My Favorite Acne-Friendly Sunscreens
Finding a facial sunscreen you love can be tough. When shopping for an SPF, I always look for three things:
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Nice, smooth texture
Surprisingly, most physical SPFs on the market contain acne-clogging ingredients. I scoured the market and personally tested for these, here are my top picks:
Suntegrity Tinted SPF 30 (shades = fair, light, golden light, medium, dark)
This has been my favorite SPF for years. The ingredients are the cleanest, most natural I have seen, and with an SPF 30, it has broad spectrum protection from 97% of UV rays. I have worn it while traveling abroad, to music festivals, biking for 6 hours in the sun, and not gotten burned! It has a nice medium texture and goes on smooth without feeling too thick. I carry it in my clinic and believe in this product 100%. For more information, click here.
EWG rating (0 being least toxic, 10 being most toxic): 1
Active ingredients: 20% zinc oxide
Cost: $44.95 for 1.7oz
Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45
Water resistent for up to 80 minutes, this lightly tinted SPF will keep you safe without clogging your pores. This gem from the Jan Marini collect has a watery feel and a matte finish. This is good for those who like the Suntegrity but want a lighter feel to their SPF. Lovely choice!
EWG rating (0 being least toxic, 10 being most toxic): 2
Active ingredients: 8% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide
Cost: $49 for 2oz
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme SPF 30
A whipped up, velvety feeling sunscreen with solid SPF 30 protection. If you like the feeling of a light buttery sunscreen (acne-safe!), this one may be a good fit for you. This SPF is also boasts water resistence for up to 80 minutes.
EWG rating (0 being least toxic, 10 being most toxic): 1
Active ingredients: 17% zinc oxide, 2% titanium dioxide
Cost: $32 for 1.7oz
MD Creme Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50 (tinted)
Very similar to the Mineral Creme, with the exception of being tinted. Velvety feel and the tint provides the benefit of being smoothed into the skin without the typical white residue of zinc oxide left behind.
EWG rating (0 being least toxic, 10 being most toxic): 1
Active ingredients: 17% zinc oxide, 2% titanium dioxide
Cost: $39 for 1.23oz
VaniCream Sensitive Skin SPF 30
Standard SPF 30 that will get the job done for those on a budget. Will not clog pores, however you must use a moisturizer with this as it is fairly dry on the skin. Pat in to reduce signs of whiteness. Better for lighter skin, not good on darker toned skin types.
EWG rating (0 being least toxic, 10 being most toxic): 1
Active ingredients: 5% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide
Cost: $15 for 4oz
Elise May, CN + LE, is the owner and practitioner behind SKINutritious. She has helped over 1,000 clients clear acne with detoxing treatments, clear skin coaching, and holistic skincare.
Work with Elise. Book online here.
