Non comedogenic sunscreen is kiiiind of a no-brainer when you have sensitive, acne-prone skin — take it from me and my Lithium-laden epidermis.
I’ve always had issues with bacne and chest acne, but as I’ve mentioned, they’ve become worse with Lithium — and I’ve realized that some of my sunscreen is to blame. So, I’ve switched to non comedogenic options, and let me tell you: the sun is my friend, and now, so is sunscreen.
If you find yourself feeling clogged up after a day in the sun (or at your desk — always! wear! sunscreen!!!), try these 11 non comedogenic sunscreens to keep skin clear AND safe.
Invisible Shield
Okay, so we’ve all had that moment: we think we look good AF, only for us to get home and notice that giant swatch of white from the sunscreen we put on. So, Glossier has saved faces everywhere – literally and figuratively. Microcapsules with Avobenzone, Homosalate, and Octisalate act as UVA/UVB filters, while an antioxidant complex (featuring yummy ingredients like vitamin E and aloe) fights free radicals, and fermented yeast and vegetal extracts create a barrier against free radicals. With a light orange scent and a whole lotta water, your skin will thank you.
Beauty Wonderscreen
This is the perfect facial sunscreen for those looking for broad-spectrum protection without the heavy, greasy feel. Formulated with zinc oxide, this sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, its natural ingredients like beetroot and squalane help to reduce premature aging caused by sun exposure. Best of all, this sunscreen won’t leave your face looking pale or feeling dry – it’s the perfect way to start your day and keep your skin healthy!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This multipurpose, antioxidant-rich sunscreen glides onto the skin without leaving any residue. Plus, it’s perfect for all skin types – even sensitive skin! Frankincense helps the skin’s resilience and provides a soothing effect, while the complex derived from meadowfoam seed increases hydration levels, resulting in even skin. This unique formula contains SPF 40 and leaves a velvety finish.
Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This sunscreen not only protects you from the harmful effects of the sun, but also gives you a gorgeous glow. This non-greasy, SPF 30 formula is packed with skincare benefits that will leave your skin looking and feeling its best. Probiotic extracts help improve smoothness, while pineapple and papaya work to promote an even-looking skin tone. Wild butterfly ginger root extract helps protect skin from the damaging effects of blue light and pollution. Bonus: this sunscreen is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging – so you can feel good about using it both for your skin and for the environment.
Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen contains the stable version of squalene, derived from sugarcane, helping the sunscreen glide on easily and providing extra moisture. The added non-nano zinc oxide provides UVA and UVB protection, and the formula is fast-absorbing — none of that sticky nonsense. Wild gooseberry extract helps to soothe any irritation while bisabolol acts as an antioxidant to help moisturize. Plant extracts calm, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.
MEGASHADE Breakout-proof SPF 50 Serum
This sunscreen not only provides excellent sun protection — it prevents dark spots from worsening, too. Skin remains clear and health thanks to key ingredients like soothing niacinamide and aloe; tea tree, the powerful microbial that repels zit-causing dirt and debris; and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce UV and free radical damage. No pore-plugging ingredients in this non comedogenic formula = no breakouts!
SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
This two-in-one product (love!) contains non-nano zinc oxide, which protects from UVA and UVB damage, as well as prickly pear extract and white sage extract to help repair and soothe UV-stressed skin. The sunscreen-plus-foundation offers up broad spectrum sun protection while also evening out your skin tone for a natural finish. Its lightweight, liquid formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin, and it is free of fragrance, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals.
SELF DEFENSE MINERAL SUNSCREEN FLUID SPF 34
This sunscreen defends against it all: sun damage, UVA and UVB rays, and blue light from screens! This natural, non-nano mineral sunscreen is made with Honest’s sea water to provide essential minerals to the skin, as well as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to defend against sun damage. It’s also infused with Honest’s “Extremeolyte” to help protect from environmental stressors. The best part? It’s reef friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan!
Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Made with a naturally sourced, 100% zinc oxide active ingredient, this sheer mineral sunscreen is gentle on the eyes and skin. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is both sweat resistant and water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and the matte finish makes it a perfect layer beneath your makeup. The mineral formula contains vitamin E, which helps to protect and repair, while the hypoallergenic properties make it safe for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Being from a dermatologist-recommended brand, you can trust this sunscreen to provide effective sun protection.
Shield Superlight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Hero Cosmetics is the brand to run to for acne-fighting products. (Marissa wrote about The Mighty Patch, and now swears by it!) Their SPF 30 sunscreen is just as effective as their other products, thanks to the sole active ingredient: zinc oxide. With other ingredients to help keep skin clear, like raspberry seed oil, neem leaf extract, vitamin E, and bisabolol, your skin will feel nourished and look healthy as ever. This sunscreen is NOT water resistant, so wear Hero’s option on days you’re not splashing around.
Mineral Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Who knew sunscreen could have such delightful ingredients – without clogging your cores and causing breakouts? First Aid Beauty knew this, and they took full advantage of the non comedogenic ingredients around them for their Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. Filled with protective vitamin E and nourishing-but-not-clogging avocado oil, this non-nano zinc-oxide-based sunscreen provides total protection – including underneath or on top of your makeup!
Do you choose non comedogenic sunscreens? Did we miss your favorite? Share in the comments!