I Found 4 New SPFs That Work for My Acne-Prone Skin

EltaMD’s UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 might be the most well-known acne-friendly sunscreen on the market. It was the sunscreen my dermatologist first handed to me when I was 16 with a face full of inflamed pimples that I then used on and off for over 15 years. Plus it has been ourBest in Class pick for face sunscreenfor multiple years running. So I was obviously excited to try out its newest launch, the EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50, which, as the name implies, is focused on reducing oil, blemishes, and pore size. Like its sister, the SPF 50 relies on a blend of both chemical and physical SPF, so it manages to be quite lightweight while still giving all the benefits of mineral sunscreen’s UV-blocking properties. It also contains 5 percent niacinamide, which calms the skin, and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation. It has the same great formula I’ve come to expect from EltaMD, and it kept my skin balanced and non-shiny all day. Unlike the SPF 46, it is not yet available in a tinted option, so it does leave a slight white cast on my tan skin, though it is not super-noticeable. But if you have a deeper skin tone, you might want to hold off until the brand releases a tinted version.

If youare looking for a 100 percent mineral option, Face Reality has released its own version, aptly named powerMineral. I’ve used its chemical-based SPF 30 for a few summers, and I’ve always liked it for its non-greasy finish but, in general, mineral is often even better for not aggravating acne. This one is formulated with 19 percent zinc oxide as well as ceramides and squalane for barrier support and centella asiatica extract to calm redness. While the powerMineral was the thickest of the sunscreens I tried, once I rubbed it in, it had a nice, non-greasy finish and my skin felt calm and protected. Of course, the trade-off is that finding a zinc sunscreen that doesn’t leave behind a purple or white cast is difficult. Unfortunately, I did notice that, despite the tint, it left a cast, especially around my mouth and chin, that made my olive skin look a bit washed out and gray. It wasn’t a total deal-breaker for me, and I think I will be keeping this one in my beach bag for days where I really need all the UV blocking I can get. But if you have a Fitzpatrick type of five or six, I’d skip this one.

In addition to the powerMineral, Face Reality also released Brilliant Defense this year, which is a chemical option that also has an SPF-50 rating. It is formulated with the brand’s BrightShield Complex, which is a blend of brightening botanicals and antioxidants, along with hydrating ingredients like panthenol. I absolutely loved this sunscreen and found myself reaching it for the most out of the four I tried. My skin definitely looked more radiant and brighter and felt great, too.

Aesthetician Sofie Pavitt, known as the “acne whisperer” among New York’s beauty editors, has an eponymous line that is a favorite for its acne-safe formulas. Her sunscreen is no exception and focuses on hydrating the skin with a blend of vitamin E and niacinamide. Because it is a chemical formula, it left behind no white cast and my skin looked downright dewy. It was also the lightest of the four I tested, so it is especially great for layering under makeup. Because it is only an SPF 30, I don’t think I’d bring this along to the beach, but I would reach for it as a daily driver.