By now, you probably know that exposing facial skin to the sun is dangerous and that facial sunscreens can help. What you are probably struggling with is the best product to use. This is where we come in. We have identified facial sunscreens that work well.
Are you in a hurry?
Your skin is very delicate so make sure that you take care of it well to keep it looking young and healthy. Use quality skincare tools to exfoliate the skin and improve its luster. Also, always use facial sunscreens whenever you are spending time on the beach or a park. We have identified a few good brands that you will love.
Best Overall
Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector
Colorescience is a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen that delivers SPF 50+ level of protection outdoors. It is gentle on sensitive skin and has a clinically approved formula that will protect you from burns and other issues associated with prolonged sun exposure. Titanium II oxide and zinc oxide in this product shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It is effective in 15 minutes and lacks harsh additives such as parabens and phthalates. Therefore, people with sensitive skin can use it worry-free in most areas.
High-End Pick
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
While buying skin care products such as manual shavers, bubble bath products, and facial sunscreens, your safety should be a priority. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica is a mineral rich sunscreen that provides SPF 50+ level of protection. Zinc oxide filters UVA and UVB rays to protect the skin from injuries. It also contains vitamin E and DNA repair enzymes that protect the skin from free radicals and a grease-free formula that does not clog pores. It is effective in 15 minutes. However, you should reapply ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica mineral sunscreen every two hours to maximize protection.
Budget Pick
NEOVA SmartSkincare Sunscreen
NEOVA is a broad-spectrum SPF 44-rated sunscreen with a DNA repair system. As such, apart from protecting the skin from harsh UV rays, it also boosts regeneration of skin cells, slowing aging. It is also a good source of Octinoxate and Octisalate, which filter UV rays, vitamin c, and the L-ergothioneine antioxidant, which hydrate the skin and protect it from external and internal free radicals. The cream is oil free and comes in a 2.5 fluid ounce tube that you can carry in a cosmetic bag or tote bag. NEOVA works on all skin types.
Buying Guide for Facial Sunscreens
This buying guide evaluates critical attributes to check out while buying a facial sunscreen. You will be a smart shopper after reading it.
SPF Rating: The sun protection factor (or SPF) of a facial sunscreen depicts the level of protection it offers outdoors. It comes in ranges as low as 15 to as high as 50, each blended to deliver a different level of protection from harsh UVA and UVB rays. Which one should you choose? Well, the best product for you depends on your skin type and the level of protection you will need. SPF 15 products can filter up to 93% of UVA and UVB rays, which is amazing but not sufficient for people with fair skin. For safety, start with SPF 30 facial sunscreens as they offer up to 97% UV protection and are somewhat cheaper than SPF 50 products. SPF 50 sunscreens offer the best level of protection.
Ingredients: Different manufacturers use different ingredients to offer sun protection. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are the commonest as they are cheaper to produce and offer broad-spectrum protection from UV rays (UBA/UVB). Other brands use biscotizole, avobenzone, and bemotrizinol, all of which offer broad-spectrum UV protection as well. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), avoid products with additives such as oxybenzone as they not only disrupt hormonal balance but can also cause skin allergies. Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone are equally irritant. If possible, avoid it to boost personal safety.
Skin Type: People have different skin types ranging from normal, to dry, and sensitive. Check yours and look for a product blended to work the best on it. If you have dry skin, for instance, a product with potent skin moisturizers will be beneficial. Look for the best. Ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, and oils are natural and effective. If you have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic facial sunscreen will not let you down. Buy the best.
Top 5 Facial Sunscreens in 2022
You now know what to look for in a sunscreen that you can wear to the beach and enjoy optimal skin protection. In this section, we review the best brands that not only work but are also safe for humans.
1. Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector-Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Protect your skin from harmful sun rays via Clinical Pigment Perfector from Colorescience. This facial sunscreen has a light tint that lessens the visibility of discoloration and spots.
It contains zinc oxide and titanium II oxide that protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays. Antioxidant E calms and soothes the skin. Apply it on your face 15 minutes before exposure to sunlight, 40 minutes after swimming, and immediately after a bath.
This unscented cream is free of harmful chemical substances such as paraben and gluten, making it safe to use on sensitive or acne-prone skin. Its effects on the skin are remarkable. It smoothens pores, blurs black sports leaving your skin evenly toned.
The broad-spectrum sunblock protects your skin from damage with SPF50. It ensures your skin does not lose any moisture, keeping it hydrated, and restoring its natural radiance.
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Our Verdict:
Even up Clinical formula protects your skin from harmful rays while restoring your natural beauty. It contains vitamin E, which soothes and calms your skin before and after exposure with SPF 50. It is free of toxic substances, making it fit for sensitive skin.
2. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
If you are looking for a mineral formula sunscreen that will not interfere with your makeup, choose ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen. This 100% mineral sunscreen features a lightweight texture easily absorbed into the skin, leaving no residues on the surface. As such, it does not clog pores.
The facial cream contains zinc oxide, which forms a barrier that protects the skin from harmful sun rays. Formulated with antioxidant vitamin E and DNA repair enzymes (Photolyase), it soothes the skin as it defends it from free radicals.
This prevents the skin from wrinkling, making it look younger and beautiful. For better results, apply 15 minutes before exposure to sunlight, then reapply after every 2 hours.
This cream offers an excellent base for your makeup, as it does not form any residues on the skin surface. You can be sure that it will keep your skin protected and moisturized all the time.
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Our Verdict:
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen protects your skin from sunburns and defends it from unstable substances that may cause early aging. Like most of the best skincare sets do, it also protects your skin underwater, which is invaluable.
3. NEOVA SmartSkincare sunscreen- Broad Spectrum 44
Would you love to have sunscreen that protects your skin and DNA from damage? This facial sunscreen from NEOVA SmartSkincare is all you need. It features a DNA repair technology that works on your DNA to reduce its aging process, making you look younger. This product contains Octinoxate and Octisalate that absorb harmful sun rays and prevents them from destroying your skin cells. It also has zinc oxide with broad-spectrum coverage that keeps you protected from sunburns. DNA-Enzymes help in improving the look of UV-inflicted insults.
To ensure that it calms and offers your skin defense against internal and external free radicals, an antioxidant (L-ergothioneine) is included in the formula. Vitamin C keeps your skin moisturized and prevents excessive trans-dermal water loss. Moreover, it contains hyaluronic acid that easily penetrates deep skin tissue to bind water to the skin and reduces wrinkles’ visibility. This facial sunscreen leaves your skin protected, moisturized, restored, and looking younger.
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Our Verdict:
NEOVA SmartSkincare sunscreen offers you full defense against harmful sun rays. It also moisturizes and replenishes your skin for a beautiful younger look. It is safe for use on sensitive skin, as it contains no fragrances or oil.
4. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen- Broad Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD Facial Sunscreen calms and protects all skin types. It contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that give your skin a healthy look. The transparent Zinc oxide forms a layer over your skin that protects it from UVA and UVB rays.
It is also enriched with antioxidants that help defend the skin from free radicals (unstable particles in the body that leads to illness or aging) present in the body or from external sources.
It features a lightweight and non-greasy texture making it easy to apply, leaving no residues on the skin surface. You can use it on your makeup or wear it alone.
The facial sunscreen is free of fragrances, oils, paraben, and non-comedogenic. You can use it to calm acne-prone or sensitive skin. Additionally, this cream reduces redness, lightens dark spots, and helps the skin regain an even tone. It also ensures the skin reserves its moisture keeping it hydrated all day long. Use the best cosmetic bags to store this product safely.
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Our Verdict:
EltaMD Facial Sunscreen can protect your skin from discoloration. It has a broad-spectrum SPF 46 coverage that protects your skin from harmful sunrays. Its light and easily absorbable texture is non-sticky and leaves no residues on your skin.
5. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Fragrance–free and formulated for Acne-Prone Skin, Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen features a lightweight texture that easily melts into your skin, giving it a light and matte finish.
The Helioplex technology features active ingredients avobenzone and oxybenzone, which offer supreme protection against UVA and UVB rays during your outdoor activities.
The facial sunblock is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it will not harm your skin or clog pores. It is safe for use on sensitive or acne-prone skin, you can walk in the rain or swim underwater for up to 80 minutes, and it will not wash out.
Designed with Broad Spectrum SPF 55, this liquid sunscreen prevents your skin from having sunburn without causing breakouts. If you use it as directed by a Dermatologist, it reduces skin cancer risks and slows the aging rate. Apply it before exposure to sunlight.
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Our Verdict:
With a lightweight texture, this sunscreen is easily absorbed into the skin cells, leaving a weightless, matte finish. You can walk with it in the rain, and it stays for long. It will protect your skin from harsh sun rays and make it look younger.
Final Thoughts
Never leave your house for the beach without wearing high-quality sunscreen. They prevent burns and skin damage and can also boost skin restoration if they contain DNA enzymes. Our top picks offer these benefits. They are suitable for men and women and offer broad-spectrum protection from free radicals and UV rays.