Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
Hands down, the most important product for healthier, clearer, and radiant skin is one of the best face sunscreens, which you must wear every day, rain or shine. Despite limited sunscreen innovations in the US, we promise you there's a lightweight, comfortable-to-wear, pilling-free, and cast-free (for chemical sunscreens, specifically) formula on the market that you'll actually enjoy slathering on. And, of course, they all have broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher, as per dermatologist guidelines.
In true Allure fashion, we're spilling everything you need to know about our team's favorite face sunscreens—many backed by board-certified dermatologists, to boot. These formulas glide on like a dream, never disrupt makeup, and above all else, help prevent sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer with proper usage.
Our Top Face Sunscreens
- Best Overall Mineral: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $40
- Best Overall Chemical: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, $50
- Best Under Makeup: Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen, $34
- Best for Dry Skin: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen, $22
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50, $43
- Best Tinted: Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36, $84
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How does sunscreen work?
- What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall Mineral: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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Ilia
Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Ilia
Sephora
Why we love it: Getting a mineral sunscreen to feel (and look) good, especially at SPF 50, is usually where things start to unravel, but Ilia more than rises to the occasion with its Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. (Then again, would you expect anything less from a brand with multiple Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards?) With 10.5% zinc oxide, it offers protection without the usual heaviness or chalkiness. “The core challenge is that zinc oxide is a dense, white inorganic pigment that resists elegant aesthetics,” says Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont. But here, the texture is fluid, serum-like, and surprisingly easy to blend.
In addition to its mineral blockers, it highlights hyaluronic acid for hydration and smoothness, plus sugar-derived humectants and echinacea to support the barrier and help keep shine in check. The flexible tint (available in two shades) helps counter any lingering cast; as Backman explains, iron oxides “help offset zinc oxide’s naturally chalky white base, so the formula blends in more seamlessly with skin.” The finish lands on that just-right kind of glow—radiant, not overly dewy—so even oily skin types don’t have to think twice.
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Shanna Shipin
Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Sydney Malone
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“When Ilia named it 'Sun Serum,' I didn’t realize that on top of the SPF, it meant you’d have the kind of radiance found at the center of our solar system. I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this. This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it.
It’s not milky, runny, or watery, which is a problem I have with most mineral facial sunscreens out on the market. I sit between the two shades available; I was concerned about the limited selection, but the sunscreen is so sheer that I can wear either one. I’ll be switching from light-medium to medium-deep as my skin tans throughout the year.
I opt for the ‘four-finger rule’ when applying sunscreen on outdoor days, and I find that the tint completely dissipates after rubbing it in for 20 seconds or so. Once it’s absorbed, my skin is perfectly primed for makeup, though the sunscreen’s lit-from-within effect shines through whether I’m bare-faced or wear makeup over it. (I know lit-from-within is an oft-used marketing term, but that’s actually what it looks like when I use this product!)
Another rare feat? A mineral sunscreen that doesn’t pill. I’ve been reaching for this product habitually every day (and actually reapplying throughout) in part due to this. One thing: The package feels lovely in the hand, and I love the nod to the sun in its shape, but it is a little puffy, and I imagine it will be hard to squeeze every last bit of the formula out when I get down to the final dregs. That being said, it’s super easy to squeeze the formula out of the pinpoint dispenser for now.
There's a real radiance that lasts all day when I use the Sun Serum Sunscreen. It’s the kind of product that flips your mentality and makes you want to use it not just because it gives you SPF 50, but because it makes your skin look absolutely brilliant.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone
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“I have combination skin, so I am always wary of products that will either dry me out or make me appear too oily—I prefer a happy medium. This is especially true of sunscreens, because I have found that there are either mineral formulas that often leave an ashy appearance or sheer ones that are supposed to give a ‘glow’ but, in reality, make me look sweaty.
When I first squeezed this product out of the bottle, I was scared by the tone of brown that the product was because it seemed like it would be ashy. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it applied to my skin and settled. It felt like that perfect mix I look for, and honestly, it was the most impressed I’ve ever been with a facial sunscreen. I didn’t look sweaty; I didn’t look ashy. In fact, you almost couldn’t even tell it was on, which I loved.
It has a super natural finish, and I wore it for almost nine hours before I washed my face at night, and it never changed. It gave my holy grail sunscreen a run for its money.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: 10.5% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, echinacea, sugar
- Shades: 2
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Overall Chemical: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
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Tatcha
The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Sephora
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Alessandra Foresto
Why we love it: Underapplying sunscreen is a bad habit for most people, but with Tatcha’s The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, it’s not something you have to overthink because it’s genuinely enjoyable to apply. In true Tatcha fashion, it treats SPF as an extension of skin care, with a silky, lotion-serum texture that melts in without a trace. The blend of avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate provides high protection that disappears completely on the skin—ideal if you usually resist sunscreen because of how it feels. “It also features encapsulated ectoin and vitamin E for antioxidant protection, along with Okinawa aloe to deliver soothing hydration,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
That subtle pink, pearly tint (courtesy of iron oxides) helps take down dullness and leaves behind a bright finish. “It sinks in quickly, and it’s the kind of formula I’ll actually want to reapply, even on the hottest, most humid days,” adds Dr. Yoo. That said, like many chemical formulas, it may not be the best match for very sensitive or reactive skin, and the added fragrance is a gentle reminder to patch test first.
Foresto before applying the Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“This sunscreen has become a new favorite. It checks all the boxes for what I think makes a good SPF: It blends beautifully on my brown skin without leaving behind the dreaded white cast that some SPFs do. It feels hydrating and, even beyond that, leaves my skin glowy post-application. It doesn't peel under makeup. And, lastly but perhaps most importantly, it does not travel into my eyes—you know the horrible sting I'm talking about!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 2.3% avobenzone, 6.6% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, ectoin, rice extract, plus green tea, Okinawa algae
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Under Makeup: Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
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Peach & Lily
Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Ulta Beauty
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Peach & Lily’s Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: Peach & Lily’s Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen is a fully chemical formula, so it goes on completely clear, but what sets it apart is how treatment-forward it is. You’re not just getting UV protection; you’re getting a full-on skin-care layer, with niacinamide to brighten, ceramides and panthenol to support the barrier, and a mix of hyaluronic acid forms to keep skin hydrated and bouncy. It doesn’t stop there: There’s ectoin for environmental stress support, bisabolol and Centella asiatica to calm, and antioxidant players like green tea and ferulic acid to help defend against daily damage. And unlike some invisible sunscreens that start to pill the second you layer makeup on top, this one leaves behind a smooth, hydrated base—prepping skin like a primer while still feeling breathable and never greasy.
Kinonen before applying the Peach & Lily’s Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Peach & Lily’s Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I use this sunscreen every day! I was obsessed after the first slathering of this stuff. It's lightweight, easily blendable, and doesn't irritate my eyes, which is a feat for a chemical sunscreen. (There's nothing worse than being mid-workout, trying to blink out the sting from the SPF sweat.) It also layers well under… everything. Foundation? Yep. Copious amount of liquid blush? Also yes. It never pills and isn't greasy or sticky, and most importantly, it doesn't irritate my easily inflamed skin. A true win!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ectoin, bisabolol, Centella asiatica, green tea, ferulic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
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Medicube
No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Why we love it: It’s not exactly surprising that a K-beauty sunscreen like Medicube’s No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50 is loaded with the kind of calming, nourishing ingredients the category is known for, but it’s how they come together that makes it stand out. Collagen and peptides give skin that cushioned, bouncy glow, while Centella asiatica keeps reactive skin feeling calm and comfortable. Niacinamide helps brighten and even tone over time, and hyaluronic acid pulls in hydration, keeping skin plump and fresh. According to one of our testers, it’s moisturizing enough to skip your usual face cream—and even works as a hydrating primer. Fewer steps, more glow…hard to argue with that.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
Sarah Han
Foresto applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Medicube was not lying about the 'No Cast, Just Glow' name. This is one of the glowest, most brightening sunscreens I've ever tried, and boy, does my dried-out winter skin appreciate it. (Full disclosure: I don't think my combo skin could handle this during the warmer months, lest I want to venture straight into greasy, not glowy, territory.) It does take a beat to fully rub in—granted, I go a little heavy on application, but better to overdo it than…underdo it—but once you do, there's nary a trace! The ingredients are quite familiar to the average skin-care lover, but something about this lineup—niacinamide, cica, peptides, and collagen—ups the dewy ante by a lot, and I'm glad for it. I can easily skip my a.m. moisturizer, and it also doubles as a hydrating primer. Win, win, and win." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from Foresto
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“Like a good beauty editor, sunscreen is not a step I skip even on the darkest, rainiest days. I like this Medicube SPF because it's light and absorbs quickly but still feels moisturizing, plus it has a very subtle, radiant finish. Unlike other sunscreens, it doesn't leave a white cast behind, and it also doesn't feel thick and sticky on my face. But, most importantly for me, it does not make my makeup pill. I use it as the last step in my moisturizing routine every morning, after a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturizing cream, and before concealer and foundation.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 13.6% homosalate, 9% octocrylene, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, peptides, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: La Roche-Posay knows a thing or two about formulating with sensitive skin in mind. After all, its claim-to-fame ingredient, thermal spring water sourced from La Roche-Posay in France (yes, it's an actual place!), is rich in antioxidants and instantly soothes skin. The Best of Beauty-winning Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50 bottles thermal spring water with barrier-strengthening vitamin E and two mineral UV filters to provide impeccable sun protection that helps prevent moisture loss and won't upset your reactive skin. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, counts herself as a fan, adding, “It has a subtle mattifying effect that's perfect to wear under makeup.” And as with any excellent sunscreen, she says it sinks in so fast you barely feel like you're wearing anything.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin. Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose, leaving my very oily T-zone looking more matte, but not flat or one-dimensional. The tube also holds a ton of product, too, so it can last me through a beach trip and then some.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
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SkinCeuticals
Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Dermstore
Bluemercury
SkinCeuticals
Allure contributing writer Marci Robin applying SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Marci Robin
Why we love it: SkinCeuticals has some of the best skin-care products in the game, full stop—especially for mature skin—and its sunscreen lineup has expanded with that same level of intention. Case in point: SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50. “It’s a hybrid sunscreen (has both chemical and physical filters) that goes on clear and sheer and is designed for skin that suffers from acne or redness,” says Dr. Yoo. Alongside that barely-there feel, you’re getting calming, redness-reducing ingredients—like bisabolol (derived from chamomile) and peptides—that help take the edge off irritation, whether it’s from breakouts or post-procedure sensitivity. “It’s optimal for those with sensitive skin who also want to improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production,” adds Dr. Yoo, pointing to the inclusion of niacinamide and peptides. You’ll love the lightweight feel and minimal cast of a hybrid formula that’s been thoughtfully buffered for skin that tends to overreact.
Tester feedback from contributing writer Marci Robin
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"I'm a 46-year-old beauty editor and if there’s one concern of mine that hasn’t changed in 20 years, it’s sun protection. What has changed, however, is my tolerance for chemical sunscreens, which I typically prefer over mineral sunscreens because they don’t leave white casts. But Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense leaves out what I’ve found to be the biggest irritation culprit, avobenzone, and is formulated to keep skin calm, not to mention hydrated enough to skip a pre-sunscreen moisturizer if you’re not very dry. And even when I apply it very generously (the only way to apply it, if we’re being honest with ourselves), it blends in beautifully and leaves me glowy, not greasy." —Marci Robin, contributing writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: hybrid
- Key ingredients: 7% zinc oxide, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene, 2.5% palmitoyl tripeptide-8, 0.5% bisabolol, 7% glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
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Isdin
Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Amazon
Dermstore
Sephora
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why we love it: No, it’s not just water, but we are convinced there is a little bit of magic to Idsin’s Fusion Water Magic SPF 40. If your skin’s been looking a little lackluster, this is one of those sunscreens that does more than just protect—it subtly perks things up. The fully chemical formula has that lightweight, quick-absorbing texture the brand is known for, with zero heavy or chalky film. It delivers hydration and radiance with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin plump and fresh, plus antioxidants like vitamin E and microalgae extract to fend off the environmental stressors that can leave skin looking tired. Silica softly blurs without flattening your glow, so the finish feels hydrated, subtly luminous, and just a little more awake than when you started.
Blay-Tettey before applying the Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“This is one of the best sunscreens I've ever used (and I've used many) I love how lightweight yet deeply moisturizing this lotion is. At first it leaves my skin with a noticeable glow but as the day goes on it settles into my skin, not leaving it greasy or shiny. I barely get the sense that I have SPF on my face when I'm wearing it but I love knowing that I'm covered.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 9% octocrylene, 7.3% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, vitamin E, microalgae
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
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EltaMD
UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
Elizabeth Gulino
Why we love it: If you already love the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, but wish it were a little more dialed in for acne-prone or oily skin, the brand’s UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 is where things get interesting. It builds on the original UV Clear legacy—long considered a go-to for sensitive, breakout-prone skin—but takes it a step further. The formula pairs 11% zinc oxide with 5% niacinamide to help calm inflammation, even tone, and keep excess oil in check, while the brand’s proprietary ZincAOXPro Technology adds a layer of antioxidant defense against UV rays, blue light, pollution, and smog. You still get that lightweight, non-greasy texture the brand is known for, but with added benefits for congestion, shine, and post-breakout redness.
Gulino before applying the EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after applying the EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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"It’s no secret that EltaMD has the best of the best sunscreens. I’m a longtime user of the brand’s tinted version of UV Clear, but have recently started using the new UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 in my routine. EltaMD’s clinical trials are promising — the brand found that users of its new formula saw reduced visible blemishes, excess oil, and pore size, and experienced general skin improvement over time. While I don’t necessarily have acne-prone skin, who wouldn’t benefit from a skin-care sunscreen hybrid, anyway? Compared to the original, the texture of the Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 is lighter, silkier, and all-around nicer! It's great for days when I'm not leaving my house and don't need any tinted coverage—though I hope EltaMD does launch tinted formulas in the future.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: 11% zinc oxide with 5% niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Dr. Idriss Disco Fade Block SPF 30
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Dr. Idriss
Disco Fade Block SPF 30
Sephora
Dr. Idriss
Why we love it: Maybe you’ve been diligently using the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Dr. Idriss’ Major Fade Flash Mask to reveal brighter, more radiant skin—don’t undo all that hard work by skimping on sunscreen. Enter its Disco Fade Block SPF 30, a formula that doesn’t just protect against future damage, but actively helps keep hyperpigmentation in check. And no, “Disco” isn’t just about the celebratory dance you might do after finding a sunscreen you actually like—it’s an acronym: it defends against UVA/UVB rays, illuminates skin, smooths on effortlessly, corrects uneven tone, and overdelivers on hydration. Ingredients like hexylresorcinol help visibly reduce existing discoloration, while amla fruit extract shields against environmental stressors that can make it worse. Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier, and glycerin keeps everything hydrated and balanced, so your newfound glow sticks around.
Han applying the Dr. Idriss Disco Fade Block SPF 30
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Dr. Idriss Disco Fade Block SPF 30
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Ever since I got a lab sample of this during 2025 Best of Beauty testing, I've been into it. The purple tint is super elegant and blends into my skin tone without a trace. My skin always looks dewy and healthy with each application—I do tend to skip my a.m. moisturizer though, since the SPF is hydrating enough on its own—and the formula is really brightening overall, which doesn't come as a surprise, since Dr. Idriss is well-known for her discoloration-busting Major Fade lineup. (Her flash mask is a Best of Beauty winner, after all!) I have some dark spots on my nose that look a tad less noticeable whenever I use this particular sunscreen. The applicator is nice and thin, so it dispenses product along the lengths of my fingers perfectly—it's the little design tweaks like this that make a sunscreen stand out. Overall, I have no complaints, besides the fact that the tube is a tad harder to squeeze than others, but it's not a big deal to me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 10% octocrylene, 5% octisalate, hexylresorcinol, amla fruit extract, ceramides, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Tinted: Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
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Alastin Skincare
HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Amazon
Alastin
Allure contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Originally designed for patients fresh off lasers, peels, or injectables, Alastin Skincare’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 had to meet a few non-negotiables: be non-irritating, deeply hydrating, and—crucially—elegant enough that people would actually want to wear it every day. Check, check, and check. The formula relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection, while ectoin helps strengthen the skin barrier, retain hydration, and defend against environmental stress. “The tint blends easily for most skin tones, and you can even use it in lieu of foundation,” says May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina. (If you’re very fair, you might notice a slightly warm undertone.) It’s the kind of sunscreen you end up squeezing every last drop out of—post-procedure or not.
Lee before applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“As someone with sensitive and fair skin, I’m usually picky about mineral sunscreens, and I was a little hesitant that Alastin's Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 only comes in one shade—but the tint is sheer enough to cancel out any chalkiness, yet it's sheer (I definitely wouldn't call it makeup). It blends in beautifully and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin looking even and calm. The only catch with tinted formulas is remembering to wash your hands after, but this one is so elegant it's surprisingly delightful to apply.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: 3.4% zinc oxide, 8.9% titanium dioxide, ectoin, phytoene, phytofluene
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sunscreen work?
As beauty journalists, at least one person on our staff chats with a dermatologist on a near-daily basis, and nearly every single one emphasizes the importance of wearing a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of, at the very least, 30. Wearing one daily (and reapplying every two hours) protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. As a refresher, too much exposure to the sun's rays can result in long-lasting damage, leading to concerns like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and so on. (UVA rays, for good measure, penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and can potentially lead to more aggressive skin cancers, including melanomas.)
As a reminder in regards to efficacy, let's talk SPF, short for sun protection factor. SPF 30 guards against 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 is about 98%, and so forth. (SPF 15 only protects against 93%, which is why most dermatologists—and the Allure team—recommend at least 30.) The evidence is crystal-clear, so do yourself a favor, slather up, and consistently reapply facial sunscreen every few hours to minimize the effects of sun exposure—which, at its worst, can culminate in a skin cancer diagnosis.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
Sure, there are thousands of SPF products to sift through, but finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be tricky. Like any other skin-care product, personal preferences run the gamut. Those with sensitive skin may prefer mineral or physical sunscreens, which are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and "reflect ultraviolet rays off of them before the rays penetrate skin cells," as Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained.
On the other hand, those who prefer their SPF to feel more like a lightweight serum or moisturizer (that's also more likely to induce zero white or gray cast) will turn to chemical sunscreens, which "use chemicals that absorb damaging UV rays and convert them to non-damaging heat," says Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Heads up: Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and ensulizole. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two other chemical filters banned in Hawaii, and many companies have followed suit to keep them out of their ingredient lists.
Meet the experts
- Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont
- Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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