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Kyra Blackwell is a senior sleep writer who has tested more than a dozen mattresses in her home—yes, she tells people she sleeps for a living.
After a new round of brand stealth testing, we’re adding Solimo Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 30 Chemical Sunscreen and Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen to this guide.
The price of Solimo’s formula may vary depending on where you live. But it’s the first sunscreen we recommend for the face, and it costs less than $2 an ounce on average. Our testers rated it as highly as sunscreens that cost three times as much.
The best sunscreen for your face is the one you use every day. Sunscreen designed for the body can be applied to the face, but a formula designed for the face may be more comfortable.
To find the best facial sunscreen for every skin type, tone, and sensitivity, we looked at dozens of options and conducted behind-the-scenes brand reviews with 24 testers of varying skin tones. Some of our recommended products are more hydrating, some don’t contain chemical UV filters, and some are better suited for darker skin types or for use under makeup.
We suggest chemical sunscreens, which contain filters that absorb UV rays; physical (or mineral) sunscreens, which block UV rays; and combination sunscreens, which contain a mix of some chemical and physical active ingredients. The maker of one of our favorites, Hero Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30, advertises its formula as “reef-safe.” Judging by the ingredient list, that’s fine. (Wirecutter also recommends reef-safe sunscreens in larger sizes.)
Like all sunscreens, the products we recommend should be reapplied every two hours to ensure the promised benefits (most people under-apply or re-apply).
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb UV rays. Compared to physical and hybrid sunscreens, chemical sunscreens are generally easier to apply, blend well with other skin care and makeup products, and look and feel less noticeable on the skin.
Products approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S. contain one or more of the following active ingredients (PDF): avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensolizole, homosalate, meladinate, cinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padrimate O, or sulisobenzone. (The FDA said it is working with sunscreen manufacturers to further determine the safety and effectiveness of the 12 UV filters.)
This chemical sunscreen is easy to apply without leaving white marks or pellets. Testers found it to be easily absorbed into the skin and had a light scent.
This sunscreen is a Wirecutter-recommended chemical body sunscreen that can also be used as a facial sunscreen, making it ideal for those who want a simple, non-greasy, and affordable sunscreen.
This product is very popular among the population. Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+ is easily absorbed after application and is a great match for any skin tone. The product also has a refreshing, pleasant scent – one tester compared it to the smell of “light melon” after application (the smell disappears once the formula dries completely).
Absorbs quickly into skin. We also like that this sunscreen is effortless to apply and stays in place, meaning it’s less likely to sting your eyes. One tester noted that it absorbs instantly into skin, leaving a “soft, slightly powdery texture” on her face, which they loved.
The scent of this sunscreen may not be to everyone’s taste. Although none of our testers noticed it, this sunscreen has a noticeable scent that may be off-putting to some people. Additionally, several testers noted a slight burning or tingling sensation on their skin when applying this sunscreen.
The “face” formulas are more expensive. Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50+ has the same formula but comes in a smaller container. At the time of publication, this version costs $3 per ounce more than the “body” version.
This moisturizing sunscreen has a light scent and leaves skin feeling hydrated and nourished after application. However, it has a thick texture, and some testers had trouble applying it evenly.
This sunscreen is a good choice for those looking for an inexpensive moisturizer that won’t leave white marks.
It’s thick, but it applies easily. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 has a creamy, plump texture (one tester compared it to Greek yogurt). It has a subtle, classic sunscreen scent—the kind you get when you play at the beach—but it’s not overpowering. Once applied, this sunscreen doesn’t sink into your skin right away; it takes some effort to blend the white formula completely.
It’s moisturizing. We liked the creamy texture of this sunscreen, and testers said it felt lightweight on the skin. Because this sunscreen is so moisturizing, one tester who usually uses a separate moisturizer said she could do without it. It’s moisturizing, which most testers liked, although some found it left their skin feeling greasy.
It’s for everyone. Despite its name, this sunscreen will appeal to a wide range of people. If your skin is prone to dryness, this sunscreen may be for you.
If you have oily skin, this sunscreen may not be for you. Because Black Girl SPF 30 sunscreen dries slowly, it leaves a sticky feeling on your skin after application. While some testers liked the glow it created, others found it too shiny. If you have oily skin, you may not like the shine this sunscreen imparts.
This sunscreen is a bright white cream when you take it out of the bottle. It feels cool and moisturizing, and doesn’t leave a white cast when applied. But it’s expensive and not waterproof.
This serum-like sunscreen is perfect for those looking for a very lightweight, hydrating sunscreen and willing to spend a lot of money.
This is a light hybrid of a moisturizer and a gel. Coola Refreshing Water Gel SPF 30 has a light creamy texture that leaves your skin feeling cool. It has a light tropical scent and is very quick and easy to apply. It has a green tint that is instantly absorbed into the skin and perfectly moisturizes it.
Perfect for facial hair. Of the 18 sunscreens we reviewed in 2024, this was the only one that passed the facial hair test with our beard tester.
For those who prefer a matte finish, this sunscreen may be too shiny. One tester didn’t like this sunscreen because it left their skin looking watery before it dried completely. They noted that “it started to look completely neutral after a while,” but they also didn’t like that it left their skin feeling stinging.
This sunscreen may appeal to those looking for a lightweight, barely-there formula. It will also appeal to those looking for an affordable pump bottle.
It’s barely noticeable on the skin. We found that Supergoop’s Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 was easy to apply and was virtually invisible once applied. We love the scent of Play Everyday: minty and slightly floral. It absorbed quickly into the skin right out of the bottle, leaving no white residue.
Comes in a variety of bottle sizes. Unlike our other options, this one comes in four sizes. The smallest bottle of Play Everyday is currently $10 per ounce. But if you buy the 18-ounce bottle, it’s currently $3.78 per ounce — cheaper than our other facial sunscreens. “I prefer the larger bottle,” said one Wirecutter staffer who has been using the sunscreen for five years and finds it very hydrating. “It’s a great incentive to make sure you’re applying the right amount of sunscreen every day.”
It’s not so expensive that you won’t want to use it. Another long-term tester said the economy size is “affordable and allows me to use it on other areas of my body besides my face.” They also added perhaps the strongest recommendation of all: “My preschooler tolerates it.”
If you’re looking for a more matte finish, this sunscreen may not be for you. Some testers noted that this sunscreen left their skin feeling greasy, like there was a layer of dirt on their skin that never completely dried. If you’re not sure if this sunscreen is right for you, try the 2.4-ounce tube first.
This clear chemical sunscreen is ideal for use under makeup or for those with dark skin. However, this sunscreen is one of the greasiest of all our choices, and it is also expensive.
This sunscreen is a great choice for those willing to spend a little extra for an easy-to-apply, invisible formula, as well as for those looking for a product that works well with makeup.
Acts as a primer. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a clear gel, so there won’t be any white residue on your skin. It also applies easier than any other product we’ve tried: One tester said it “sinks in instantly” and feels a little like a primer. In fact, this formula contains the same key ingredient as some primers—dimethicone crosspolymer—so it creates a smooth, if slightly oily, finish.
It’s easier to reapply than most sunscreens. One long-term tester said Unseen sunscreen “lasts well under makeup and can be reapplied throughout the day under makeup without feeling greasy or sticky.” It’s small enough to fit in a purse or wallet. Wirecutter writer Hunter Harris called it “the only truly invisible sunscreen.”
Some people may not like the texture. Some testers didn’t like the greasy feel of this sunscreen, which has a watery, Vaseline-like texture.
It’s expensive. At $22 an ounce, it’s one of the most expensive sunscreens we recommend. Because the formula is virtually invisible and doubles as a makeup primer, we think it could be worth it for those who prioritize those qualities in a sunscreen. But we found that Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 is almost as good, and it costs about a quarter of the price.
Another clear chemical sunscreen, this formula looks and feels very similar to Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, but it’s much cheaper. It’s hard to find, though.
If people want the look and feel of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 but don’t want to spend a lot of money, they may find Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 to be an acceptable alternative.
This is a nearly perfect alternative to the pricier Supergoop Unseen, and it costs less. Of all the formulas we’ve reviewed similar to Supergoop Unseen, our favorite is Trader Joe’s Daily Face Sunscreen. It’s a clear, gel-based chemical sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast at all. This formula has all the same active ingredients as its pricier counterparts (in slightly different concentrations), plus many of the same inactive ingredients. One tester noted that the texture is velvety, but without “that weird matte feel.” Another tester thought we’d just sent him another Unseen sunscreen sample. (All of our testers try samples hidden from the brand.) Like Supergoop Unseen, Trader Joe’s Daily Face Sunscreen is fragrance-free and has virtually no scent.
Only available in stores. Like all Trader Joe’s products, this sunscreen is only available in stores (and even there, it’s hard to find). You may be able to find tubes for sale online from third-party sellers, but there’s no guarantee they’re authentic or the best price.
This lightweight formula provides a great balance between hydration and sun protection, but the classic sunscreen scent is more noticeable than our other products.
This formula may be ideal for people with sensitive skin who require both a moisturizer and sunscreen, as well as those who don’t mind a scented sunscreen.
This is a good compromise between a moisturizer and sunscreen. If you’re not a fan of all-chemical or all-physical formulas and your skin needs a little extra hydration throughout the day, try CeraVe AM Ultra-Light Hydrating Lotion with SPF 30. It spreads easily and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. One tester noted that it “feels nice and silky and has a matte finish without drying out your skin.” Almost all testers found that it blends well with a variety of skin tones.
This is a thinner formula than the classic version. We still like the original formula of the CeraVe AM Hydrating Facial Lotion, a hybrid sunscreen, but the ultra-light version scored higher in the latest round of testing. Previously, testers found the original formula difficult to apply and left a slight white residue, but those who tried the ultra-light version had no such complaints.
This sunscreen has a strong smell. The negative reviews from testers of this sunscreen were mostly related to the smell. One person said that “it smells like sunscreen from the 90s.”
Physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, are designed to diffuse UV rays before they reach the skin’s surface. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the active ingredients in physical sunscreens approved for sale in the United States by the FDA.
Physical sunscreens have a thicker texture and take longer to absorb than chemical and hybrid sunscreens. They are also more likely to leave a white cast, especially on the darkest and lightest skin tones. In addition to some physical sunscreens creating a chalky effect, they can also feel overly greasy even when fully massaged into the skin.