The Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens for Clear Skin

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Not to sound like your mother, but sunscreen should be an everyday affair. Nonetheless, as spring rolls around and the weather begins to warm, it's only natural that we start to pay a little extra attention to our everyday SPF routine. And while sunscreen formulations work and feel better than ever on the skin—what pros call "cosmetically elegant"—many of us still worry about some of the more frustrating skincare woes that sunscreens have historically come with. High on that list? A tendency to clog pores and exacerbate acne. Fortunately, nowadays, there are plenty of options dedicated specifically to avoiding those problems—a category of sunscreens referred to as non-comedogenic.

"The term "non-comedogenic" signifies that a product has been developed without ingredients known to clog pores," explains dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. "Typically, non-comedogenic products are water-based rather than oil-based and exclude heavy, occlusive ingredients." She adds, "Common ingredients that are known to be comedogenic include coconut oil, talc, cocoa butter, beeswax, isopropyl myristate, coal tar, and many more."

Though they're especially notable for oily and acne prone skintypes, Engelman says that non-comedogenic sunscreens are generally a good choice for everyone. "Opting for non-comedogenic products is an excellent decision for individuals of all skin types, particularly those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, as these products are less likely to cause pore blockages."

So what specifically should you be looking for in a sunscreen to avoid those clogged pores? Physical blockers, AKA mineral sunscreens, are the way to go, according to Engelman. "Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two ingredients commonly used in mineral sunscreen, which is suitable for all skin types. Unlike some chemical sunscreens containing comedogenic compounds, mineral sunscreens typically offer protection against UV exposure without the risk of clogging pores, thus avoiding excessive oiliness in certain skin types."

Other features to be on the lookout for include hyaluronic acid—a water-based moisturizer that helps keep skin hydrated without adding oil— vitamin C, which brings free radical-fighting antioxidant properties to keep skin looking and feeling more youthful, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) which balances the skin's oil production, making pores less likely to get blocked.

With all of that in mind, we've picked out some of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens on the market for clearer, healthier skin.

SkinCeuticals transparent Physical UV Defense SPF 50

"[This] is a fabulous transparent, mattifying sunscreen formulated with a broad-spectrum mineral filter and plankton extract that helps boost the skin’s natural defenses," says Engelman. "It is designed to safeguard against both UVB and UVA rays, which contribute to the visible signs of aging."

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This fragrance-free sunscreen is a favorite among acne-prone types, combining oil-controlling niacinamide with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and a gentle dose of exfoliating lactic acid to keep pores clear.

One reviewer writes: "I have been using this for years and every time I try something new, I immediately regret not sticking to this. It is absolutely amazing. No oily feeling, lightweight, silky and the perfect sunscreen."

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

This drugstore go-to is completely oil free, which makes it lighter and friendlier to breakout-prone skin. It feels light on the skin and subtly mattifies—all with a price tag that will make sure you never feel tempted to skimp on SPF.

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen

You won't have to worry about the dreaded white cast that some mineral sunscreens can leave behind with this liquid formula, which combines non-nano zinc with ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to promote smooth, glowy, hydrated skin and allantoin to soothe redness in a transparent tinted formula that knocks out that ghostly hint of white.

COOLA Suncare White Tea Sport Face Moisturizer

Feeling sporty? This water-resistant formula provides long-term protection regardless of what the day throws at you. Though it does include a selection of oils like red raspberry seed oil, linseed oil extract, and buriti oil, it also sits lightly on the skin and packs an antioxidant punch with more than 70% organic ingredients.

One reviewer writes: "This sunscreen is the best- I wear it running long distance and playing tennis for hours and it's always still on and working when I am done!"

Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Tinted Primer SPF 30

Engelman calls this, "an exceptional 4-in-1 formulation that is non-comedogenic. It not only regulates oil production with potent ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid but also shields against UV exposure with an all-mineral SPF 30 and vitamin C. This versatile formulation is suitable for all skin types, with particular benefits for oily and acne-prone skin."

Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care

Oil-free and super lightweight, this silky fluid SPF is formulated to moisturize with hyaluronic acid while also maintaining a satiny matte finish that even the most sunscreen averse will love.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

Those prone to shine will love this French drugstore favorite, which combines UVA and UVB sun protection with perlite and silica particles to keep the mid-day greasy look at bay.

PREVAGE Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

"I love the Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Foundation Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 because it offers medium coverage along with SPF 30 protection," says Engelman. "What sets it apart is its breathability. The formula includes antioxidants and hydrating pigments for added skincare benefits."

Supergoop! Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40

Supergoop! is renowned for their sunscreen formulas, and while their Unseen Sunscreen remains an editor essential their latest addition is ideal for those who want to maintain their skin's moisture barrier without leaving skin oily. It utilizes hyaluronic acid and ectoin to bind moisture into the skin, sans pore-clogging oils.

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

For makeup routine minimalists, this tinted SPF is a one-stop solution. The 100% mineral SPF is not only non-comedogenic, but also comes in 17 buildable-coverage shades so you can get your foundation and sunscreen all in one swipe.

Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Not into the matte look? The light texture of this gel formula is like a breath of fresh air for skin, while its built-in glow particles leave skin looking dewy and youthful (not sweaty and greasy.)

One reviewer writes: "I absolutely love this product! I have acne prone skin and struggle to find sunscreen that doesn't clog my pores or break me out & this does neither!! I use it literally every day with or without makeup. It has a really pretty sheer/dewy glow that gives a glass skin look when wearing makeup. I totally recommend this to anyone looking for UVA/UVB protection that won't clog up your pores, won't look white, and gives a natural glow to your skin!!!"

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