19 Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Complexion Year-Round

Why It's Worth It: When multiple editors of different ages and skin tones love the same sunscreen, you know it's good. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 picked up a 2023 Best of Beauty Award due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky formulation — perfect for those who want serious sun protection without looking (or feeling) greasy. This matte-finish mineral SPF is chock-full of vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, silica to absorb excess oil, and La Roche-Posay's classic Thermal Spring Water to soothe skin.

Editor Tip: If the name sounds familiar, it's the tinted version of the fan-favorite La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50, which won a Best of Beauty Award in 2021.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, silica, thermal spring water

Why It's Worth It: If you've ever been on beauty TikTok, you know that Korean skin-care brands offer the golden standard of the moisturizing sunscreen category, and Innisfree's Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36 is a prime example. Infused with cica, green tea, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin barrier, the formula works for people of all skin types. Did we mention it's only $16 and a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner?

Editor Tip: The lightweight, no-cast formula leaves a slight glow, but don't worry: The finish isn't remotely greasy.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Green tea, cica, sunflower seed oil

Why It's Worth It: The last thing you need to worry about when it comes to wearing (and reapplying) sunscreen is the possibility of fresh breakouts forming. Consider an oil-absorbing formula like the Best of Beauty-winning Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42. This all-physical SPF doubles as a face primer, minimizes shine, and even delivers moisture. For that, hyaluronic acid and spirulina lend a radiant, soft-matte, but never greasy finish to your skin.

Editor Tip: If you prefer chemical sunscreen, consider Shiseido's Urban Environment Vita-Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen, an ultra-light formula that leaves a dewy finish and touts vitamin C to tackle hyperpigmentation. Bonus: It's a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner. "My complexion looked diffused — as if I had a soft, blurring filter on my skin — and glowy when the sun hit it," senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor said of the velvety, gel-to-liquid formula.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, camellia leaf extract, turmeric

Why It's Worth It: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 pulls off the impossible, pairing mineral filters with a lightweight feel. It “wears so comfortably that you genuinely will want to apply it — and reapply it — every day,” says Allure contributor Shanna Shipin. “It leaves a dewy finish that blurs out just enough to forgo makeup, and it's non-comedogenic, so it should not block pores.”

Editor Tip: “One big con is that it comes in a single shade — a medium that really cannot be stretched,” says Shipin.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, ectoin, phytoene

Why It's Worth It: Founded in 2023 by David Kim, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology, Lightsaver is on a mission to "make daily sun protection mindlessly easy," according to the brand. The Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33 is a tinted, zinc oxide formula that leaves a subtly radiant finish.

It's one of the few mineral sunscreens Allure commerce editor Sarah Han not only tolerates, but actually looks forward to applying; she appreciates that it doesn't leave even a hint of white cast. The silky, whipped formula has a few active ingredients worth noting, including photolyase, which helps calm the skin and repair sun damage; antioxidant-rich lingonberry stem cells that guard skin cells against blue light damage; and niacinamide and squalane to even skin tone and provide hydration.

Editor Tip: It won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the clean category.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, lingonberry

Why It's Worth It: Biore's UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer draws inspiration from the water-based sunscreens popular across Japan, which have a refreshing texture and nearly undetectable appearance. The weightless, super-thin nature of this formula means that it sinks into skin instantly, where it both protects skin and hydrates with hyaluronic acid.

Editor Tip: It absorbs so quickly that you don't have to wait before applying makeup.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

Why It's Worth It: Dr. Mariwalla also puts her support behind Isdin's Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, which contains photolyase enzymes. They "improve DNA damage after exposure to UV light," she tells us, adding that it's an excellent choice for everyone, but especially those who are treating substantially sun-damaged skin. This lightweight mineral formula also boasts vitamin E for antioxidant-powered protection and barrier strengthening.

Editor Tip: It works overtime to both repair existing signs of sun damage and protect against future harm.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E, photolyase

Why It's Worth It: Chemical sunscreens can be harsh on sensitive skin, which is where Thank You Farmer's Sun Project Light Sun Essence comes into play. This K-beauty pick is gloriously soothing year-round, says Han, and that's courtesy of ingredients like aloe leaf extract, lotus flower water, and soybean lipids. The lightweight, cast-free formula also absorbs into skin without a trace, and while it leaves skin glowing post-application, it doesn't veer shiny.

Editor Tip: Thank You Farmer has won over experts as well. "The Sun Essence has a light, watery texture with a pearlescent finish that is ideal for normal to oily skin types," says Eunice Park, MD, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who recommends it for summer.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf, soybean lipids, lotus flower water

Why It's Worth It: After two years of intensive research and independent testing, KraveBeauty's Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40 is finally back and better than ever — and a newly minted 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. This ever-moisturizing, ever-soothing formula stars vitamin C-rich beet root extract for added radiance and protection against free radicals, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to boost hydration levels and maintain a healthy barrier.

Editor Tip: This is one of Han's favorite sunscreen launches of the year — and possibly, ever. "The silky cream applies like a dream, disappears without a trace, and leaves my skin looking just the right amount of dewy — and not greasy," Han attests.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Beetroot extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

Why It's Worth It: Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends Make It Matte, the latest iteration of Black Girl Sunscreen's best-selling, original Black Girl Sunscreen. She points to the formula's infusion of moisturizing ingredients such as aloe, squalane, shea butter, and coconut oil — which makes it glide onto skin like silk. Former associate news editor Gabi Thorne also gives the gel-like formula a raving review, noting that the barely-there formula "feels glorious on the skin, like spreading the creamiest butter on a warm slice of toast."

Editor Tip: It's no wonder this matte-finish formula won a 2021 Best of Beauty Award.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Aloe, squalane, shea butter

Why It's Worth It: Odds are, you've seen a few mentions of EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 over the years. Ideal for acne-prone skin, this lightweight, fragrance-free and oil-free formula has been touted by a plethora of board-certified dermatologists for its pore-unclogging (by way of lactic acid), shine-minimizing, and of course, UV-guarding properties.

Editor Tip: All skin types benefit from hydration, including oily skin types, so you'll be glad to know that this mattifying moisturizer and SPF is spiked with just the right amount of quick-absorbing sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid).

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid

Why It's Worth It: With multiple Best of Beauty Awards under its belt, the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 stands out from the crowd due to its sheer tint, which offers just enough coverage to tackle dark spots, redness, and breakouts alike. (That said, it only has one tint, so it might not work for all skin tones.) However, you can always follow the formula — which delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 — with a foundation if needed.

Editor Tip: It's free of parabens, fragrance, and silicones, making it a great option for more sensitive skin types.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, artemia salina

Why It's Worth It: One swipe of Murad's Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 and you won't be able to get enough of its satiny texture. This sheer mineral sunscreen (16.7% zinc oxide, if you were wondering) boosts radiance and helps prevent future pigmentation — thanks to a team of antioxidant-rich jojoba, squalane, and tomato — while defending your complexion against harmful UV rays.

Editor Tip: The dropper application also makes it easier to control and dispense the ideal amount of the watery serum, and the formula dries down to an invisible finish on all skin tones.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, beetroot extract, jojoba seed oil

Why It's Worth It: In terms of drugstore formulas, Dr. Mariwalla has Neutrogena's Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ranked high on her list. The oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog/block pores) formula features 100% zinc oxide and dries down to an invisible, matte, and non-greasy finish. It's also water-resistant, so it's the perfect option for beach hangs, hikes, and all of your most active days.

Editor Tip: It has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin

Why It's Worth It: Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 has a gel-like formula that dries down matte and completely clear — and therefore pairs perfectly with all complexions (as any sunscreen should). The weightless, oil-free formula is also filled with skin-nourishing ingredients like hydrating meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter, so you won't even mind reapplying every few hours.

Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, previously recommended this broad-spectrum SPF. While she called out its rich, winter-friendly texture, the glycerin- and aloe-spiked sunscreen lotion works well in warmer weather, too, as it's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Editor Tip: It's picked up not only one Best of Beauty Award but two Readers' Choice Awards in its lifetime — the most recent being 2021.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Red algae, meadowfoam seed oil, frankincense

Why It's Worth It: All it takes to upgrade your skin-care routine is swapping out your basic day cream for RoC’s Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30. It's lightweight, smooth, never gets in the way of makeup, and leaves your skin feeling, well, more alive. Not to mention, the fragrance- and paraben-free face lotion is spiked with two types of ceramides to strengthen your barrier for healthier-looking skin, as well as antioxidant-rich green tea and soothing prebiotics.

Editor Tip: Because its goal is to nourish the skin barrier, it's a good option if you're dealing with compromised or inflamed skin.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, ceramides

Why It's Worth It: Social editor Bianca Richards calls the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 "the perfect daytime primer for all my glowy needs." This multitasking product essentially creates the ideal canvas for makeup, as it's also charged with peptides, camellia oil, and aloe vera to smooth the complexion. "Besides using it as a base for my glowy makeup routine, I use this SPF primer on days I go makeup-free," Richards says. “It leaves such a pretty dewy finish on my skin.”

Editor Tip: It includes blurring polymers that leave skin with an airbrushed finish.

Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E

Why It's Worth It: $70 might seem like a lot to shell out for sunscreen, but when Mona Gohara, MD, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, says it's one of her favorites, we reconsider. SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 is brimming with antioxidants vitamins C and E, and guards skin against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays. Adding to the robust list of skin-nourishing ingredients are squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide to boost radiance and strengthen the barrier.

Editor Tip: The formula offers enough antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients that it can replace your A.M. skin-care routine in a pinch.

Type: Chemical and mineral | Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, vitamin C

Why It's Worth It: Hailing from Down Under, Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+ offers a convenient way to reapply sunscreen in the form of a sunscreen mist. This spray sunscreen leaves your skin with a yummy glow that's powered by hydration hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich watermelon, and brightening kakadu plum (the latter two ingredients are loaded with vitamin C). Don't be afraid to be a little heavy-handed when spraying. "You will need to apply a lot more product than you think when using a spray-on sunscreen to achieve full coverage," Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City, previously explained.

Editor Tip: This isn't a substitute for "regular" sunscreen — you should still be applying a base layer of at least SPF 30 or higher ideally right before makeup application.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon, kakadu plum