About face: Protect yourself from sun damage with these dermatologist-approved picks.
I'm a longtime beauty editor with fair skin that's basically begging to be burned which means I never go a day with applying one of the best sunscreens to my face. I slather them on as part of my morning routine to help minimize the UV damage that may cause cancer, but I'm also trying to prevent premature aging (think wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, uneven texture and tone, redness and loss of elasticity). Even though SPF lotion is important year-round, as we officially enter summer, investing in a quality product should be top of mind.
Dermatologists don’t just talk about the importance of regularly wearing sunscreen — they practice what they preach. “I wear a tinted mineral sunscreen every single day of the year,” Dr. Claire Wolinsky, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Yahoo Life. She starts her a.m. routine with Skinceuticals C-E Ferulic (a powerful vitamin C antioxidant serum), followed by EltaMD Elements Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 and then puts on her makeup.
I love getting info like this straight from the source, so I'm regularly asking doctors which products they use themselves. To find the very best facial sunscreens around, I polled Wolinsky and other top-rated dermatologists on the key ingredients to look for, as well as application tips and tricks. We've got something in the mix for every skin tone and skin type — dry skin, oily skin or combination skin — ranging from drugstore to high-end prices. We also cover different types of sunscreens like moisturizing sunscreens, physical sunscreens, reef-safe sunscreens and stick sunscreens to fit any and all of your needs. Below, we've rounded up the 7 best sunscreens for your face that dermatologists recommend — and actually use themselves.
Update, June 29, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our top pick for best facial sunscreen remains unchanged.
SPF: Sun protection factor (SPF) is a numerical measurement that details how well your skin will be protected from the sun’s rays.
Broad spectrum: This means how well you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens that aren’t broad-spectrum don’t cover all UVA rays.
Water resistance: If a sunscreen has water resistance, it won’t come off when you take a dip. Your skin will still be protected if you dunk your head underwater in the pool or go for a swim in the ocean.
Mineral sunscreen or chemical: Mineral sunscreens create a barrier on your skin that helps reflect the sun’s rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb the rays into your skin and reduce sun damage by changing their chemical structure. Mineral sunscreens are thicker and can also be called physical sunscreens.
Active ingredients: These are the ingredients that make up your skincare products. For sunscreens specifically, they're usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; chemical sunscreens can contain octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Spoiler alert: All the time. Forget about whether it's sunny or not — UV rays will get to you no matter what, so it's important to add this step to your morning routine.
And they make it easy to remember: “I actually incorporate sunscreen into my daily grooming routine and apply it right after shaving,” Dr. Zeichner tells Yahoo Life. Even if you are diligent about applying sunblock every morning, don't forget to reapply throughout the day — especially if you are spending a lot of time in the sun. Every two hours is what dermatologists recommend during outdoor activity, and don't sleep on sun exposure when you're in a car or sitting at a desk by a window. While most UVB rays (which lead to sunburn) are blocked by a window, over 50% of UVA rays (contributors to premature skin aging), can penetrate glass, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
As far as the amount of sunscreen to apply, Dr. Wolinsky suggests two full finger lengths (of cream) for the entire face.
You may already be familiar with the basics, but we asked Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, for a refresher. "The two most important things to look for are the terms broad spectrum (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays) and an SPF indicator of 30+ (if I am being picky, I’d nudge you to 50+). Additional things to consider are a water-resistance indicator, which is helpful if you’ll be outside for extended amounts of time, in the water and/or sweating, as well as the words oil-free and noncomedogenic if you are acne-prone."
"I always use mineral sunscreens with the active ingredients [of] either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide," says Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, TX. "I also think mineral sunscreens protect the skin more effectively because they act as a true shield, stopping harmful UV rays from penetrating. Mineral sunscreens are safer for coral reefs and for the environment. For people with melasma, mineral sunscreen is much more effective at preventing recurrence than chemical sunscreens."
Other than that, a lot boils down to personal preference. “Whether it’s a lotion or gel, stick or spray, the best sunscreen is ultimately the one you are actually using on your skin,” Dr. Zeichner offers.
Dr. Claire Wolinsky, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Gary Goldenberg, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital