The Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type (Yes, Even Yours)
- jennysmithmattfeldt
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Tested, dermatologist-backed, and real-life approved picks for every skin type
By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT // Published April 16, 2025
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I’ve scoured the internet, asked friends, combed through dermatologist advice, and read way too many Reddit threads—and I think I've found the best sunscreens for every single skin type. With summer almost in full swing, it’s so important to find one you actually like—because if you like it, you’ll actually use it. Sure, sunscreen protects against sunburns and lowers your risk of skin cancer, but for me it’s also about preventing wrinkles, dark spots, and post-acne marks (don't judge me). Let’s find your new favorite.
You’ll hear this one recommended over and over again—for good reason. Every dermatologist I’ve ever talked to has backed Elta MD Clear. It’s a hybrid formula (mineral and chemical), which makes it super wearable for most skin types, especially if you're sensitive or acne-prone. It also has a high concentration of niacinamide, which helps calm inflammation and brighten the skin. Bonus: it comes in a tinted version with a surprisingly good shade range.
This one’s personal—oily skin is my category, so consider this the result of serious boots-on-the-ground research. The winner is Supergoop's Mattescreen. It has a velvety texture that dries down to a true matte finish without feeling chalky or drying. It grips to the skin in the best way and wears beautifully under makeup or on its own.
Sensitive skin girlies, this one’s for you. The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a Korean favorite that’s often derm recommended. It uses gentle, modern UV filters, feels weightless on the skin, and rubs in like a dream with zero white cast (on any skin tone). Plus, it’s super hydrating and budget-friendly, which makes it a total win.
I hate to recommend the same product twice but when it comes to acne-prone skin there is a clear winner to me, the EltaMD Clear. What works can on individual acneic skin vary wildly—so always patch test before fully committing. That said, EltaMD Clear is consistently one of the safest bets. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and packed with niacinamide to calm inflammation and support the skin barrier. They also offer a Recovery version and a green-tinted option that helps neutralize redness, which can be a game-changer if you're dealing with active breakouts.
If your skin leans dry you’re going to love a really hydrating formula. The Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen has a dewy finish and feels incredibly hydrating—so much so that you can often skip your regular moisturizer on days you’re out and about. It’s not ideal for oily skin types, but for dry or dehydrated skin, it’s a dream.
Another standout for dry skin is the Tula Radiant Skin Serum Sunscreen. It’s super hydrating, blends like a serum, and the tint means no white cast—ever. It’s especially great for deeper skin tones, with a solid shade range and a radiant finish that looks amazing in the sun.
If your skin can’t decide whether it’s oily or dry—this one’s for you. Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen feels like a silky silicone primer, gliding on smoothly and blurring the skin just enough to wear solo or under makeup. It’s hydrating without being greasy, making it the perfect middle-ground option for combo skin that needs balance without heaviness.
Planning a beach day, boat day, or anything involving water, you’re going to want a water-resistant SPF that actually holds up. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100 (yes, 100) is a top-tier option—it’s reef-safe, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and works beautifully on both face and body. It can feel a little greasy going on, but it rubs in completely clear and gives serious sun protection on those days you need it most.
This silky, antioxidant-packed formula is a great pick for mature skin. Paula’s Choice Resist Wrinkle Defense has a lightly tinted, matte finish that helps blur fine lines and even out tone while offering solid sun protection. It wears beautifully under makeup and delivers anti-aging benefits thanks to its rich antioxidant blend. One note: if you have a deeper skin tone, the tint may leave a slight white cast—so patch test before fully committing.
Don’t skip your lips when it comes to sun protection, they’re especially prone to sun damage. The Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil is a hydrating, soothing option that doubles as skincare and sun care. It creates a barrier against both UV rays and environmental stressors, all while giving your lips a soft, glossy finish. It comes in three shades—Nude, Fig, and Coral—so you can protect and look good doing it.
If you have normal, healthy skin Summer Fridays Mineral Milk Sunscreen a is a beautiful, elevated choice. It’s highly rated for a reason—it has a milky serum texture that feels lightweight and smooth on the skin. This sunscreen is packed with antioxidants, offering solid protection with SPF 30, and it dries down to a semi-matte finish. The formula is thin, runny, and serumy making it easy to spread and simple to work with.
When you need something quick, easy, and safe for all ages, the Mustela Mineral Sunscreen Stick is your new reach-for. It’s perfect for on-the-go reapplication, especially if you’re out all day. Made with zinc oxide only, it’s gentle enough for babies and water-resistant to hold up during outdoor activities. If you’re looking for other similar options, CeraVe also has a great sunscreen stick with the same reliable, no-fuss formula.
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