “Always remember the sunscreen that you will use is the one that is going to be most effective!” Karen adds.
How long does sunscreen last?
“Sunscreen should be reapplied every 90 minutes when you’re in the sun because it becomes ineffective after exposure to air and light,” Green previously told Vogue. “Sunscreen should also be reapplied after sweating and getting out of the water.” Basically, sunscreen does not last long, making reapplication throughout the day imperative.
What SPF is Best for Face?
You might be wondering: does SPF matter? It’s a common question us beauty editors are met with often, especially with so many different sunscreens on the market. Not to mention, you might receive different advice based on who you’re talking to.
“SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the amount of UV radiation needed to produce sunburn on protected skin (with sunscreen) compared to the amount of UV radiation required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin (without sunscreen),” instructs dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. "The higher the SPF, the more UV radiation exposure your skin can handle before getting
sunburned." Generally speaking, most experts recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, but Green advises a minimum of SPF 50.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional insight on the industry’s standout products; ones specialists would actually use on and recommend to their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to sunscreens, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, SPF level, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Dermatologists
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
- Dr. Michele Green is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist whose practice offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Julie Karen is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in laser surgery, skin cancer, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques and non-invasive body contouring.
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in laser, injectables, skin cancer screening, dermatologic surgery, and body contouring.
- Dr. Melanie Palm, is a board-certified dermatologist at The Art of Skin MD in San Diego, CA.
- Dr. Chris Tomassian is a Los Angeles–based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology Collective.
