The Best Face Sunscreens From Supergoop!, Kinfield, Tula, and More
The most important step in every skincare routine? Face sunscreen. Wearing and reapplying a daily sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage and prevent premature aging. And during warmer months, when beach days, afternoons spent by the pool, and more time for outdoor activities leads to increased sun exposure, having a solid sunscreen routine becomes crucial.
As important as wearing a facial sunscreen is, the greasy feeling, clogged pores, and oily shine some leave behind can make you want to skip that step altogether. That’s why it’s important to find a product you actually want to wear every day. I asked Dr. Cybele Fishman from Integrative Dermatology for guidance on what to look for when shopping for a new face sunscreen. “SPF only measures protection to UVB, not UVA, and UVA is a risk factor for melanoma, as well as aging of the skin,” Dr. Fishman says. ”So it's important to look for a sunscreen that says broad spectrum.”
When it comes to how much sunscreen you should be using, Dr. Fishman recommends more than you might think—about a shot glass worth, or two tablespoons, every two hours to be most effective.
Below, our picks for the best face sunscreen to throw in your beach bag this summer—per Dr. Fishman’s recommendations, each one delivers broad spectrum protection and a minimum of SPF 30. (Find more body sunscreen options here.)
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a cult favorite among Condé Nast Traveler editors. It lives up to its name, going on as a completely invisible, smooth gel. Designed for all skin types, this Supergoop classic works for anyone looking for a new daily sunscreen, and is both reef-safe and oil-free. It feels more like a makeup primer on your skin and provides waterproof SFP 40 coverage.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud moisturizer
If dryness or fine lines are your primary skin concern, the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer is for you. This water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen is formulated with a hydrating 30 percent Hyaluronic Acid Complex, locking in extra moisture your skin needs. It has an invisible finish and the formula makes it a great anti-aging sunscreen.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow niacinamide sunscreen SPF 50
Glow Recipe formulated this SPF 50 Sunscreen with dry skin in mind. Made with watermelon extract, niacinamide (one of my favorite skincare ingredients), hyaluronic acid, and aloe, this sunscreen keeps your skin hydrated all day long. The formula is lightweight, blendable, and perfect for boosting dull skin.
Supergoop! Glow Screen
If you already love Supergoop's Unseen formula, you need to try Glow Screen. It's a hydrating, luminous primer with SPF 40 and blue-light protection. It feels like you have nothing on your skin, but adds just the right amount of glow. I keep this in my travel bag for days when I don't want to wear any makeup—it gives skin a healthy, radiant look while still being well-protected from the sun.
Kinfield Daily Dew
If you've been on the hunt for a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, look no further. Traveler's director of social media Mercedes Bleth swears by Kinfield's Daily Dew. “I’m acne-prone and have sensitive skin, so I am wary about anything I put on my face—but this product doesn’t irritate me.” This non-tinted mineral sunscreen provides SFP 35 protection and is water-resistant, making it perfect for days spent swimming or surfing.
SkinCeuticals’ Daily Brightening UV Defense sunscreen
SkinCeuticals’ Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen with SPF 30 does not disappoint. It’s hydrating like a moisturizer and blends in without leaving any white cast, leaving skin looking brighter and even with just the right amount of a summer glow. Another great sunscreen option for no-makeup days by the beach, it’s formulated to protect against UV-induced pigmentation, too, preventing skin discoloration and visible sun damage.
Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face serum
For an alternative to a traditional face sunscreen, consider trying a sunscreen serum. Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face serum is made with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and spinach, giving your skin vitamins A, C, and E. Traveler commerce editor Madison Flager swears by this one. “This is one of my favorite face sunscreens for daily use. It goes on super smooth and leaves my skin glowy, but not greasy. I love the shape of the bottle, too; it's narrow and compact, so I can fit it into even my smallest purse.” The serum has SPF 30 protection and can be worn underneath makeup or on its own.
Sun Bum Glow 30
Sunscreen experts knew what they were doing when creating their SPF 30 Glow formula. It feels like a moisturizer when you apply it and leaves the skin with a healthy, dewy glow. It's subtle enough for daily use and leaves my skin feeling hydrated. It's fragrance free and made to work with all skin tones.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 mineral sunscreen
La Roche Posay kept sensitive skin in mind when formulating this mineral sunscreen. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide that blocks UV light from penetrating the skin; this one is made with both, provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, and leaves a smooth, matte finish. Traveler features editor Betsy Blumenthal recommends it for anyone with sensitive skin and loves that it’s fragrance free and water-resistant. More perks: The ingredient list is simple and formulated to be non-whitening and fast-absorbing.
Tula Protect + Glow daily sunscreen gel
If you’re worried about a daily sunscreen clogging your pores, Tula’s broad spectrum daily sunscreen gel has you covered. Its non-comedogenic formula includes probiotic extracts, pineapple, and papaya, and protects against blue light and pollution effects. Traveler's former special projects director Lauren DeCarlo won’t use anything else—“I have tried a million and this is hands down the best I’ve found. On vacation, I only wear this—no makeup.” The SPF 30 sunscreen is reef-safe, too, so you can feel good about adding this step to your daily routine.
EltaMD UV Daily tinted sunscreen
A tinted sunscreen is great for busy summer days when you want a bit of coverage, but don’t want to worry about sweating off a thick foundation. EltaMD’s Tinted Sunscreen offers SPF 40 protection while increasing moisture retention thanks to hyaluronic acid (which also helps smooth skin and decreases fine lines). It's also fragrance free, non-greasy, and has a sheer finish.
