Supergoop!'s City Sunscreen Serum is a silky, multitasking moisturizer that combines broad-spectrum protection with antioxidants that increase radiance, like vitamin E and B5. A bioactive complex works simultaneously to accelerate the skin's DNA- and UV-repair mechanism, and it claims to keep skin hydrated for a full 24 hours.
"This multitasking cream works to moisturize your skin, fight environmental damage and UV pollution, and nourish your skin with antioxidants, which protect from free radical damage, all while protecting your skin from sun damage. If you work in a city during the summer months like I do, this is a great daytime product to wear under your makeup." — Dr. Whitney Bowe
Another plus is that it comes with a hand pump for easy application.
A multi-award winner, this sunscreen is ideal for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin types and works well on your face or body. It multitasks by bringing SPF (this time SPF 60) and antioxidants together to protect skin against both UVA/UVB rays and free radicals thanks to Cell-OX Shield technology. But, the real standout is that it's fast-absorbing and leaves a dry, non-greasy, velvety finish — something that works to the advantage of oily skin on multiple levels. It also lists Salicylic Acid as a key ingredient, which is an advantage for acne-prone skin.
"I have long been a fan of the Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. For my acne prone patients, I recommend non-comedogenic products like this one, meaning the product will not clog your pores. This dry-finish sunscreen actually has ingredients which absorb excess oil on the skin and contains antioxidants to promote your skin's health." — Dr. Whitney Bowe
Bonus: it's also water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
Another good option specifically for acne-prone skin, EltaMD's mineral-based UV Clear formula was designed to calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and/or discoloration. It's lightweight and silky, but a combination of niacinamide (a vitamin that helps restore the skin's natural barrier), hyaluronic acid (a molecule capable of retaining over 1,000 times its weight in water), vitamin E, antioxidants, and lactic acid work to protect the skin and reduce shine while clearing pores.
"Not only is this oil-free and fragrance-free, but it also has lactic acid, which will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum build-up. It has zinc oxide to protect from UV/UB rays and antioxidants to repair damage. Fragrances are usually made up of other harmful chemicals, like parabens, benzene derivatives, aldehydes and more that are linked to cancer and nervous-system issues. Short term, they can cause irritation and redness on the applied area. There is no need for a sunscreen to contain a fragrance." — Dr. Dendy Engelman
Jane Iredale's powder dry sunscreen is good for those looking for a fast, easy, and non-greasy reapplication tool throughout the day — especially one that can be placed over makeup. Its key ingredient is titanium dioxide and a clay naturally rich in minerals. It's relatively sheer, and comes packaged in a small bottle with a mirror and attached sponge for on-the-go application.
"One of my go-to products is Jane Iredale's Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen which contains natural clay to shield against redness and 17% titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB. This product is a physical sunscreen and does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is also very easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day and even over makeup. Added bonus: It's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes!" — Dr. Lian Mack
HydroPeptide's Solar Defense Sunscreen, like most of the HydroPeptide line, is designed for two purposes: one being to rejuvenate tired skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines, and the second to protect skin against present aggressors like free radical damage that can lead to fine lines. Zinc and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin to deflect UV rays, and are the only two sunscreen ingredients generally recognized as safe by the FDA currently. It's also scent-free.
"This amazing mineral SPF 50 sunscreen protects from UVA, UVB and Infrared damage with a combination of physical blockers, weightless hydration, and a smooth finish. It also contains other helpful antioxidant botanicals like acai and green tea as well as aloe and hyaluronic acid, which helps to fight free radical damage and both soothe and moisturize sun-exposed skin." — Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip
Amarte's Ultra Veil Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing formula that combines the gold standard ingredients of both chemical and mineral sunscreens — titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, peptides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, and antioxidants — all into one. Amarte credits the elemental sulfur for brightening and clarifying the skin, while hyaluronic acid moisturizes. Peptides promote healthy cell function, and antioxidants help combat free radicals.
"Ultra Veil is water resistant, broad spectrum, and SPF 50+. It goes on like silk and absorbs quickly leaving a moist, touchable, and aesthetically improved skin appearance. Its sheerness can be enjoyed on all skin tones without being tarnished by a grayish-white reflection. Amarte has perfected processing methods for the titanium and zinc raw ingredients, improving their optical and reflective properties." — Dr. Craig Kraffert
Colorescience's Sunforgettable product is a sheer, lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen that's also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It'll work on pretty much any skin type (sensitive, acne-prone, combination, dry, normal, and oily), offer protection against UVA/UVB, and combines zinc oxide with dimethicone, niacinamide, and other pollution defenders and moisturizers for invisible, hypo-allergenic coverage. Instead of hyaluronic acid, you'll find phytomoist in here — an ingredient that's 100% natural and 400 times as moisturizing as hyaluronic acid.
"This 100% mineral sunscreen provides protection while still feeling lightweight. It is also oil-free, yet calming with niacinamides." — Dr. Dendy Engelman
This relatively cheap option is water-resistant up to 80 minutes and leans on zinc oxide and natural ingredients like aloe and calendula to keep skin hydrated and protected, with a biodegradable, reef-friendly formula that also doesn't harm the earth.
"All Good is a reef-friendly, zinc oxide-based sunscreen with a lightweight, water-resistant formula. It's rich in organic green tea and rose hips." — Dr. Whitney Bowe
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