For acne-prone skin, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, labeled non-comedogenic, in a texture light enough that you’ll wear it every day. For oily skin that usually means a fluid, gel or matte lotion. For sensitive or easily irritated skin, a mineral (zinc oxide) formula is a good place to start. The exact brand matters less than applying enough every morning.
Sunscreen becomes more important once you start treating acne. The Differin (adapalene) label advises using sunscreen, over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide labels advise avoiding unnecessary sun exposure and using a sunscreen, and sun exposure can darken the red, brown or purple marks acne leaves behind. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for everyone, and for people with acne, a sunscreen that says “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
We don’t test products hands-on. The examples below were chosen using the criteria explained further down and the manufacturers’ published details.
Why sunscreen matters when you have acne
Acne treatments can make skin more sensitive. The Differin (adapalene) label warns that your skin may be more sensitive while you use it and advises sunscreen, and benzoyl peroxide labels carry a similar warning.
Sun can darken acne marks. After a pimple heals, it can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a flat dark spot that isn’t a scar but can last months. It’s especially common in medium and darker skin tones. The AAD’s advice for people with darker skin who have acne includes protecting skin from the sun so these marks don’t get darker.
Sun doesn’t clear acne. Some people feel their acne looks better after sun, but any tan just hides redness temporarily while adding sun damage. Don’t skip sunscreen to “dry out” pimples.
What to look for on the label
In the U.S., sunscreens are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter drugs, so each one has a Drug Facts panel listing its active ingredients (the UV filters). Check for:
- “Broad spectrum.” This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The FDA says broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher, used as directed with other sun-protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.
- SPF 30 or higher, as the AAD recommends.
- “Non-comedogenic,” “won’t clog pores” or “oil-free.” These are manufacturer claims rather than FDA-defined terms, but they’re a sensible first filter for acne-prone skin.
- Water resistance (40 or 80 minutes) if you’ll be sweating or swimming.
- Fragrance-free, especially while you’re starting a retinoid.
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Mineral vs chemical sunscreen for acne-prone skin
| Feature | Mineral (physical) | Chemical (organic) |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | For example avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, octinoxate |
| FDA status | Proposed as generally safe and effective (2019) | FDA asked for more safety data on most of these filters |
| Feel | Can be thicker or leave a white cast, though many modern formulas are sheerer | Often thinner and more transparent |
| Sensitive skin | Often well tolerated | Some people find certain filters sting, especially near the eyes |
| Hybrid formulas | Many sunscreens combine both types | Many sunscreens combine both types |
For acne specifically, there’s no good evidence that one filter type causes fewer breakouts than the other. The finished formula matters more than any one ingredient: a 2006 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology argued that you can’t reliably predict whether a product clogs pores from its individual ingredients alone. Choose the texture you like, then watch how your skin responds over a few weeks.
How we chose these sunscreens
We don’t run hands-on tests, score products or publish reviews. We looked for sunscreens that:
- Are broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher.
- Are marketed for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin, or described by the maker as oil-free or non-comedogenic.
- Are fragrance-free, according to the maker.
- Offer different textures and filter types, including at least one zinc oxide option.
- Are widely sold in the U.S.
No company can pay to be included. We may earn a commission if you buy through a link, as the disclosure at the top of this page explains.
Sunscreens worth considering
These are sunscreen drugs, not acne treatments. None of them treats acne; they’re here because they’re designed to be comfortable on oily or sensitive skin.
| Product | SPF | Filter type | May suit |
|---|---|---|---|
| EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | 46 | Hybrid: zinc oxide plus octinoxate | Sensitive, redness-prone or acne-prone skin |
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60 | 60 | Chemical filters | Oily skin wanting a matte finish |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30 | 30 | See Drug Facts | Normal to dry skin; moisturizer and SPF in one |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte SPF 30 | 30 | See Drug Facts | Oily or combination skin; moisturizer and SPF in one |
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is marketed for sensitive skin, including skin prone to acne. It combines zinc oxide with octinoxate in a light, oil-free lotion, and the maker lists niacinamide among its ingredients. It costs more than drugstore options. Search for EltaMD UV Clear on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60 is a chemical-filter sunscreen marketed for oily skin, with a matte, dry-touch finish. If chemical filters sting your eyes, try a mineral option instead. Search for Anthelios Clear Skin on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30 combines the brand’s ceramide and niacinamide moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30, which keeps a morning routine short. Use a generous amount; if you tend to apply moisturizer thinly, a separate sunscreen may protect you better. See Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte SPF 30 is the matte version for oily or combination skin. See Toleriane Double Repair Matte SPF 30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
How to apply sunscreen properly
Most people apply far less sunscreen than the amount used to test SPF, which means they get less protection than the label suggests.
- Apply it as the last step of your morning routine, after moisturizer (or use a moisturizing sunscreen as your moisturizer).
- Use enough. Cover your whole face, including the sides, hairline, ears and neck. A thin, even layer that you can barely feel is usually too little.
- Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating, as the AAD and FDA advise.
- Let it settle before makeup. A few minutes helps it set and reduces pilling.
- Remove it gently at night. A regular cleanser is usually enough. Water-resistant formulas may need a second cleanse.
Fitting sunscreen into an acne routine
Morning: cleanser (for example, a benzoyl peroxide face wash or a salicylic acid cleanser), moisturizer if needed, then sunscreen.
Night: gentle cleanser, your leave-on treatment (such as adapalene gel), then moisturizer. See our guide to moisturizers for acne-prone skin.
If you’re treating dark marks, azelaic acid is one option dermatologists use, and daily sunscreen helps prevent those marks from darkening further.
If a sunscreen seems to break you out
- Give it a fair trial, but stop if you see a new pattern of small bumps where you apply it.
- Switch texture before giving up on sunscreen: move from a cream to a fluid or gel, or from chemical to mineral (or the reverse).
- Cleanse properly at night, especially after water-resistant formulas.
- Rule out other causes. A new acne treatment, makeup, hair products, heat or sweat may be the real trigger. Our ingredient conflict checker can help you review what’s in your routine.
- Consider a look-alike. Tiny itchy bumps after heat and sweat may be heat rash or folliculitis, not acne.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you have painful nodules or cysts, scarring, dark marks that aren’t fading after several months of sun protection and acne treatment, or a rash every time you use sunscreen, which could be an allergy. Our free acne treatment quiz can help you decide on the best next step.